The practice of yoga has existed for thousands of years. Yoga and its accessories have continued to evolve throughout time as culture evolves. Yoga mats as we know them today did not exist when yoga was first practiced. Plastic mats were created to provide easy stability and support for each modern yogi.
Some History
According to Yoga Mats Review, when yoga first originated in India, people practiced on animal skin. The first yoga mats were made of deer coats. In fact, some yogis today in India still practice on deer skin rugs. Some enthusiastic yogis may claim that plastic yoga mats take the joy out of yoga and prefer to practice on a bare floor instead, which they say is a more authentic way to practice. Yoga Mats Review states that no matter what the form, some type of mat has always existed to help yogis have a better practice.
Purpose
Yoga mats provide moisture absorption when you begin to sweat, especially in a Bikram yoga class. Mats also provide support for the body and protect you from the hardness of a bare floor, which can be too intense for many people. Yoga mats provide you with your own space to practice on, and your mat gathers your own energy as you spend hours practicing on it. You may build your own personal relationship with a mat. Overall, mats help to make a yoga practice safe and relatively comfortable.
Considerations
Yoga mats can begin to collect germs. Parasites, dust mites and virulent bacteria can all collect on a mat, especially if it's used frequently in a public place like a gym. Warm classes, such a Bikram yoga class, can be a breeding environment for certain parasites. To keep mats from being contaminated, clean them after class and wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. A simple cleaning solution for mats consists of 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water that can be sprayed directly onto the mat after finishing a practice.
Alternatives
Some criticize yoga mats made of harmful chemicals, such as polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Phthalates are also used to make mats spongy and sticky. These chemicals may be harmful for the body and have a negative effect on hormones. Many mats on the market are also environmentally friendly. Jade yoga created mats that are non-PVC, and Health and Yoga created grass mat alternative.
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