Because yoga includes many poses on your hands, knees, stomach and back, using a mat or towel can help alleviate discomfort by giving the body some padding. It can also prevent your hands and feet from slipping due to sweat, especially if you are practicing in a heated space. Choosing the right yoga towel or mat can be an important decision based on your budget, personal preference and the type of yoga you practice -- so it's important to understand the choices you have.
Yoga Mats
Yoga mats are a padded, non-slip surface, often called sticky mats. They are typically made from latex, rubber, microfiber or polyester. A standard yoga mat is 68 inches long by 24 inches wide -- although if you are tall, you can find mats that are 72 inches long. Mats range in thickness from 1.5 mm to 10 mm and come in different degrees of stickiness to give you the best grip during your practice. Mats can be bulky, so if you travel a lot, the American College of Sports Medicine advises that you should look for one that rolls easily so you can take it with you and practice in your hotel room. Mats are available in a variety of colors and designs, and some are even made from recycled materials.
Yoga Towels
Yoga towels can be used in place of a mat or on top of a mat. They are helpful in absorbing sweat and providing extra cushioning for comfort. When shopping for a yoga towel, it is important to find one that fits the length of your body and the length of your mat -- if you are using it on top of your mat. Most are 68 inches long by 24 inches wide and made from a polyester or microfiber material which helps to absorb moisture and dry faster than a cotton towel. Like mats, they come in a variety of colors and designs. A specially-designed brand of yoga towel is Yogitoes, which have tiny rubber nubs on the bottom to keep the towel -- and you -- from slipping. These towels work best when they are dampened first so they provide the most effective gripping action.
Pricing
Yoga mats can range from $21 to $99 or more, and yoga towels average $24 to $59 or more. Popular brands include Gaiam, lulemon, Jade, Yogitoes and Manduka. Mats and towels can be purchased at yoga studios, yoga websites, sporting goods stores or home goods stores.
Care
Yoga mats are relatively easy to care for. You can let them air dry after a practice, or for a deeper cleaning, you can mist them with a light cleaner like Parsley Spray and then hose them down and hang outside to dry. Most yoga towels can simply be put in the washing machine and dryer. According to ACE Fitness product review, some colors of Yogitoes can bleed after washing several times.
Member Comments