If you’re a yoga practitioner then you already know that buying a yoga mat is essential. You can’t practice yoga without it!
However, there are many different kinds of mats out there and they all have their own features, benefits, pros, and cons to consider before making your final purchase decision. Choosing the best yoga mat for you can be tricky so we’ve put together this guide to help you get started.
As with any new purchase you need to do some research first to find out what kind of yoga mat is best suited to your needs and preferences. This way you won’t end up wasting money on something that doesn’t work well for you. There are lots of different options available so here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best yoga mat for you.
How Much Should You Spend?
The price of a yoga mat will vary depending on how much you use it, who makes it, where you buy it from, etc.
To give you an idea, I bought my current mat for $30, which isn’t bad considering it’s been used by me since I was 18 years old. Of course, if you spend more than $100 or so on a mat then you’ll probably want to go for a higher-quality one.
If you don’t have a lot of money to spare though, you could always look into getting a discount on a yoga mat. Amazon has quite a few mats in its catalog that aren’t expensive but still offer good value.
Are you planning to yogamatte kaufen? If yes then the first thing that matters is the funds that you are willing to spend on the mats. The person normally spends the money that is as per the quality of the results the products will provide. A person can go through the various materials and choose the most comfortable option that is available reasonably.
What Material Is Your Yoga Mat Made From?
There are two major materials used to make yoga mats – rubber and foam. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages so let’s take a closer look at them both to see which one is better for you.
Rubber Mats
Rubber mats are great because they are easy to clean and are resistant to heat and moisture. They also tend to last longer than foam ones.
Foam Mats
Foam mats are made from polyurethane and have the advantage of being very flexible, soft, absorbent, durable, and lightweight. However, they are not as long lasting as rubber mats and are easily damaged when stepped on too hard.
So, if you’re looking for a mat that lasts longer, choose a foam mat, otherwise go for a rubber one.
Is It Eco-Friendly?
One thing to note about yoga mats is that they are generally made from natural products such as cotton, hemp, bamboo, latex, jute, etc. These days it’s becoming easier and cheaper for companies to use eco-friendly materials that are sourced locally and responsibly produced.
In terms of yoga mats, you should check to see whether or not the company you’re dealing with uses eco-friendly materials. If they don’t, you may want to avoid purchasing their product. Here’s a list of companies that manufacture yoga mats using sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
You can also try doing a little bit of comparison shopping. When looking at reviews online, pay attention to the number of positive comments versus negative ones. In general, people seem to prefer yoga mats made from organic cotton, recycled rubber, or other natural materials over those made from petroleum-based plastics.
What Size Is Suitable For You?
When you’re picking out a yoga mat, you should be aware of how big you actually need it to be. The size of your chosen mat will depend on your height and body type or build. Most yoga mats come in five sizes (which include 6’x9’, 8’x12’, 10’x14’, 12’x16’, and 15’x18’). So, if you have a large frame then you might want to opt for a larger mat. On the other hand, if you’re short and slim then you might want to go for a smaller size mat because it will provide you with enough stretch room. Either way, it’s important to measure your space to ensure you pick the right mat size for you.
Does Your Yoga Mat Have Handle?
Some yoga mats have handles built into them while others don’t. If you want to save yourself some cash when buying a yoga mat, then you should definitely go for the latter option. Not only will they be less expensive, but they are also great for carrying around your mat during practice.
On the flip side, if you’re someone who likes to store and transport your mat properly, then you might want to invest in a yoga mat with handles on it. If you can afford it, these are usually made from high quality materials like leather or canvas so they’d be considered an upgrade.
Is Your Yoga Mat Machine Washable?
A machine-washable yoga mat is ideal for people who want to keep their mat clean and hygienic. The downside is that they cost a little bit more to boot.
If you’re worried about having to scrub your yoga mat after every single class, then you should consider investing in a machine-washable mat instead.
What Are Some Other Options To Consider?
When choosing a yoga mat there are a few other things to consider beyond just the material, size, and price.
Here are a couple of additional factors worth taking into account when choosing the best yoga mat for you.
Durability:
How long will your mat last? Will it break after a year or two? Do you think you’ll be able to use it for another decade at least?
Ease of Maintenance:
How easy is it to maintain your yoga mat? Does it require you to use harsh chemicals to clean it regularly? Are there any special care instructions included in the packaging?
Price Range:
How much does your yoga mat cost? If you need to budget carefully then you should go for something that’s cheap but still offers good value.
Sustainability:
Do you want to support local businesses and companies that source their products from sustainable sources?
Ultimately, you’ll need to decide what kind of yoga mat is best for you based on these criteria.
