Are you a fitness freak but on a minimal level? You must be a yoga enthusiast to keep your body healthy without getting into heavy lifting and difficult exercises. Yoga is one of the fitness activities that build body strength without requiring expensive gear. However, a few years ago, there was only one type of yoga mat made of PVC material.
But now, in these times, this is not the only choice for you, but there are many new types of materials available. In this article, we will help you understand all types of yoga mats and how to choose the best yoga mats in 2023 with the high quality you need to choose.
Types Of Yoga Mats In 2023
Aside from a color and pattern that complements your taste, your yoga mat should keep you steady in your postures; it should be storable and portable yet comfortable and fluffy. You could also want your mat to be eco-friendly. To get the one according to your needs, be aware of all the types of yoga mats available.
Here are some of them you must know:
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PVC Yoga Mats:
The majority of common yoga mats are constructed of PVC, often known as vinyl. PVC mats are long-lasting, sticky, and provide a solid grip. They are not, however, environmentally friendly and may include hazardous compounds such as phthalates.
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Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats:
Natural and recycled rubber, jute, organic cotton, and cork are newer, more environmentally friendly possibilities. These mats are biodegradable, recyclable, and environmentally safe. They may be more expensive than PVC mats, however, and their performance characteristics may differ.
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Foam Yoga Mats:
Foam yoga mats are essentially an environmentally friendly alternative to PVC mats. They have the same performance features as PVC mats but without the negative environmental consequences. However, foam mats contain latex, which can be problematic for allergy-prone yogis.
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Rubber Yoga Mats:
Rubber yoga mats are another popular eco-friendly mat option. They provide good traction and are a viable alternative to PVC mats. Rubber mats, like foam mats, contain latex.
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Cotton Yoga Mats:
Cotton yoga mats are lightweight and environmentally friendly. When wet, they absorb perspiration nicely and increase grip. They may not give adequate support on their own; thus, they are frequently used on other yoga mats.
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Combo Yoga Mats:
Combo yoga mats are produced from a combination of materials, including polyester and eco-certified PVC. They provide an excellent blend of grip, durability, and comfort.
What Makes A Yoga Mat The Best Choice For My Practice?
Choosing the correct and deluxe yoga mat is critical for a safe and enjoyable practice. There will be some discomfort when doing any type of exercise on the floor, whether stretching, ab exercises, or yoga. Humans have pointed and bony joints such as the elbows, knees, and lower back. It aches and puts you in danger of harming yourself when certain body parts are put under pressure on a hard floor.
A mat not only covers you but also protects your floor from damage. You don’t want your living room floor or a completely equipped home gym to get harmed. When executing ab workouts with a kettlebell, such as Russian twists, you can easily lose control and wind up with a ding or scratch on your floor. A high-quality, thick yoga mat will absorb the impact of whatever you hurl at it and protect your property.
A mat will protect your skin from friction burns if you exercise on the carpet.
Is A Thicker Yoga Mat Always Better?
No, a thicker yoga mat isn’t always preferable. Individual demands and preferences determine the optimal thickness of a yoga mat. Thicker mats give additional padding and are ideal for therapeutic practices like restorative yoga or yogis with fragile knees or achy joints. Thicker mats, on the other hand, can be more difficult to balance during standing poses.
Thinner mats are preferable for dynamic yoga forms like vinyasa, Ashtanga, or hot yoga because they provide more stability and help maintain balance. They can also aid in the development of stability in yoga forms with more energetic poses or balanced, focused poses. Finally, the thickness of the yoga mat should allow you to hold positions comfortably without feeling unstable or uncomfortable.
What Is The Difference Between PVC And Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats?
The material, environmental impact, and performance of PVC and eco-friendly yoga mats differ. Here are a few important distinctions between the two:
Material:
- PVC mats are constructed of plastic polyvinyl chloride, whereas eco-friendly mats are made of natural or recycled rubber, jute, cotton, or cork.
- PVC mats are normally smooth, whereas eco-friendly mats may have a raised texture for improved traction.
Environmental Impact:
- PVC mats are non-biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to disintegrate. They’re also tough and expensive to recycle. PVC mats may include hazardous chemicals like phthalates, which are used to make the material more flexible and have been connected to a variety of health issues.
- Biodegradable, recyclable, and eco-friendly mats are often constructed from natural or recycled materials. Some eco-friendly mats, however, may still have environmental hazards. Natural rubber manufacturing, for example, can be resource-intensive, and rubber plantations have been connected to deforestation and other environmental issues.
Performance:
- PVC mats are long-lasting and provide good traction, making them ideal for people needing assistance staying in their positions. However, if they are not clean, they can be slippery.
- The performance of eco-friendly mats varies based on the material. Natural rubber is known to be the best dry-grip yoga mat, but it comes with a strong odor. Jute and cotton mats have less traction but are absorbent and give adequate traction. Cork mats are long-lasting and provide an excellent grip, although they can be hefty.
What Types Of Yoga Mats Are Best For Traveling
Travel yoga mats are meant to be lightweight, small, and easy to transport, making them ideal for yogis on the road. Here are some things to think about while choosing a travel yoga mat:
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Weight And Size:
Yoga mats for travel should be light and compact enough to fit in your luggage or backpack. Look for mats that can be rolled or folded quickly and no wider than 24 inches. Thinner mats are usually lighter and less difficult to pack than thicker mats.
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Material:
Natural or synthetic rubber, microfibre, or other lightweight materials are commonly used to make travel yoga mats. Natural rubber mats have a good grip but a strong odor. Although microfiber mats are absorbent and give a decent grip, they may not be as long-lasting as rubber mats. PVC and other synthetic mats are lightweight and durable. However, they are not environmentally friendly.
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Grip:
To avoid slipping and sliding during your practice, look for a mat with a non-slip surface. Mats with a raised texture or a sticky surface are more grippy.
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Durability:
Yoga mats for travel should be strong enough to survive repeated use and packing. Look for mats constructed of durable materials that can withstand wear and tear.
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Price:
Travel yoga mats range in price from low-cost alternatives to high-end mats. When choosing a travel yoga mat, consider your budget as well as how frequently you intend to use it.
Tips To Maintain The Yoga Mat
It is essential to maintain your yoga mat to ensure its longevity and sanitation. Here are some pointers to keep your yoga mat clean and in good shape:
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Clean Your Mat Regularly:
Wipe off your yoga mat with a clean towel after each session to eliminate sweat, dirt, and oils. Regular cleaning helps to keep bacteria and odors at bay.
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Use A Natural Cleaner:
Avoid using harsh chemicals or soaps that can harm the mat or irritate the skin. Instead, use a natural cleanser, such as a water-vinegar mixture or an all-natural yoga mat cleaner.
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Avoid Submerging Your Mat:
Excessive water might cause the mat to become soggy and ruin it. Instead, while cleaning your mat, use a small amount of water and very little soap.
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Air Dry Your Mat:
Allow your mat to dry before rolling it up or storing it thoroughly. Bacteria and mold can thrive in a moist mat. Avoid drying your mat in direct sunlight since this might cause the material to fade or disintegrate.
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Store Your Mat Properly:
Roll your mat up loosely and store it somewhere cold and dry. Avoid storing your mat in direct sunlight or a damp or humid area since these conditions might cause the material to deteriorate or mold to grow.
Bottom Line
Finally, when choosing the best yoga mats for 2023, you must keep all the information in mind. Consider all the facts and keep all the types in mind. Moreover, make sure you understand your needs, too.
Now, if you only want the highest quality, Made by Tory has some of the best and top-quality yoga mats for you. Our collection is top-notch, and all you need is to name it, and we have got you covered.