Yoga was and still is my greatest passion. For that, I am pretty particular about yoga mats because they play a very important role in the whole experience. Those who aren’t aware may think, “Why the big fuss about MATS?” But yoga practitioners will know that the overall experience goes well when you have a trusty mat by your side.
Yoga mats basically differ by size, price, and quality. To find out whether you have the best yoga mat, you should answer YES to the following questions:
1. Does the mat grip well even though I sweat?
The best kinds of mat are those that give firm grip even though you sweat profusely. You’ll need to feel that you get a good hold of the mat despite all the dampness because in yoga, balance is crucial. Your Asanas (position) is also affected by the quality of mat. Therefore, choose a mat with excellent grip. You can test the mat by rubbing your palms to stimulate sweat and then rub on the mat to determine wet friction. To see which mat I recommend, check out Best Hot Yoga Mat.
2. Will it endure multiple washings?
It’s natural that after a good yoga session, your mat will be soaked with sweat and grime. Certain mats cannot endure frequent washings (which say a lot about the quality). Good mats can be washed without easily being worn-out. Look for dense yet lightweight mat texture; usually they’ll be able to withstand regular washing. The Most Comfortable Yoga Mat is what I’ll recommend.
3. Is it easy to clean particles and dirt easily?
Despite its name, it’s easy to clean dirt off “sticky mat” or the traditional mat. Most mats today come with extra cotton padding to provide comfort and extra stability. Some materials attract dirt and particles more easily. Even so, cleaning yoga mat shouldn’t take too much of your time. If that’s the case, you can consider getting better quality mats with hassle-free cleaning process. The Best Budget Yoga Mat makes cleaning a breeze!
4. Is it lightweight?
If you’re always on the move (i.e. business trips); you’ll need a lightweight mat that’s easy to roll and lug around. Most manufacturers today have recognized this need and come up with efficient designs. However, the weight should not compromise the mat’s thickness and durability. In your mat choice, choose one that gives you the best of both worlds (yes, there are such mats). I’ve recommended some great mats in my reviews: Best Durable Yoga Mat and Best Travel Yoga Mat.
Besides the points mentioned above, you should already know that a yoga mat must be able to give you balance and stability. It should also be slip-free (this is a MUST) because slippery surfaces can cause injury, especially if you practice complicated poses. Many mats today come with designs to enhance your ability to focus and eco-friendly features. What’s important is that you’re comfortable with the choice of mat. In my opinion, everything else is a matter of preference as long as you’ve got safety, stability, comfort, and durability covered.
To see other tips on yoga mats, check out Do Yoga the Safe Way – 5 Safety Tips and How to Keep Your Yoga Mat in Tip Top Condition.
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- Do Yoga the Safe Way – 5 Safety Tips
