Types of yoga mats
A yoga mat was formerly just a yoga mat.
Then yoga became popular. It is now quite fashionable. Yoga mats alone are an $11 billion dollar industry. Yoga mats are also useful for various floor activities such as functional training, abdominal exercises, and high intensity interval training (HIIT). Yoga mats come in a variety of thicknesses and are often composed of natural rubber or a form of plastic known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Several models additionally have textured nonslip surfaces and more padding.
With popularity comes a plethora of different sorts of yoga gear, props, and clothes, including a vast array of different types of yoga mats for every possible setting as well as for the many forms of yoga.
We’ve outlined your mat alternatives below depending on a range of aspects, including your needs, preferences, and, of course, your yoga style.
Traditional or Standard
Many Indian gurus used to practice on bare dirt or animal skin carpets. Modern cloth and synthetic materials gained appeal as comfort, cost, and environmental concerns increased. The normal length of a yoga mat is 72 inches, while the customary width is 24 inches.
A typical thickness is approximately 4-5 millimeters. Non-slip material aids in injury prevention, especially during sweaty workouts.
Round or Oval
Yoga enthusiasts choose circular yoga mats because they allow for a greater range of movement than the traditional rectangular form of mat. Due to their size and mass, larger diameters are often unsuitable for large class situations or travel. Oval-shaped mats provide yogis with greater cushioned protection in the center of the mat. This is useful for sessions that contain several sat positions or contemplative cooldowns.
Hourglass
Yoga practitioners may choose an hourglass-shaped mat since it more organically conforms to the curve of the human body. These mats have broad, rounded ends and a center that tapers to the usual width of a normal mat.
Square
The above mats are as broad as they are long, making them ideal for partnered or parent-and-child yoga practise. Yoga instructors may choose bigger mats for guiding a class by demonstrating a posture from various perspectives.
Child-friendly
Mini-mats designed for children are often shorter than conventional mats, measuring 60 inches or less. Lightweight fabrics with plenty of cushioning, as well as mats printed with guideline marks or illustrations of certain postures, are also popular alternatives for youngsters.
Extra Long
The normal yoga mat’s length of 68-72 inches is ideal for yogis under 6 feet tall. If you’re tall, search for yoga mats that are longer than 72 inches to ensure you have enough room and comfort while practicing.
Extra Wide
Given the range of poses taught by each yoga school, some practitioners may prefer a wider-than-average yoga mat. Pregnant women and individuals who want help may prefer a broader mat for greater comfort and stability.
Extra Thick
High-impact yoga is popular because of the intensity and stamina required to complete its forms, therefore yogis who enjoy this style prefer additional cushioning to protect their heels, palms, and joints from becoming painful. Seniors and those recuperating from injury or coping with persistent physical restrictions benefit from mats that are thicker than the industry standard of 4-5 millimeters. Download Report
Extra Thin
Thinner yoga mats are appropriate for sessions on soft surfaces such as grass, carpet, or in studios with already cushioned flooring. By typical standards, any thickness less than 4 millimetres is considered thin. Yogis who walk or bike to class may benefit from their decreased weight as well.
Travel-size
Mats designed to travel as a carry-on or in bags are frequently constructed of lightweight material and may be soft enough to fold rather than roll up. Others may have built-in straps and clasps for attaching to backpacks or bikes.
Smooth
Smooth-surfaced yoga mats are easier to clean than textured yoga mats and might be a more comfortable fit if you practice yoga that needs gentle, smooth transitions between postures. Restorative and vinyasa yoga methods both emphasize holding forms or carefully switching poses.
Textured
Such mats have a coarser texture and can be constructed of synthetic or natural materials. They are preferable if you desire greater grip while holding positions that require precise postures and firm balance.
Sticky
A sticky mat, contrary to its name, is not physically sticky like glue, but it does prevent sliding owing to its particular composition and surface. In addition to the friction on top, the term “sticky” can relate to how a mat behaves on a certain floor surface.
Acupressure
If you wish to include the concepts of acupuncture and acupressure into your yoga practise, a specialty mat like this one might be useful. Yoga practitioners may target crucial pressure areas using ergonomic knobs that cover the mat throughout each position.
Reversible
If you want to vary between different types of yoga practise, a changeable mat may save you time and money. Mats designed to be used on both sides often contain a microfiber surface and a sticky surface, allowing you to adjust between traction and comfort requirements.
Printed
Several companies provide colourful, amusing, or stimulating design alternatives for their various mats. With the growing popularity of yoga, numerous print-on-demand firms are now offering customised yoga mats. You may also hand-paint a mat, however the paint may fade off with time and with heavy use.
Natural
Cotton fabric, braided grass fibres, cork bark, and even rubber are all natural materials. Yogis choose these materials since they biodegrade and help to eliminate trash. However, they may wear or tear faster than synthetic or hybrid alternatives.
Synthetic
Due to possible detrimental consequences, several yoga mat producers have phased out the usage of some synthetic materials, such as PVC, however they may still be available on the market. Choose mats with simple material lists that clearly say they are non-toxic.
Hybrid
Yoga mats made from a combination of natural and synthetic materials often outlast all-natural mats. If you use your yoga mat regularly and desire the organic feel of organic fibers and biodegradable elements, you could consider a hybrid mat with a thermoplastic elastomer beneath.
Hypoallergenic
People who practice should be cautious not just of potentially hazardous compounds in their yoga mats, but also of allergen exposure. Yoga mats made of natural rubber may cause a latex allergy. A response like this may be avoided by carefully reading material lists or purchasing mats that clearly say they are hypoallergenic.