Introduction
If you’re new to yoga, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to choose the right mat. There are so many different types of yoga mats on the market that it’s hard to know what’s best for your practice. In this article, we’ll discuss 6 things you should consider if you’re looking for new yoga mats and help you find one that will keep your practice comfortable and enjoyable.
Recognize your needs
- What do you need the mat for? Are you going to be practicing at home, or traveling and looking for something lightweight? Is there a specific style of yoga that you want to practice (e.g., hot yoga, power yoga), and does it require any special features from the mat itself?
- What type of flooring do you have? Do you want a firm surface with just enough cushioning for comfort, or do you need something with more padding for added comfort during long practices in heated rooms? The latter will make carrying around your mat more difficult as well, so be aware of how heavy it may get when fully inflated.
- What are your height and weight? Also, consider whether or not anyone else will be using this same mat with different height requirements than yours; if so, make sure both users can comfortably use the same brand/model without feeling like they’re fighting over who gets access first.
Yoga mats are not one size fits all
When you are looking for a yoga mat, it is important to keep in mind the size. The most common sizes of yoga mats are 24″x72″ or 24″x68″. The larger size will allow you to move into a wide variety of poses, but the smaller size will give you more room on your mat and make it easier to roll up after use.
Another factor that should be considered is what type of yoga you plan on doing. If you practice hot yoga regularly, then a thicker mat may be more beneficial because it will help prevent slipping when your body becomes sweaty. If you practice more traditional styles of yoga, then a thinner mat may be preferable because they provide better grip and absorb sweat better than thicker mats do.
If possible, try out several different types and sizes of mats before making a commitment so that you can find one that best fits your needs both physically and emotionally!
Read the reviews
Reviews are extremely helpful when it comes to deciding on the right yoga mat. You can find reviews online or in magazines. The best reviews are from people who have used the product, not just one who is selling it. Reviews can help you see what features you should look for and also point out any drawbacks that may be important to you.
Get ready for a variety of styles
You’ll find yoga mats in all kinds of styles, thicknesses, and textures. They can be made from several materials. Some are breathable and waterproof; others are cushioned or thick. Some have a non-slip bottom for use on hardwood floors; others are thinner for hot yoga classes. The best way to decide which type of yoga mat is right for you is by testing one out at your local studio or gym before purchasing it so that you know exactly what feeling it gives when performing certain poses (such as a downward dog).
Check the material and thickness of your future yoga mat
The most important thing to do when you’re buying yoga mats is to make sure that they are both sturdy and flexible. A good quality mat will be made of PVC or TPE and will have a non-slip surface. This means that it won’t move around while you’re trying to focus on your practice, and it won’t give way under your weight.
Another important consideration is the thickness of the mat. The thicker the mat is, the more comfortable it will be for you to practice on. But if you want to be able to fold up your mat after class, then you’ll need one that’s not very thick which means it might not be as comfortable underfoot.
You should also make sure that whatever material your yoga mat is made from does not contain any toxic chemicals like phthalates or BPA because these can affect your health over time when absorbed through repeated contact with them in small doses over long periods of time (which is exactly what happens when you use a particular brand of yoga mat repeatedly over many years).
Look at the construction details
Before you buy a yoga mat, look at the material and thickness of your future yoga mat. This will tell you how durable, easy-to-clean and comfortable it is. Also, check for mats that are eco-friendly as some mats contain toxic materials that can affect your health when used regularly in hot yoga classes or other workouts involving sweating heavily.
Choosing the right yoga mat will help you feel confident and enjoy your practice more
Choosing the right yoga mat will help you feel confident and enjoy your practice more. The best way to choose a yoga mat is by knowing what you need it for, but there are some general guidelines to follow.
- Decide whether you want a sticky or non-sticky surface. Yoga mats with sticky surfaces are great for beginners because they stay put in downward dog or warrior poses, but they can be tricky if your hands slip while trying to hold on to them in other poses. Non-sticky mats tend to be easier for beginners but may not provide as much traction on their own, so they might require using a towel or blanket underneath them as well as an extra layer of clothing (like socks) since some people find that non-sticky surfaces get cold during class. Consider how much support you need. Take into account how much space your body needs between itself and its surroundings; for example: If I’m doing pigeon pose on top of my bed instead of next door at my local studio then I’ll probably only need about half an inch between myself and bed sheet; however if I’m practicing at home alone then this distance will increase significantly because there’s no one else around me when things start getting hard. Think about where/how often you plan on using this product before making any final decisions.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a new yoga mat, then we hope these tips will help! Remember that there is no need to go out and buy the most expensive one on the market, but do make sure it has the features and quality that suit your needs.