Yoga Exercise Mats

If you have recently started to practice yoga or you are planning to start on practicing yoga on a daily basis, it is important that you get a mat. There are many types of yoga mats available in the market and depending upon your preference and choice, you can choose a yoga mat of your liking.

• Basic Plastic Yoga Mats
  A standard yoga mat that is usually made out of plastic is the cheapest type of mat and most yoga students who are attempting yoga for the first time tend to opt for such mats. In most cases, this is not the ideal mat to start practicing yoga as eventually the tacky plastic in the mat gives way and causes it to become sticky thus turning you away from yoga entirely. Basic plastic mats that are thin should usually be avoided as the level of cushioning in them is insufficient. Moreover, plastic mats smell of cheap chemicals, and such odors when practicing yoga may prove to be harmful in the long run. Plastic mats are certainly not conducive when performing Bikram yoga or Hot yoga as the plastic is likely to release more chemical odors due to the heat in the room.
• Hand-woven Yoga Mats
  Hand woven yoga mats made from natural materials such as cork or jute are environmentally friendly and much more stable than standard plastic yoga mats. However since they are made up of porous materials they are likely to absorb the sweat from the body. However such hand woven yoga mats are unlikely to neither fall apart like the plastic mats nor release dangerous chemical odors.
• Rubber Yoga Mats
  Rubber yoga mats are the best choice in view of the other offerings in the market. Rubber mats are extremely durable and sturdy and is an ideal choice of a yoga student who wishes to practice yoga daily and intensively. Rubber mats that are made from natural rubber are rugged yet inexpensive.

Some important criteria while choosing a mat:

• A yoga mat should be capable of supporting all kinds of poses without any feelings of irritation, soreness or unpleasantness.
• It should be amply large with soft edges for a wide range of poses and movements and must also have a good grip on the floor.
• It should be cushioned enough to counter the hardness of the floor as well as stiff enough to offer the right kind of balance during the postures. It should also have a good sweat-absorbance.