Yoga Mats
Yoga is one of the lowest maintenance exercise routines there is. When you practice Yoga you need no heavy equipment, no weights, no machines and no special shoes. All you need are comfortable, breathable clothes and a Yoga mat. You might try to do Yoga without the benefit of a Yoga mat but doing so would be a huge disservice to your health and the effectiveness of your workout. Read on to find out why.
The Benefits of Yoga Mats
If you are doing Yoga in a gym or as part of a class, having your own Yoga mat is a must. First, a Yoga mat helps you to create a designated space to work that no one else will enter. This can help to relax you and keep you focused on your workout rather than an awkward turf war.
As you go through the Yoga routine, you will become a little sweaty. When doing Yoga, most people do not wear shoes and you spend quite a bit of time on your hands and feet which can each become slippery. A Yoga mat helps provide some protection against losing your balance due to slick hands and feet.
Gyms and group classes are not the most sanitary of places. With everyone walking around barefoot or in socks, everyone sweating, there are loads of bacteria and viruses that could be on every surface. If you borrow one of the gym’s Yoga mats, you can’t know how clean it is and what bacteria the last user might have left behind.
Even if you work out at home a Yoga mat is a must have as it provides a slight cushion between you and the floor, making your workout safer. It also prevents you from sweating all over your floor or carpet which keeps things neat and sanitary.
Types of Yoga Mats
There are many different types of Yoga mats for you to choose from. It is important to choose the Yoga mat that best suits your workout needs as well as your environmental and hypoallergenic concerns.
Sticky Yoga mats: A sticky Yoga mat is one that has the capability to stick to the floor. The stick is non-abrasive and will not peel enamel or polish from your floor but it does provide an extra layer of protection for your workout.
Extra thick Yoga mats: An extra thick Yoga mat offers your greater cushioning for your workout. If you have joint problems or feel uncomfortable when kneeling or sitting on the floor, then an extra thick Yoga mat might be the perfect solution for you. When you are comfortable doing Yoga you are more likely to enjoy a long and beneficial workout, so an extra thick Yoga mat can even result in more weight loss and better health.
Natural fiber Yoga mats: If you sweat heavily during Yoga or if you are allergic to synthetic fibers than an all natural, cotton Yoga mat is the best option. These mats are less springy than synthetic mats but they do work well as a hypoallergenic and absorbent option. Be sure to wash them frequently.
Environmentally friendly Yoga mats: If you want to help the environment, you can invest in a Yoga mat that was made with recycled materials or one that is made in an environmentally sustainable way. If the environment is a big concern of yours, then buying an eco friendly Yoga mat could bring an added sense of calm to your workout.
If you are new to Yoga, remember that buying a Yoga mat is just part of the preparation you need to do before you begin your Yoga workout. First, you need to see your primary care physician and make sure that a Yoga workout is a healthy option for you.
