What Yoga mat should I buy?

Choosing the right yoga mat can be a difficult decision. With so many different types of mats available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is best for you. When selecting a yoga mat there are many things to consider. Ill provide some tips on how to choose the best one for your needs. We will also discuss the different types of mats available and offer some advice on what to look for when making your choice. With this information, you should have all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about which yoga mat is best for YOU! The 3 qualities you should look for in a mat are the material, thickness, and length.

A good mat is crucial for a safe Yoga practice and exercises. Many time's I have been asked what mat should I buy. The number one problem is, " I slide all over the place". This is because the material is not grippy enough to stick to the floor. When this happens it makes your body try and control the shift in the mat along with your body, so instead of you pivoting on your feet to get into a lunge and your mat staying put, you take your mat with you, twisting the mat under your feet and even lose your balance. This is dangerous for you as your body is trying to stabilize for control and you are putting extra stress on joints and even putting your body out of the exercise or pose altogether. A mat with a rubber bottom is the best material you can get that will stick to the ground and not move when you move. If you have a rubber/latex allergy there are alternatives that are latex and PVC free.

We have all seen those mats that are so thick that it looks like a fluffy cloud. Although cushion is great to help chatty joints or sensitive areas, too much cushion is a real problem. So how do you know if you have too much or too little cushion?

A standard yoga mat ranges from 1.5mm all the way to the thickest at 6mm. If you have too little cushion, you may feel more sensation on your joints; your knees, wrists, hips, and ankles. If this is the case, you need more of a thicker mat. If the mat you have been using rather your own or one borrowed at a gym or studio, ask and see what thickness it is, if they are unsure go with what most standard mats are, which is around 2mm. This means you would want at least 2.5mm- 3.5mm mat. What about too much cushion?

Maybe too much cushion? Are you having a hard time balancing and the mat surrounds your feet as if you are sinking in a fluffy mattress? This means it is too much. Like a mattress, a mat will contour to your body and help with shock absorption, too soft of a mattress will hurt your back just as too hard of a mattress will. Well guess what, your mat-tress is too fluffy!

You want support but also to be able to work with your balance without the extra challenge added from your mat. Check to see what thickness it is and go down a mm at a time, to get the just right where you are no longer surrounding your feet of sand and instead just standing on the sand, not sinking. Going straight to anything over 5mm is too thick, so start in the middle and try 4mm.

How long does your mat need to be? Think of how tall you are,  you would at least want a mat that is longer than you. The mat should be about 7-10 inches longer than your height, so you have ample room from the top and bottom of your mat.

There are SO many mats out there with different designs and colors! When looking for your mat remember these top 3 qualities to find your mat, then choose the color and design! Here are a few brands I recommend to check out. Hugger Mugger, B-Mat, and Liforme.

Happy mat shopping! <3