How to Choose the Best Yoga Mat for You?
Yoga mats are produced in different thicknesses and lengths. In addition, the material and texture of the products also vary. Each feature affects the weight. The first thing you should consider when making a choice is your needs. After deciding on the product that meets your needs, you can move on to the design details.
Choosing a Yoga Mat
If you have decided to make yoga a part of your life, you should choose the right mat for your practice. Your level plays an important role in your choice. In addition, the type of yoga you practice helps determine the qualities of the product you will buy.
After the level and type, the physical properties of the mat come into play. Details such as the thickness of the product, its cushioning feature, and its weight affect its choice.
What Level Are You At?
Some models for beginners have alignment lines. These lines act as guides and help you do the poses correctly. Also beginner level Models produced for are lighter. Some options can be used double-sided.
If you are an intermediate or advanced yogi, you have more options. You can choose according to the type of ground you practice on and your habits.
Yin, Vinyasa, Hatha; Which One Is Your Choice?
Yoga, although it has the same basic goal, practices are different from each other. A model that you will choose according to the type you prefer will make you more comfortable in yoga sessions. For example, if you mainly practice Yin yoga, a thick option will be useful. Asanas are longer in a Yin session than in other types of yoga. Therefore, a model with high cushioning increases comfort.
If you are doing Bikram, or Hot Yoga as it is commonly known, you should choose a product that stands out with its grip feature. In fact, in a session where sweating is at its maximum, slipperiness increases at the same rate. For this reason, a model that prevents you from slipping and maintains your balance is ideal for you. There are models that increase grip as the moisture content on the surface increases. These You can examine.
General Features
Every day, millions of different people all over the world practice yoga. Various mats are designed for these people with different physical characteristics and desires. This is why there are so many options in these products, which are indispensable for yoga practices.
Thickness and Cushioning
Thickness and density give cushioning properties to mats. If you want to practice without feeling the presence of the ground, you can choose the thickest ones.
Thin series are ideal for better grip and ground contact feeling.
Length
Mats are on average 180 cm long. If you are taller than normal, you can look at special designs. Manduka'There are extra long models measuring 215 cm.
Weight
Features such as thickness, length and density affect the weight of the model you want to buy. The weight of a thick, long and durable product can increase in parallel with its features. You can use such a model for a long time without wearing out. The only problem with these models is that they are not very practical for travel.
If you are a frequent traveler and practice yoga everywhere you go, you may be interested in a lightweight product. Specially designed for travel to the series You can take a look. It is easier to carry these models.
Surface Texture and Grip
You don't want to be on a slippery surface when switching between poses. For this reason, different textures are added to the surface of the products to increase their grip. This texture with a rough structure prevents your hands and feet from slipping. The material of some products has a natural grip feature.
Material Types and Durability
Yoga mats are made of different materials. The material of a product gives it different qualities. The material it is made of determines the durability, naturalness, non-slip and weight of the mat.
Natural Rubber
Thanks to its natural content, mats in this category are ideal for eco-friendly yogis. The unique structure of rubber provides these models with high grip properties. These natural products can wear out before they should during intense sessions like Hot Yoga. Therefore, they are ideal for calmer practices.
High Durability PVC
PVC is a widely used material in mat production. Easy access and durability are effective in making PVC a popular material. However, not every PVC has the same qualities. For example, Manduka's PRO series uses high quality PVC. This PVC is produced in an environmentally friendly manner. It also does not contain chemicals that are harmful to human health and nature. Thanks to this feature, Manduka PRO The mats have the environmentally friendly Oeko-Tex certificate. In addition, this series is so durable that it has a lifetime use guarantee.
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) Surfaces
TPE surfaces do not contain PVC and latex and are biodegradable. Models produced with this material are easy to clean thanks to their closed cell structure.
PU Surfaces
Designed to absorb moisture, these models provide high grip. You should pay attention to the recommended cleaning. Due to the surface's ability to absorb moisture, the wrong detergents can shorten the life of the product.
Cork Yoga Mats
Models made from the outer bark of cork oak are among the most environmentally friendly options with their organic structure. Cork yoga mats have anti-bacterial properties. In addition, they offer high resistance to heat and moisture.
In conclusion
Now that you have examined the features of popular products in the yoga world, you can now make your choice. Yoga mats have different design details in addition to their technical features. After choosing the most suitable dimensions and material for you, you can look at the design. Choose the one that will make your practices the most enjoyable among the colorful products and start your practices!