Yoga is a name which we Indians closely associate with, and thanks to all the good things that Yoga does to our body and mind, the whole world has embraced the practice of our ancient practice – Yoga! It is an ancient practice that combines different physical poses, varied breathing techniques, and meditation – mind, body and soul.
This beautiful practice has become immensely popular, especially in recent years. And when we say the word Yoga, the first thing that comes to our mind is a yoga mat! It is actually the one essential piece of equipment that you'll need whenever you are doing yoga. Not only does it provide a comfortable and supportive surface for your practice, but also enhances your experience by preventing injuries.
And if you are planning to buy a yoga mat, then you're in luck because today we're diving into the wonderful world of yoga mats. You are at SportsBunker; so grab your mat, strike a pose, and let's get started! Wait… wait… what did you ask? Why is a yoga mat necessary? Don’t worry, we’ll explain!
Why use yoga mat?
Ok…. Let’s come to the first things first—why exactly are yoga mats a must for your practice? Well, let us break it down for you, dear yogis:
To get a grip: Yoga mats provide an excellent skid-free surface which helps you be stable and balance yourself during your practice. Whether you're holding a pose or flowing through a sequence of various poses, a solid grip is necessary to prevent slipping and sliding on smooth surfaces.
For proper support: The best quality yoga mats offer soft cushioning and support for your body, making your practice more comfortable as well as pleasant. They also help absorb impact and pressure, lessening injuries and allowing you to focus on your breath and movement - and that’s exactly what you get when you buy yoga mats at SportsBunker.
Clean and hygienic: You don’t want to do the sacred activity of yoga on a dirty floor, or on the bare ground. Yoga mats create a barricade between you and the floor, protecting you from dirt and microbes on the floor or other surfaces. These mats are very easy to clean and maintain, which means you will always have a clean and hygienic space to practice yoga, every single time.
Help in alignments and positions: Most yoga mats come with markings and patterns which act as a guide to help you find the correct positions and alignment while practising the poses. These markers are especially beneficial for amateurs, making sure they maintain the correct form and posture throughout their practice.
Your personal space! Your yoga mat creates a designated place for your practice, giving you a sense of personal space and comfort, even in crowded settings. They are like little oases, where you can focus within you, free from distractions, and fully engross yourself in this beautiful practice.
Well, we think we have made things quite clear! Didn’t we?
How to choose best yoga mats – 5 key points to remember:
Now that we've clearly explained why best quality yoga mats are a must, let's dive into the main points to remember when choosing the right one:
Material: There are different types of yoga mat materials. Keep an eye out for yoga mats made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, cork, or natural rubber. These materials are free from toxins and dangerous chemicals, making them safer for your health as well as for the environment.
Grip: The one thing that you need to keep an eye out for, is the texture of the yoga mat. The right texture will provide you sufficient grip, so that you get a secure and stable session. Choose mats with a textured surface or a strong grip to prevent skidding, especially during “sticky” sessions.
Size: The yoga mat you buy should be appropriate for your body size as well as your practice style. In general, yoga mats come in sizes around 68 inches long and 24 inches wide. However, you can choose longer or wider mats if you need more space or have a bigger body.
Thickness: Again, the thickness of the yoga mat should be as per your comfort and needs. Generally, thicker mats offer more cushioning, hence more suitable for sensitive joints, while thinner mats make you closer to the ground for better stability and balance.
Compactness: If you are a yogi who is always on the move, then portability of your yoga mat is an important feature. Consider picking lightweight and compact mats, which are easy to roll up and take with you wherever your practice takes you.
Enjoy the benefits of yoga mat for a long time with these care tips:
We believe you have got the perfect yoga mat as needed, with our tips on how to select yoga mats. But that’s not where it stops; you need to take good care of your yoga mat, in order for it to last really long. Here are a few tips -
Clean regularly: Just like any other sports accessories, your yoga mat also needs to be cleaned regularly.- Make sure to clean it with a gentle cleanser and water to remove sweat, dirt, and microbes.
- Make sure to avoid harsh chemicals and scrubbing, as they may damage the mat's surface.
- Make sure to air dry your yoga ma completely after cleaning, so that mold and fungi do not grow.
- The best way is to hang it in an airy place or lay it flat on a clean surface until it's completely dry.
- Do not roll when it is wet.
- Store your yoga mat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and water.
- Avoid folding rashly or creasing the mat.
- Roll it up loosely with the textured side facing outwards
And that’s it—the ultimate guide to choosing the right yoga mat for your practice, by SportsBunker. So, embrace the importance of yoga mats, visit our store and explore the collection today. Namaste!
