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Yoga is a wonderful method of exercise and relaxation that doesn’t require a bunch of expensive equipment. All that you need for a comfortable and enjoyable yoga time is a good mat. It is true that you can practice yoga on the carpet you have in your room or on the grass in your backyard, but it is an undeniable fact that doing yoga on a mat is far more convenient. In fact, yoga mats provide padding and support, barrier from the dirt on the ground and personal space. Moreover, doing yoga on a mat helps you improve balance, relieve pressure from your back and spine and protect your joints from the pressure caused by contact with the hard floor surface.
Choosing the right mat for yoga is mainly a matter of personal preferences and priorities. However, in general, a good yoga mat should be lightweight, easy portable and shouldn’t be made of PVC, latex and toxic plastic materials. If you have no previous experience in buying yoga mats, take a look at the three simple, yet important steps that you need to follow in order to choose the right yoga mat among the wide variety available in the stores.
Step One: Consider the Traction
Traction is closely related to the texture of the math. The mat need s to be a little sticky as to prevent slipping and sliding during the yoga exercises. For this reason, avoid PVC and go for go for the much more practical and environmentally friendly options such as: jute, rubber or cotton.
Step Two: Pay Attention to the Thickness of the Mat
The thickness of the yoga mat impacts you connection to the surface (which is an important factor when doing yoga) and the portability of the mat. In general, yoga and meditation mats come in a range of 3 to 5mm. It is up to your personal preferences to choose the desired thickness. However, keep in mind that the mat shouldn’t be too thin because it will increase your chances of hurting your knees, nor too thick because you will loose the sense of connection with the floor, which might compromise your overall yoga experience. Choosing the right thickness is important because it also helps you protect your joints.
Step Three: Make Sure The Padding is Suitable For You
Simply put, the padding is an important factor that determines the support the yoga mat provides. The right padding level helps you feel more comfortable and concentrated on your breathing. To do this you actually need to check the foam level of the mat or read the online specification carefully.
