If you feel like your bones are aching after yoga, you may be overdoing it. It may also be that the mat you were working on does not suit you. It is useless to study ancient texts on this subject. Indian yogis prescribe to practice asanas at any time in any place: on stones, on sand, on grass. But if we are not going to take vrikshasana on the ocean today, then it is better to take care of a yoga mat.
Rug, towel, linoleum or… bare ground?
Our ancestors did without yoga mats, and achieved no less success. So maybe it would be right to do without them altogether? If you feel comfortable, you can even practice on your home carpet. Some lay a blanket or towel. There is one significant “but”: the surface you have chosen for practice should not slip. Sometimes you have to take off your socks so that your legs do not move.
Even in the simplest of postures, such as adho mukha svanasana, your hands can slip and you hit your head hard. Therefore, from the “home” surfaces, linoleum or laminate is still better than a carpet.
Some "orthodox" yoga devotees refuse mats because they prefer to practice in nature. This is better in terms of energy exchange with the earth, and artificial "litter" prevents the flow of energy.
Others do not buy a yoga mat because they work out in gyms, and there they give out all the equipment. This is not entirely correct. From the point of view of hygiene - both physical and energetic - it is better to bring your own rug.
Yoga mat is your friend and helper
So, a yoga mat is just an inventory that makes your practice easier. How to choose a yoga mat? The first rule - the rule of safety - you already know, it must not slip. By the way, its surface can be slippery due to the factory spraying, which is done so that the mat does not cake. Therefore, before the first use, it must be washed in warm water without soap.
The biggest mistake beginners make is buying a travel mat instead of a gym mat. If you practice outdoors, this might make sense. The hiking option will protect you from the cold coming from the ground and strong bumps. But otherwise it is not suitable for yoga.
Reviews of experienced practitioners say that the size of the workspace does not really matter. The standard length of about 185 centimeters is enough for almost everyone. Discomfort can only occur in the tallest people. Then you can buy a long yoga mat measuring 220 centimeters. But in general, oversized rugs are made for ashtanga vinyasa yoga. In this type of practice, a lot of attention is paid to the forwards and lunges of the body, which require more space.
What really matters is the thickness of the yoga mat. You will understand this when, for example, you roll on your back, or rest your elbows on the floor during halasana.
From the point of view of hygiene - both physical and energetic - it is always better to practice on your own mat
How to choose a yoga mat: what else is important?
There is also controversy about what material should be in the yoga mat. The most common and cheapest rugs are made of PVC. But some insist that the material must be natural. On sale there are mats with jute, cotton or linen fibers in the composition. In addition to environmental friendliness and good energy exchange, these rugs also have good moisture absorption.
It is believed that this is convenient for beginners who make great efforts, and therefore sweat profusely. But, firstly, it is better to choose clothes that will absorb moisture well. And, secondly, before class, it is better to wash yourself thoroughly, and then sweating will not bother you or your fellow practitioners.
By the way, it is believed that yogic sweat rejuvenates the body. Therefore, real Indian sages after class rub it into the body, instead of washing it off.
The color of the rug doesn't really matter either. But some people find it more convenient to have some simple and large geometric pattern on its surface. Then, when performing balance poses, it will be easier for you to choose a point for fixing your gaze under your feet, and you will gain greater stability.
Little tricks
If you practice on the same rug for a long time, then it can acquire a characteristic smell. Rugs made of artificial materials can be washed in a washing machine on a delicate cycle, but without detergents.
The ideal yoga mat should:
Don't slip. Otherwise, in asanas and vinyasas, the legs and arms will move in all directions. Moreover, the more intense your practice, the more important this item is. The most “sticky” known models are rubber mats, for example. However, keep in mind that the "stickiness" of a rug is inversely proportional to its durability - a non-slippery carpet is subjected to more stress from friction and wears off faster.
Don't reach out. Almost all yoga mats are reinforced, i.e. have a mesh frame or textile core inside. It does not allow the rug to stretch and, moreover, increases its strength and durability. Often reinforcement works better in one direction, i.e. the rug does not deform along, but can stretch across. It's best to check this before buying. Jute rugs use jute fibers as reinforcement. Cork floor mats do not need reinforcement, because the cork surface itself gives the product resistance to stretching.
be symmetrical. For example, Reebok makes beveled edge rugs. It is difficult to maintain the symmetry of asanas on such a rug, because you have to perform them as if “at an angle”. The ideal shape of the rug is rectangular. The markup on it also helps beginners well.
Be hygienic and environmentally friendly. Not only the physical and organoleptic properties of your rug, but also your well-being, and possibly health, depend on the material from which your rug is made. The smell from a cheap PVC mat may not disappear for a long time and haunt you during practice, preventing you from concentrating on asanas, and the unknown composition of the material itself can cause allergies and other unpleasant consequences. And it's not about the material itself. For example, a PVC rug made in Germany () will be safer than Chinese rubber from Aliexpress, for the quality of which no one is responsible. From here advice: it is better to choose rugs of famous brands.
Length. For static practice, choose a mat that will fit your height + 5-10 cm. If you are engaged in intense dynamics, it is better to take a mat with a margin of 20-30 centimeters.
Width. Standard yoga mats are 60 cm wide, which is enough for most people. If you have a large build, it is better to opt for a wider rug, such as the 80 cm Rishikesh.
Thickness. The thinner the mat, the lighter and more compact it is, but the harder it is and the worse it retains heat. The thickness of the mat is 4.5-6 mm. ideal, on such a rug you will not freeze on a cold floor and experience discomfort in an emphasis on the knee or inverted poses. The thicker rug already loses in stability. If you are going to constantly carry a mat to workouts, choose a 3 mm one, it is more convenient for travel and storage.
And finally, a few words about the care of the yoga mat.
All yoga mats are lubricated to keep them from sticking together during storage. Therefore, a new yoga mat should be washed in hot water before practice or washed in a washing machine without powder, otherwise you will slip on it.
As the rug becomes dirty, it also needs to be washed or machine washed, this increases its “stickiness”.
You can store your yoga mat in a folded state, and you need to fold it with the bottom side inward, otherwise the edges will begin to bend up over time, and your mat will look more like a flying carpet. It is better not to fold the mat, otherwise you will get clear grooves over time, and the rubber in these places will wear out faster. .
Accepted and more comfortable on a special mat, regardless of the venue - home conditions, hall or nature. Many beginners are interested in the question of how to choose a yoga mat, what are the features and criteria.
A customized yoga mat helps maintain personal hygiene and reduces the risk of injury during class.
Among the large range of these accessories, attention should be paid to such parameters as grip, dimensions, thickness, weight, equipment and markings. Products made from natural materials, such as rubber, are preferred.
Clutch
This parameter is one of the most important. The mat is designed to ensure the safety of performing yoga poses, so it must have high-quality grip on surfaces. The side that is in contact with the floor must "stick" to the floor, preventing this product from sliding. The top surface on which exercises with particular tension are performed should also minimize slipping.
For practice, according to this parameter, tourist foams and sports mats are not suitable.
Coverage such as Poli Fix, gives the best grip between the mat and the exerciser.
Coating Feature microfiber is to prevent slipping of the palms.
The revolutionary coating that creates the best grip currently available is non-slip.
The size
The size of the yoga mat is selected for each person individually. The length should be determined as follows:
when performing ordinary assanas, it is required for the growth of a person add 10-15 cm;
for dynamic exercises, choose the length over 200 cm.
An acceptable width for such a product is the range from 60 to 80 cm. Wider ones increase the personal surface for exercise, but cause discomfort during transportation.
Thickness
Another important parameter, especially for beginners, is the thickness of the yoga mat, which is usually selected in the range three to six mm. Thicker products provide more comfort when performing asanas with an emphasis on the elbow and knee joints. However, thicker mats carry a lot of weight.
Professionals most often use thin products up to three mm.
The weight
This characteristic is determined by the material, size and thickness of the rug and is in the range from 900 gr. up to 3.3 kg. For home practice, you can buy a heavier mat, and lighter options are preferable for transportation: for girls about 1 kg, for men - 2-2.5 kg.
markup
This characteristic is optional and is chosen at the discretion of the rug owner. The markings applied to the surface in the form of a central line and transverse lines of setting arms and legs allow practicing beginners to technically correctly perform postures and get the maximum benefit from training.
Equipment
For convenient transportation, as well as storage, many manufacturers offer a special carrying case complete with a rug. It can be just a belt or an individual bag.
Main color
When choosing the color of a yoga mat, you should rely only on individual preferences, since the right color will make your practice more effective. At the same time, professionals are advised to abandon bright distracting colors, and choose more natural shades. Also, from the chosen color, you can learn about the character and internal state of a person.
Having decided to do yoga, you need to take care of a special rug. By choosing the right one, you can provide maximum grip, increase the efficiency of classes, make it easier to transport, and also reduce the risk of injury during practice. Now you know which yoga mat is the best choice for different circumstances.
Currently, there are many articles on the choice of yoga mats, but all of them do not reflect modern realities. The market for yoga mats is growing rapidly, and in recent years there have been quite a lot of new products about the features of which, a wide range of yoga lovers are not so aware.
In this article, we will try to figure out in detail how to choose a yoga mat in 2017-2018. What to look for, what trends and novelties exist, how to save money without overpaying for a brand and ultimately choose a reliable and high-quality rug for yourself.
Budget rugs (PVC rugs)
When choosing a yoga mat, many beginners initially pay attention to budget options, which is especially logical for those who are not yet fully sure that they will practice regularly and are not ready to spend more than a certain amount on a new hobby. Let's start with what requirements it must meet:
1. Do not slip on the floor
2. Prevent slipping during practice
3.Be strong enough
4. Have a comfortable length, width and thickness for a yoga practitioner
The first 3 points depend directly on the material from which the rug is made. There are 3 generally accepted base materials from which rugs are made. These are: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and rubber. They can also be combined.
1.PPE. In fact, this is a tourist foam, which, firstly, glides strongly on the floor, and secondly, it is not wear-resistant at all. Calling it a yoga mat is absolutely wrong, even if the seller claims it is a yoga mat.
2. Izolon. It is also more likely a tourist rug that slides on the floor, is very dimensional during transportation, has poor anti-slip properties, wears out quickly
3.EVA. Slides on the floor, wears out quickly.
The best budget options that meet the basic requirements for a yoga mat include, first of all,.
Until 2013, the niche of budget PVC rugs was mainly Chinese rugs. Their advantages include acceptable stickiness to the floor, a large number of colors, low weight.
Of the minuses, it is worth highlighting: not the best anti-slip properties. But everything is known in comparison, especially with rugs made of PPE, EVA and other unsuitable options.
The main minus of these rugs is wear resistance, these rugs wear out very quickly, crumble.
The characteristic texture for these rugs is the texture of pimples.
Similar rugs are presented in many stores, including chain stores.
They are produced under different brands, in different colors and thicknesses. In fact, any company can make such a rug under its own brand. The price of such rugs depends on the pricing policy of the company, brand, size of the rug and sometimes the pattern on it.
The most important difference between these mats is their density, which determines their durability.
There is also a big misconception about the thickness of such rugs. Very often, beginners tend to choose a thicker mat that would be comfortable to practice, but this is a double-edged sword. The optimal thickness for such rugs is 4 mm.
Often, such rugs are found with a thickness of 6 mm, 8 mm, and even 1 cm. Such thicknesses in this case, rather, will not bring comfort, but rather will interfere with practice.
The fact is that with such thicknesses, the mat is simply very strongly foamed, but its density is very low, due to this it is difficult to keep balance on such mats. For dynamic practices, they are also not suitable, the rug is pressed through. Also, these rugs often have a length of 173 cm. The standard European length is 183 cm
We leave all reviews, including criticism, but you should not forget that this is a budget option, and you won’t be able to get a magic carpet for 550 rubles.
But in terms of price-quality ratio, these mats will definitely not disappoint their customers.
Mid-Range Floor Mats (PVC Floor Mats)
A few years ago, in many articles, one could often come across the opinion that PVC rugs belong specifically to entry-level rugs, i.e. the simplest, for beginners, the most not durable, etc.
In fact, this is a big misconception, even premium class rugs, for example, all rugs in the series are made of PVC.
So what is the difference between rugs of the middle price category, and, accordingly, of higher quality from not expensive ones?
Due to their texture, German mats have better anti-slip properties, due to the denser material, they are more durable. Also, these rugs have European quality certificates, which, among other things, indicate that the rug is safe for the skin of a child up to 2 years old.
In personal practice, such mats serve 3 years or more.
As a rule, German mats have 2 thicknesses: 3 mm for more static practice, such as Iyengar yoga, and 4.5 mm for a more versatile thickness.
The width of such rugs is standard 60 cm or. Length from 175 to 220 cm.
The most popular models in this price category
Mid-Range Floor Mats (TPE Floor Mats)
Such rugs are produced in China, sold under different brands, including European, Russian, American.
These rugs are very convenient to take with you. Perfect for both beginners and professionals. It should also be noted the large presence of bright interesting colors in each model.
Natural yoga mats (premium mats)
The greatest variety in recent years has been achieved by rugs made from premium natural materials.
And it becomes quite difficult for an ordinary consumer to understand them. In this price segment, the price does not directly reflect the quality of the rug. A large number of different brands and new products can be confusing when choosing a rug. Therefore, we will analyze all the available varieties of natural rubber rugs in order to help our customers choose the right model for themselves.
1. 100% natural rubber mats.
Classic rubber mats. 100% rubber mats appeared among the first in the Russian and world market, and won recognition among yoga practitioners.
These mats typically have an open cell texture that is designed to absorb moisture into itself. Solid weight, depending on the size of the rug. A standard 100% rubber mat measuring 183 x 60 cm x 4 mm weighs about 2.5 kg
These rugs very durable, have excellent anti-slip properties, excellent adhesion to the floor.
All are manufactured in the same factory in Taiwan. Their cost depends on the size, for example, the most inexpensive of this category are thin ones. While a rug made of the same material will cost 2 times more.
The brand under which the rug is produced also plays a big role.
For example, rugs from well-known American brands will be somewhat more expensive than rugs from well-known European brands. Although their quality is 100% comparable
And rugs of Russian brands with identical quality will be even more affordable. As a rule, the difference between brands is only the design. The larger and more famous the company under whose brand the rugs are produced, the wider and more diverse the color range of models.
This is due to the minimum number of mats per color that the factory is ready to sell to wholesale distributors.
We can conclude that, is still one of the best and time-tested yoga mats.
2. Latex rubber yoga mats.
Because The main disadvantage of yoga mats made of 100% rubber is the considerable weight of the mats since 2014 appeared on the world market new mats from the Spanish factory using latex. The addition of latex to the rubber reduced the weight of the mat by about 20%.
The texture of the carpet has also changed. Unlike 100% rubber yoga mats, the latex mat has a closed cell texture that makes it easy to care for. Also latex rubber mats often have perforations similar to those of TPE mats, which provide additional anti-slip properties. The manufacturer claims that the latex coating has an antimicrobial effect.
The price of this rug depends, just like in natural rubber rugs, on the size of the rug and the brand under which it is sold. There are German, Russian, Spanish brands.
We conclude that a rubber mat using latex will be an excellent alternative to 100% rubber mats due to its lighter weight, easier care of the mat.
In terms of price, the cost of mats made of 100% natural rubber and mats using latex is approximately equal.
3. Natural rubber yoga mats with NON Slip coating
In 2016, a new product appeared on the Russian market -. Literally NON Slip can be translated as "anti-slip"
A layer of polyurethane is applied to the rubber base, which is a non-slip coating.
This covering has a completely closed texture, on which markings or a pattern are applied to help beginners in building up asanas. Many patterned rugs are a little more slippery than regular rugs because applying a layer of paint to a rug changes its texture and
Anti-slip properties. Drawing on Non Slip coating does not change the texture of the coating itself, because. done with a laser. Thus, we get a mat with excellent anti-slip properties, interesting design and markings.
It is worth noting that mats with such a coating have a disadvantage of classic rubber mats - this is a considerable weight. Non Slip mats weigh about 3 kg Because, in addition, they have an increased width of 66 cm (6 cm wider than classic rubber mats)
All Non Slip mats are identical. The difference is only in the design and brand under which this rug is produced.
Thus, we conclude: this rug has excellent anti-slip properties and an interesting design.
4. Natural rubber yoga mats with microfiber
As well as mats made of natural rubber with Non Slip coating, a thin layer of microfiber is applied to the rubber base, which in these models performs 2 main tasks:
1. Microfiber perfectly absorbs moisture, which is especially important for profuse sweating, as well as for some types of yoga, such as Bikram yoga.
2. With the help of microfiber, a color pattern is applied to the rug, which makes these rugs very interesting in terms of design. With microfiber, you can apply a pattern of any complexity with any color rendition.
In addition, microfiber has pleasant tactile properties, soft and pleasant to the touch, they do not irritate sensitive skin. Well suited for practice, where a large number of sliding elements. Perhaps for beginners with dry palms, these mats will feel a bit slippery compared to classic rubber mats.
Prices for microfiber rugs depend on the brand and size of the rug and the quality of the print. But there is no fundamental difference between them.
5. Cork-coated rubber yoga mats
As in previous models, a thin layer of natural cork is applied to the rubber base. The cork perfectly absorbs moisture, and a pattern is applied to the cork using a laser.
Compared to microfiber rugs, they have better anti-slip properties, the cork coating gives such rugs an additional eco-friendly look.
The price also depends on the brand and size of the rug.
They also belong to natural yoga mats, but stand out in a separate category. As a rule, they are made in India, but, from a practical point of view, it is difficult to practice on them, because. cotton mats glide across the floor and fold like an accordion. Rather, they are suitable for meditation, and not for the practice of yoga.
The perfect yoga mat should meet your practice needs: depending on your preferred style and your height, its thickness and length are determined. High-quality yoga mats are made of natural materials, always reinforced with mesh, they do not slip or stretch.
Of course, in any free access there are all the necessary auxiliary materials. However, this raises the question of hygiene - if you are sure that in your studio the mats are washed before each lesson, and transporting your own cover causes you inconvenience, use the public one.
But if you still decide to purchase your own rug, we recommend that you carefully read this article in order to make the right choice.
First of all, every practitioner should remember that no matter how excellent the quality of the rug is, it should not attract attention to itself - beware of flashy colors and poisonous shades. This will prevent not only you from practicing, but also other students in the group. Choose calm natural colors and do not think too much about what is depicted on it.
Experienced masters say that if you are considering a neighbor's mat, then there is nothing for you to do in yoga. Therefore, your accessory does not need to attract attention, the main thing is that it be of high quality and meet the goals of the practice.
Yoga mat length and width
First of all, you should decide on the length and thickness. If you are mainly engaged in static, add 5-10 cm to your height. This will be the ideal length. If you practice in a dynamic style, choose 20-30 cm longer.
In general, a mat about 180 cm long is suitable for the vast majority of practitioners, however, if you are over 180 cm tall, the length should be at least 200 cm. For children, 170-175 cm is the optimal length.
The standard width of the rug is 60 cm, it is quite possible that it will be enough for you. But if you need more space for a comfortable practice, use an 80 cm wide accessory. However, please note that it can cause more trouble during transportation.
Yoga mat thickness
Optimum thickness: 4.5-6 mm. On such a rug, you can be sure that you will not freeze on a cold floor and, at the same time, you will not experience discomfort in inverted poses and when resting on your knee. In other words, this thickness provides sufficient softness of the practice and guarantees comfort. This is especially important when performing and prolonged meditation.
However, if you often transport the mat, try to work out on 3-4 mm - it is more convenient in transportation and storage.
As a rule, women require softer mats than men.
Material
The most important condition here is that it should not stretch. Most yoga mats are reinforced with a mesh frame, which provides them with sufficient strength and durability. In specialized stores, you can also find lightweight versions without mesh, they fold well and do not take up much space, but during intensive practice they can stretch.
It will be ideal if you purchase a rug made of natural material (eco-mat) - rubber or cotton. This will provide slip protection due to the special property of the mat to absorb moisture.
A cheaper option is synthetic. If you decide to purchase it, pay attention that it contains silicone.
There are also special mats for sale for people who actively sweat in class. They are equipped with a special anti-slip coating, consisting of a soft fiber.
How to take care of the rug?
During production, most yoga mats are coated with a special lubricant to prevent sticking during storage, so they should be washed with soap and water before use.
It must be stored in a folded state, while it must be folded with the bottom side inward. Otherwise, its edges will soon begin to bend upward, causing discomfort.
Be sure to purchase a case so that it does not get covered in dust. Wrap it in a roll, not an "envelope"! Otherwise, grooves form at the folds.
How to wash? Some of them are machine washable. It is better to clarify this immediately when buying. As a general rule, do not use detergents, they are almost impossible to rinse out completely.
Periodically wash the yoga mat in the bathroom in clean water, without soaking or wringing.