What Are Yoga Mats Made Of

Liforme Love Yoga Mat

Amazon

Designed under the premise of “Good for you, Good for the planet,” Liforme mats are biodegradable, non-toxic, and PVC-free. The brand prides itself on being eco-friendly, ethical, and socially just, and, as such, they only use the highest-quality materials and focus on conservancy efforts with each and every one of their products.

Additionally, from a social justice standpoint, they support women and children’s rights, racial diversity, and LGBTQ+ rights. And they’re not just all talk. They put their money where their mouth is and have donated to various organizations outright, as well as created mats specifically to benefit certain causes, like the Rainbow Hope Mat, in which 5% of sales go to GLAAD, a media-monitoring organization geared toward promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance.

Beyond charity, the most unique aspect of Liforme mats is that they’re tailored to promote balance and stability via their revolutionary grip and alignment system. So, if you’ve ever had difficulty maintaining balance during your practice, a Liforme mat may be the ultimate choice for you.

Heat Stabilizers Prevent Pvc Decomposition By Heat

To begin, stabilizers in plastics prevent environmental effects of heat or UV light and mechanical degradation during processing and use.; The available heat stabilizers for PVC are organotin compounds, antimony, organochlorines, lead compounds, and cadmium .

First, the organotin compounds in PVC are mainly mono-butyltin , dibutyltin , and tributyltin . ;This study evaluates their toxic effects on in vitro human cells.; All three had a negative impact on human cells.; DBT and TBT revealed the most toxic effects even at low concentrations.

Second, antimony enhances the flame-retardant effect of chlorine in PVC. ;In 1990, the state of California added antimony oxide to the list of carcinogenic chemicals . ;This review provides an overview of what scientists know about the toxic effects of antimony.; In sum, they attribute the numerous negative health effects to occupational exposure .; Interestingly, despite indications that antimony trioxide could interfere with embryonic and fetal development, the outcome of pregnancy in women treated with antimony compounds for leishmaniasis has not been studied .; Additionally, according to the European Chemicals Agency , antimony may damage fertility or the unborn child.; Also, it may cause cancer, harm breastfed children, and damage organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.

Heavy metals in PVC yoga mats

Unfortunately, heavy metals are transferred by maternal blood to the fetus via the placenta, and later through breast milk . ;

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.

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Who Needs A Yoga Mat Anyway

Let’s be real here. A yoga mat is definitely not a necessity for a fulfilling practice. You may as well practice on a bare floor, carpet, rug, or if you wish so.

Plus, if your hippie grandparents happened to do yoga in their younger days, they’ll even tell you that these modern sticky yoga mats are no good because nothing is better than practicing barefoot on the green grass in the woods. .

It sure sounds great. But I grew up in a big city in Europe where the grass gets green about 2-3 months a year, and it takes me at least an hour to get to the woods.

So I myself chose to buy a yoga mat for a few reasons, both practical and not so much.

First of all, hygiene. This is a huge factor if you attend group classes in a studio. Before COVID-19, I don’t believe free studio mats were cleaned very often, and it wasn’t uncommon to get a yoga mat that smelt like someone’s feet. Skipping the yoga mat altogether is also not an option because as clean as your yoga floor studio is, there’s always a risk of foot diseases.

Before Covid-19, it wasn’t uncommon to get a studio mat that smelt like someone’s feet

Second, safety. Unless you’re going for a restorative or Yin class, you’ll sweat at least a tiny bit at some point . A good yoga mat is your number one friend that will save you from slipping and falling flat on your face.

I definitely feel safer on a grippy yoga mat surface than on the slippery wood.

Customized Cork Yoga Mats

Do you have a mantra or inspiring prayer that you like to focus on during your yoga practice? The Samadhi Initiative will print customized sayings on your mat. Samadhis mats are specifically designed for hot yoga. Like all cork yoga mats, theyre naturally anti-microbial and easy to clean. In addition, theyre 100% recyclable.

Measurements: 72 x 24 x 5.5 mm

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Armani/casa: Most Expensive Yoga Mat

One of the most exclusive exercise mats weve ever seen, this Armani/Casa mat is bringing much-needed millionaire-style to your workouts.;

You havent experienced true luxury until youve done a lunge on a designer workout mat like this. Bring some opulence to your pilates classes with this sleek exercise mat from one of the biggest names in high-fashion.;

Its also practical, made from an anti-slip rubber fabric, and comes with a holder with an adjustable strap. Team this Armani yoga mat with some great leggings and your favourite reusable water bottle and youre good to go.;

Best for: Bringing high-end couture to your crow pose.

Liforme: Best Yoga Mat With Alignment Lines

This popular Liforme Yoga Mat is one of the top-rated exercise mats for a reason. It actually makes you better at yoga with alignment lines to guide you through poses and get your positioning right, helping to prevent injuries and take your yoga to new levels.

The mat also features Liformes advanced GripForMe material for no-slip stability. Meanwhile, the PVC-free biodegradable material makes sure your practice is as planet-friendly as possible.;

Liformes yoga mat with alignment lines is almost as good as having a teacher in the room with you.;

Best for: Next-level precision and perfection in all your yoga poses.

Material: RubberThickness: 5 mm Dimensions: 185 cm x 68 cm Colours: A range including grey, green, and blue

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Best Material For Yoga Mat

May 5, 2021Buying Guides1,376 Views

;There are many yoga mats in the market. Beautiful, sturdy ones and thinner ones that are just as durable. To choose the right one for you, the best material for yoga is essential.

There are a few factors to consider when buying the best yoga mat material. First, the material should be durable. While thickness does not mean a whole deal, it does count for something. Secondly, the best yoga material is one that offers you sufficient grip as you start your poses. You would not want to be moving around the class because your mat does not support your body at all. Thirdly, the best material is one that is as toxin-free as possible. It is really huge bonus if you also go for products that are completely environmentally friendly.

What Is The Right Side Of A Yoga Mat

Take a keen look at your mat to determine which side goes up. If your mat has one side that is stickier or more textured, this is typically the side that goes up to prevent your hands and feet from slipping.

Some mats are double-sided meaning they have similar stickiness and texture on both sides. In this case, you can use either side during practice.

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Scoria Blossom Cork Yoga Mat

Scoria

Toronto-based Scoria Yoga is beloved for its eco-friendly cork yoga mats. Each mat is made with sustainably sourced cork and backed with natural tree rubber. The two materials are adhered with eco adhesives that are bonded under high temperatures. Additionally, the designswhich are stunningare crafted with non-toxic, water-based ink.

As if the production of each mat isn’t enough to swoon over, know that Scoria is partnered with Feeding Children Everywhere and for every mat purchased, 10 meals are donated to those in need.

What’s more, the very meals delivered are sustainable, as they’re vegan and wrapped in biodegradable packaging. All this is to say, Scoria has brought the idea of sustainability full circle with its cork yoga mats and give-back program.

Gaiam: Best Fitness Mat For Beginners

With its sticky non-slip texture and extra thickness, this versatile exercise mat from Gaiam is ideal for those looking to get started on their fitness adventures.;

This Gaiam yoga mat is lightweight enough to carry around but thick enough to provide cushioning. The non-toxic PVC makes it a healthy choice too. Plus, purchase includes a free downloadable yoga workout to get you off to a flying start.;

Embark on a quest towards your best body ever with Gaiams exercise matthe best yoga mat for beginners.;

Best for: Dream inspiration to begin your yoga journey.

Material: Natural rubberThickness: 6 mm Dimensions: 173 cm x 61 cm Colours: A range of patterns including chakras, mandalas, and mountains

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Sweaty Betty: Best No

Trust Sweaty Betty to make a slip-resistant yoga mat like the Super Gripperfectly optimised for stability and steadiness.;

Whether youre looking for more solidity in your Goddess squats or more balance in your Bikram sessions, this mat ensures youre not going anywhere with a natural latex that gives unparalleled grip for a totally secure practice.;

Weighing just 2 kg and 4 mm in thickness, its both portable and protective. Its also biodegradable.;

A yoga mat thats just the right kind of sticky, Sweaty Bettys no-slip exercise mat is one of the best yoga mats out there.;

Best for: Staying stable as you transition from arm balances to backbends.

Material: Biodegradable natural latexThickness: 4 mm Dimensions: 183 cm x 61 cm Colours: Grey or red;

Natural Rubber Yoga Mat

Made with natural rubber sourced from rubber trees, these mats come from a renewable resource are unlike those made with EVA or synthetic rubber. It is also anti-microbial and has a good, comfortable grip, making it ideal for yoga. It seems like the ideal choice, being both functional and friendly to the environment. However, the downside with the natural rubber mat is that it is more costly than the other types of mats and it cannot be used by those allergic to latex.

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Lubricants In Plastics Reduce Friction During Processing

Apparently, there are external lubricants and internal lubricants.; While the former reduces friction between the PVC and the processing equipment, the latter work on the PVC granules .; It looks like there is no way for PVC yoga mats to work around these either.

With PVC, typical external lubricants are stearic acid and its calcium, lead, cadmium, and barium salts, myristic acid, hydrocarbons such as paraffin wax, and low molecular weight polythene and certain esters such as ethyl palmitate Amongst internal lubricants used for PVC are amine waxes, montan wax ester derivatives, glyceryl esters such as glyceryl monostearate, and long-chain esters such as cetyl palmitate. ;

Among these, my concern lies with lead and cadmium salts for the reasons I stated in the heavy metal section.;

When Will That Rubber Smell Go Away

The natural rubber smell will dissipate over time. The best way to accelerate this process is to air the mat out in a well ventilated area – maybe even in front of a fan – but not in direct sunlight. Because natural rubber has natural variations in smell, and everyone has different sensitivities, the amount of time it takes for the smell to dissipate varies. For most people a week or two is enough, but for some people it may take a couple months

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Suga Recycled Wetsuit Yoga Mat

SUGA

If you love the ocean as much as you love your yoga practice, you’ll swoon over SugaMats. The California-based yoga mat company specializes in mats made of recycled wetsuits. It started as an idea to divert surfers’ and scuba divers’ old non-biodegradable neoprene wetsuits from entering landfills and now makes all its mats out of donated materials.

If you have an old wetsuit you’d like to recycle, you can drop it off at one of their partner stores or mail it in and you’ll receive a 10 percent discount on your next purchase in return. For every wetsuit recycled, roughly one SugaMat is created. As durable as the mat is designed to be, the brand acknowledges that shoppers may want to replace it at some point. When you’re ready, just send your used mat back to Suga to be recycled, and the brand will also give you a discount on a future purchase. Read more about the company’s origins in our SugaMats review.

Properties Of Mat Materials

Each yoga mat material has some pros and cons that make it easier for a beginner to choose a good yoga mat from multiple options available in the market. Checkpoints of mat material include stickiness, durability, thickness, texture, absorption, cell construction of a yoga mat, and the traction it provides in stretching postures. Above all that, you should keep in mind whether or not mat material is friendly for the environment.

While selecting a yoga mat, keep the following properties of mat material in mind.

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Biodegradable Jute Hemp And Natural Rubber Yoga Mat

Sattvas eco-friendly yoga mats are non-toxic and free of latex, glues, phthalates, and PVC. Made with all-natural materials, theyre completely biodegradable. To create their eco yoga mats, Sattva weaves organic jute and hemp and bonds it with a 100% natural tree rubber backing.

This yoga mat is non-slip for an ideal grip, even if youre sweating in hot yoga class. Its easy to clean too. Elephant, phoenix, and B Kind designs available and theyre printed with non-toxic ink that wont fade over time.

Recycled Rubber Yoga Mats

If you enjoy looking at colorful, artistic designs during your practice, check out these recycled rubber yoga mats by N.J. East Coasters. Theyre handmade in the USA with recycled rubber and cellular vinyl, which is free of BPAs, phthalates, and latex. Plus, theyre extra-cushioned, at 0.25 thick.

Measurements: 72 x 24 x 6 mm

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The Toxic Truth About Your Plastic Yoga Mat

Breathe in, fill your entire lungs.

Now, exhale, let all your stress out.

Image credit: Concrete Playground

Breathing is a vital part of any yoga practice. Unfortunately, this action and how we practice in general may be doing our body more harm than good. As most yogis are unaware, conventional yoga mats are made of polyvinyl chloride . Whats this? Well simply put, from both an environmental and health standpoint, we and many others consider PVC to be the most toxic consumer plastic out there.

PVC is the common material used for yoga mats because its cheap, it has grip and its flexible. However, despite the low price point, using PVC is not worth it as there is no safe way to create these mats, practice on them or destroy them. From an environmental standpoint, PVC is a nightmare. PVC is hardly recycled at all, and when its incinerated or buried in landfills it releases dioxin, a known carcinogen. Other toxins also leach from PVC, including endocrine-disrupting phthalates. Moreover, in order to make PVC stable, heavy metals MUST be added to the recipe. WHAT?

The upshot: PVC is both an;environmental and health nightmare.

For most of us, we practice yoga to feel good to take care of our body and to ensure long-term health. But what if youre doing all this to feel good and take care of yourself, and your conventional yoga mat is putting your health and the environment at risk?

1. The Cotton Yoga Mat Available at Life Without Plastic

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