Yoga Mat- A must have Accessory for Yoga

What is a Yoga Mat?

Yoga mats are made from various materials, including latex, cotton, micro fiber, and rubber, and are normally slip-proof. Some are eco-friendly. Certain types have straps built-in for easy carrying, but others require bags for travel.

They come in various thicknesses and lengths. Travel mats tend to roll up more easily and are often thinner than regular mats. The average thickness for a beginner, or for those that prefer thin mats, is around 3.2 mm, while a medium thickness is 4- to 5.5 mm, and a premium mat can be 6.2 or 6.3 mm. Standard size is 24 inches by 68 inches, but some are available in longer lengths, such as 72 or 74 inches

Features to Look for

Smooth surface

Provides extra stickiness and grip.

Internal, center threading gives this mat exceptional strength and durability against tearing.
Fabric

High quality closed-cell PVC. Vinyl gives the mat a soft cushion feels.
Latex free
Mesh
Cotton
Rubber

Hand washable.
Size
Thickness
Colors
Weight
Built in carrying handles

Choosing a Yoga mat:

There are several yoga mats available, that you can choose from. Given below are the different types.

Sticky Mats - These mats offer stability while doing your yoga poses, in addition to a covering. They come in a variety of colors, are thin and lightweight. Some even have guide marks on them to help you with proper hand and foot placements. They can be used for most types of yoga. However, before use, you need to sprinkle them with a small amount of water and air dry. This will prevent the mats from slipping and sliding on the floor.
Ultra Double Thickness Mats - These yoga mats are the same as sticky mats, except for the fact that they are ultra thick. Because of this, they provide both cushioning and stability…which can be useful in certain poses. It is especially useful for practitioners who often jump from one pose to another (example Astanga practitioners).
Travel Mats - If you are on the go, then this is the right mat for you. It is prefect for throwing into your suitcase or carryon luggage and you can practice no matter where you are. Due to travel mats being very thin, you would need to use them on a carpeted floor. If the floor isn’t carpeted, spread a towel or blanket on it, and you’re all set.
Cotton Mats - Cotton mats are ideal for forms of yoga which produce extra body heat and cause you to sweat a lot (examples are Astanga or Bikram). They absorb sweat, and keep you from slipping and sliding. These, too, would be most effective if sprinkled with a small amount of water. Many cotton mats also have lines in the patterns, which helps you with your body alignment. They also provide cushioning and can be substituted for blankets by helping to bolster your body.

How do I clean my Yoga mat?

Most of the mats used are of different and large variety of sticky mats which are made up of PVC vinyl material and can be easily cleaned. If your mat is slightly dirty then just spray some water or clean it with a damp cloth and later wipe it with a dry towel. For mats which are very unclean, they can put this mat in a tub with very little detergent to remove the dirt from the mat. Too much of detergent would just make your mat more slippery, which is not advisable. Keep it soaked for time and later rinse it thoroughly. If you want to dry your mat quickly then use the press and soak technique. Place the mat between some towels, squeeze most of the water by walking on it and then leave it for drying outside you yard.

Benefits of using Yoga mat:

The yoga mats are mainly used to bring an improvement in your balance and coordination which you may lack otherwise.
Some asana are strongly rooted with your posture, so improving your posture and balance would also help in improving your health. The different mats are a match winner as they help in creating that act of balance in your body. It may be a different feeling in the beginning, but you will get used to it as time passes by.
The usage of these mats may prevent injuries which may be caused by the slippery surface. It is advisable to perform yoga on a mat rather than on the bare floor.
The mat keeps your body warm and the energy which is generated is within your body rather than passed on to the floor.

Summary:

Yoga mats are generally a very thin mat. They are used in order to make the ground or floor more comfortable for sitting and lying yoga moves. A mat is a good investment and it may be one of the first yoga accessories you wish to purchase.