The best yoga mat, how to choose it and what to pay attention to?

Yoga is a very popular type of physical activity Every year it gains an increasing number of supporters. However, not everyone knows how important a well-chosen yoga mat is. This is the first thing you should buy before you start exercising. There are many types of them and choosing the best one can be a difficult task. However, thanks to our advice, you will certainly choose the right one for you.

What materials are yoga mats made of? A short review of the most popular ones

The most frequently chosen materials are PVC, polyurethane or rubber. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is probably the most common material. However, you don’t have to be afraid of them, because many manufacturers produce them without harmful substances. PVC yoga mats are durable, easy to clean and cheap.

The second most popular material is PU, i.e. polyurethane. However, yoga mats are never made entirely of this material. It usually appears as a filling or its outer part. It is characterized by the fact that it is pleasant to the touch and, although the mats made of it are smooth, they also maintain adhesion. Its disadvantage is that the material is susceptible to bending and scratching, and it also gets dirty easily. Therefore, it is worth keeping it in a cover and not using e.g. hand creams during exercise.

Good amortization is essential. How thick should a yoga mat be?

Most exercise mats are between 1 and 8 mm thick. The thicker the yoga mat, the better the cushioning. Thanks to this, you will take care of your joints and bones, especially the wrists and knee joints, which are most vulnerable to injuries. Standard thickness is 3-4 mm. And these are the most common mats on the market. In such accessories, the cushioning is good, but it is worth putting an additional layer under the knees.

Yoga mat size and weight. Does it even matter?

Classic yoga mats measure 180 x 60 cm. However, you can find larger and smaller ones and adjust them to your liking. Another aspect you need to pay attention to is its weight. The yoga mat should be quite light. Especially since it has to be moved often. It should weigh a maximum of 2.5 kg. Which yoga mats have this weight? Most often, mats are made of PVC, but these are thinner. Those that are over 6 mm thick may weigh more and be simply bulky.