How To Select and Take Good Care Of Your Yoga Mat
Yoga Mat can be Your Key to a Successful Workout
Yoga has become a popular way to get in shape, relieve stress and enjoy good health. One of the most attractive aspects of yoga is that you don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive equipment and apparel to begin the workouts. In fact, all you need to get started in a yoga program is some loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and a yoga mat. And just like the attire that you choose to wear to class, your yoga mat can come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors to meet your individual preferences and needs.
Types of Yoga Mats
When it comes to deciding which yoga mat will be the best choice for you, it is helpful to understand what the different types of mats look like and what each is primarily used for. One yoga mat that is useful with almost any type of yoga is the sticky mat. These mats are generally rather thin, and will become sticky when moistened. This is very helpful when you are trying to complete a complex yoga position, and you want to feel confident that your mat is not going to slip away from you. You can find sticky mats in a variety of sizes and colors to meet just about any need and preference.
For those who prefer a little extra padding, there are also extra thick sticky mats. These are a popular choice in yoga mats because they make many of the yoga positions a bit more comfortable while still providing the stability and safety of the sticky surface. They are going to be heavier and bulkier to tote around however, so they may not be the yoga mat of choice if you are going to need to transport it back and forth to class. For this type of situation, there are also travel mats that are lightweight and easier to pack and go. These also work well for trips, since they can easily fit in a suitcase.
If you are involved in a yoga discipline that requires plenty of sweating, a cotton mat can help absorb the moisture as you go through your workout. As these yoga mats absorb the moisture, they can grip even better, where other less absorbent mats might become slippery; making cotton mats a safe choice for your positions during these more strenuous workouts. Nearly all of these different types of yoga mats will come in a broad range of colors and sizes so that you can find the best mat for you. And when it comes time to shop for a mat, take the time to try a few out to see which one will feel the best. This way to can rest assured that you will get a yoga mat that will last you for a good long time.
Selecting and Caring for Yoga Mats
If you are considering a yoga class, one of the most attractive elements of this type of exercise is the limited amount of equipment that is necessary. Besides comfortable clothing, the only item that you will be bringing along to your workouts is one of the many yoga mats that are on the market today. While there is an abundance of choices available in yoga mats, and many are within a more than reasonable price range, it can still be difficult to pick the perfect mat for you. Why? Because the relationship that you develop with your mat can be much more significant than that of other types of fitness equipment. In fact, you and your mat may be spending quite a bit of time together, which is why you want one that will look and feel right time after time.
Selecting Different Types of Yoga Mats
There are many different types of yoga mats, in a variety of materials and colors. The one common element that you want to have with your mat is a stickiness factor that allows you to plant your poses safely on the terra firma. Many of the yoga mats today will stick to the floor once they have been moistened with water or sweat from all of your hard work. From there, you can select a mat that will work best for the type of yoga that you plan to do. For guidance in this aspect of selecting a mat, you can ask your yoga instructor or do your research on the Internet. The next step will be to try out a few yoga mats to see which ones feel the best to you. And although it may seem shallow to select a mat based on color, keep in mind that you will be spending a lot of time looking down at that surface, trying to focus your energy. It will be easier if it is a color that you find attractive.
Caring for your Mat
Most yoga mats will need to be broken in before use, and then cleaned periodically. With any luck, the mat that you choose will come with care instructions. If it does, it is best to follow these directions to the letter, to ensure that your mat lasts for as long as possible. If you want to wash your mat in the washing machine, this generally works best with machines that are not top loaders, since the spin action of these machines can damage the mat. It is also a good idea not to place your mat in the dryer, because this can affect the stickiness factor of the mat. It is best to air dry your mat, away from direct sunlight if possible. If you do feel the need to place your mat in the dryer, use the low setting, and don’t leave it in for longer than ten minutes or so.
If you choose one of the high quality yoga mats and care for it properly, your mat can hold up for many years and many workouts. Choose a material and color that you like, and you will get plenty of good use out of your yoga mat.
