Practicing the art of yoga is one of the most beneficial life decisions you can make. Yoga helps you physically to strengthen vital core muscles, leading to better posture and flexibility. Yoga also helps mentally, to be able to quieten the mind to better focus on what is important in your life. As a yoga instructor the most common question I get asked is, what is the best yoga mat for me? In the following articles I will talk about my experience with a range of different yoga mats and how I found the right one for me.
Surface and Material
One of my first experiences with yoga mats was trying to hold difficult poses like a perfect Warrior Three or Sirsasana while being conscious about slipping over. There is nothing worse than being spread eagled in a yoga class with both of your feet slowly slipping away from each other! This is of particular importance if you try bikrum yoga as the room very hot causing the body to perspire at a rapid rate. Polymers mats often have the issue of grip, as sweat will lubricate the surface of the mat causing poses to become more difficult as your class progresses. Although they are light weight and affordable, the plastics they are non recyclable and not soft enough for more complicated poses. Safety is important, so make sure you select a yoga mat made out of the right materials for your practice.
Matts made of natural rubber with a weave pattern will provide you with the confidence to attempt challenging poses without having to worry about slipping over. This is because rubber is naturally sticky even when wet, which is why they make car tires out of it. Rubber is also biodegradable so you can be assured that you are making a better decision for the environment. Rubber is also softer than plastic; this lets you sink into the mat a bit when attempting difficult poses.
A good, affordable alternative to a rubber mat is a mat made out of Clean-PVC. This material has similar properties to PVC however it is made with eco-friendly materials.
Size
A yoga mat should always be proportional to your size. This is of particular importance for shivasin as you don’t want your head or feet hanging off the end of your mat. The standard size for yoga mats is around 6ft, so if you are taller than 6ft make sure you get a mat that fits you. This principle also applies to the width. Make sure you can comfortably lie on the mat with a few inches either side of you for poses that take up more room. The standard width of a yoga mat is around 28 Inches.
The thickness of your mat depends on the surface you most regularly practice on. Some yoga studios and most apartments have carpeted floors so a thinner matt will be better suited to this environment. If you are more accustomed to practicing yoga on a hard floor then the extra support of a thicker mat will suit you better. It is important to consider the portability of your mat as thicker mats weigh more and are thefore less portable. The standard thickness of a yoga mat is between ¼ and 1/8th of an inch thick.
Durability & Maintenance
While thicker mats are usually more durable, it is important to consider the material a mat is made from. Mats that are made from plastics are generally the most durable, however natural rubber mats are also suitably tough and washable. To help maintain your matt wipe it down at the end of each class with an antiseptic wipe, or tea tree oil (a natural antiseptic). If your yoga mat gets dirty you can wash it in a bath of warm soapy water, rinse and then roll up with a towl. Natural rubber mats are susceptible to sunlight damage so make sure you store it in a dark dry place. A good yoga mat will last for around 3 years if you take care of it!
Popular Brands
Manduka
Benefits:
The classic Manduka mat is made from natural rubber. It is thick which gives it a nice cushioning affect. It is also extremely durable for rubber mat. This mat has great slip protection, it absorbs moisture and the sticky surface will remain constant throughout your class (even under extreme conditions). Manduka mats are generally regarded as the best mats money can buy.
Disadvantages:
Although the standard mat is quite heavy, it is possible to get thinner equivalents to suit your lifestyle. The mat need to be well maintained with regular wipe downs and a wash every month to protect it from bacteria that could be harboring in the moisture it absorbs. Manduka mats are generally more expensive than others, however it is a great investment towards your yoga practice. Manduka do have less expensive and less professional mats, however it it is not what they are known for.
Giam
Benefits:
Giam mats are generally regarded as the best traveling mats. Whether it be traveling internationally, or just down the road to your class. This is because they are thin but offer exceptional grip for their thickness. The mats are made out of a Microfiber combined with Clean-PVC that allows them to grip well while remaining lightweight. The standard Giam matt is around half the price of the standard Manduka mat.
Disadvantages:
While thin mats a great for travel, they are slightly less durable than their thicker cousins. Because they are not as thick they provide less support than other mats.
Jade
Benefits:
Jade matts are regarded as the most eco-friendly. They are also extremely sticky which is great for your practice. The reason for the stickiness is the mats open-cell natural rubber material made with zero harmful chemicals or biproducts. This makes the matts very recyclable.
Disadvantages:
The mats can be so sticky that it becomes important that you keep it clean and don’t let degree get attached it it. The standard Jade mat is in the middle price range. It will cost you more than a Giam mat but less than a Manduka mat.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that no matter what matt you chose now, you will still me miles ahead of others who never have invested the time in finding a good yoga mat. Remember your yoga mat is an investment and will benefit you every time you practice, so don’t be afraid of spending a few extra dollars to get something that is right for you.
Namaste
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