So Would 6mm Yoga Mats And Thicker Be More Comfortable
In terms of the comfort youll get with a 6mm yoga mat , any such mat may tend to become too cushion-y with time. Much like a bed thats way too soft, youll have a hard time feeling comfortable, especially when it comes to holding balancing poses or staying in the same pose for a long time. Your hands and feet are likely to simply sink into the mat, making it a chore to fight through so much thickness when you try to go from one pose to the next. At the end of the day, yoga is there to make us feel grounded, which may prove quite hard to achieve when you have too much of a barrier between your body and the ground itself.
Health Concerns To Be Aware Of Before Buying
Another preface of essential information is based on your health. You may think that every yoga mat is just a simple piece of rubber that cant hurt you. Although that should be the case, it isnt always that simple.
In the early 2000s and everything beforehand, most yoga mats were made out of;PVCs. Still today, this is the most common ingredient used in cheaper, standard yoga mats.
How To Choose The Right Yoga Mat For A Beginner
Choose a yoga mat material.The materials used for yoga mats are plastics, rubber, jute, cotton and cork. Some yoga mat materials are more eco-friendly than others and are on a more expensive side. A lot of yoga mats are made from 2 types of materials one for each side.
Choose a yoga mat size.For most people, the standard size of a yoga mat is big enough. If you are on a taller side, go for a yoga mat thats slightly taller than your height. Yoga mat width should be somewhat bigger than your shoulders.
Choose a yoga mat designYoga mat designs vary in shape and colour. Standard yoga mats are rectangular, but some have rounded edges and others are completely round. The print on top of a yoga mat can be esthetic , decorative , personalised or practical .
Don’t Miss: Calories Burned Kenpo X
Yoga Clothes And Accessories
If youre new to yoga, there’s no need to panic buy every accessory you see online. Its best to start off with a mat and build up your kit with the things you really need. Your first priorities after a yoga mat are likely to be a yoga block and perhaps a strap, as these can help you achieve certain postures more easily.;
You don’t need to invest heavily in special yoga clothes; you can practise yoga in anything you feel comfortable in and that allows you to stretch though don’t let this stop you if you want to get the full yoga look . ;
Here are a few useful yoga accessories that could help your practice.;
Find A Yoga Mat With Good Grip For Your Practice
Look for a grippy yoga mat that would give you full support and prevent you from injuring yourself by slipping on it. If you love dynamic workouts or;do Hot Yoga, its important to make sure that the mat you have will absorb moisture as you practice so it doesnt become slippery as you sweat.
When practicing on your yoga mat:
- You need to feel adequate support
- You have to feel in full control of your posture
- You should be able to focus on your exercise rather than on not slipping
- You should be able to transition easily between poses
A yoga or exercise mat that keeps you steady in all poses will do wonders for your progress. The first time I practiced on a properly grippy yoga mat I couldnt believe how much longer I could hold each pose for and how I could take a taller stance in every inversion just because my palms or forearms werent slipping anymore. I felt completely secure with the hold of the mat so I no longer had to focus on on not slipping. Thats why I had the confidence to go into certain poses I didnt feel I could even try before.
I sound overly cautious but after I tried a mat with proper grip my practice improved enormously, which is why I fully recommend getting a mat that has a powerful, stable grip that doesn’t go away with time.
Don’t Miss: Can Yoga Burn Fat
The Place Where You Practice
The reason why the venue determines how to choose a yoga mat is because of the portability and durability. As stated above, if youre commuting to a studio, youll want something that is lightweight and easy to carry around. If you prefer doing yoga outdoors a mat that is more durable will suit your purpose. Most yoga mats come in a standard length but make sure its long enough for your height.
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.
You May Like: How To Add Yoga To Garmin Connect
What Is The Best Yoga Mat Material
The material of the yoga mat is most important for grip. Poor grip means your hands and feet will slide easily on the mat compromising alignment and making you more prone to injuries. This is especially a problem for those who sweat a lot or practice Vinyasa yoga. The grip of a Yoga mat is determined by the material on the surface.
Most natural fibers are absorbent so theyre very grippy whereas plastic mats are water repellant and therefore tend to be slippery.
Materials that have texture or absorb sweat will be very grippy. Whereas those that repel water or are very smooth and slippery will have less grip.
What are Yoga Mats made of?
There are three broad categories of yoga mats based on material:
Lets look at each one of them in detail.
Jute Yoga Mat Material
Jute is a natural fibre from a plant from the Corchorus genus. Its second to cotton in the amount produced and variety of uses.
Jute is a rain-fed crop with little need for fertilizers or pesticides, in contrast to cottons heavy requirements. Jutes production is mostly in Bangladesh, Indias states of Assam, Bihar, and West Bengal.
Jute yoga mats usually have one side made of Jute and the other from PVC or PER. They are washable and provide good cushioning, insulation and durability. but require a period of breaking in and can be a bit coarse to the skin.
Also Check: Can You Do Yoga After Botox
The Sweet Spot: 4mm Yoga Mats
There are more limited options when it comes to mats made of materials that are kinder to your body and the environment. Luckily, mats that are made from natural materials like natural rubber or cork cannot be too thick, and will therefore keep you more in control of your balance while you practice as well as give you the right grip for not slipping. For instance, DIYogi mats are made from natural rubber, which is a dense natural material extracted from rubber trees. This makes the absolute best material for grip. However, having more than 5mm thickness in natural rubber simply cant be for a yoga mat rubber is a heavy, dense material so a thicker natural rubber mat will be way too heavy. Natural rubber provides enough cushioning at 3.5 4.5mm and has more density than more common mats so there is no need to go for a thicker mat than that. If travelling with your mat to or from the studio or taking it with you on holiday is important to you, make sure you find a mat that is not too heavy and also comes with a carrying strap to help you take it anywhere.
What Type Of Mat Is Best For My Preferred Yoga Practice
One last thing to consider when choosing a yoga mat is the type of yoga you most regularly practice in yoga class or if you’re a yoga instructor. Hatha yoga, often ideal for beginners, doesnt require anything too fancy. Any mat might work well with this practice.;
For yogis who prefer Bikram or Ashtanga practices, youll certainly want to keep that in mind when making your purchase. Since Bikram will likely have you sweating a ton, a mat that is easy to clean is second to none. Ashtanga is another lively practice that will require an extra sticky mat to keep you moving in between poses with more finesse.;
Read Also: Does Hot Yoga Burn A Lot Of Calories
How To Choose The Perfect Yoga Mat
There are many styles and types of yoga – from Ashtanga Yoga to Restorative Yoga, each with their own specifications and needs. Follow our guide to choose the best yoga mat that suits your practice!
Looking for a new yoga mat? Yoga mats can be very different so find out which is the right one for you. At Decathlon, we have an extensive range of yoga mats that highlight varying characteristics: thickness, material, weight and more! Some of us prefer lightweight mats to carry around with ease, while some of us are looking for eco-friendly designs… Whatever it is, this guide will run you through some important considerations that will help you select the perfect yoga mat.
The Thickness Of The Yoga Mat
A thick yoga mat can be more comfortable instead of a thinner yoga mat, no doubt. But, this doesnt imply that you should get a mat that is too thick, as you can lose your footing while performing an asana.
It is recommended that you select a yoga mat that is 3 mm. thick. These are perfect for making you comfortable yet giving you adequate stability a very safe bet for beginners and experts alike.
Recommended Reading: What Is Vajra Yoga In Astrology
Best Extra Wide Mat: Cambivo Wide Yoga Mat
Standard yoga mats are sometimes just too narrow or too short for comfort. You dont want half your body hanging off the mat when you are trying to enjoy a nice back twist or Savasana. The Cambivo mat is longer and wider without being too heavy or bulky to carry. The certified non-toxic TPE is a dense and 6mm thick foam-like material with double-sided non-slip surfaces. It is great for hardwood floors or other rigid studio surfaces.;
Natural Rubber Yoga Mats
Natural rubber yoga mats are an eco-conscious substitute for PVC or synthetics . The material is non-toxic, biodegradable, and fairly durable .
Generally, natural rubber mats provide a good grip and a fair amount of cushion.
On the other hand, expect a funny smell upon opening. Rubber yoga mats are also on a heavier side and may take a longer time to dry after cleaning.
Pros
- needs to dry before you roll it up
- cheaper cork mats tend to chip & flake
Cork yoga mats are antimicrobial and perfect for yogis with sweaty palms.
Read Also: What Does Sutra Mean In Yoga
For The Beginner Yogi
Youre new to the practice, but youre a bold beginner. Youre hoping to step onto the mat nearly every day, and youre curious to try as many poses as your body allows. Youll want a mat that supports your yoga dreams and your body.
Consider a yoga mat that is:
- Sticky
- Easy-to-clean and durable
- Standard thickness
For a humble beginner looking to ease into things with some slower, meditative practices, consider a soft wool or cotton textured mat to keep you cozy and relaxed.;
Keep Calm And Flow On With These Picks
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts; youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
A high-quality yoga mat is critical to keeping you safe and grounded as you flow through your daily yoga poses and even as you work on your core at the gym. And when it comes to yoga mats, toting your own is always a good idea.
While yoga mats may all appear to perform the same function, each is uniquely designed to suit different physical needs, preferences, and workouts. So set yourself up for success and find a yoga mat thats tailored to your build, style, and needs.
Here are the best yoga mats on the market.
Also Check: Is Hotpod Yoga Good For You
What To Look For When Choosing The Right Yoga Mat
The right yoga mat has to serve its purpose, align with your values, and offer a degree of convenience. If you are taller, choose a longer yoga mat; if your joints give you trouble, choose a thicker yoga mat of 6-10mm; and if you will practice in the park or on the sand, choose a cotton yoga mat thats easy to wash.
Practically, a yoga mat needs to be:
- Made of a durable material;
- Easy to clean/wash;
Other yoga mat options include:
- Colourful designs;
- Symbolic drawings ;
- Personalised print ;
- Alignment markings.
If you sweat a lot or are planning to do a Hot Yoga class, you will need a yoga mat that has the most grip.;Cork yoga mats are a good option.
A calmer yoga, like Yin Yoga or Kundalini Yoga, involves a lot more sitting and laying down. To do them in comfort,;consider a softer and more insulating yoga mat.
Tip: When the yoga mat gets wet it loses its grip. This is more true for synthetic yoga mats. Natural yoga mats made from cotton and cork gain more grip when wet.
Lets take a look at your options in choosing a yoga mat material
A Good Style Reflects You
In theÂ;first six steps in your yoga mat shopping for information, you may slender down the thickness, materials, texture, and adhesiveness, after which transfer on to be your self. After ending the necessities of a comfy mat, essentially the most satisfying half stays. Now it is time to create your personal type. So select the colour, sample, print, and design you like. Remember, youll stand on that mat for hours and watch the patterns beneath your toes. It will likely be good for you to see the colours you like and revel in in your seat. Put your record in your pocket and begin purchasing.
You ought toÂ;put together the precise information for efficient and good yoga apply. Choose essentially the most lovely for your self and be prepared to go on a journey that may open your horizons.
You May Like: What To Wear To Yoga Class
The Pros And Cons Of Thin Mats
Narrowing it down to the most simplistic categorizing, yoga mats can be either thin or thick. Naturally, each one of these types of mats comes with its own series of pros and cons, and by understanding them, you will learn to see what type of yoga rug could best serve your purposes:
- Thin yoga mats make it easier for people to maintain balance during more complicated yoga poses.
- Being thin, they are also lighter in weight, which makes them good for traveling or for people who need a practical mat they can take to yoga classes on a regular basis. Also because they are thin, they are easy to store, as you can fold them or roll them up and get them out of the way.
- Since they have less material in their construction, they dry easier. This is important for people who practice hot yoga and have to clean their mats after every session.
- On the other hand, thin mats are not recommended for people who have medical conditions , or are constantly prone to experiencing joint pain.
- Thin yoga mats are not recommended for people who practice yoga outdoors, particularly if the terrain is rocky or filled with debris that can easily be felt through the surface of the mat.
Dont Miss: Is Hotpod Yoga Good For You
How Thick Should It Be
It is quite common that people think all yoga mats are more or less the same in terms of thickness. But in fact, they are very different. Do you know yoga mat thickness ranges from 1mm to 8mm?
A principle to understand here is that the thicker a yoga mat is, the better padding or cushioning it provides for your practice, hence it is better for your knees, wrists, ankles, and joints. However, if a mat is too thick, you might have difficulty in balancing on the mat due to the bouncing effect of the thick padding.
The most standard thickness of a yoga mat is about 5mm 6mm. If you do not have any problem with joints, a yoga mat with 4mm 5mm thickness should be good enough.;
Dont Miss: Bikram Yoga Calories Burned Calculator
Don’t Miss: What Is The Difference Between Yoga And Pilates
