Yoga has been the correct path for people for achieving physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Irrespective of whether you practice yoga at your home or outside your private space, having a yoga mat is a must.
No matter how much yoga relaxes and revitalizes one’s body and soul, it can be draining as well. So, choosing a yoga mat that will satisfy your needs is essential.
You should have the correct vision to look beyond the patterns and colors of a yoga mat so that you don’t end up buying the wrong product. A yoga mat should not only be extremely comfortable and perfectly complements your style but should also help you maintain your positions in a steady and stable manner for a long time. It should be cushioned well and also well-suited for being folded and tucked in and carried everywhere without posing inconveniences.
With the increased awareness of yogic practices and the benefits it entails, the demand for yoga mats has also experienced a rise over these years. Based on research, the yoga mat market size which was valued at USD 11.67 billion in 2018 on a global basis, is expected to witness a robust growth at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2019 to 2025.
For people looking for high-quality and perfect yoga mats, Clark Rubber is the correct destination. It’s a successful Australian retailer specializing in foam and rubber products, having a wide range of yoga mats available.
Now that you know a yoga mat is extremely important for your yoga sessions, let’s dive into 5 tips to help you choose a yoga mat.
1. Consider the thickness
Choosing a yoga mat with the perfect thickness is a must lest it might lead to serious injuries. Ideally, the thickness of the mats can vary from half to one inch. But, if you desire more comfort, you can also choose slightly thicker ones, having a maximum thickness of 1.5 inches to enjoy the best experience of doing yoga.
Take into importance a few pointers like the space you would like your yoga mat to occupy after being folded, how essential it is for you to carry it around etc. If you are lacking room to tuck it and feel that a little padding would also suffice, go for purchasing a mat in the thickness range of 1/8 inches.
2. Consider the material
Your yoga mat’s material is an important prerequisite in gauging how much pressure it can endure and how much it would wear off over time. It also determines its texture and how cushiony and eco-friendly it is.
Majorly, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mats are considered to be the most standard mats manufactured.
But there are also more eco-friendly options available in the market comprising of natural and recycled rubber mats, organic cotton mats, and natural cotton mats.
3. Consider the texture
This will help you determine the grip of your mat. Like stickiness which impacts the slippery-behavior of your mat and sliding movements you make, textures equally impact it. It furnishes a physical obstruction to sliding.
Since texture influences how a yoga mat feels, it also impacts the comfort it provides. Texture can either be imparted by the material it is made of or by man-made measures. While jute mats have a rough surface, mats made of PVC or rubber have a softer surface.
4. Consider the maintenance it requires
It’s advisable to opt for a yoga mat that is able to withstand pressure and is easy to wash and be subjected to safekeeping. The most essential chore is to make sure that the yoga mat continues to remain clean and spotless even after multiple use.
You need to be informed about the washing practices involved for the yoga mat you are choosing, since every material has a different cleaning procedure.
5. Consider your budget
Basically, a 1/8 inch thick, plainly colored, PVC yoga mat will be on the lesser side of the spectrum of the prices.
Following that, you will have to pay more for varied patterns, designs, thickness, cool textures etc. Eco-friendly yoga mats also require you to pay a higher amount.
Over to you…
You need to carefully assess your needs, comfort and the price you are willing to pay and accordingly purchase a mat that fits your requirements in every aspect. Be thoughtful of any kinds of allergies and injuries you have endured in the past before purchasing a mat and you are good to go!