Hello, friends! Today we will discuss how to choose the best yoga mat for your yoga practice. FDM knows how tough it can be for kids and teens to find their right yoga mat. This is why we created this guide to help you find the best yoga mat for your needs and to improve your yoga experience.
This Yoga Mat Guide Will Help You Choose the Right One
There are so many reasons why choosing the right yoga mat is highly crucial. First, a good mat can make sure you don’t slip and fall while you are doing poses. Second, it can make your practice more at ease, and therefore you can enjoy your time on the mat even more. Finally, have a good mat can help one feel good about their yoga practice and inspire them to continue doing it. With tons of options out there, though, how do you know which to choose? Here are some considerations to keep in mind in making your decision:
Material: Yoga mats are made out of various materials including rubber, PVC and eco-friendly alternatives like cork and natural rubber. Consider what matters to you when selecting a mat. If you want an environmentally-friendly option, seek out mats made from sustainable materials. Mats to help protect our planet! But if you're sensitive to smells, you should probably avoid PVC mats; they tend to have a strong odor that can be off-putting to some.
Grip: The most important characteristic of a yoga mat is the grip. You need a mat that keeps you from slipping and sliding throughout your practice, especially when you’re trying to hold a pose. Choose mats with non-slip or textured surfaces to help you remain stable. Having a good grip on your mat will help you retain focus on your poses rather than worry about slipping and falling.
Size: Yoga mats vary in size, so consider how much space you’d like to practice in. Standard mats are usually around 68 inches long and 24 inches wide, which is a good size for most people. But, if you are above average height or require more room to get around easily, maybe consider a longer or wider mat. Enough space to practice is crucial so select a size that suits you well.
Thickness: Yoga mats can range from thin (about 1/16 inch) to thick (about 1/4 inch). Thicker mats offer more cushioning and support, which can work in your favor if your knees and joints are lower to the ground when you’re adapting poses. Thinner mats, on the other hand, can provide more stability and help you balance better. If you’re a balancing pose person or are even into inversions (which means turning yourself upside down), you might find a thinner mat better suited for you. Choose a mat thickness that feels best for your body.
Find the Right Yoga Mat for You: Step by Step
It's time to ask yourself though: What do you want to consider while buying a yoga mat? Knowing this will help you determine what type of mat is best for you:
What style of yoga do you practice? There are different mats for different types of yoga. If you do hot yoga in a warm room, you will want a mat that is made for hot and sweaty conditions, for example. This makes these mats designed to provide a little more grip and support when you need it.
Where do you practice yoga? Think about where you’re going to use your mat. If you practice outdoors on the grass or on a hard floor, you’ll probably want a thicker mat that offers more cushioning. Playing on something softer makes you more comfortable, and means you're less likely to feel aches or pains when you practice.
How often do you practice? Consider how frequently you engage in yoga. If you practice yoga daily, maybe invest in a higher quality mat that will last a long time compared with the cheaper option. A good mat can be an integral part of your practice, so it’s worth investing in one that’ll hold up to regular use and help you refine your skills.
The thickness of the perfect yoga mat for you
As we said before, four millimeters of thickness can alter the way you do yoga. Below are some general considerations when selecting thickness of your yoga mat:
Cushion: If you have sensitive knees or joints, a thicker mat can offer more cushioning and lessen the impact, which can make your practice more comfortable. When you feel better about practicing, you are more likely to enjoy it and want to practice yoga regularly.
Stability: Thinner mats can provide additional stability and allow you to feel more grounded. This is especially important if you work on balancing poses or inversions. A thinner mat will be better able to help you feel stable in challenging poses.
Portability: If portability is an issue for you and you need a mat that is easy to throw in the car or carry around, a thinner mat will be lighter and take up less space in your bag. This is good for when you travel or are on your college or university's campus. You will want a mat that you can easily carry with you wherever you go.
How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
The planet really matters to us at FDM. That’s why we have a lot of eco-friendly yoga mats that are made from sustainable materials, such as cork, natural rubber, etc. Not just eco-friendly, but materials that are also safe for you as well. If you choose a sustainable yoga mat, you may have more to feel happy about during your yoga practice, knowing that you are doing something for the environment.
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing a yoga mat is a personal decision that should be based on your preferences and needs. It comes down to what you prefer and what your body finds comfortable in a mat. There are various posture and yoga mats available at FDM for every budget and requirement. A thick mat for extra comfort, or an eco-friendly mat to match your values — we have it all.
Finally, have a short list you own the best yoga mat yoga, and you should help you. When choosing a mat, consider what you need, what type of yoga you practice, and what matters to you. We have 295 customers who took their first yoga class with us, 130 customers who then purchased a yoga mat. So take your time, find your yoga mat that suits your needs the best!