How To Choose A Yoga Mat - The Complete Guide
Yoga mats are an essential yoga accessory, but they can be difficult to choose. Different yoga mats are available online, but people choose their own mat based on their own preferences.
This guide will help you understand the different types of yoga mats and how to find one that is the right fit for you.
With that said, let's get started.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Yoga Mat:
Thickness:
The standard thickness is about 1/8 inch. There are thicker versions that range to 1/4 in thickness, depending on the manufacturer. In general, a mat with a greater thickness provides better cushioning and stability for standing positions such as Triangle Pose (Trikonasana). Thicker mats are also beneficial for sitting positions.
On the other hand, there are benefits and drawbacks to a very thick mat (5cm). On one hand, it provides more cushioning and stability that is beneficial for standing or sitting positions. It, however, is not as portable.
Also, if extra cushioning is what you are after, thicker mats are the best choice for your wellness.
Type of Material:
Yoga mats typically come in three different materials: natural rubber (latex), PVC or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). Natural rubber mats are the most popular choice for yoga mats because they offer excellent cushioning and durability.
They typically range from 1/8 to 3/16 inches in thickness, making them durable and provide stability. Natural rubber mats are best for standing positions. Posey Yoga offer 100% vegan mats.
PVC and TPE yoga mats have a lighter feel than natural rubber because they lack the cushioning of natural rubber.
Texture:
Yoga mats can come in a variety of textures and patterns. Some common options are:
Smooth:
This is the standard texture for most yoga mats, providing good slip resistance and cushioning while maintaining stability during standing poses. Most students choose smooth mat because it provides adequate cushioning to protect the joints while still allowing freedom of movement.
Gritty:
Gritty yoga mats are made with tiny plastic beads that are suspended in the TPE or PVC. This allows for more stability when doing standing poses, but it does not provide much cushioning.
Hemp:
Hemp is popular because it provides natural anti-skid qualities and absorbs sweat well. However, hemp mats can be a bit more expensive and difficult to clean. The main drawback is that the natural material has the tendency to stretch, giving it a short lifespan.
Cork:
Cork yoga mats provide excellent cushioning and stability for standing poses, but the texture makes it unsuitable for sitting positions. The cork material can also be difficult to clean, which contributes to its short lifespan.
Jute:
Jute is considered one of the more natural mat options because it is composed mostly of organic materials, making it the best choice for eco-friendly yogis. However, jute tends to have a rough texture that makes it uncomfortable for some students during certain poses. Also, jute mats tend to be heavier than other mats because the material absorbs sweat and moisture.
Rubber:
Natural rubber is considered an organic mat. These mats are recyclable and provide excellent stability in standing postures. Rubber yoga mats are heavier than other options.
Stickiness:
The stickiness of a yoga mat is imperative to ensure that your hands and feet won't slip during certain poses. Yoga mats come in three different levels of stickiness:
Standard/Sticky:
This type of mat has the best grip on hardwood floors, but it is less likely to provide adequate cushioning for standing positions. Standard/sticky mats are ideal for standing poses because they provide good stability.
Medium:
This type of yoga mat provides a combination of cushioning and support that is best suited for standard practice. It is also the most versatile, making it easy to use on any surface type.
Non-Sticky:
A non-sticky mat is best for students who prefer to stand on a towel or use a sticky mat in conjunction with a standard mat. This type of yoga mat provides good cushioning, stability and the ability to slide across hard floors while still protecting joints from compression while standing or sitting.
Summing It Up
Yoga mats come in many shapes, sizes, thicknesses and materials, so it's important that you know what kind of yoga you're practicing before making this decision.
Are you interested in buying a yoga mat? Posey Yoga can help.
Why Posey Yoga?
Nowadays, it seems like everyone is talking about being Instagrammable. But the real ones are here! We have been featured in Vogue, Forbes, Women's Fitness and was rated the best mat for thickness by the daily express.
Our thick material will keep joints safe when working out on them. Don't hesitate to order today