by Manuel Vintagoli
If you practice yoga, you know that the mat you use is very important. Choosing the mat for you is very important and will go a long way toward what kind of session you have. For most you, the yoga mats is the most important piece of yoga equipment. And there are lots of varieties to consider.
About six decades ago, the sticky mat that most of us recognize these days was created. Until then, such surfaces as mats made of grass, animal hides, or even dirt or grass were used. But they weren’t as comfortable as the sticky mats. Nor did they have good enough traction. In the past twenty years or so, mats have evolved even more. Durability and varying thickness and materials are popular currently. But each mat is created with the same thought in mind: to be stable and comfortable.
For yoga newbies, sticky mats are the most common. They are available everywhere and they are inexpensive. You can get any thickness you like and they are relatively stable for trying those beginner-type of poses. Drawbacks do exist, though. When there is a lot of perspiration, these mats become slippery and unstable due to lack of good absorption ability. They are also not environmentally or biologically friendly because they are made of toxic polymers, among other things.
An alternative to these are rubber or latex found in nature, not made in a lab. They offer more traction and have just as much a variety of thicknesses. As they are more sustainable and have no toxins, they are more environmentally and biologically friendly. But, these, too, have drawbacks. The rubber smell of these mats is strong and often unbearable to many. And they are also more expensive. These both can be major issues.
As some people have allergic reactions to rubber, other mats must be considered. Another environmentally-responsible option is one made of a relatively new synthetically-created rubber. These kinds of mats don’t have a rubber smell. And they’re cheaper than natural rubber, even as they have similar durability and comfort.
Cotton or hemp yoga mats are also available. The traditional yoga rug, known as the Ashtanga, is crafted of fibers woven so well that perspiration is absorbed easily. These rugs provide excellent foot traction. On the other hand, the mats often slip on the floor. As such, many yoga veterans place these rugs on top of sticky mats, or they just buy natural material mats that have rubber layered on the underside.
Another natural fiber mat is one made of jute fibers. These are woven together with a natural resin that results in a non-skid yet comfortable mat. They are thin and this renders less its cushioning and comfort. As well, the jute fibers are not so durable, as they usually wear out more quickly than other types of mats. And, because of this, it is suggested that they be hand-washed, even though they can be washed by machine.
Lastly, there are the so-called travel mats. Thin and lightweight, they can pack easily and be transported easily. Though inexpensive, cushioning is almost non-existent, so these are not common for everyday use.
You can learn more about the benefits of yoga mats now! The right yoga mat will make it easier to achieve and maintain each position easier.
