How to choose a yoga mat. Let’s find out together with the instructor

Yoga allows you not only to relax, but also to make your body stronger and more resilient. You should take care of the quality of training even before it starts. Before you take your first steps in yoga, choose a mat, because it will be with you during the whole session and will make it not only comfortable, but also safe.

hatha yoga instructor

Your entire practice, focus, mood, and safety depends on the choice of mat. It should not wear out quickly or be distracting with slipping, odor.

Thickness

On the one hand, the thicker the mat, the more comfortable it is to practice on, especially in poses where you rest your knees or iliac bones on the floor. If you use a thin mat, it will be painful to perform such asanas. However, you should not choose a mat that is too soft. The optimal and most comfortable mat thickness is 10 mm.

If you are not comfortable taking a heavy and bulky mat with you, there are thinner options. Mats with a thickness of 4 mm are much more convenient for transportation, they weigh little and fit easily in the trunk. They can not only be rolled up, but also folded like a blanket.

It’s important that the material doesn’t slip during exercise, especially if you have sweaty hands and feet.

Durability

A good mat should last a long time. Wear resistance and durability are most often enhanced by a textile core or mesh frame.

The choice of equipment for training – including a mat – is not so much a matter of taste or preference as it is a matter of safety and comfort during training. After all, it is much easier to tune in and concentrate on your practice if you are not distracted by such trifles as an uncomfortable shape or a mat that is too short.

To make practicing even more comfortable, you can turn on some atmospheric music. You can listen to Lifestyle’s yoga playlist here.