Jessica Style

Have you been wanting to try yoga but you do not know the first place to start? I am sure you have thought about how you would start looking for a yoga mat but not just any yoga mat, a great yoga mat. Or maybe you are an experienced yogi but are still trying to find a great mat for your practice. Choosing the perfect yoga mat for your practice can be a bit of an adventure but not to worry because this article will cover what to look for when honing in on the perfect mat for your practice.

If you have ever taken a yoga class, whether hot or non-hot, you know how slippery your hands and feet can become. A yoga mat that suddenly turns into a slip-and-slides is not fun, nor is it safe. Every yoga mat brand has their own reasons why their brand is the best for yoga mats.

There are important characteristics that a beginner and/or experienced yogi should consider when looking for yoga mats. These are non-slip, sweatproof and well-cushioned. It is important to do research to find out which yoga mat is the best fit for you. A specific criterion is recommended. Sensitivities, dry tech, weight, stickiness, feel durability, thickness, eco-friendly, size and appearance.

Sensitivities
If you have sensitive skin you will need to look for yoga mats that are made from certain materials. Whether you choose a certain material due to an allergy or preference, it is important to do your research. The most common materials used to make yoga mats are latex, hypoallergenic and/or non-permeable microfiber. It is best to choose the material that feels the best to you.

Dry-Tech
Certain yoga mats have certain features that increase your hand grip steady and keep itself dry as the temperature increases during class. These features keep your hands and feet from becoming sweaty and slippery, which in turn keeps your mat dry during class. When looking for a good yoga mat, it is a good idea to look for a mat with the most up to date features or at least features that will last a very long time.

Weight
For some, the mere thought of having to lug around a heavy yoga mat makes yoga class not very zen. Having to lug a heavy mat to class may prevent some from actually going to class because it may turn into a chore. You may want to look for a yoga mat that is lightweight and easy to carry around. A heavy yoga mat is not always good for your posture either.

Stickiness
Stickiness on a yoga mat is a good quality because it helps the yogi from slipping and sliding during class. If a yoga mat is extremely sticky, that is a great quality for the mat to have; the stickier the better. Yogis appreciate a sticky yoga mat because the opposite can often lead to sliding around your mat during class.

Feel
If you hone in on how you feel during standing and kneeling poses on your mat, you will know what type of mat to buy. Some yoga mats have raised designs that you can feel. Other yoga mats have a smooth finish without a raised design. Choose the yoga mat that feels the best to you during all the poses that you do.

Durability
If you’re looking for a good non-slip yoga mat, you will want to look for one that will last you for a very, very long time. Durability should be one of the main factors when searching for the best yoga mat. Durability may cost a pretty penny upfront but it will save money down the road.

Thickness
A thick yoga mat may be heavy in weight and may be quite a pain to lug around but this is when an individual must decide what they from a yoga mat. If an individual cares about having thick cushioning to kneel on, look for very thick mats. But if an individual prefers less cushioning during standing poses, look for a yoga mat with less thickness. The level of thickness of a yoga mat all comes down to personal preference and/or physical health.

Eco-friendly
Some yogis care a great deal about whether or not a yoga mat is environmentally friendly. These types of yoga mats are made with materials that are not harmful to the environment; organic and natural. You do not need an eco-friendly yoga mat for a yoga class but for some, this can be a dealbreaker when choosing the right yoga mat.

Size
Yoga mats are made in various lengths and there is a length for every yogi. If you are tall, medium or short yogi there is a yoga mat out there for you. Size should be an important factor when choosing a yoga mat because you do not want to be uncomfortable on your mat during class.

Appearance
To some yogis, looks do not always matter but to some yogis looks are everything. If you snag a yoga mat of your choice, hopefully, it is in your favorite color or design. At the end of the day finding a yoga mat that is comfortable for you to practice on is all that matters.

Finding a great yoga mat can be challenging but not impossible. You may be a beginner yogi and have no clue where to begin your search. Or you may be an experienced yogi and already have a yoga mat but are having trouble finding the perfect mat. Do not worry, if you stick to the above criteria you will find the perfect mat in no time! Once your search is complete you can walk into a yoga class feeling confident that you have found the right mat for you!