An Introduction To Yoga Mats That Fit Each Person And Budget
May 10, 2010 by James Frolsburg
Filed under Yoga
If you think of yoga mats as being all the same, you would be very wrong. There are several different types of mats. Different styles for different situations, uses and budgets. Yoga mats can also be used for meditation so comfort when sitting should also be considered.
The first type of yoga mat you will find is the basic foam yoga mat. These mats are often made of PVC and tend to be fairly inexpensive. They are very durable, easy to clean and come in several styles and sizes. If you are environmentally friendly, these mats are not the right mat for you considering the materials they are made of. They also double as camping mats.
The basic yoga mats are often called sticky mats. They sometimes come with symbols on them which show you where to put your feet and hands. These type of mats are great for beginners who are still trying to learn the basic positions and movements. Sticky mats are very lightweight and easy to carry around. They also come in very thick sizes, which are great for people who like to jump from pose to pose. Before use, these mats should be sprinkled with water and laid out to air dry. They will be less prone to slippage after this.
Rubber mats are another type of popular yoga mat. These can cost a little more but they have more cushion and can be more comfortable to practice on. They also come in different colors and thicknesses. They are not the perfect choice for using outdoors as the sun can cause them to break down and peel.
Another good type of mat is one made from natural fibers like cotton and hemp. These also come in many varieties of sizes, colors and thicknesses. They are great to use because they absorb moisture and sweat. Practicing on these can be safer since they do not get slippery due to moisture. When placing them on a hard floor, be careful because they may slide.
One type of mat that might be up for consideration is no mat! No, this is not best for everyday use. But, in certain situations, if it is not feasible to carry a mat around, most any floor will do. The best things about using just the floor is that it will not cost you a dime!
Substitutes for yoga mats include yoga mitts. These are also called yoga paws. These are mittens for your hands and feet so you can do yoga without a mat. They are very useful for those who travel and they come in a variety of sizes. They do tend to slip when you sweat so you should be careful of that. People who travel a lot can also buy travel mats. They are lightweight and easy to fold and carry.
You can also find bags that are meant to carry your yoga mats. These all-purpose bags can carry everything you need; extra clothing, water bottles and towels. They are perfect for taking to work or on vacation.
A yoga mat is vital to the practice yoga. Yes, you can occasionally get by without one, but they are essential to the long term practice of yoga. They offer cushion and comfort and make yoga safer. There are so many styles, colors and types of yoga mats available today. Determine your needs and your budget and get the correct yoga mat for you.
Using yoga to relax is a great idea, but you will need the correct yoga mat to use. Look online for many choices of yoga mats to buy. Find the best now!


