A yoga mat is a type of floor covering used for various reasons. The typical yoga mat is designed according to people's height to ensure that people can practice various yoga methods, such as backward positioning, sitting, and lying meditation. The mat is a modern alternative to the cloth or natural cushioning materials used by ancient yogis when practicing yoga. The typical yoga mat is made of cotton, rubber, or polyethylene to balance the body during practice. Given the surface conditions, each type of yoga mat has specific uses and benefits.
1. Advantages of the Yoga Mat
Using a yoga mat during practice can directly or indirectly aid health. The yoga mat is the first assistant in a yoga class, it can help people correct body posture and avoid many serious physical conditions.
- Yoga mats facilitate exercise
The soft and thick rubber material can also help people stay comfortable when applying pressure to the knees, ankles, and heels in specific sitting postures (such as butterfly and lotus positions). Without a mat, people would not be able to perform these poses for long periods. With a yoga mat, you can easily switch postures from one to another. The surface is covered with a padded carpet, which can help people release specific poses and immediately prepare for the next step.
- Yoga mats save energy
Yoga mats are made of insulating polyethylene, which can save energy by preventing the body from touching the ground. This energy is crucial because the body uses vital life force circulating within the mechanism to activate different parts and points. Yoga is about utilizing stored and unused energy and providing it to various parts of the body.
- Stability and Balance
When arching and stretching the body on the ground, it is easier to slip and/or skid. This can also lead to injuries and incorrect posture formation. Yoga mats provide people with better traction while practicing and perfecting postures. Don't imagine what the posture would turn into on an uneven surface. The impact of stretching could reverse and turn into a painful experience, rather than a mindful practice.
2. Disadvantages of Yoga Mats
While a yoga mat is an excellent investment for anyone practicing yoga, there are some drawbacks to be aware of before making a purchase.
- Difficult to Clean. A significant downside of yoga mats is that they can be difficult to clean. Dirt and sweat can accumulate on the mat, and if not cleaned properly, it can be challenging to remove.
- Takes Up Space. Yoga mats also take up a considerable amount of space, which can be problematic if there isn't much room to store them. This can be particularly troublesome when traveling, especially when carrying a bulky yoga mat in a backpack.
- Can Be Heavy. Yoga mats can be quite heavy, which might be an issue if you are traveling with other items.
- Not Recyclable. The materials used in yoga mats are often non-recyclable and not environmentally friendly. Once people are done using the mat, it is likely to end up in a landfill.
- Strong Plastic Smell. Many yoga mats have a strong plastic smell, which can be very off-putting for some individuals. If you are allergic to these smells, then the mat might not be suitable for you.
3. Specifications of Yoga Mats
How do you choose a yoga mat? It is important to pay attention to basic functions such as shock absorption, slip-resistance, and so on. Also, consider the size, material, and thickness of the mat.
3.1 Size
Yoga mats come in standard, extra-long, and double sizes, with detailed dimensions as follows.
- Standard: 61cm * 183cm
- Extra-long: 80cm * 183cm
- Double: 120cm * 183cm
Women can choose the standard size, while men can select based on their height, with the extra-long size being recommended. The double size is quite wide and long, requiring a significant amount of space in the living room.
3.2 Material
Yoga mats are available in various materials, including rubber foam, TPE foam, PVC foam, EVA, latex, and NBR, among others.
- PVC Yoga Mats:
PVC foam is the most common material used in yoga mats. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, which is widely used in the manufacture of everyday items such as bags and electrical wires. PVC material does not have a strong chemical odor; if it does, it is similar to the smell of rubber. PVC foam itself is harmless to the human body; the harmful component arises when recycled materials are used in its production. PVC foam mats have good elasticity and slip resistance, lie flat on the ground, and are moderately priced, making them popular in the market. About 80% of yoga mats now use PVC foam material.
- TPE Yoga Mats:
TPE yoga mats are made from synthetic rubbers such as TPE and EVA. They are relatively expensive to produce and have a high entry barrier in terms of manufacturing technology. TPE material is eco-friendly as it is recyclable and reusable, reducing pollution. TPE yoga mats are known for their excellent elasticity, slip resistance, toughness, and tensile strength.
- NBR Yoga Mats:
NBR yoga mats are slightly heavier and not cheap. They are durable, slip-resistant, and typically odorless, usually in black. They are considered high-end products with higher prices and good quality, with a thickness of around 4mm being common.
- EVA Yoga Mats:
EVA yoga mats are considered low-end products with a stronger odor. EVA is a hard foam material often used in making shoe soles, and it has a noticeable smell, such as that found in platform shoes. EVA is currently used in yoga blocks, but it is not very suitable for yoga mats due to its poor elasticity and slip resistance.
3.3 Thickness
For light exercise, with a mat size of 61cm x 173cm, a thickness of 6mm is recommended. For those with a foundation in sports, a thickness of about 3.5mm to 5mm is more suitable. For those who jump rope, a thicker mat is recommended.
Yoga mat thicknesses include 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 7mm. Among these, 6mm is the standard thickness. If unsure, it's safe to choose a 6mm thick mat.
TPE mats can be made up to 10-20mm thick, which is very soft and is primarily used for softness training or jumping rope.
4. How to Choose a Yoga Mat?
- Choose the right size according to your body shape and practice level
The larger the size of the yoga mat, the easier it is to perform yoga poses. If you're considering storage issues, it is recommended to choose a yoga mat that is at least 15cm longer than your height and 5-10cm wider than your natural hand and foot placement when lying flat. Depending on your practice level and physical condition, choose a yoga mat of suitable thickness. Beginners can choose thicker mats, no more than 10mm, while professionals can opt for thinner mats, 5mm or less.
- Choose the right material type according to the type of exercise
If you often use it for aerobics, you can choose a yoga mat made of NBR or TPE material, which has good shock absorption. TPE material has good slip resistance, making it relatively safer for dynamic exercises. If you often use it for static yoga exercises and require high balance, you can prefer a yoga mat made of natural rubber material with good slip resistance. However, yoga mats made of natural rubber are generally thin and have relatively weak shock absorption, so you need to take precautions during use and avoid overly impactful movements.
- Choose the right material type according to your focus
If you value durability, you can prefer a yoga mat made of natural rubber material; if you value cost-effectiveness, you can prefer a yoga mat made of TPE material. If you value lightweight, you can prefer a yoga mat made of NBR material; if you value easy curling up for carrying or storage, you can consider a yoga mat made of natural rubber material. TPE material yoga mats are in between the two.
5. Considerations When Purchasing a Yoga Mat
When purchasing a yoga mat, there are several factors to consider beyond the material, which is a primary concern for many consumers and a key determinant of the mat's price. Don't let attractive designs distract you from the quality of the mat. In addition to the material, pay attention to the following points when buying a yoga mat:
- Ease of cleaning: Make sure the mat can be easily cleaned to maintain hygiene.
- Ability to lie flat: The mat should unroll easily and lie flat without curling or wrinkling, which can be disruptive during practice.
- Stickiness: A sticky mat can help prevent slipping, but it shouldn't be so sticky that it hinders movement or attracts too much dirt.
- Slip resistance when sweating: Consider how the mat performs when it's wet, as sweating during practice can reduce grip on some mats.
- Portability: If you plan to carry the mat to and from classes, look for one that is lightweight and comes with carrying straps or is easy to roll up.
- Durability and lifespan: Some yoga mats may have a "use by" date or an estimated lifespan, indicating how long the mat is expected to maintain its quality and performance.
- Eco-friendliness: Check whether the material of the mat is environmentally friendly and non-toxic. Some mats are made from natural, biodegradable materials, while others may contain PVC or other potentially harmful substances.
By considering these factors, you can choose a yoga mat that not only meets your aesthetic preferences but also supports your yoga practice effectively and safely.
