How to Select a Yoga Mat

Selecting a yoga mat is an important decision. It's true that yoga doesn't require anything but your body, but having a high-quality yoga mat makes the experience more enjoyable and more effective. A good yoga mat will let you practice a wide range of poses for meditation and relaxation, as well as letting you get into all your favorite yoga positions. A yoga mat should also help you feel comfortable enough to get the full benefit of yoga, mentally and physically.

The ideal yoga mat should be large and semi-soft, able to support reclining, sitting, and standing in comfort. The mat should have soft edges as well. A very important aspect to look for when selecting a yoga mat is the grip: it should be sufficient but not sticky. The perfect yoga mat will be soft enough to provide a comfortable floor to do your yoga on but not soft enough to make you unbalanced. Also be sure to check the sweat absorbance rating on the mat. Keep in mind you'll be exercising on it daily; you want a mat that won't need to be replaced soon after purchase. For this reason it's also a good idea to buy a machine-washable yoga mat so you can always exercise on a clean surface.

A great choice for all yoga practictioners is the SunShineYoga.com 1/4" thick yoga mat. This mat is extra thick and 4" longer and twice as thick as traditional yoga mats. It also features a non-slip surface, which is great when you're practicing yoga. It even comes in 13 colors to suit your personality.

Sticky mats are a very popular type of yoga mat. They're thin and transport easily. They also provide a great deal of stability, which is great for people just starting out with yoga. They also can be bought with a reference guide printed on the surface, showing you where to place your hands and feet. This can be a benefit for yoga beginners. The biggest reason to avoid the popular sticky yoga mat is it defeats one of the purposes of yoga. Yoga is about balancing your body with your mind. Using a sticky mat makes this unneccesary. Using a sticky mat doesn't allow you to get the full mental benefit of doing yoga. Despite this, sticky mats are great for beginners just starting out at yoga.

Eco-friendly yoga mats are a great purchase as they are 100% non-toxic, biodegradable, and recyclable. The eco-friendly mats offered at SunShineYoga.com have latex or PCV in them and are made from a material that prevents water absorption, making them easy to clean. They're textured on one side and completely non-slip. When selecting a yoga mat, consider the impact you're making on the environment and choose an eco-friendly option.

When choosing a yoga mat to purchase, consider your personal yoga style and level of experience. If you're just starting out, a sticky mat can be a great choice. For yoga enthusiasts of all experience levels, 1/4" thick mats with non-slip backing are a safe bet. Individuals that care about the environment will appreciate eco-friendly yoga mat options. Whatever type you choose make sure its a quality and style you can enjoy.