Choosing a Yoga Mat

Finding the Perfect Yoga Mat

Yoga is not only a form of exercise for your body, it also exercises your mind. If done correctly, yoga can help you achieve control over your body and your mind. In its ideal form, a tranquility should take-over and you become unaware of physical objects or the material world and your spirit becomes your center. The central tool toward this goal is your yoga mat and whether you are new to yoga or a longtime yogi, obtaining or updating that tool is essential.

There are many qualities to consider before purchasing a yoga mat. First, consider your fitness goals and do your research. You are not trying to achieve satisfactory result through yoga so you should not settle for a satisfactory mat. Think of your mat as your instrument, you tool. You will want your mat to be high quality and durable to sustain your fitness goals over the course of an extended period. Make sure the mat you purchase is made of high quality foam. Another thing you will want to be sure of is that the mat you purchase is non-toxic. Yoga is about clearing your body of toxic thoughts, feelings and emotions, so you are going to want your mat to be non-toxic as well. At SunshineYoga you can find both high quality, non-toxic mats.

For allover all safety, make sure you purchase a mat that is the correct size and thickness to meet your needs. This will basically be dictated by your size and comfort level.

A great mat to consider, overall, for the novice or experienced yogi is a high quality, extra thick mat that is 72� long 24� wide, and 1/8� thick The standard yoga mat is 68� long, 24� wide, and 1/8� thick, but 1/4� inch is an excellent thickness to achieve total relaxation and comfort. The ideal is to lose a sense of place and achieve a sense of self. The last you want is to be reminded of where you are because your mat is uncomfortable. You can find a great option here.

In recent years, yoga have become an increasingly popular form of exercise around the world. To keep up with the growing demand there have been some excellent innovations and evolutions of the yoga mat. A favorite is the scented yoga mat. Aromatherapy is the use of fragrance to alter a person�s mood or behavior and is an excellent companion treatment to yoga.

At www.sunshineyoga.com you will find a lavender scented yoga mat. Lavender is known for it�s calming effects. This is a simple and easy way to supplement your yoga practice and further alleviate anxiety and worries.

Another great option is a �green� mat or an environmentally friendly mat. One to consider, among several options, at Sunshine Yoga is the Gaia Eco-Friendly mat. It is made of Nitrile/Buna N Rubber(NBR)foam, and is free from any toxic materials.

Once you find the perfect mat, be sure to clean it and care for it. Ideally you will want to use an environmentally friendly product like Yoga Mat Cleaner Spray sold at Sunshine Yoga .