There are so many types of yoga mats. Knowing the difference can help you pick the right one for you and your budget. Here are some of the kinds of yoga mats you will find out there and the pros and cons of each.
1.Foam Mats. These mats are generally made of PVC.
1.Foam Mats. These mats are generally made of PVC.
Pros
They are cheaper than most mats.
They are fairly durable
They are easy to find in large variety.
They get sticker the longer you use them.
Easy to wash.
They are cheaper than most mats.
They are fairly durable
They are easy to find in large variety.
They get sticker the longer you use them.
Easy to wash.
Cons
They are not the most environmentally friendly mats.
They are somewhat slick when you first get one.
New mats have a chemical smell for a while.
They are not the most environmentally friendly mats.
They are somewhat slick when you first get one.
New mats have a chemical smell for a while.
Check out these beautiful printed foam mats. They even come with a mat bag!
2.Rubber Mats are generally made of natural rubber from trees.
2.Rubber Mats are generally made of natural rubber from trees.
Pros
Are nice and cushiony.
They last a longtime.
Come in an array of colors.
Come in a few different thicknesses.
Are nice and cushiony.
They last a longtime.
Come in an array of colors.
Come in a few different thicknesses.
Cons
The Rubber mats have a strong rubber odor for a while
They break down if exposed to sun for long periods (so do not leave the mat in your car).
Are more expensive than other mats.
The Rubber mats have a strong rubber odor for a while
They break down if exposed to sun for long periods (so do not leave the mat in your car).
Are more expensive than other mats.
Pick one of these babies at Amazon.com. I have one of these and I really like it.
3.Mats made from natural fibers, cotton, and yoga blankets.
3.Mats made from natural fibers, cotton, and yoga blankets.
Pros
Usually no odor even when new.
Comes in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and thickness.
Absorbs sweat.
Usually no odor even when new.
Comes in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and thickness.
Absorbs sweat.
Cons
Not usually very sticky.
Slipper on hard floors.
Can stain easily.
Not usually very sticky.
Slipper on hard floors.
Can stain easily.
4.Yoga mitts also called Yogi Paws. These are mittens and footies that make it so you do not have to use a mat.
Pros
Useful for travel.
Comes in a variety of sizes.
Cons
When sweating, they slip against the skin.
Not any cheaper than a yoga mat.
Useful for travel.
Comes in a variety of sizes.
Cons
When sweating, they slip against the skin.
Not any cheaper than a yoga mat.
Find more information on yoga mitts here.
5.YogiToes is a towel made with little sticky dots on them. Generally these towels are not used alone.
5.YogiToes is a towel made with little sticky dots on them. Generally these towels are not used alone.
Pros
Absorbs sweat.
Sticky dots aid in preventing slipping.
Comes in a variety of colors and sizes.
Washes easily.
Cons
A bit pricey.
Can only be used on top of a mat, not alone.
Absorbs sweat.
Sticky dots aid in preventing slipping.
Comes in a variety of colors and sizes.
Washes easily.
Cons
A bit pricey.
Can only be used on top of a mat, not alone.
6.No mat. Yoga is a really about being a minimalist in many ways. Really no supplies are needed to enjoy the art of yoga. While it may not be practical to go with out a mat if you are going to a studio, at home nothing more than a clear piece of floor is really necessary.
Pros
Free!
Makes it so you are less restrictive with your yoga practice.
Remember that you can always practice without a mat.
Cons
Hard floors can be slippery and carpets can lead to rug burns.
Nothing to catch sweat.
Free!
Makes it so you are less restrictive with your yoga practice.
Remember that you can always practice without a mat.
Cons
Hard floors can be slippery and carpets can lead to rug burns.
Nothing to catch sweat.
There are many other types of mats. If you are really unsure which is best for you, ask a yogi friend to help you and go to the store and feel some mats.
