If you want to start your yoga practice seriously, or if you are already exercising regularly, it is a good idea to invest in your own mat. The mat is a second home for a yogi, it should cooperate with us, take care of our safety as well as make our practice more pleasant and help us to learn it. You don't know which one to choose? You are in the right place!
The material is the basis
The aspect that we should pay the most attention to is the material. It must not only be soft, but also completely safe for our health! The market is dominated by mats z rubber, natural rubber and microfiber, PVC, polyurethane, cork or TPE.
Until recently, the most popular mats were z PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The material itself is completely synthetic and not biodegradable. It is a toxic ingredient that is dangerous to both our body and the environment. It is very easy to clean and is durable. If you choose this option, it is best to check that your future mat has been checked for the presence of toxic substances. PVC mats have medium slip resistance, are durable and have a low price.
Rubber mats are definitely a higher shelf. Rubber it natural material. This fact alone is an advantage for many. Natural rubber yoga mats are completely biodegradable and very durable - in many cases a good rubber mat will serve you for years of practice. They are also mats that provide the greatest grip and anti-slip properties. It is definitely a good choice for people who sweat intensively during practice.
Our definite favorite is the combination of two options - rubber and microfiber. Why? The answer is simple. First of all, rubber is a material of natural origin, which is of great importance to us, as we are looking for pro-ecological solutions. What's more, it is distinguished on the market by its outstanding anti-slip properties, which guarantees the safety of performing all asanas. The rubber mat does not slip on the floor and does not slide. The addition of microfiber is designed to absorb sweat and moisture - you will not feel that you are sticking to the mat.
The big advantage of microfiber mats for many people is theirs design. It is possible to print any graphics on the microfiber, so you can find mats with a very original appearance that will make the time spent on the mat even more pleasant.
Caring for microfiber mats is simple - just wipe them wet with a cloth or sponge, without using detergents. In the case of larger dirt, the mat can be washed in a washing machine (at 30 degrees) or by hand.
The next great option is turning out to be mat PU (made of polyurethane). PU mats are usually never entirely made of this material. PU is used only for the production of the upper part of the mat. The inside and the bottom are most often made of PVC or rubber. Polyurethane is very pleasant to the touch. Often, mats with a PU surface are smooth. Importantly, despite their smoothness, they retain excellent anti-slip properties. This material is extremely soft and pleasant to the touch. PU mats have great adhesion, but its disadvantage is quite a large weight - about 4 kg.
A worthy competitor are also mats made of TPE that is, thermoplastic foam. They gained popularity due to their exceptional lightness and softness - so they are perfect for traveling. What's more, they are pleasant to the touch and perfectly cushion the body. It is worth mentioning that TPE is quite a soft material (unlike rubber and PVC which are dense and compact). For some people, this is a disadvantage as they prefer harder materials.
Cork has also been gaining popularity recently. First, it is a 100% natural material derived from the bark of the cork tree - a renewable resource. Cork has antibacterial and antistatic properties. This means that it does not retain bacteria and dust, and can therefore be safely used by allergy sufferers. After practice, it is enough to wipe it with a damp cloth to get rid of dirt from the mat surface.
Does the weight of the mat matter?
It turns out that weight can make a big difference. The lightness of this gadget will be especially appreciated by those who travel a lot with their mat, e.g. traveling. When choosing the right mat, remember not to decide on unnecessary kilograms, because wearing such a mat may simply discourage us.
The perfect mat length for you
The standard length version is 180 cm by 60 cm. However, there are various variants on the market, e.g. 183/185, 200, 216 cm in length, 61, 66 and even 80 cm in width. In our opinion, the mat should be long enough to fit on it during savasana.
The thicker the better?
The fact is that a thicker mat cushions our body better during exercise. You have to take into account that thickness affects not only comfort, but also weight, which may turn out to be simply impractical. The width of the mat is usually between 1-7mm.
Thin mats are those up to 2 mm thick. They are very light and therefore perfect for traveling. They are most conveniently practiced on the grass, on the beach or on another mat that is available at a yoga school. Medium variants are those whose thickness varies around 3 / 4mm. They are universal and, what's more, very comfortable. The last variant is those with a width greater than 4mm. The cushioning of each movement goes hand in hand here with considerable weight.
Our mats are the perfect solution for those who still do not know what to choose. We offer you optimal solutions that will fully satisfy even the most demanding customers. The combination of beautiful, inspiring design and functionality will enrich and make your everyday practice more enjoyable. A yoga mat is a second home for a yogi, choose a mat you will love.
