Yoga towels come in several different sizes, absorbancy and weight. Some are for specific types of yoga, while others may be intended for yogic workouts on a non-slippery surface. The practice of yoga ranges from high intensity to simply meditative, so the type of towel you need will vary as well.
Thick and Thirsty Towels
When practicing Bikram yoga, asanas are performed in a room that has been heated with far infrared heaters to 105 degrees F. The practice is vigorous and is sure to promote abundant sweating. An ordinary bathing towel is not typically long enough or thick enough to prevent slipping under such circumstances and would feel soggy and wet long before your practice is over. Investing in a thick towel designated specifically for Bikram yoga is ideal under the circumstance.
Thin and Absorbant
Modern fabrics currently allow for greater absorbancy without bulk. For hot yoga classes, temperatures tend to be slightly less than a traditional Bikram yoga class, but still reach levels between 98 and 104 degrees F depending on the class. Bamboo fibers are among some of the more natural fabrics being used to create the thin and surprisingly absorbent towels being used for hot yoga. Hot yoga towels tend to be thin and long to accommodate the size of a typical yoga mat. Longer and wider towels may be special ordered for larger-than-average yoga mats desired by full-bodied or tall individuals.
Sweat Towel
A smaller towel may be used for light sweating associated with a typical yoga practice. While there are many small towels on the market designated for yoga exclusively, it will be minimally different than a hand towel from home. Preference and financial considerations should play a part in selection of this type of towel as should your body's typical sweating patterns. Those who experience heavy perspiration even in low intensity yoga may wish to invest in a microfiber towel with higher absorption ability than the average terry cloth towel can boast.
Considerations
Using a terry cloth towel from home may increase the risk of injury when practicing heated yoga due to the fact that most terry cloth towels are not designed to fit a yoga mat properly. This may lead to mat exposure and slipping. Extra-large beach towels may be too long for a yoga mat, leading to unexpected slipping where the sticky mat ends and the floor begins. However, any towel may be used as a base when practicing yoga on the beach or on grass, as it will adhere acceptably.
References
- "Hot Yoga: Energising, Rejuvenating, Healing"; Marilyn Barnett; 2006
- "Bikram Yoga"; Bikram Choudhury; 2007
- "The American Physical Therapy Association Book of Body Maintenance and Repair"; Steve Vickery and Marilyn Moffat; 1999
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