Yoga.....So relaxing..... So spiritual..... It can be done inside or outside in the sun. However, yoga cannot be done without a good quality yoga mat.
What people might not realise is that the yoga mat is essential to any yoga class or lesson. While you might believe that all yoga mats are the same, you will be surprised that they aren’t.
In today’s blog, we will be talking about all the different yoga mats that there are available.
Before we begin, we just want to go over what makes a good yoga mat before we launch into the mats themselves.
What Makes a Good Yoga Mat
When you look at a yoga mat, you just see a roll of foam, right? Well, there’s a lot more to a yoga mat than just a long roll of foam.
There are many qualities that are to be considered when choosing the right yoga mat. Here’s a look at what are the most important qualities of a yoga mat must be:
Longevity and Durability
A good yoga mat must withstand heavy use over a long period of time.
Support and Comfort
It is crucial that the yoga mat is comfortable and supportive of your body when you are doing kneeling positions.
Stability
When using a yoga mat, is it crucial that the mat is stable when doing poses like balancing and standing poses.
Portability
If you are travelling with your yoga mat in the car constantly, you will need to choose a yoga that is the right size and weight. By doing this, it can be dictated as to whether the yoga mat is suitable for transportation.
If your yoga mat can be transported on the back of a bike, in the car or any other transportation method when you know that you have a winner.
Traction
Like for floor mats, you need to ensure that there is traction on the mat so that it does not slip when you are standing on it.
Texture
Did you know that yoga mats have different surfaces? According to most yogis, the best yoga mat must feel natural.
Considering the Environment
When considering the environment around you, it is best to use an eco-friendly yoga mat and that it is made of all natural materials.
Size
When it comes to the size of your yoga mat. It be big enough to cover the length and width of your entire body. Be sure to check what size the mat you are buying is and whether it will be right for your body width and length.
Yoga Mats
Onto the main focus of the article. Yoga mats are the most important part of practicing yoga. In this section, we will be talking about 6 yoga mats that are on the market. Just a brief note, these mats are listed in no particular order of what is the best.
Lululemon: The Mat (Non-Slip)
This mat has a moisture absorbing yoga mat that works best in sweaty conditions. However, it has been noted that the more sweat that is produced, the more grip the mat has.
Manduka PROlite
Manduka is considered to be one of the best yoga mats available. It ticks all the necessary boxes when it comes to portability, comfort and grip. In fact, it is so good, that it outdoes that of other yoga mats in its class. It even comes with a lifetime guarantee. It has long been considered to be the little brother of the Manduka Black Mat Pro.
Jade Harmony Professional Mat
The Jade Harmony mat is a favourite amongst yoga instructors. The mat provides a sturdy grip that allows for a great performance while practising yoga. The mat is comfortable to use, is lightweight and a great alternative for anyone looking to get a 100% eco-friendly, rubber mat for their yoga routine.
Manduka Black Mat Pro
A lot of research has been done on this yoga mat and the results have revealed that it is just as good as its little brother and the previously mentioned, Manduka PROlite. It is lightweight and weighs just 3 to 4kg. It comes with a rather large price tag.
Hugger Mugger Para Rubber
The Hugger Mugger mat is great if you want a yoga mat that provides comfort that you desire. The texture might be a little overwhelming for some. Within in the first week of use, there is a chance that signs of wear might appear.
PrAna Revolutionary Sticky Mat
The PrAna Revolutionary Sticky Mat is a firm mat and thankfully is not too spongy, which is either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the person. The mat is perfect for people who is taller.
Conclusion
We all love yoga and we love the benefits that it gives us. We also love a good yoga mat and how they benefit our yoga practice. Like always, if you have a comment about the blog or would like more information on Exhale yoga, please contact us through the contact page on the main website or like and follow us through FaceBook and Instagram