Practicing yoga is one of the best things you can do for yourself. In a world where the pace of life is tremendously high, it’s great to take a moment for yourself. Learn more about yoga on this link.
Still, yoga can be demanding. You should know how to do it perfectly. If you want to achieve the best outcome, you must consider every detail around this activity.
Aside from wearing comfortable clothes, you should consider the surface on which you’re going to practice it. In general, experts say that you should do it in a way that fits you best. Even the bed is a good option if that’s where you feel the most relaxed and comfortable.
Still, most people prefer practicing on the ground. There’s an issue here, though. The ground can be too hard and make you feel pain during the process. That’s why most people get a yoga mat that balances the comfort and the ability to perform some of the yoga positions.
In this article, we’re going to share a couple of tips about how to choose the perfect size and perfect thickness of your next yoga mat. Follow up if you want to know more about this issue!
What is the standard size?
The standard thickness of the mats is 1/8 of an inch. This is considered normal and most people choose this one because it is excellent for most of the situations. This size will have a firm grip between it and the surface and will probably not give you problems when you’re changing poses. It will provide excellent flexibility.
The weight of this type will be somewhere between 2 and 4 pounds, which is really nothing. For example, a pineapple weighs 2 pounds, so you understand that this is not anything special. See more details about this here: https://lovemeditating.com/how-thick-should-a-yoga-mat/.
When to choose something thinner?
As we said, a pineapple is not anything heavy, but imagines carrying it for 5 miles uphill where you want to perform your morning ritual. It’s not the same story anymore, is it? That’s why they invented thinner mats that are usually up to ¼ of an inch and weight way less than 2 pounds.
They can be placed in your backpack or tied to it. When you get up there, you won’t need to spend the time practicing on the bare ground, but you can feel much more comfortable on the mat.
There’s one problem that thinner mats have and you need to mind. They are not as heavy as the others and with it, they tend to fold easily while doing your exercises. When you need to change a pose, they might be blown off by the wind and break your rhythm.
When you should be choosing a thick one?
If you’re not traveling from one place to another with your mat, then it’s best to get a thicker one. Especially if you’re practicing at home and you don’t really move the mat too often, then it’s better to get the one that will stand firmly on the ground.
The thick one will be heavy and provide perfect support. It will be comfortable and soft under you. It will still provide excellent movement, though. Unlike the bed in which it may be the softest, but you won’t be able to perform the positions you’re up to.
What are they made of?
Most of the yoga mats are made from PVC, rubber, and TPE. They all have their pros and cons, of course. Depending on what is your main need, that’s how you should choose the materials. Some people are allergic to some of these, so they have no option but to avoid them, but for most, it’s a matter of personal preference.
Conclusion
With the points from above, it’s clear that choosing the type, size, material, and thickness of the yoga mat is strictly personal. Depending on your personal preferences and needs, you can choose what’s best for you.
If you’re traveling, get a TPE thin mat that will be easy for carrying, and if you’re situated at one place more often, go with a PVC or rubber thick one that will provide the best support.
