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Sentence: Yoga is an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years, and it is a type of exercise that can benefit the mind, body, and soul. Regular yoga practice can help you build strength, increase flexibility, and improve balance. Not to mention, it can also help relieve pain, stress, and anxiety. In order to practice this form of exercise properly, you need the right gear, and a yoga mat that is most suitable for you is vital. Visit Pureful Yoga, it’s completely recyclable and bio-degradable. Here are a few pointers to help you choose the best yoga mat for your own personal needs.
Why Do I Need a Personal Yoga Mat?
It doesn’t matter whether you practice at home, at the gym or on the beach; a high-quality yoga mat is essential. Performing a series of yoga poses on the wrong surface can lead to frustration, wobbles, and even injuries. If you solely practice in a yoga studio or at a fitness center that provides mats, you might question the benefits of purchasing your own mat. A communal mat is more likely to harbor germs and bacteria, which you can pick up if you place your hands and bare feet directly on it. On the other hand, you know where your own personal mat has been and if you clean it regularly, you won’t have to worry about picking up or spreading germs.
Thickness and Weight
The thickness and weight of a yoga mat can vary a lot. Super lightweight is great for traveling and yoga on the go, but you may have to compromise on comfort. Lightweight mats are often very thin (2mm), which means you have less to cushion you from the ground. On the other hand, extra-thick mats (6mm and over) provide extra cushioning and can be better for people with achy joints. However, they provide less stability when carrying out yoga poses. The sweet spot for most people is often around 3.5mm to 4.5mm. This thickness offers enough cushioning so that you don’t feel a hard floor beneath your body and the mat won’t disrupt your flow during practice.
Different Types of Materials
Yoga mats come in a range of materials, and the material you choose often dictates the price range, weight, and durability. The most common materials used include PVC and TPE. However, there are also natural alternatives, such as rubber and cork.
PVC
PVC mats are often the most inexpensive types as they are cheap to produce. They are also durable, low maintenance and offer good grip if you don’t sweat a lot. It is also latex-free, which is great for those with allergies. However, it is not the most environmentally friendly material, as it is neither biodegradable nor recyclable.
TPE
TPE is generally made from rubber and plastic polymers and offers good traction. Some TPE mats can be recycled, which makes them more eco-friendly. However, they are not as durable as PVC mats.
Natural Alternatives
Natural mats are much better for the environment, and you can find them in materials such as rubber, cork, jute, and cotton. However, certain mats do not provide as much grip as man-made materials and they may not last as long either.
