Planning To Buy A Yoga Mat? You Must Consider These 3 Things

From thickness to texture, here are tips on how to decide which yoga mat is best for you

Mohini Mehrotra Updated: May 23, 2020 15:13:56 IST
2020-05-23T15:13:26+05:30
2020-05-23T15:13:56+05:30
Planning To Buy A Yoga Mat? You Must Consider These 3 Things Photo: Shutterstock

Whether you’re buying your first yoga mat or replacing an old one, there are some things you should consider before zeroing in on one. A good yoga mat should be anti-skid to keep you stable when you’re performing an asana, it should be travel-friendly and easy to store, yet comfortable and cushy. Thickness and texture are important too. Here are features to look out for when you’re buying a yoga mat:

Be size wise

Buy a yoga mat that is at least six inches taller than you are. If you are 5 feet tall, go for a standard size, which is 24” x 68”, or 24 inches in width and 68 inches in length (5.66 feet approx). Ideally, during shavasana (or corpse pose), you should be able to lie on your mat comfortably without your hands or legs going beyond the mat. If you’re taller, go for a long or an extra-long mat. While a 24 inch-width is standard, if you have a broader built, look for an extra-wide yoga mat to get a little space to move around.

Thickness matters

A standard yoga mat is usually 1/8-inch thick, which should ideally meet your requirement. There are super-thin yoga mats too, popularly known as ‘travel yoga mats’, with 1/16-inch thickness—these are light and portable and ideal for those who carry their mats while travelling.

What should be the thickness of your yoga mat? It depends on how comfortable you are while using it. If you are very thin or have sensitive joints, go for a 1/4-inch thick mat, as it would provide you extra cushion so that you don’t hurt your knees or joints while doing a pose. However, a thicker mat may make it slightly difficult for you to find your balance while doing standing asanas, such as the tree pose.

Texture and stickiness

The texture and stickiness of a yoga mat are key because they keep you from sliding and slipping. In terms of materials, there are many options to choose from—foam, PVC, rubber, jute, or raised cotton yoga mat. PVC and foam mats, while providing a raised texture, are softer. If you want to avoid a PVC mat, you can also consider a rubber mat. Bottom line: choose a mat that will give you a good grip.

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