As the yoga industry grows in popularity, the market seems to have more and more options to choose from. Sometimes it can be difficult to know which of these options is best for your individual needs. In this case, it is important to ask some important questions before choosing a yoga mat.
There are yoga mats made for specific purposes, such as those made from eco-friendly materials. In some poses, there are more padded cushions to support the body. It all depends on one’s personal preference and how the mat will best support you. That’s why we have to ask the question of length first, what size is best for your height.
Which yoga mat size is right for me?
First, there are different sizes of pads. Choosing a cushion size is the easiest first step because it’s based on fact and not necessarily preference. According to your height, you should choose the best yoga mat for you.
length
length
The best way to determine your yoga mat is to remember to allow three inches of extra space on the mat. This gives you some extra room during poses, but not much where you would take up extra space in a yoga studio. For example, if you are 5 feet 7 inches tall, you may need a standard size yoga mat that measures 68 inches. This size gives you plenty of room to work.
For someone under 6 feet tall, you may need something longer, such as a 72-inch mat. The next size is just over 80 inches, which is a consideration for those taller than 1.80 metres. Mats of this size do exist, but due to the size, many people prefer to use these mats only for the home, rather than for travel or the studio.
thickness
thickness
In addition to length, another consideration is the thickness of the yoga mat. This is important because depending on the type of yoga you engage in and your preferences, you may need to add fillers to your poses. Most yoga mats have padding that is 4mm thick, while others may be 6mm thick.
4mm is usually the first choice for people who don’t need a lot of padding and generally find it easier to practice yoga. And thicker options can help those who experience joint pain while exercising. The thickness depends entirely on your personal preference and the needs of your body and practice.
broad
broad
It helps to consider the width of the mat as it also gives you more room. Some poses require all hands, legs, and feet, and that’s usually out of their reach on a traditional yoga mat. A standard yoga mat is 24 inches, but there are mats as wide as 30 inches. In this case, it’s mostly about preference.
Wider pads can be more difficult to use with straps or straps because they don’t roll up as easily. However, due to its size, there may be more space between you and your classmates. It’s about your values.
Which Material Yoga Mat Should I Buy?
The type of material you choose for your yoga mat can affect the amount of cushioning or texture you experience during your practice. It will also determine how long your yoga mat lasts over time. Again, it depends on lifestyle and preferences.
Vinyl or PVC yoga mat
Vinyl or PVC yoga mat
You’ve probably seen PVC or vinyl mats because they’re so common because the material is so cheap to make. They provide a fair amount of grip or “stickiness” and have proven to be very durable over the years. Students often prefer these mats because they provide a better layer of cushioning than other mats. However, if you value eco-friendly products, you should look elsewhere.
PVC or vinyl is a material that is harmful to the environment due to the chlorine used in its manufacture. However, some companies are reducing the amount of PVC used in yoga mats to make them less harmful. It may just take a little research to find the right combination for you.
jute yoga mat
jute yoga mat
Most students who pick up a jute yoga mat recognize the sacrifices they made for a more environmentally friendly product. A jute yoga mat may not provide enough cushioning and can be a little rough on the skin. Many are also made in combination with PVC or PER, although jute rugs made entirely of jute do not release any toxins like PVC rugs. Polymer Eco Resin, or PER, is slightly more environmentally friendly than PVC alone, but not quite. In both life cycles, they are plasticized and incorporated with acetyl tributyl citrate, which messes with our endocrine system. This is why both PVC and PER mats are criticized.
Overall, these jute pads have become popular with environmental enthusiasts as the jute (or parts of jute) are fully recyclable. The mat itself is thin enough to be easily transported from home to studio, easy to clean and relatively durable.
rubber yoga mat
rubber yoga mat
Rubber mats are often preferred over vinyl as they are also derived from natural materials and thus are not harmful to the environment. Typically, these mats are made from rubber trees without any additives or synthetic rubber. When it comes to eco-friendly mats, rubber mats come out on top for their cushioning and grip. They are easy to clean, but have some drawbacks.
Some of these rubber mats can cause an allergic reaction if you are allergic to latex, and they tend to be heavier to wear