Nothing can boost the physical well-being and mental awareness as yoga, which is why it has become very popular among people who want to exercise and relax at the same time. Although many associate yoga with flexibility, it is more than that. It can help boost immune system, improve sex life and sleep, help fend off food cravings, increase the strength of your muscle, etc.
Practising yoga does not require much. For the beginning, all you need is time and a yoga mat. Given that the mat is the essential piece of yoga gear, it is important to get the right one. However, according to professional yogis, over 50% of Aussies purchase a yoga mat based on colour only. While design may inspire your yoga practice, stability, functionality and comfort are the features to focus on when shopping for yoga mat Au yogis advise. wide and retailers from where to purchase, but before that you should know some basic things about this yoga prop so you can choose the right one for you.
Material
Yoga mats are available in few different materials and it is best to get familiar with each one to ensure you make the right choice.
- NRB – This is a kind of natural rubber which features durability, softness and good support. This type of yoga mat Au yogis recommend for a more gentle style of yoga practice. For a more demanding practice, it is best to go with a mat made of both NRB and PVC.
- EVA – Yoga mat made of this material is the lightest option available and is a great choice if you travel a lot. It has one downside however. Mats made of EVA material easily change their shape.
- PVC – If you find a yoga mat made of EVE material too light, you can go with the PVC option. It is the most common type used in yoga studios and yoga homes mainly because these mats are heavier and maintain original shape.
- TPE – If you are looking for the Eco-friendly option then this is the mat for you. It is a blend of two materials: a rubber on top and bottom and a type of Eco-friendly fabric in the middle which ensures the mat maintains its original shape. TPE yoga mats are easy to recognize as they come in two different colours.
Texture
The texture determines how much traction certain type of mat provides. This is what makes some yoga mats better for standing poses while others for lying and sitting poses. To get the best of both worlds, go with a PVC mat. The smooth texture makes them suitable for almost all yoga poses.
Thickness
How comfort certain type of mat is depends on the thickness which can also affect the stability of the mat. To be on the safe side, it is best to go with a standard 3mm thick mat as it offers a good amount of stability and comfort.
Stickiness
This is what differentiates yoga mats from basic exercise mats and should operate on both sides. The side that is in contact with the floor should provide a stationary anchor that ensures the mat does not move when switching from poses. The upper side should provide a skid-free surface ensuring your hands stay in place even when they are damp.
