Yoga Mats – How To Choose The Best One For You?
When shopping for yoga mats, there are a few things you need to consider. These days, they can come in all shapes and sizes. That’s why you need to take your time in deciding on one that’s best for you. With the best one, you get the right amount of assistance and support during sessions.
But first things first: you should know how it’s different from a pilates mat. A pilates mat is generally thicker, to provide more cushioning. For instance, advanced pilates requires some body rolling, so the spine needs to have utmost protection. Likewise, it’s also less sticky compared to the other. But they’re basically of the same size and serve the same purposes.
Now that you know the key differences, it’s time to proceed with choosing the materials they’re made of. For a newbie, it’s always advisable to start out with an affordable one. As you move to advanced levels, then you can switch to something which is more hard-wearing and expensive. Your budget should be put into consideration when shopping for one.
The most affordable of all types is the standard sticky type. This is made of a synthetic material, often PVC, and can be easily bought at shopping malls. Some people who have just signed up for a class often have this mistake of going for an expensive type. After a session or two, they quit already, thinking it’s not suitable for them. So the expensive mat is left somewhere to collect dust. If you’re a beginner, it’s always a good advice to go for an affordable one at first.
If you wish to go for those manufactured from natural materials, you may purchase those out of jute or cork. These types are obviously costlier than standard ones. Of course with such steep price tag comes beauty and quality. They’re perfect for those who workout once or twice a week. But when used often, they can easily be worn out and begin to stink. It’s because jute and cork are materials that are porous.
There are many who like to go for those out of rubber. The price tags they carry are basically the same as jute and cork counterparts. But compared to them, rubber ones definitely are more durable. But these days, not all rubber ones are naturally made. There are those which are manufactured from synthetic rubber. If your skin has allergic reaction to latex, going for rubber mats isn’t a good idea.
Cleaning them regularly is essential, regardless of the materials they’re crafted from. Most of those synthetic ones may be cleaned with the use of a washing machine. But still it’s best to follow the cleaning instructions provided by their manufacturers. Those from all-natural materials may be soaked in water with soap. Before rolling, make sure they’re completely dry.
Prior to actually buying one for yourself, it’s best if you can try some yoga mats provided by your health club. This way, you may experience how it’s like using them. You may even consult your instructor on which type is more recommendable, and where it can be bought.
Mandy Valentine has practiced yoga for many years. She writes a blog about how to choose the best yoga mats for the best yoga experience and includes many yoga mat reviews and her own recommendations.
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