Yoga doesn’t require a lot of fancy accoutrements. If anything, the simpler your “get-up”, the better. It is, after all, about letting go.
However, there are some things that you cannot do without; some things that you can’t skimp on – the main thing being your yoga mat.
There are countless kinds of yoga mats out there. They differ in thickness, length, width, color, (slightly) shape, and of course, price. It doesn’t mean, however, that the more expensive, the better the yoga mat.
Related: What to Remember about “Yoga”
What yoga mat you should use depends on your own needs.
Why don’t you take a look at yours right now. Are you using the best yoga mat according to your needs?
With a variety of styles and preferences, each person has different needs from their mat. After spending weeks testing and consulting with over 100 yoga professionals, teachers, and students (of all levels and practicing styles), the research team at Reviews.com got an idea of what people look for most. And while there is no one mat that is perfect for everyone, there are certain factors that play an important role in determining the one that is best for you.
The 8 most important factors they found to consider are:
-
Durability and longevity — A yoga mat’s ability to withstand even the toughest of practices over time.
-
Texture — Mats have different surfaces, but most yogis agree that it’s best to have a mat that feels most natural.
-
Size — Your yoga mat should cover the length and width of your entire body. Not every yoga mat comes in various widths and sizes, so make sure to check measurements before purchasing.
-
Comfort and support — Just enough cushioning for your joints can reduce squirming in kneeling postures and provide padding for impact, but not so much that it compromises support.
-
Traction and stickiness — It’s important for a mat to provide traction both to keep you from slipping and in staying connected to the ground. The last thing you want is for your mat to function as a Slip N’ Slide.
-
Stability — A firm, dense mat can help you feel stable throughout standing and balancing poses.
-
Portability — Consider how much travel you will be doing with your mat. A mat’s weight and size will dictate whether or not it is toteable. Since most people walk, bike, and travel to class, an easy-to-carry mat is an important feature.
-
Environmental consideration — Buying an eco-friendly yoga mat is important to many practitioners. If this holds true for you, consider purchasing a mat made from all-natural materials.
To read the entire article released by Reviews.com and to see mats that they recommend, you can take a look here.
Originally posted on November 10, 2017 @ 8:30 am
