Yoga Mat – How many types of Yoga Mat are there and which one is right for me?
A Yoga Mat Selection Guide from Yogikuti
In the 60s when Yoga began to spread as a practice from India to the West, the choices of Yoga Mats were very limited. Size was one and features such as thickness and texture were not rated as much. Today the options we have are many and each one has its own usability.
So that you don't feel 'lost' when you start researching mats on Google, the following guide from Yogikuti is intended to help you choose the right yoga mat for your body type, but also for individual conditions: whether you're a beginner or an advanced student , if you are pregnant, if you have injuries or chronic pain, and depending on your financial capacity.
The key features in yoga mats are as follows:
1. COMPOSITION (material) :
i) Natural Rubber & PU layer, ii) Natural Rubber & Cork layer, iii) 100% Natural Rubber, iv) Natural Rubber & Suede layer, v) PU or TPE
The material from which a yoga mat is made determines how non-slip it is, how easily it prevents the formation of bacteria and unpleasant odors, as well as how much it protects the environment by being biodegradable or not.
i) Natural Rubber & PU layer
This is the most modern technology in yoga mats, which combines all the advantages of its individual materials. The natural rubber base is ecological, durable, and non-slip. The TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) coating is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, PVC-free. It offers high grip and absorbs moisture, so you can enjoy absolute stability in your practice. In addition, the two layers of absorbent materials offer high shock absorption. It prevents the formation of bacteria and is easily cleaned with a fresh cloth dipped in water and vinegar. TPE and natural rubber mats are durable and an investment that will accompany you for years of quality practice.
Meet the Yoga mat Yogikuti Premium Yoga Mat with TPE and Natural Rubber technology in a variety of colors.
ii) Natural Cork & Natural Rubber Yoga Mat.
The completely ecological option that respects the environment and guarantees durability over time. The natural rubber base offers significant advantages such as grip, stability and absorbency. The natural cork coating is non-slip, naturally anti-microbial, and pleasant to the touch. This is the "organic" choice in Yoga mats.
Meet the Yoga mat Yogikuti Cork Rubber Yoga Mat of cork and natural rubber.
iii) 100% Natural Rubber Yoga Mat.
The natural rubber yoga mats category is characterized by high quality and durability. Rubber is a natural material that does not burden the environment. Natural rubber mats are particularly anti-slip and safe, due to the high adhesion they offer. They are easy to roll up and unfold to their full extent on the floor, without "rolling" at the edges as is often the case with synthetic mattresses. They are not machine washable. To clean them, it is recommended to use a fresh cloth with water and white vinegar. Layer Eco Travel Yoga Mat made of Yogikuti natural rubber is extremely light and thin for easy portability. It has a textured surface for absolute stability.
iv) Yoga mat made of suede fabric and natural rubber.
This is an innovative category of Yoga Mats. Their natural rubber base offers all the advantages of the material such as grip, stability and absorbency. The mattress has a microfiber suede fabric coating. The microfiber surface offers softness, absorbency and is skin-friendly. It is ideal for practice in hot conditions, for Hot Yoga, but also for cases where there is intense sweating on your extremities. Select it Microfibre Suede Natural Rubber Yoga Mat by Yogikuti with microfiber suede & natural rubber.
v) PU or TPE synthetic layers.
This is an economical solution perfectly suitable for those who start yoga and do not want to invest in premium equipment yet. They are also a suitable solution for studio equipment, as they are easily machine washable. They are relatively light, and depending on their quality, they are slightly to very non-slip. Before buying them, check that there is a non-toxic specification. The Fitness Yoga Mat by Yogikuti is an ideal economical mattress choice for Yoga students as it is made of non-slip eco-TPE material, has a thickness of 6mm, and has a striping system.
2. Mattress SIZE (Length, Width)
The appropriate length of a yoga mat depends on your height. Make sure the mattress you choose to buy is at least as long as your height plus an extra 7-8cm.
The width of a mattress should be at least the distance of your shoulders from edge to edge, plus 7-8cm extra.
Try getting into the Savasana position by lying on your back on the mat of your choice. If your edges are inside the mattress and there is extra space to the edges of the mattress, then you've made the right choice!
Her Yoga Mats Yogikuti they have dimensions larger than the average of commercially available options, so they are suitable for most body types.
Discover them here.
3. THICKNESS of layer
When it comes to the thickness of a yoga mat, choosing it depends on many factors.
The usual thickness suitable for beginners as well as for advanced students is 4mm. The thickness of 4mm on the yoga mat offers sufficient support and absorbency, protecting the joints from vibrations.
In case of pregnancy, injuries, postoperative recovery, or chronic pain, it is recommended to choose a thicker layer of 5mm and above, for even better support.
The layers of thickness 1-2mm they are usually of the travel type, as the thin thickness allows them to be light and easy to fold, so that they fit into any suitcase or travel bag. This thin thickness is also suitable for laying your mat on top of shared gym mats.
As you progress in your practice you will find that thinner yoga mats provide a better sense of grounding, which you will prefer.
4. ALIGNMENT (Alignment Guide)
The marking on the surface of the yoga mat is a great aid to aligning properly within the asana. Starting with the correct placement of the feet in relation to the tracing guide, you build the rest of the yoga position. As you progress in your practice, the guide will need you less and less as the body will have learned to perceive alignment through its inner awareness.
