Yoga Equipments
What Makes a Quality Yoga Mat?
Go to just about any yoga website that sells products, and you'll find that they offer quality yoga mats. Of course they're going to advertise that their merchandise is high quality. After all, who's going to say, "We've got junk?" But what really makes a quality yoga mat and how do you choose amongst the many competitors?
First, a yoga mat has two basic purposes. It needs to keep you from slipping and sliding while you go through your asanas (postures). And, if you are very thin and/or do hard, fast workout programs like Ashtanga Yoga, the mat needs to provide padding between you and the floor. Therefore a quality yoga mat for people practicing Ashtanga needs to be about four millimeters thick.
But what makes a quality yoga mat for those of us who practice the kinder, gentler, Hatha Yoga? For some people, the answer lies in environmental friendliness. According to Laura Cornell of the Green Yoga Association, most Yoga sticky mats contain a product called polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is linked to some types of cancer and cannot be recycled. Quality Yoga mats that do not use PVC include the eco-Yoga mat and the Earth Elements mat.
Another issue to consider is durability. You don't want a mat that's going to fall apart in a few months. Some mats literally only last for a few weeks or months. One way to evaluate this issue is to do some research. Talk to your friends about mats that have and haven't worked for them, and check at online stores that encourage customers to write reviews of the products.
You also want to evaluate how the mat you choose stands up to perspiration. Some mats become slick when they get wet with perspiration. This defeats the purpose of having a sticky mat. Again, talk to friends or read online reviews before you make a purchase.
What should I pay for a Quality Yoga Mat?
You can get a basic yoga mat for around $15-$25. You'll pay more for a quality yoga mat--sometimes much more. One particular high-end mat, called a Manduka mat sells for $70. You may be able to lower that cost somewhat if you check online auctions, know what you are looking for, and find some coupon codes.
Another thing to consider when you're looking at cost is how serious you are about yoga. If yoga is an important part of your lifestyle, then you definitely want to pay for a top of the line quality yoga mat. If it's a new hobby, you might want to start with a less expensive mat until you're sure you're going to continue practicing. Either way, with a little research you can make sure that you purchase the mat that's right for you.