Yoga mats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, yet are a fairly new addition to the ancient art form. Once introduced into the mainstream yoga culture, the mat became a ubiquitous symbol of yoga. Choosing the correct yoga mat for you is dependent on your level of proficiency, your body, and the surface you are practicing on.
Yoga Mat Purpose
Contemporary yoga mats were not introduced into the art until yoga's own introduction to the western world in the1960s. As more westerners engaged in yoga, they found that their feet would get slippery, particularly on carpets. New practitioners, in particular, use mats to stop slippage today, and the mats have the added benefit of providing a little bit of padding on otherwise hard surfaces. While excessive padding can detract from some of the balance and stability exercises of yoga, it does make certain poses that put pressure on one's head and shoulders more comfortable.
How To Care For Yoga Mats
There are several ways to care for your yoga mat, depending on its construction. Many yoga mat manufacturers recommend gently washing the mat with warm water and a light soap if necessary. For heavier cleaning, wash it in a large tub of water. Avoid using washing machines, however, as they are prone to damaging the mat. Note that most yoga mats also acquire a thin film on their surface from factory production. This film can be removed with use or a with light wipe down.
Ecologically Friendly Options
The first yoga mats were made from PVC. As yoga grew in popularity, a variety of more ecologically friendly mats were produced using less synthetic material. Eco mats generally use natural rubber or rubber in combination with other materials. The industry emphasis is on renewable and often biologically friendly or even biodegradable materials. Eco options stem from the philosophy of yoga, which preaches non-violence to others and to the environment.
Yoga Mat Weight
Some yoga mats can be quite lightweight and durable. Ultra light or thin mats can weigh as little as 2.5 lbs. for a mat 2 feet by 6 feet in size. Extra large or significantly padded mats can increase the weight to as much as 11 lbs. depending on the area of the mat and its particular material.
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