Hypnotic Yoga | Yoga Training | Yoga Classes | Yoga Studios

There are dozens of companies manufacturing Yoga-related products. One of the hottest commodities on this market is a mat. A rectangular piece of PVC or rubber could cost you up to $100. Are you ready to spend that much on a mat? Below, we outline the key factors you need to consider before making a decision on whether to invest into something durable, replace your mat every few months, or use one provided by your studio. We also consider the factors that are important in choosing the right mat.

Your practice:

If you are a beginner, and simply want to get a feel for Yoga, we suggest using a mat provided by your studio. Most establishments supply their students with decent thick mats, which they care for and replace on a regular basis.  Majority of studio mats are much cleaner than your personal mat would be, simply because a public mat gets a lot more cleaning between classes. If you suspect hygienic issues with studio mats, you should look for another Yoga school.

If you begin to practice regularly, even a few times a week, you may be more comfortable with a personal mat. There are many reasons to have one. A mat will accumulate your energy, as you go all out, it will keep you calm and will eventually become your perfect meditation spot. Getting used to the same color, size, thickness, even smell would make your practice a lot more comfortable.
A sticky, durable mat would also significantly improve your progress. High quality rubber mats often provide (too) much support and help in holding poses.

Advanced practitioners usually choose a mat based on personal preferences for durability and appearance. Having enough experience, they will pick a mat based on their professional judgment.

Size:

Most yoga mats are about 24″ wide. The lengths vary. Most mats are between 60″ and 75″ in length. Choosing a shorter mat is appropriate for kids and smaller people. A longer mat, however, may be easier to use, as some poses require moving around. An average length is between 70″ and 72″. If you are getting started, a longer, wider mat would make your practice more comfortable.

Material:

It is very important to make sure you are comfortable with what your mat is made of. The key factors to consider are:

Thickness – Pilates mats must be thicker, about 1/4″ as you will be spending most of your time on the floor. Yoga mats are thinner (about 1/8″), but not too thin. Many people prefer thicker Yoga mats to provide better support for weaker or injured parts. It feels easier to practice on a thicker mat.

Traction – A good mat will provide enough traction to support your poses, but it will not be so sticky you can’t peel it off the floor. Extremely sticky mats are usually cheap, and they provide too much grip when it is not needed.  As with everything in Yoga, there must be a balance between grip and slip. Another important factor to consider is how well the mat holds when wet. Some cheaper mats completely loose traction when a little sweat is applied. This may not be apparent when you purchase the mat, but becomes a significant problem during class. Natural rubber is usually the best material, though it is costly.

Composition – Cheaper mats are usually made of plastic and PVC. Some of these materials are toxic, smelly and may become skating rings when wet. However, many studios still use classic PVC mats, as they are relatively cheap and provide enough support and traction for most people. Better options are plastic elastomer mats, which are made from more environmentally friendly recyclable materials. The best mats are made from natural and organic latex (rubber). These mats usually provide ultimate support and durability, they don’t bunch up or curl, but may be quite heavy. Organic cotton and jute mats are good options, but they tend to shed quickly, and may feel very hard for some people.

Durability – How long will you mat last? Some cheaper, lightweight mats will not last a few months of extensive practice. Surprisingly, some very expensive jute and cotton mats will also break down and deteriorate, as their natural fibers wear off very fast.

Cost

A high quality latex mat will last longer and will prove to be a good investment over time. However, if you are just getting started – a regular PVC or TPE mat is often good enough. Some people prefer to throw away their mats after a while, as mats tend to accumulate moisture, dust and bacteria if not cared for on a regular basis.

Look at reviews of most popular yoga mats at my site.

When washing a rubber yoga exercise mat, stay clear of detergents and cleaners and use basic household ingredients to make a cleaning solution. Four drops of dish washing soap including a teaspoon of baking soda mixed in two cups of drinking water makes an exceptional mild cleaner for your mat. Authorities suggest that (specifically for Hot Yoga exercise) having a wipeable lining that was uncomplicated to clean up up and would slip the mat and clothing inside the bag was crucial.

Whenever you clean a yoga exercise mat utilizing this technique, remember to add a small amount of baking soda to cut down on odor, which might be an issue for yogis who sweat a fantastic deal. Fill a spray bottle with the water solution and squirt it onto dirty areas of the mat.

You’ll note that the typical rubber pilates mat tends get a little smelly after just a number of uses and needs to be cleaned often. This is just a minor inconvenience and might be taken care of with just a several minutes of care. Even in case you do inhale this unpleasant smell, at the least you can be positive it’s just irritating your senses and not harming your body. rubber exercise mats stick well to most floors and are effortlessly cleaned by basically wiping them with a soapy cloth towel.

If you’re practicing hot yoga or much better known Bikram yoga exercise, then you’re going to have to become adamant about cleaning it since hot yoga exercise creates plenty of perspiration that drips onto your exercise mat.

Pure rubber exercise mats stick well to the floor and can quickly be cleaned by basically wiping them off with soapy drinking water.  In case you practice a sweaty style or yoga, I would strongly discourage you from practicing on a slippery mat. Normal rubber will work very best.

Use a cotton yoga exercise exercise towel to trap perspiration and preserve your mat clear and dry. Additionally, you might desire to buy a yoga mat washing spray, as mats usually get smelly and dirty around time. Some yoga exercise studios use Interlocking foam flooring since they offers basic clean-up and a safer environment for those coming into the studio.

Should you truly enjoy your rubber yoga exercise mat, then you are going to require to wash it to produce positive that lasts a extended time. Whether you doing yoga exercise or Pilates on your mat, you may perhaps perhaps be perspiring, and more than a extended period of time- this will do damage to your mat.

When cleaning your exercise mat, steer clear of harsh detergents and cleansers. It’s preferable to use a pure cleanser for instance Amway Liquid Organic Cleanser, or Dr. Bronner’s organic soap. Even a couple  of drops of mild dish soap mixed with water will do just fine. I like to add a couple of teaspoons of baking soda mixed with my cleansing remedy to get rid of any undesirable odors. Professionals suggest that having a thoroughly clean and odor free yoga exercise mat will enhance your exercising session.

I like to keep to a spray bottle filled with my cleaning solution  inside my gym bag along with  cotton cloth towel so I can wipe down my yoga mat instantly soon after exercising. Use a cotton yoga towel to trap perspiration and maintain your mat cleanse and dry.

The rubber yoga exercise exercise mat offers off warmth because of its organic insulation properties and is simple to clear as a result of its moisture repellent properties. Lastly, a rubber yoga exercise exercise mat permits for a comfortable yoga exercise session as a result of its cushioning and absorption qualities.