How to Select a Perfect Yoga Mat for Your Daily Practice

Compared to other fitness exercises, there is a minimal requirement of accessories in yoga. All you need to do is buy a good yoga mat online or in physical stores and clothes suitable for the activity. Of course, many gyms provide their clients with yoga mats, but buying your own is a better idea in terms of hygiene. It is necessary to practice yoga on a proper mat because, working out on a rug, slippery towel, or over a soft gym cushion is not just frustrating but can also lead to injury. Most of the yoga mats available in the market are suitable for practicing yoga, but choosing one perfect mat according to your preferences can satisfy your personal requirements. Mostly you will find a good yoga mat at a good protein supplement store.

Thickness and weight

The weight of yoga mats can vary from thin ones weighing 2 lb. to very thick ones weighing 7lb. If you are not sure about the one that is suitable for you, you should opt for one that is around 3.75 mm thick which is a pretty standard thickness. If you are in a strong flowing practice then this thickness is ideal for you. When you buy a yoga mat online, try to stick to this thickness as it will allow proper contact with the floor and enhance stability when you practice different poses. Instead of thicker mats, they will not get in your way when you are going from one pose to the next.

Thinner mats are good for the stability of styles and yoga where you are practicing more active poses or focused and balanced poses. It is better to opt for a mat that has a textured surface which allows for a better grip for more strenuous poses. Thicker mats on the other hand provide extra cushioning and are good for therapeutic use. If you are practicing restorative yoga then you will be practicing fewer poses that hold you longer and for this, a softer more cushioned mat is best. Thick mats are also suitable for kneeling and forearm poses, for people with tender or painful joints. However, in standing poses these latter ones are difficult to maintain balance on. Whatever your requirements, you will be able to find the yoga mat of your choice in the best protein supplement store online or in physical stores.

Materials and durability

When you are selecting a yoga mat online or in a physical store, you have a wide variety of choices as far as material is concerned and you can choose anything from the inexpensive PVC material to natural rubber which is environment friendly. The material of the mat will decide its weight, durability, price and grip. Thicker mats usually last a longer time than thin mats, but the durability also depends on the material they are made from.

PVC – This is a plastic-based material that is very durable and easy to clean. It also provides excellent grip but these mats can become slippery when you are sweating heavily because they are non-absorbent. PVC is also suitable for people who are allergic to latex as they are latex free.

TPE or thermoplastic elastomer – This is a man-made blend that is derived by combining plastic and rubber and is slightly more environmentally friendly compared to PVC. Some of these mats are completely recyclable making them a good choice. These mats are, however, less durable compared to PVC mats, but they provide good traction.

Eco-friendly natural mats – These mats are derived from a variety of sources including natural rubber, jute and organic cotton. These mats provide lesser grip on the floor, but they have a natural texture which provides good traction for the body. Then again when you buy yoga mats online you should understand that the ones made from natural materials are also less durable compared to the PVC mats. However, if you prioritise sustainability and the environment then they are an ideal choice for you.

Mats made of all different materials are available in protein supplement stores online and even in physical stores. If you bear the above-mentioned factors in mind then you will be able to purchase a good yoga mat for your daily practice.