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A yoga mat is a mandatory attribute of every yogi. Choosing the right mat is especially important for beginners, because a wrong purchase can quickly discourage you from exercising. Check what parameters the ideal mat should meet to make your yoga training comfortable and safe.

Contents:

  1. Yoga mat: what thickness
  2. Yoga Mat: Other Selection Criteria
  3. Yoga mat: blankets and towels (towel mats) for yoga
  4. Yoga mat: covers and bags for mats
  5. Yoga mat: maintenance and cleaning

It is worth buying your own yoga mat, because using those found in yoga centers or fitness clubs is a rather poorly hygienic solution. In addition, we can adapt such a mat to our needs - depending on our dimensions and preferences, choose its length, width, thickness or material from which it is to be made.

Yoga mat: what thickness

Yoga experts list six basic criteria that should be followed when choosing the right mat. The decisive factor is the thickness.

A thicker mat (over 3.5 mm) means:

  • greater exercise comfort. It is recommended especially for slim people with sensitive ankles and knees. Too thin a mat may cause abrasions and bruises during exercises that require pressure on the ground.
  • better cushioning - this factor should be taken into account especially when practicing dynamic exercises (e.g. Astanga yoga).
  • good insulation from the ground - we feel warmer during exercises, especially during long relaxing positions.
  • slower wear - a thick mat is more durable and lasts longer.
  • greater weight, and thus - more difficult transport.
  • higher price - thick mats are usually more expensive than thin mats.

In turn, a thin mat (less than 3.5 mm):

  • may be less comfortable when exercising lying down, but it is great for practicing standing positions, as more contact with the ground helps maintain stability.
  • is more convenient to transport and store because it is light and takes up little space. This parameter should be taken into account especially by people who plan to travel to yoga classes, for example by transport
  • is usually cheaper than thicker mats.
  • shows lower cushioning and thermal insulation from the ground.
  • wears out faster.

Yoga mat - other selection criteria

Other important criteria to consider are:

  • length- the standard length of a yoga mat is 183 and 185 cm, but you can also buy those measuring 200 and 220 cm. For the full comfort of exercise, it is best if the mat is several centimeters longer than our height.
  • width- most often it is 60 cm, less often you can get mats with a width of 66, 72 and 80 cm. Just like the length, please adjust the width to our dimensions.
  • material- the most durable mats are made of an abrasion-resistant PVC material. With moderate practice (no more than 2-3 times a week), such a mat will serve us for years. For those who like natural materials, there are rubber mats with good anti-slip properties and easily absorbing sweat. However, they are quite heavy. In addition, you can come across mats made of rubber and latex - good for resistance to damage.
  • anti-skid indicator- the mat should provide us with good grip, which guarantees a lower risk of injuries during exercise. Newly purchased mats are often slippery and "oily", but don't worry - just wash them thoroughly with a wet cloth to give them anti-slip properties.
  • surface- can be smooth or rough. Rough mats have greater adhesion, but are more difficult to clean. Out of smooth mats, those made of rubber have the best anti-slip properties.
  • price- the cost of buying a reputable yoga mat starts from PLN 60. Below this amount, high quality and durability of the device should not be expected. For recreational exercises in the number of 2-3 workouts per week, a mat for about PLN 100 will be sufficient.

Experienced yogis emphasize that the mat is the most important device during yoga exercises and the success of our practice will depend on its quality. Therefore, it is worth investing in good equipment, and if in doubt, ask a professional instructor for advice.

Yoga mat: blankets and towels (towel mats) for yoga

For advanced training people, a yoga blanket or towel may be useful accessories. The blankets are made of wool and are perfect for long asanas, especially in more difficult asanas, such as a candle. The soft material makes the knees, elbows and spine notexposed to painful bruises. The blanket is also useful for covering during meditation, when the body remains motionless for a long time and you may feel cold.

Towels (or towel mats) for yoga are made of cotton and are great for practicing dynamic asanas. Natural material absorbs sweat quickly, so there is no risk of slipping. The towel can be placed directly on the floor or on a mat made of PVC or rubber.

When buying a towel, make sure that the bottom is covered with small non-slip dots, preferably made of silicone - this will prevent the towel from moving over the floor.

Yoga mat: covers and bags for mats

Wearing a mat during classes may be inconvenient, especially if you are traveling by public transport. A practical solution is to buyyoga mat cover . Accessories of this type are made of waterproof materials and have several types of handles, thanks to which the mat can be worn both on the back and in the hand. A good cover should have adjustable straps and additional pockets where you can fit a bottle of water, towel, clothes, telephone, etc. The most convenient ones are opened with a long zipper - the mat does not need to be tightly rolled and it is easier to insert it.

There are alsobackpacks and mat bagsavailable in stores. As a rule, they cost more, but are more functional - they have additional compartments for a laptop, mp3 player, pockets for training accessories, e.g. yoga blocks or rollers. They also have more space to store personal belongings and a nicer design. They are recommended for people who are on the run all day and are looking for a multifunctional bag that will fit all the items they need.

Read also: What to wear for yoga?

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Yoga mat: maintenance and cleaning

During use, the yoga mat collects various types of dirt such as dust and sweat, so it requires regular cleaning. Even before the first use, wipe the mat with a damp cloth - this is very important, because this way the mat acquires its anti-slip properties, and in addition, we wash off the impurities created in the production process.

Then we clean the mat regularly, depending on the needs, preferably by hand - then there is no risk of damaging it. Warm water with a little detergent, possibly with a few drops of essential oil, is suitable for this. Do not rub the mats hard, but rub them lightly with a cotton cloth and let them dry naturally.

Rubber mats require moreadvanced care, which is why special sprays available in stores with yoga accessories are recommended for cleaning them. Alternatively, instead of the ready-made liquid, you can use a solution of water and apple cider vinegar in a ratio of 1: 1.

It is generally not recommended to wash yoga mats in the washing machine due to the possibility of damage. However, some soft mats made of PVC material can be cleaned in this way. Then we use mild detergents for washing and set the temperature to 30 degrees. Do not spin the mat.

Find out more: How to clean sports accessories?

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