Discovering the precise mat could make a giant distinction in cultivating a yoga apply that feels snug, grounding, and sustainable. Whether or not you like to do courses at dwelling or at your native studio, right here’s what it’s worthwhile to learn about discovering the perfect yoga mat to your movement.
How to decide on the precise yoga mat
Thickness
A thicker mat is good in case you’re coping with slight joint ache, training on a hardwood ground, or primarily utilizing it for ground poses and stretching. With sufficient supportive cushioning, you’ll be able to focus in your apply quite than on any uncomfortable stress factors. However, some folks might discover it more difficult to steadiness and movement at a sooner tempo on a thick, comfortable mat—wherein case, a thinner mat (beneath 5 millimeters) would possibly really feel higher. “Take heed to your physique: A thicker mat would possibly really feel far more snug to your delicate knees, otherwise you would possibly discover that you just’re sinking an excessive amount of and wish one thing flatter,” Annie Strikes, a registered yoga teacher at Alo Strikes tells SELF.
Size
Most traditional yoga mats are 71 or 72 inches lengthy, however yow will discover choices which might be each shorter (68 inches) and longer (80 inches). Should you’re on the taller facet, it could be price discovering an extended mat that’ll accommodate your physique, since many yoga poses contain a large stance (suppose warrior II, downward canine, and goddess pose).
Texture and Materials
Should you sweat so much or incessantly attend scorching yoga courses, utilizing a mat with a nonslip floor may help maintain you from sliding round. These made with open-celled supplies like polyurethane foam are notably absorbent, which ought to assist take away extra moisture and scale back the chance of slipping, however they do require common cleansing to forestall micro organism buildup. Bringing a yoga towel is one other method to keep away from training in sweat puddles, and a few mats even include a towel inbuilt.
There are additionally textured yoga mats, which characteristic grippy nubs alongside the highest that may assist you to really feel such as you’re really sticking to it. “You may also get mats with twin surfaces, that includes a easy floor on one facet and textured grip on the opposite,” Chelsea Jackson Roberts, a registered yoga trainer and teacher at Peloton in NYC, tells SELF. Should you apply each scorching fast-paced yoga and in addition sluggish movement yoga, a flexible choice equivalent to this is likely to be your best option.
Portability
A thinner, light-weight mat is a superb choice in case you typically take your mat on the go, as a result of it might probably pack away simply. It ought to be capable to slot in a carrying strap, roll up into your yoga-mat provider, and even fold down right into a compact sq..
The perfect yoga mats
Whether or not you’re a relative newbie who’s simply getting used to the postures or a seasoned yogi, we’ve highlighted the perfect yoga mats for all sorts of practices and our bodies. We included budget-friendly bestsellers together with high picks from yoga instructors and health execs. And when you discover a mat that works for you, contemplate including yoga blocks and different useful props to your apply.