By Caryn Kelly
Are you looking for a good yoga mat but don't know what kind to buy? It can be a daunting decision, especially because there are so many types of mats and so many places in which to buy one that your head can spin out of control and you'll break down and buy the first one you see at your local discount department store and not think about its quality or whether it'll really serve your purpose in the long run. All you know is that you're starting a yoga practice and you need a mat to take with you to class or to spread out on the floor in your spare bedroom.
What kinds of mats are there? There are thin mats, there are thick mats, there are extra thick, extra long, ones in the shape of a circle, and ones made from rubber, natural rubber, and even ones made from jute. There are solid colors and ones with print, and even ones sporting designer labels, and there are cheap ones that don't keep their stickiness and expensive ones that'll last forever. Which one should you choose? And what is the cost factor involved?
Some of my yoga students have asked me, "Where can I buy a mat?" I often refer them to one of the online yoga accessory sites because the prices are discounted or at least affordable to a beginner. The quality of online yoga products is also usually top notch and there are usually many choices and colors to choose from depending on the vendor. If you're just starting a yoga practice and need a mat that's practical but not expensive, choosing a mat at one of the online yoga prop stores would be a good option.
If you're going to choose a mat that doesn't cost too much, be aware that most inexpensive mats are made from materials that are not very friendly to the environment, such as PVC. You'll find that after using this type of mat for the first or second time, it'll give off a chemical smell. I wouldn't buy one of these mats and neither should you.
The best type of mat is made from rubber because it'll be the stickiest and your feet won't slip when getting into poses that test your balance. However, they can give off a slight odor the first day or two of use but after that the offensive rubber smell should go away so don't let that deter you. If you have allergies to latex, you'll also want to stay away from a rubber mat and choose one made from natural materials instead.
You'll also want to think about the kind of thickness you want in a yoga mat. If you have knee trouble, a thicker mat may be your best friend, but be aware that mats that are a little thicker are typically made for practicing pilates, and may not be your best bet for balancing or standing poses typical in a yoga practice. Thicker yoga mats, however, are very comfy for supine or "lying down" poses, such as Savasana. You just have to weigh your needs, look at your budget, and buy one that's appropriate for your practice.
Once you choose a yoga mat that'll work for you, you'll want to keep it clean and odor-free. Your best bet is to use diluted soapy water and wipe it down gently with a soft cloth and then let it air dry. You may also want to get yourself a nice mat bag to keep the dust and light away from it, and for carrying it around, so that it lasts for a long time.
Caryn Kelly is a longtime yoga practitioner and instructor of basic hatha and restorative yoga in Salt Lake City, Utah. Visit her blog at http://myyogamylife.com/
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posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 6:44 PM
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