Tips for Choosing a Yoga Mat

With the increased interest people now take in yoga, it's no wonder that the market has been flooded with all sorts of products and accessories dedicated to yoga practice. Advertisements with the best yoga mat have become more than common; the so-called “best” mats often vary in price and quality. There are certain points to take into consideration if you are really set on buying the best yoga mat: the cleaning method, the way it stays on the floor after being rolled, whether it is sticky or not, its weight, life-span and even bio-degradable structure. So how do you begin to choose the best yoga may for yourself?

There are ways to find out whether the product you want to purchase is the best yoga mat you can get. In order to check the resistance of the mat to compression, pinch it between your fingers and compare it with other similar items. Then, focus on the resistance to moisture since there may be a lot of sweating during the yoga class. What is the traction of the mat when it is wet?  You can actually learn this by passing your hand over the mat surface after having wet it. All the details in the best yoga mat design should enable you to work the asanas undisturbed and comfortable.

Once you've purchased your yoga mat, it is good to learn how to clean it specifically based on the material. Some yoga mats become sticky when wet, while others cannot be squeezed, so, the question here is whether to use the washing machine or not. The mat label is the one to help you decide on the best way of cleaning your mat, as the manufacturer usually specifies such details. If there are no directions, then, that mat is definitely not the best yoga mat for purchase.
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For those more eco-conscious, choosing your yoga mat should be neither sticky nor PVC made, since these materials cannot be recycled. You may want to consider an eco-yoga mat that is bio-degradable once you no longer use it. The choice of the best yoga mats can also be influenced by the type and style of yoga you practice: Ashtanga yoga for instance requires thicker mats to absorb perspiration, whereas Hatha yoga works well with standard sticky mats. Understanding your style of yoga and your body's needs are the first steps to picking a mat that can best support you. Remember: it’s what takes place on the mat that matters most. See you on YOUR MAT!