There are a few basic categories of yoga mats: sticky mats, natural fiber mats, and natural rubber/vinyl mats. Each mat has its benefits depending on the type of yoga, the person’s individual preference of feel, and the budget allowed for the item. Every store or website a person will search for yoga mats will be faced with many products that all look the same, each claiming to be the best. The best yoga mat is really in the eyes of the beholder.
Some people which are interested in the mat for power yoga (also known as hatha yoga) will be doing more physical activity and are likely to sweat more. For this reason a natural fiber such as cotton or other natural woven fibers would give a better grip while sweating. People interested in using the mat for complete forms of yoga that include relaxation and meditation will want a longer and possibly thicker mat designed for lying stretched out flat. Many of these mats will be made from natural rubber or vinyl depending on the manufacturer.
For stretches and balancing poses many people prefer the security of a sticky mat. These mats are made of PVC a synthetic material which is designed to help people keep their grip. The mats are often light weight and easy to carry.
Buying Basics
Regardless of the exact material to be used for the mat, there are a few basic considerations to be taken with any yoga mat. The yoga mat should be durable; to test the durability some people use a quarter to rub away at a sample of the material counting the strokes. At the end of the test, this person can deduct that the mat that was able to withstand the largest number of strokes is the most durable.
A yoga mat should also be easy to care for. Much like clothing, yoga mats which are machine washable are preferable to mats which require hand washing or other special care. Yoga mats are frequently used on public floors, for sanitation and personal comfort machine washable mats will fit the bill.
Most machine washable mats cannot withstand the spin cycle, for maximum life of the mat it should be removed and allow to air dry flat or hanging. Rolling the mat or folding it before it has had time to dry can also affect its longevity.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yoga classes?
By: Janea | 19-08-2008
I occasionally visit family in Lincoln, Ca and was wondering where the closest yoga studio would be?
Property has no clean out system
By: Isabel | 04-08-2008
Does the dept. of Public Works from the city of Sunnyvale have a map of the properties pipes and if some properties share pipes? I have sewer problems and my property has no clean out system. I need to install one and would like to have an idea where the main pipes are located to be able to install a clean out system myself.
Living yoga multivitamins
By: pam | 23-06-2008
Hi does anyone know where to buy Living Yoga multivitamins....and has anyone tried them? thanks
Yoga Instructor search
By: kacee412 | 16-06-2008
Does anyone know where Christine Iannone teaches Yoga since her studio closed in Brentwood, Ca?
Are there any breathing techniques to relieve ...
By: drabsv | 14-05-2008
Are there any breathing techniques to relieve tooth pain (in case one is advised not to use drugs for that purpose)?
Holistic lifestyle
By: La_Bella_Kari | 21-04-2008
What Is Holistic Living And Health And What Are Its Benefits?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Health Articles
Knee Pain Relief : How to Find the Best Football Knee Brace
By: Daniel Sims | 06/10/2008
Football players play in a rough sport. That is obvious. Knee injuries do happen, and we are offering you some information here that will help you decide on which knee brace is best for your needs. Do not keep your knees waiting, read this article to learn more.
3 Ways to Spot Dangerous Fad Diet
By: Jayson Hunter | 06/10/2008
Fad Diets are causing individuals to become very frustrated with weight loss. Fad Diets are screwing with metabolisms and sometimes causing weight gain instead of weight loss. Learn the 3 keys to identify a dangerous fad diet.
Do You Want To Lose 15 Pounds Fast
By: Garen Arnold | 06/10/2008
Losing weight is a lifestyle change. If you are serious about weight loss you can lose 15 pounds fast
Plastic Surgeons: Tips for Choosing One
By: Abigail Aaronson | 06/10/2008
One of the most crucial steps before getting plastic surgery is choosing the right plastic surgeon, and one you can trust. Make sure you do your homework and choose a doctor with experience and extensive training.
Products for Your Face Anti Aging Needs
By: Lance Bleakley | 06/10/2008
Aging itself isn't so bad-it's the signs of aging that get to us the most. No one wants to be reminded of how old they are by the appearance of crow's feet, sagging skin, wrinkles, and other unsightly signs of the passing years. Unfortunately, that is how the process works but luckily there are plenty of quality anti aging face products you can turn to.
Male Plastic Surgery: Things to Note
By: Abigail Aaronson | 06/10/2008
Vanity is not restricted to women alone. More males are getting plastic surgery to improve their overall appearance. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing one of the more popular cosmetic surgical procedures that men are opting for.
Breast Lift Can Transform Your Looks
By: Abigail Aaronson | 06/10/2008
Pregnancy, nursing and aging can make even the firmest of breasts start to droop. A breast lift can transform your looks, giving you a firmer, perky and more attractive bust. Find out what is involved in breast lift surgery and the recovery process.
Breast Implant: What Is Your Right Size?
By: Abigail Aaronson | 06/10/2008
So you know you want bigger breasts-but how much bigger? Choosing the right implant size is a crucial step in the breast augmentation process.
More from Alison White
Accuretic Medicine - Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
By: Alison White | 27/12/2007 | Medicine
This combination belongs to the class of medicines called high blood pressure medicines. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks.
Accutane Medicine for Acne - Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
By: Alison White | 27/12/2007 | Medicine
Accutane is a powerful drug used in the treatment of acne. Four to five months of isotretinoin treatment usually leads to clearing of acne for one year or more after the medicine is stopped. Most other acne-controlling medicines are antibacterial agents, which are effective only if the medicine is used daily.
Accutane is a form of vitamin A. So it decreases the amount of sebum (oil) that is released by the sebaceous (oil) glands, and it also increases that rate at which the skin renews itself.
Aceon Medicine - Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
By: Alison White | 27/12/2007 | Medicine
Aceon is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
Aceon is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent heart attack in people with coronary artery disease. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Because high blood pressure levels can damage your kidneys, and may also lead to a stroke or heart failure.
Anafranil Medicine - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects
By: Alison White | 27/12/2007 | Medicine
Anafranil is a chemical cousin of tricyclic antidepressant medications. It is an antiobsessional drug that belongs to the class (dibenzazepine) of pharmacologic agents known as tricyclic antidepressants. In the brain there are numerous different chemical compounds called neurotransmitters. These act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells.
Anaprox Medicine - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects
By: Alison White | 27/12/2007 | Medicine
Naproxen is in a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by reducing hormones that may cause inflammation and pain in the body. Naproxen is also effective in treating other mild to moderate pain, such as menstrual pain, headache, toothache, and temporarily reduces fever.
Anaprox Dosage
Androgel Medicine - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects
By: Alison White | 27/12/2007 | Medicine
Testosterone is a naturally occurring male hormone and it is necessary for many processes in the body. It is a hormone replacement product for men that are suffering from hypogonadism, a low level of the male hormone testosterone. A recent study estimates that as many as 13 million men in the United States over age 45 may have Low T. Testosterone are an important hormone that affects many parts of your body. The active ingredient in AndroGel is testosterone.
Ansaid Medicine - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects
By: Alison White | 27/12/2007 | Medicine
In a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Flurbiprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that may fever, and inflammation. Flurbiprofen is used to treats pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness that may be caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Antipyrine and Benzocaine Medicine - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects
By: Alison White | 27/12/2007 | Medicine
Antipyrine and benzocaine (an-tee-PYE-reen and BEN-zoe-kane) combination is used in the ear to help relieve the pain, swelling, and congestion of some ear infections. In the U.S., this medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. In Canada, this medicine is available without a prescription. However, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper dose for your ear problem.
Health 
