A yoga mat is an essential accessory in determining the quality of your practice, as your yoga mat can be the differentiating factor between an uncomfortable session versus a focused and blissful session. So, that is why a proper yoga mat is essential. Owning your own can be a more hygienic alternative than using other personal mats. It’s no more hassle anymore because, in this article, we will tell you how to choose the right yoga mat for your next yoga session. People often work out on rugs, slippery towels, or soft cloth, but that can lead to injury. So, having a good yoga mat is the best option.

How to Choose the Right Yoga Mat

Use this guide on how to choose a yoga mat that suits your practice, priorities, lifestyle, values, and budget. No matter what the stores tell you, that’s the best yoga mat for beginners as well as professional ones!

Thickness

The thickness of the yoga mat is key in providing comfort and stability. Yoga mats come in various thickness options, from thin (1/16 inch) to extra thick (1/4 inch or more). The thickness you choose should make your practice more comfortable and focused. If you are still confused about which thickness size to buy, you can buy a 1/8 inch yoga mat, which is the standard size, and if you are the best thickness for a yoga mat, then it is 1/4 inch. This thickness yoga mat is excellent for flowing practice and also provides stability while practicing.

Material

The material of the yoga mat dictates its texture, stickiness, eco-friendliness, and durability. These are the basic yoga mat material comparison, according to which you can buy one.

• TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is Non-toxic, recyclable, and offers superior grip
• Natural rubber: These are eco-friendly yoga mats with excellent traction (avoid if latex-sensitive)
• Jute or organic cotton: Natural materials with built-in texture for grip

If you don’t want to try new material and want to stick with tried and true sticky mats, go for PVC yoga mats. If you are allergic to latex, avoid natural rubber yoga mats.

So, see your priorities before choosing a good yoga mat for home practice.

Texture

The texture of the yoga mat also plays an important factor when choosing a yoga mat for home practice. A texture dictates how much traction the yoga mat will provide. There are different textures, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

If you are looking for non-slip yoga mats, try avoiding PVC mats because they are very sticky. Rather, look for more eco-friendly yoga mat options like jute, rubber, or cotton mats.

Similarly, if smoothness and softness are your main criteria, then you should go for PVC yoga mats. These are the most easily found mats with different colour options.


Also Read: 5 Simple Meditation Techniques for Beginners

Eco-friendliness

If sustainability and eco-friendliness are your biggest criteria, then you should go for sustainable yoga mats. Avoid PVC yoga mats because they do not break down in landfills and are difficult and costly to recycle. Rubber, jute, and cotton yoga mats, while available in a range of thicknesses, tend to be thicker and slicker than PVC mats. You can get an eco-friendly yoga mat that has a thickness that meets your needs for comfort and portability and a texture that prevents slippage.

Price

A basic 1/8-inch, plain, solid-color PVC sticky yoga mat will be at the lower end of the price range. From there, you may pay more for patterns, designs, or logos, premium thickness, antimicrobial treatments, and cool textures, especially raised tactile patterns. Eco-friendly yoga mats tend to be toward the high end of the price range.

Conclusion

How to choose a yoga mat is your personal decision; however, there are certain factors that you should consider. Knowing the factors mentioned above, you can easily learn how to choose the right yoga mat.

Just remember that the perfect mat aligns with your needs and immerses you in yoga’s transformative practice. Whether you’ve been doing yoga for a long time or just starting your journey, the perfect yoga mat can be your steadfast companion that helps you become more balanced and peaceful in your body, mind, and spirit.

Now you have found your yoga mat, what next! The next step is joining a good yoga class. Look nowhere; join Yogmahima.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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