Satya Yoga

Just like other exercise routines which need some tools to enhance their moves and performance, yoga also requires its practitioners with a special instrument, and in this case it’s a mat. A yoga mat functions mainly to improve one’s strength and balance while doing various yoga positions, and at the same time it prevents one from suffering accidents during the routine exercise.

But are yoga mats the same as other mats? No. They have special requirements that secure one’s safety during yoga practice. Various yoga mats are now available in the market, as the exercise has grown to be a popular practice for health conscious people of today. Thus, when shopping for a yoga mat, here are the things you should look for:

1. A good cushion. Yoga mats are usually made of natural rubber and foam, and when buying a mat you should check its cushion. A good yoga mat has a soft but firm cushion capable of handling your weight once you start using it for practice. Yoga mats differ in cushion thickness, and those who are either suffering from overweight problems or approaching the golden years are recommended to use the thicker mats, so as to protect their spines and accommodate their weight.

Natural rubber yoga mats also have the environmental advantage of being completely non-toxic (assuming that the manufacturer isn’t using toxic dyes or paints) and being biodegradeable.

2. Adhesion. Yoga mats are made to be sticky, as the adhesion helps in supporting one’s weight and balance when doing more advanced positions. Some mats, especially those which are made of more organic materials are less sticky than the typical rubber mats. You can then spread some chalk on the mat so your hands would not slip in case you sweat during exercise.

3. Durability. Most of all, your mat should be durable enough to stand your weight, moves and frequency of use. Also, make it a point to clean your mat regularly to increase its durability and at the same time get rid of existing dirt and bacteria accumulated during exercise.