7 TIPS TO FINDING YOUR BEST YOGA MAT

THE LOOK: LEGGINGS | TANK | YOGA MAT

Whether you are breathing through bridge pose or positioning your body in pigeon, you want your yoga mat to enhance your practice and not hinder it.

Are you looking for a green, natural mat? Is sustainability important to you? Do you workout at home or do you travel with your mat quite frequently? With the right guidelines, you can find the best yoga mat to suit your fitness and health priorities.

Several years ago, when my son wanted to work on mobility and range of motion for baseball, I researched different options for him. Again and again, yoga kept popping up, so we joined a gym and we started practicing together. It was then that I discovered a profound love for the tranquility the practice offers.

Before we started our first class, I researched different yoga mats and was overwhelmed with all of the choices. I wanted a high quality mat with exceptional traction, but free of PVC, phthalates, BPA, and other plasticizers. When we are practicing yoga, the last thing I want to think about is whether or not our mats contain toxic chemicals.

I was most impressed with this mat because it is made from 100% natural rubber and contains no BPA, phthalates, or PVC. It is 3/16” thick and provides me with excellent stability, resistance, and cushion. No sliding around during Downward Facing Dog or feeling uneasy in Eagle Pose. Yeah!!!

The mats are open-cell, so I just toss them in my washing machine (only machines with no agitator) and hang them indoors to dry.

I have the 24” width by 68″ length version, but they also come in extra-wide or extra-long sizes.  As an added bonus, they are made in the USA and they plant a tree for every mat that is sold!

Because I was so happy with our yoga mats, I bought a teal one for mom and a black one for my husband — to use when I bring him to yoga class with me 🙂

Here are some tips to help you find your perfect yoga mat! Namaste!

1. GRIP: Good grip with your mat helps you feel connected to the ground and secure during inversions, standing poses, and balances. Mats made of natural rubber are classified as either open-cell or closed-cell. Just as the name implies, open cell-mats, are permeable and porous. This is advantageous if you tend to sweat or if you attend hot yoga classes because the mat absorbs moisture and does not pool on the surface, which allows you to maintain traction. The surface of a closed-cell mat is denser and more water resistant, so it can get slick for people who sweat a lot or practice in humid conditions. If you prefer the closed-cell technology, you can use a towel to wipe down excess moisture.
2. MATERIAL: You will be spending a lot of time practicing your poses and you want to feel comfortable with your face and body against the mat. If you are searching for green and natural alternatives, avoid yoga mats made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC, otherwise known as vinyl or plastic with recycle code #3, contains phthalates and other harmful chemicals. Look for non-toxic alternatives, such as natural rubber, jute, or organic cotton.
3. COMFORT: A standard mat is usually 1/8” thick.  These mats provide just enough cushioning to support your body, while keeping you stable to the ground. If you feel like you might want a little more padding, opt for mats 3/16” or 1/4” thick.  Thicker mats are great for restorative and therapeutic purposes, but poses and inversions can prove to be more difficult.
4. WEIGHT: If you practice yoga outside of your home or if you travel a lot, you may want to consider the weight of your mat.  Travel yoga mats are easy to fold and are usually less than 1/8” thick.
5. SIZE: A typical yoga mat is usually 68 inches long and 24 inches wide. If you are taller, you might want a 72-, 74-, or 84- inch mat to keep you from feeling confined within the perimeter of your mat.
6. SUSTAINABILITY AND DEDICATED CAUSES: Where is the yoga mat manufactured? Is the manufacturer concerned about giving back to the environment and taking care of their employees? Do they donate to special causes and organizations? Can the yoga mat easily be recycled?
7. CARE: Open cell-mats are permeable, so they absorb moisture and bacteria. Many manufacturers recommend cleaning after each use with a mild soap and water mixture or a designated yoga mat cleaner. Deep cleaning an open-cell mat is a necessity because bacteria and moisture will build up over time. Clean it in your bathtub, outside with a hose, or in a front-loading washing machine (only ones without an agitator), but do not leave it outside in the sun to dry because the material can break down.

Closed-cell mats are denser and more impermeable than open-cell mats, so they can usually be wiped down with a cleaning solution. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for guidelines specific to your mat.

What are some of the qualities you look for in a yoga mat? Leave a comment below!