How to Choose a Great Yoga Mat the Easy Way

Want to find the best yoga mat for you? Yoga mats come in many shapes and sizes. Let’s discover how to find your perfect mat.

Do You Prefer a Natural or Man-Made Mat?

Yoga mats come in two primary materials: man-made, and natural fiber.

There are many different types of man-made fibers used in yoga mats. As a rule of thumb, and as you might suspect, the better the quality and thickness of the man-made fiber mat, the more expensive it is.

Natural fiber mats come in many forms: jute, cork and cotton fibers are common. Some Kundalini yoga devotees prefer a mat made of sheepskin.

Benefits of Man-Made Fiber in Yoga Mats

The cheapest man-made types of mat (plastic) are not a good choice. You’ll be spending a lot of time touching the mat, and breathing the fumes that are released from some of these plastic mats. The fumes can be harmful to your health; some may even contain cancer-causing agents. So steer clear of these thin, inexpensive mats.

However, the quality man-made mats are an excellent choice. A mat made of quality man-made fiber has these benefits: it will last you for years, you can clean it easily, and you can store it without the fiber deteriorating.

Some “sticky” man-made fiber mats are excellent for beginning yoga students, because they ensure that you stay in a pose without sliding and hurting yourself.

Benefits of Natural Fibers in Yoga Mats

While cotton and rubber yoga mats last for years, some natural fiber mats made of materials like jute or cork tend to deteriorate over time. This may not worry you; you can always replace the mat.

Here are the benefits if natural fiber yoga mats: they’re environmentally friendly, and since no chemicals are released from them, allow you to practice your yoga with confidence. Cotton yoga mats are less expensive too, so if price is a concern, your cotton yoga mat is good value.

Which yoga mat will you choose? If you’re taking yoga classes, ask your teacher which kinds of mats she recommends for you, or visit a store and sniff — avoid any yoga mat which releases fumes.

Enrich your life with yoga today

Read Yoga for the New You and discover everything you need to create a yoga practice right in your own home. Transform your life with yoga.

[tags]yoga,yoga mats,yoga equipment[/tags]

Filed under: Yoga gear

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