When it comes to exercise equipment, yoga mats are some of the most versatile. You can use them for many different types of exercises. If you’re interested in getting started with yoga or just want to improve your current practice, you need to make sure that you have the right type of mat.
What is a yoga mat?
A yoga mat is an essential piece of workout equipment. It keeps you from slipping on the floor during certain types of movements. This includes poses such as shoulder stands and headstands, because they involve balancing on one leg while holding onto something.
In addition to protecting you from injury, a yoga mat is also important for keeping you balanced when doing more advanced moves like downward dog. That way, you won’t lose your footing and start falling over.
There are two main types of yoga mats out there. The thinner ones are typically used indoors and are made specifically for yoga classes. They’re usually cheaper than thicker mats and tend to be more flexible and durable. These are great if you plan on using your mat for yoga class but not so much for home workouts.
The other type of yoga mat is called a fitness mat. This kind of mat is often much thicker. It’s better suited for people who will be working out at home or anywhere else where you might not necessarily want to slip on the floor. A thick mat is also easier to clean and may last longer depending on how often you wash it.
If you’re planning to take yoga classes, you should probably go for the thinner mat. But if you’re going to work out at home, you’ll likely want to invest in a thicker mat so you don’t risk injuring yourself.
Of course, the thickness of your mat will depend on the type of activity you plan on doing. For instance, if you’re going to be doing a lot of lunges, you’ll want more padding around your knees. On the other hand, someone who wants to lift weights should opt for a mat that’s thin enough for stability but still sturdy enough to handle heavy weight.
To find the perfect yoga mat, you need to consider several factors. Here’s what you should look for when deciding which type of yoga mat is best for you.
Size
First off, you need to know how big of a mat you’re looking for. A yoga studio or gym probably has a variety of sizes available for sale. Some places may even offer free mats to their members. In general, you want to choose a large size mat for home workouts. This is primarily because you’ll need room to move without worrying about tripping or falling on your face.
If you’re taking yoga classes regularly, however, you’ll likely want to find a mat that’s smaller than normal. This isn’t because you always want to stand on top of your mat. Instead, you’ll need a mat that’s small enough to fit under your feet and between your legs.
Type
Next up, you need to decide whether you’d prefer to buy a plastic or foam yoga mat. Plastic mats are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). This material is cheap and easy to clean, but it tends to break down over time. Foam mats, on the other hand, are made from polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is denser than PVC and therefore lasts longer. In addition to being sturdier, foam mats feel a little bit softer than plastic.
Both kinds of mats come in a range of colors, textures, thicknesses, and prices. To narrow things down, here are the basic differences between the two materials.
Plastic yoga mats are usually made of PVC. These mats are lightweight and inexpensive, making them ideal for home workouts. They also tend to be flexible. However, these mats aren’t very durable and can crack and tear easily.
Foam yoga mats are made of polyurethane foam. As mentioned earlier, polyurethane foam is denser than PVC. This means it takes longer for foam mats to degrade over time. They’re also harder and less flexible than plastic mats.
While plastic yoga mats are fine for most home workouts, foam mats are recommended if you want something long-lasting.
Thickness
This may seem obvious, but you definitely want a yoga mat that’s thick enough to protect your joints. There are three major joints that require extra protection: wrists, ankles, and knees.
Wrist injuries occur when you push too hard against the ground with your hands. Ankle injuries happen when you roll over your toes or when you put pressure on your ankle by standing on it. Knee injuries happen when you bend your knee too far backward or forward. These injuries are common among people who practice yoga and similar forms of exercise.
You want your yoga mat to help prevent these types of injuries. To determine how thick your mat needs to be, calculate the distance from your kneecap to your wrist. When you multiply that number by 0.75, you’ll have the thickness of your mat needed. So, for example, if your kneecap to wrist distance is 5 inches, your mat should be 7 inches thick.
To avoid knee injuries, you need to ensure that your mat is thick enough to keep your knees from bending excessively. Your mat needs to be at least 4 inches thick. Otherwise, you could end up with sprained ligaments.
Texture
One of the biggest reasons why people love yoga is that it makes them feel relaxed and stress-free. One reason this happens is because of the texture of the mats. Yoga mats come in different textures, including smooth, firm, soft, and grippy.
Smooth yoga mats are made from slippery vinyl. Their design makes it hard for your body to grip them, which is why they’re great for beginners. People who struggle with balance often enjoy smooth mats since they allow them to glide around the room without falling over.
On the other hand, firmer mats are designed to provide support to your joints when you perform certain stretches. They’re also great for people who already have trouble maintaining balance. Firm mats are great for anyone who wants to build muscle mass through yoga poses.
Soft mats are usually made from rubber. They’re popular because they make it easy to stretch out. Because they’re relatively soft, they’re also great for people who already have trouble stretching. Soft mats are ideal for kids and people who suffer from arthritis.
Grippy yoga mats are made from rubber, polypropylene, or natural rubber. They’re great for people who enjoy challenging themselves physically. Grippy mats are especially helpful when you’re performing poses like leg lifts, arm balances, backbends, and standing twists.
Once you have your choice narrowed down to one style, you need to pick a color. Most yoga studios sell a wide array of colors, so you shouldn’t have any problems finding one that suits your taste.
When a person has taken the decision to sportmatte kaufen, then it’s the time to go through some tips. Having the idea regarding the detail of the mats including their shape and size will take to the right decision. A person should visit the online site and get the complete reviews to get genuine results. A person can even consult the person who are already the user of the mats.
Buying a yoga mat online
Because yoga mats differ quite a bit from store to store, it’s best to avoid buying them directly from retail stores. Instead, shop online for affordable deals and discounts.
For example, you can purchase a set of eight yoga mats for around $30 on Amazon. Alternatively, you can save $35 on four yoga mats at Walmart. This is a great deal considering that these mats cost around $70 each at Target.
