Top 11 Basic Questions you should ask before buying Yoga Mat 

What was the last time you bought a pair shoes? Did you take the time to search for the right pair? Did you? The purchase of a yoga mat is like purchasing shoes. We must put a significant amount of time and effort in researching and choosing the one that suits our needs the best, particularly given the number of yoga mats.

Even if you've been doing yoga for a long time you may be shocked that you have no idea about the yoga mat in fact. After you've picked the perfect yoga mat to practice on you might think to you, "I should have bought this mat since the beginning of my yoga journey, like three years ago!"

But never too late. For those who aren't able to find the perfect soul-mat, you can be sure to ask these questions before buying a yoga mat.

Summary of Contents

1. How thick should it be?

It's commonplace for people believe that all yoga mats are similar in regards to the thickness. However, in reality they're quite different. Did you know that yoga mat thickness varies between 1mm and 8mm?

One of the principles to consider is that the greater the thickness the yoga mat and the more cushioning or padding it will provide to your practice, and consequently it's better for your wrists, knees ankles, joints, and wrists. If a mat is too heavy it could cause you to have trouble with balance because of the bounce of the cushioning.

The standard thickness of yoga mats is 5mm to 6mm. If you don't suffer from joint pain the yoga mat of 4mm-5mm thickness is sufficient.

2. How portable can it be?

Another method to approach the problem is to ask "how heavy a yoga mat should be." The mobility here is related to weight, which is essential for those who are mobil, from one place to locations.

The weight of a yoga mat varies between 0.1kg up to five kilograms. Do you wish to carry a four-pound mat of yoga for just a fifteen-minute walk, or take it to an overseas trip? There is a good chance that your yoga mat of 4 kilos will be confined to one spot and never venture out of the home. If you're not looking for tough-core workout, by carrying this 4 kilo yoga mat from one place to another throughout the day, do not purchase a yoga mat that weighs over three kilograms.

3. How much do I sweat?

If you sweat (a lot) in your yoga practice and sweat a lot, a regular yoga mat isn't going to assist you as much. You'll probably require an " sticky grippy" yoga mat. You can search for natural rubber yoga mats as well as yoga mats that are layered with PU. These mats are famous for their super sticky properties that stops you from sliding when you do Downward Dog or Warrior poses.

You could also think about purchasing a hot yoga mat to put on top of your standard yoga mat. But, it's not always feasible to take the yoga mat and the yoga towel to every class.

Instead of purchasing a the yoga mat and yoga towel You should think about buying a top-quality natural yoga mat made of rubber  that will fix your problem of slipping.

4. What size yoga mat is best for me?

"All yoga mats have the same size." Are you sure this what you believe? If everyone is of similar heights and dimensions it is not necessary to create the different dimensions of mats for yoga. Actually, that's not the case.

The most common size for yoga mats is around 172cm and 60cm (68" x 24"). Some find it to small, while others are uncomfortable with it being too small. Thus, larger and longer mats are created to satisfy their requirements. If you're a taller individual (above 1.75m) then you may want to think about mats that have an 182cm or more length or more. Certain yoga mats come with two meters of length.

If you're not tall, you shouldn't get the longer mat. It will take up more space and add weight that isn't needed.

5. Do I need to be concerned about the look or design of the yoga mat?

It's easy to become drawn to something fresh and fashionable. However, remember the quote from Coco Chanel, "Fashion changes, style endures." A simple yoga mat is sufficient. It is not required to have the various patterns that can distract your yoga routine.

There are those who disagree with this moment. It's acceptable. If you discover the design on a yoga mat beautiful, as if it was the first time you see it, and you're unable to do yoga without it, then go with your feelings. It's likely to motivate you to continue practicing yoga at least for the first six months.

If not, go for the basic yoga mat with a colour you are able to feel connected to and helps you remain relaxed and concentrate on inner work.

6. What type of material should I need for the yoga mat I'm using?

Yoga mats in the majority are constructed out of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), which is a type of plastic. It is a form of plastic. PVC material could be of low or premium quality. The benefit of PVC is usually its durability and value. However, it may not be the ideal option for people who require the best grip.

The majority of mats are made up of TPE (thermoplastic elastic) that is also known as thermoplastic rubber. The advantages of TPE are light weight and excellent grip. However, it's generally too soft and fragile. Its light weight also creates the issue of "floating" on the floor.

There are increasing numbers of mats that are made from natural materials, like natural cork, jute and rubber. Of all these, natural rubber yoga mats are the most sought-after and highly suggested. The advantages of mats made from natural rubber is their grippy texture and the level of density which allows the mats to stay solid on the flooring. Some natural mats are bio-degradable too making them a more sustainable alternative to a greener environment.

Mats made of cork or jute are great choices too. But, mats made of jute are not the most effective for grip and cork mats wear out faster than mats made of natural rubber.

7. What is the importance of sustainability in the environment to me?

Ahimsa an aspect of Ashtanga practices is about the practice of non-harm in our relationships as well as our environments. With this in mind certain yoga mat brands (like Jade, Yoloha, Beinks, and Jade) are making an effort to make ecologically sustainable and socially responsible mats.

If you want to stay away from mats made from plastic and mats, we strongly suggest that you select a yoga mat made of natural materials. This is not only an ideal option for your practice but also for the planet and also assist in maintaining positive energy on the mat.

The reason that yoga mats made of natural rubber have become more sought-after over the last few years may due to the fact that natural rubber is an easily renewable source.

Certain yoga mat brands such as Beinks are able to use their yoga mats responsibly made through South East Asia (mainly from Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines along with Indonesia). In normal circumstances natural rubber is gathered from rubber trees for around 30 years. Following that, the rubber trees that are sourced from farmlands will be removed to make wood, and then new trees will be planted in their the original locations. This is considered to be the most efficient way to sustainably grow of the natural resources derived from agriculture.

In addition, certain yoga mats made from natural rubber are biodegradable which means they'll decompose in the natural course of three to five years under normal landfill conditions. This can help decrease the amount of garbage and create the planet more space.

8. How simple should it be to clean and maintain a yoga mat?

Certain mats can be stained rapidly that require specific cleaning products. It's not ideal to practice on a mat that is stained and you shouldn't need to wash your mat each time you exercise. It's time-consuming and could make you feel uneasy about getting your mat ready to do your next practice.

If you do yoga almost every day and the majority of the time outdoors then you need an exercise mat that can be cleaned quickly and without much hassle.

9. How do I treat my patients?

Certain mats are optimal when you first open the package. But, certain mats (known as performance mats) require an "warm-up" or "break-in" time, which could last up to one year.

If you're not a patient type of person, this mat may not be ideal for you. It is better to use the natural or TPE yoga mat more.

If you're not eager to get your mat to be at its peak in the first few days A performance mat such as the b'ROCK yoga mat (by Beinks) or Pro mat (by Manduka) might be a great option. The more time you spend on mats like these, the better they will get later (a couple of months or some years after).

10. What should I budget on the yoga mat?

It's, for a lot of individuals, their most crucial element. The cost of a yoga mat could range for between $10 and $1500. It's simple to pick the $10 mark, isn't it? However, don't do it.

If you're determined to continue your yoga routine and are certain that you will are going to continue practicing yoga over the next couple of years, consider investing in a quality yoga mat. A quality yoga mat will not need to cost you an arm and a leg. However, don't choose the expensive and expensive brands that will charge you a ridiculous price on a yoga mat except if you can find other benefits in them.

You can purchase a top-quality yoga mat for a price of between $60 and $80 for the natural yoga mat made of rubber. If you are looking for a less expensive option (and decent quality) you can pay $30-$50 on an TPE line. If you think about using it for a long time it will be an expense to be not that significant. Therefore, don't be afraid to purchase an excellent yoga mat, however, you should think twice before you are looking to invest in fashionable clothes or fitness gear. Which is more essential to us, a yoga mat or fitness apparel? The answer is obvious!

11. Do I really require a yoga mat?

The question must be asked in the first place. Sometimes (or all times?) we purchase things aren't needed or make purchases in our whims. We should ask ourselves if we have the need to purchase an exercise mat.

If we realize that we practice only at least once or twice a month, grab the beach towel, or use the mat borrowed from anyone else, or take advantage of the studio's mat. If we regularly practice at least a couple of times per week, now is the right time to purchase the best yoga mat that will help us improve our yoga experience.

If you have your own yoga mat but you're somewhere in your mind you think that it's not the best mat for you, then read this post to discover what you need to know about change your mat for a new one.