Important Features To Consider In An Exercise Mat
Exercise mats have made maintaining an active lifestyle easy you can enjoy a workout anywhere and at any time of the day without having to go to the gym! But, picking the right yoga mat is important if you have specific needs. Here’s what you will need to consider before buying one.
Size
The size of your exercise mat should be directly proportional to your height and the type of exercise you plan on doing. The tallet you are, the bigger the mat should be. The best yoga mat is the one with a suitable length that matches your height as well as a decent width that accommodates all your movements.
Thickness
Fitness mats can be thick or thin depending to accommodate different types of movements. Different exercise mats have different thickness levels so picking the right one will require some experimentation on your part. Ideally, 3mm to 8mm is considered a normal, comfortable thickness for an exercise mat.
Weight
The weight of an exercise mat depends on its thickness. The thicker it is, the heavier it will be. Pick a yoga mat with the appropriate weight to suit your lifestyle and how you plan to use it. For example, if you’ll be carrying it around to your yoga/exercise classes every day you’ll need a lightweight mat that allows you to do so easily!
Budget
Affirmat: Rise And Shine On Xl
Affirmations and yoga mats collide with positive and motivating messages like I am enough, I am Unique I am Beautiful, I am free and more. Affirmats are biodegradable and made with a jute blend. You will like this yoga mat if: Youre big on positive inspiration, you love distinctive looking mats and colors, or if youre looking for a special gift any yogi is sure to love.
Best Cushioned Mat: Manduka Pro Mat
Mandy Ingber, a Los Angeles-based celebrity yoga instructor, has taught clients including Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Lawrence. Her favorite mat, the Manduka PRO, is a tried-and-true pick thats great for many yogis. Ingber likes that this comfortable mat is fairly light, but the best part about it is that it doesnt leave a rubbery smell on your hands and has a slight cush without being too slippery.A bonus: Its latex-free for those of you that might be allergic.
Reviewer rave: “I love that it is dense and firm. Ive typically used thinner mats as I like to feel the floor and was worried that this would feel too cushiony but not so. It is beautifully supportive and works well for my balancing poses too. All around very happy with this purchase and the colour is lovely.” Sammy, manduka.com
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Cotton Yoga Rug By Bliss Peak
BEST TOWEL ALTERNATIVE
So, you want to practice yoga but your mat gets too slippery and microfiber towels dont agree with your skin? Behind door three is another option. The Cotton Yoga Rug by Bliss Peak is a non-traditional yoga mat that is made from 100 percent cotton. Handmade in India, the rug is a semi-hybrid between a mat and a towel. The rug can be placed on top of a traditional mat or used on its own. We also like that at 75 by 28 inches, the rug is larger than most oversized mats.
Yoga Mate Soft Sweat Absorbent Non
MULTI-PURPOSE TOWEL
For a yoga mat towel that can go beyond your practice, we like the non-slip towel from Yoga Mate. The microfiber towel measures 72 by 26 inches, making it ideal for standard and oversized mats. The lightweight mat dries quickly and stays in place throughout a users flow. A great towel to use when traveling or on the go, the Yoga Mate also works as an absorbent beach towel.
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Work Off The Slick Sheen
Over time, your yoga mat is going to start to adapt to the way you work out. Similar to a pair of running shoes or a new pair of jogging pants, youre going to need to work the materials in so they are more comfortable for you.
This also applies to yoga mats as the more you use them, the less slippery they will become.
With proper maintenance, you should be cleaning the mat regularly, which will work away from the sheen. Also, your sweat and consistent movements will help to eliminate any additional synthetic materials which are the easiest, though longest, way to learn how to make yoga mats less slippery.
Byoga: B Mat Strong In Ocean Green
The B Mat Strong is offered in a wide variety of vibrant colors. It stands out for its plush cushioning and grip for maximum comfort in your practice. You will like this yoga mat if: Youre an athlete, a yogi dude, or a taller yogi who wants to spread out in your practice. The cushioning is great for high-intensity yoga disciplines or for yogis with sensitive joints.
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The Final Word On This Yoga Mat Review
Youll note that Lululemon is not on the list. We know . . . its almost blasphemous! Surprisingly, Lulu was not interested in participating in this review. Remember! This list is certainly not comprehensive there are literally hundreds of yoga mat brands out there! This list simply includes our favorites. Have another yoga mat youd like to see on the list? Please share in the comments below! And if youre a yoga mat brand interested in showing us your mat, please contact us and let us know.
What Not To Do
Do not use apple cider vinegar, which is a strong acid, to treat or wash your mat. And avoid exposing it to excessive sunlight and salt. Both will break down rubber, TPE, and polyurethane, and will probably not do much good, even for a PVC mat.
It’s also helpful to check with the mat’s manufacturer for care advice and cleaning tips. The company knows how to best use and treat its mat, so reach out for guidance on how to make and keep your mat sticky during your yoga practice.
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Yoga Mat Materials And Durability
When selecting the material for your yoga mat, you can choose anything from inexpensive PVC to environmentally friendly natural rubber. Which material you choose will affect the mats price, weight, grip and durability. Generally, thicker mats last longer than thinner mats. That said, mat durability is also related to the material the mat is made from.
PVC is a plastic-based material that is highly durable, easy to clean and offers excellent floor grip. However, PVC mats are non-absorbent and can become slippery when you sweat heavily. PVC is latex-free, a benefit to those with latex allergies, however, it is not biodegradable or as environmentally friendly as other options.
TPE is a man-made blend, usually of plastic and rubber polymers. TPE mats may be more environmentally friendly than PVC, and some are fully recyclable. TPE mats are generally less durable than PVC mats of the same thickness, but still deliver good traction.
Eco / naturalmats come from a variety of sources, including natural rubber, organic cotton, and jute. Compared to other options, eco mats are slightly less grippy on the floor, but their natural texture provides traction for your body. Eco mats lack the decade-long durability of PVC, yet they top the list if sustainability is your priority.
How Much Do Exercise Mats Cost
The prices of yoga mats usually differ from one product to another. If you buy one of lower quality, it will probably save you a few extra bucks but the mat might not be long-lasting or able to withstand the rigors of your workout routine. If you want to get good quality exercise mat, you may pay a little more. Overall the fitness mats are not very expensive and can normally range from $20 to $200.
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Best Upgrade Mat: Liforme Yoga Mat
This one is a little more expensive than your standard mat. However, if youre really hoping to take your practice to the next level, Colleen Saidman Yee, celebrity yoga instructor and founder of the acclaimed Yoga Shanti studios, says the Liforme mat is worth the investment. The mat has the perfect amount of stick and cushioning for my 58-year-old body. Plus, the geometric drawings on the mat are wonderful for alignment, stride, and symmetryall of which make a world of difference to the asana practice.
Reviewer rave: “I’m so happy my yoga teacher recommended a Liforme mat. The grip is amazing, especially for someone with sweaty palms and feet. I don’t slide around anymore so I feel much safer holding poses. It’s also been perfect for learning inversions. I love this mat!” Abbi M., us.liforme.com
Best Mat For Hot Yoga: Yogazeal Yoga Mat
Obsessed with hot yoga? Private yoga instructor Alexis Novak, based in L.A., gives the highest marks to YogaZeal’s eponymous mat. Not only does she love the design, but she says “they’re able to be machine washed and hung to dry. No need for a towel because they’re a towel and mat in one.” Which is basically a hot yogi’s dream come true.
Reviewer rave: “I was actually searching for a small tropical printed rug for the wood floor in my bedroom when I found this yoga mat. Now that it’s next to my bed, guess what I’m motivated to do first thing in the morning? It’s cushier than a regular yoga mat and smooth not bumpy, so yoga positions on my knees are much more comfortable on this mat. It’s of very high quality and grippy, too.” Patricia M., neimanmarcus.com
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Purchase A Reversible Yoga Mat
As mentioned, there are a wide variety of different types of yoga mats you can purchase, some of which are designed to make yoga easier for beginners and people who have limited balance, such as reversible designs. If youre not the type of person who can spend the time sewing two mats together, consider purchasing a reversible mat.
Theyre easy to use, as you can decide which side is better for the type of floor youre working out on. For example, the non-slippery side is best for hard floors such as wood and tile and the slippery side might be useful for doing yoga on plusher surfaces.
Another added benefit of reversible yoga mats is you can easily determine which side is the side youll be breaking in without having to mark it on your own.
Exercise Mats Buying Guide
Exercise mats can be your best companion for at-home workouts or yoga sessions, but how do you know which one to choose? If you’re having trouble finding an exercise mat that suits your needs from the plethora of options available in the market, we’re here to guide you. This part of the buying guide will outline the different types of exercise mats available and some of the important features you should look out for before making a purchase.
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Use A Microfiber Cloth Barrier
If theres one thing that can be said about microfiber, its that its incredibly soft to the touch and comfortable. In addition, it can be a phenomenal material to use to your advantage if youre learning how to make a yoga mat less slippery.
The best part about using a microfiber cloth barrier is it takes a few seconds to prepare when youre ready to begin your stretching.
All youll need to do is lie the cloth down underneath your yoga mat in the desired placement. Ideally, you might want to search for a microfiber yoga towel that will accommodate the entire length of your mat.
Otherwise, you can use two smaller towels at the top and bottom of the mat for optimal sturdiness.
How To Clean Your Yoga Mat
Yoga mats are a near-perfect storm for harboring germs. When you practice, especially a more energetic style like power vinyasa or Bikram, youre likely to sweat a lot. And when that sweat drips onto your mat, it can lead to bacterial growth and unwanted odors. Its worth taking the time to wipe down your yoga mat briefly after every practice, as well as to give it a deep clean every month or so. Cleaning removes the buildup of dirt and sweat on your mat, which can keep your mat grippy and extend its life. In this article, well show you how to do it.
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How To Choose A Yoga Mat
Long hailed for its positive effects on the mind and body, yoga helps build strength and flexibility, can help relieve stress and can improve overall mental and physical wellness.
Compared to other fitness activities, yoga requires minimal gear to get started. While most studios provide everything a beginner needs, investing in your own personal mat, yoga-specific clothes and a few other items can make your experience with yoga even more enjoyable.
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How To Make A Yoga Mat Less Slippery: Seven Unique Tips
One common problem you might experience with the purchase of a new mat is learning how to make a yoga mat less slippery.
Before you start going through these great tips and tricks to prevent yourself from sliding around while achieving the proper pose, its important to choose one side that you want to break in first. Otherwise, you might be in a position to where it will take you twice as long to make your mat less slippery for everyday use.
Below are some interesting and unique tips and tricks even yoga masters use to maximize the efficiency of their mats.
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Yoga Mat Thickness And Weight
Yoga mats range from super thin and compact travel styles that weigh a mere 2 lbs. to cushy quarter-inch beasts that weigh up to 7 lbs.
If youre not sure where to start, choose a mat thats about 1/8-in. thick , a pretty standard thickness. These mats are excellent for those in a strong, flowing practice. They allow solid contact with the floor, which helps with stability during a variety of poses. Compared to thicker mats, they are also less likely to catch and get in your way when you flow from pose to pose.
Thinner mats can help increase stability for styles of yoga with more active poses or balanced, focused poses. Look for mats with textured surfaces to maintain better grip when the poses get more strenuous.
Thicker mats provide extra cushioning and are best for more therapeutic practices. If you enjoy restorative yoga, a style with fewer poses that you hold longer, for example, you may prefer a softer, more cushioned mat. Thicker mats are also more comfortable for forearm and kneeling poses and for yogis with tender knees or achy joints. But they can be more difficult to balance on during standing poses.
If your yoga plans include air travel, look for a travel mat thats specifically designed for portability. Travel mats are very thin and light and pack down smaller than traditional mats, so theyre easy to take along in your luggage. Keep in mind that you will sacrifice some cushioning with a travel mat.
Combine A Pvc Mat With A Non
If youve tried to wash your yoga mat with a soap and apple cider vinegar, but it still seems to be a little too glazed for your needs, you can always combine two mats together. There are specific yoga mats you can buy that are designed to give you the utmost amount of friction, and by sewing these mats to the bottom of your PVC mat, youll get the benefits of both.
First, youll receive the padding and resilience of PVC and second, youll have the traction you need to easily complete a variety of poses with minimal effort.
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How To Fix A Slippery Yoga Mat
When buying a yoga mat, it can be more than a little disappointing to discover that your so-called sticky mat has no traction. It can also be frustrating if you’ve had your mat for some time and it slides around more than you’d like.
If you have a slippery yoga mat, you could hurt yourself. This makes it important to identify why it isn’t sticky enough, which can also help you find the best solution. It’s also helpful to know what not to do so you don’t accidentally make the issue worse.
Best Grippy Mat: Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
Do your hands always get super hot and sweaty during class? The Jade Harmony Mat is the pick for you, says Sam Emrich of Y7 Studio. You can sweat buckets and this mat, made from open-cell, natural rubber, is staying put. It has really great grip, which is important during an intense yoga class, says Emrich. It prevents me from slipping and sliding when Im sweating. It comes in lots of sunny colors, too.
Reviewer rave: “I’ve been using this mat for a year and have absolutely zero complaints. It is *actually* non-slip, I used to really struggle with my hands sliding with other mats but that problem has disappeared since starting to practice with this mat.” Kaliegh, jadeyoga.com
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More About All In Motion
- All in Motion includes clothing for men, women and children, which includes tees, tanks, polos, shorts, skorts, pants, leggings, sports bras, swimwear and light outerwear. There’s also yoga mats, stability balls, hand weights and more in sporting goods.
- Prices range from $3.99 to $69.99 and most items will cost less than $40.
- Womens apparel will be available in sizes XS-4X, mens apparel in sizes S-3X and kids apparel in sizes XS-XXL.
- The full collection will be available online at Target.com starting Jan. 17. More sizes will be offered online than in stores, where the brand launches Jan. 24.
- Like Target’s other store brands, the items in All in Motion come with a one-year warranty.
- The majority of the activewear is made with sustainably sourced materials.
- The clothes are made with durable, premium fabrics with some having UPF50+ protection. The leggings and sports bras incorporate contouring and bonded technology and signature details include thumbholes in sleeves, secure zip pockets and flexible drawstrings.
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