The practice of yoga in a class setting or at home requires a suitable surface underneath the body to allow for poses, or asanas, to be done with correct form. Yoga mats help to cushion and prevent body weight from hurting the bones of the area on which you are balancing. Mats also keep hands and feet from slipping on a hard floor. When comparing yoga mats, consider several factors before deciding on the one that is best for you.
Step 1
Check the length and width of the mat. Some yoga poses require you to extend your body out full length or reach from head to toe while on your back. An average yoga mat is 24 inches wide by 68 inches long. Extra-long mats up to 74 inches are widely available, and some mats are also sold in wider sizes.
Step 2
Compare thicknesses. A travel mat is thinner and lighter with less cushioning, at 1/8 inch. Regular yoga practice will be more comfortable for most people on a mat of standard 3/16-inch thickness. A mat with 5/16- and 1/2-inch thickness are also available for those needing to avoid undue pressure points on the bones of the hands, knees and hips.
Step 3
Narrow down by price range. Standard sticky mats made from synthetic materials can be found in discount stores for about $10 or less, as of 2010. All-natural, environmentally friendly brands offer high-end yoga mats for upward of $100. Pick your price range to narrow your search.
Step 4
Learn what the mats are made of. PVC, which is a synthetic plastic, is a common material for lower-priced mats. Natural rubber mats are more expensive, but are considered to last longer and provide firmer grip. Jute or naturally woven mats are another option, and may be blended with environmental resin to improve their durability.
Step 5
Look for possible health effects. Chemicals used in the manufacture of plastic might be hazardous to both the earth as well as one's personal health, according to "Mat Matters," a yoga journal article by Cynthia Morris. Phthalates are used to soften PVC mats and have been shown to affect sperm count and cause genetic abnormalities in some populations. Latex is another common ingredient in yoga mats. If you are allergic to latex, seek to compare only latex-free mats.
Step 6
Find out where the mats are made. China has less strict environmental and manufacturing rules than many other countries. Several European countries have already banned or limited use of PVC, for example. Some American yoga mat manufacturers, such as JadeYoga, operate under the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Member Comments