A yoga mat is a piece of equipment that helps you practice yoga in comfort and safety. It provides a cushion between your body and the floor, making it easy to do poses like Downward Dog without hurting your knees or wrists.
A good yoga mat should be thick enough to support your weight evenly and provide some cushioning, but not so thick that it gets in the way of your movements. The length and width of the mat should be appropriate for the type of yoga you practice—some people prefer longer mats so they can stretch their legs out in front of them in Downward Dog, while others prefer shorter mats because they allow them to keep their body closer to the ground in poses like Cobra.
Buying Guide For Yoga Mats
Here are some things to ponder on when searching for a good mat:
- What kind of practice do you have? If you’re a beginner, you might want to consider buying a wider mat that’s easier on your knees and ankles, but if you’ve been practicing for a while and are more experienced, then you might want something thinner that will give you more stability in poses like downward dog.
- How much do you want to spend? If this is your first yoga mat (or even if it isn’t), we’d recommend spending at least $50-$60 on one—they’ll last much longer than cheaper options, and they’ll be much more comfortable.
- What material are you looking for? Are you allergic to latex? Then look for the best yoga mat made from rubber or PVC instead of natural rubber or jute. Are cotton matted mats too slippery for your taste? Then try out some microfiber ones instead so that slipping around won’t be an issue anymore!
- Size: You need to make sure your mat is big enough for your body type and height. If you’re tall, look for a wider mat that will help you keep your balance in difficult poses like Downward Dog. If you’re short, look for a thinner mat so it doesn’t take up too much space on the floor during class.
- Length: The length of your yoga mat should be measured from the bottom of your feet to the top of your head when it is lying flat on the ground with no curve at all (i.e., flat on both sides).
Why Is It Important To Choose The Right Mat
First and foremost, you want to make sure that your mat helps you stay comfortable as you practice. A good yoga mat will absorb sweat and other moisture, so you don’t have to worry about slipping on your mat during hot yoga sessions.
You also want to make sure that your mat is durable enough to withstand repeated use. You’ll be using it every time you head over to class, so it’s important that it can stand up to daily wear and tear.Finally, you want a mat that’s easy to carry around with you when you need it. Some mats are bulky and cumbersome, while others are lightweight and foldable—so choose one that fits your lifestyle!
