How to choose the right yoga mat? – Happiness and health

Those who exercise regularly know that the yoga mat is a useful accessory for practicing on the floor. To perform each posture well without sacrificing your comfort, there is nothing better than a good mat.

This accessory, which can be found in all sports halls, is a tool that we are taking more and more pleasure in owning.

Because we don’t always want to share a rug with everyone, because we are not necessarily comfortable with surfaces that are not always clean …

There are many reasons to invest in a model that will not be yours – and just yours. For some, it is simply a question of not playing sports on a mat with questionable hygiene.

For others, it’s a matter of finding better comfort with each posture.

For still others, purchasing a yoga mat is a step towards more exercise at home. If we are all tempted, at one point or another, to invest in a super aesthetic model, it will be smarter to consider other criteria.

We explain how to choose your yoga mat, based on elements that will allow you to see if a prototype is really worth its price.

What is a yoga mat?

The accessory is a gym or sports mat, which facilitates the practice of yoga. Smaller in size than a pilates mat, it has a thickness of up to 1,5 cm. This mat is suitable for sports.

Measurements may vary depending on models and manufacturers. It is thus possible to find 4mm mats, like others of 6mm. This measurement is the one known as “standard”, because it would allow to have a good support, without undergoing imbalance.

It is mainly used as a bulwark against the cold and the rigidity of the ground. The device will locally isolate the temperature on the ground. It will also soften the contact between the contact between the body and the ground. Regardless of the type of exercise practiced, the yoga mat is still useful.

The design of the models is usually adapted to different postures. More than its ability to alleviate the discomfort experienced by bone masses, it is its non-slip ability that really sets the yoga mat apart.

Because to be functional, the model must “hang” on the ground. Both sides must have the necessary qualities to protect the user. If the part adhering to the ground provides stability, the part on which you will exercise must keep its resistance against heat and humidity.

For the yogi, this anti-slip ability is the only guarantee to practice sport without being afraid of falls. The yoga mat is thus a safe device for the yogi, who can indulge in intensive practices, without having to pay attention to each movement.

In this video, you will find some tips to limit slippage on your carpet:

Is the carpet essential?

You should know that the yoga mat is not an essential accessory. However, it is necessary on many levels. Its usefulness is noticed especially when it is necessary to attenuate the falls, help to find the balance, or quite simply to protect you against an aggressive ground.

Your mat will be your best ally, and should make you want to exercise often. It will be the only element that can really preserve your joints, and maintain your back. Its usefulness will therefore not be the same for everyone.

It is therefore rare to find athletes who can do without it, especially when the discipline requires being in contact with the ground for several hours. The yoga mat is now considered an asset during sports days spent outdoors.

For the practice of wellness, this accessory would be just as suitable for promoting relaxation as for more dynamic sessions. It will have to withstand humidity and high temperatures as well as repeated, targeted or diffuse shocks.

The right criteria for choosing your yoga mat

You guessed it: focus on the brand where price is not a good approach. It will also be necessary to consider other criteria which will inform you about the quality of the different products.

Because not all carpets have the same advantages. While some have what it takes to satisfy you, others are clearly not worth the investment. Of course, it is always possible to find excellent models that do not necessarily retain all the elements.

This exercise video will give you an idea of ​​the recommended thickness, and the stability that must be found to keep the mat comfortable in all circumstances:

Here is what you need to know to find the reference (s) that may be right for you.

The thickness

This is the number one criterion for connoisseurs. For the latter, a good yoga mat should neither be too thin nor too thick. On the market, you will have no trouble finding several thicknesses. The measures leave a wide possibility of choice.

You will find as many 1,5 mm mats as others of 15 mm. The thinnest models are not the most suitable for sports. As for the thicker ones, they are ideal for the practice of pilates.

This sport, which requires firmness and even more flexibility, will be the only one that will require the adoption of a consistent model. In the case of yoga, it will be more practical to turn to models whose measurements are close to standards.

These vary from 4 to 6 mm, so that the outfit is stable, without sacrificing comfort. The consistency of the mat is essential for the yogi to use it safely.

On the other hand, it should be noted that a marked thickness will also be equivalent to a more slippery structure for the user. The lack of stability will be felt when the carpet is subjected to high pressure, or when it is in contact with moisture.

Sweaty hands and feet will thus be the first enemies of a thick model. There are also drawbacks to choosing thinner versions, as the structure will not fully protect your joints.

It may then be necessary to provide an additional support for certain positions. In particular, it will be recommended to multiply the additional accessories for the comfort of your knees.

Before choosing your mat, you must therefore find the right compromise between the balance and the well-being of your muscles. The advice is very important for users who suffer from joint problems.

The choice of material

It is important that the material that makes up your yoga mat is suitable for your exercises. There is a wide variety of models, and just as many materials and textures. The design should retain non-slip faces, with soft-touch coatings.

Like the thickness, it will prevent you from slipping during your postures, and will prevent pain. The composition of your yoga mat should respect your skin, and dry quickly so that sweating is not disturbing.

Remember that this will be the first element that comes into contact with your skin. It is therefore necessary that it be flexible, and that it can adapt to your morphology. The fibers should ideally meet your needs, without triggering allergies.

It is thus not uncommon to see itching or redness appear on the body when your sports mat contains something to which you are intolerant. Especially plastic compositions should be monitored.

The toxicity of certain materials provides information on the need to know what may or may not be suitable for your health. However, the number of people who have actually reported serious allergic reactions is rare.

Contrary to an idea that is starting to spread, it is not mandatory to use an organic or eco-responsible yoga mat to enjoy maximum comfort… or to be efficient!

Not everyone has the same expectations, but they will all have to think about what is practical to them on a personal level. It is however true that the light compositions are those which will be the simplest to use.

Finally, remember that the material must be easy to maintain. Your yoga mat is an accessory that you will use in many environments, under totally different conditions.

It must therefore be cleaned regularly, and not be damaged after a few months. Consider adopting a carpet that offers a minimum warranty of 5 years. This lifespan is an average which gives an indication of its resistance.

This guarantee is not essential, however, even if it will allow you to rest easy for a while. You will have no trouble finding models that offer twice the lifespan, but which will not be worth anything in the long run.

Others, on the other hand, will have no difficulty in serving you for several years without registering the marks of time. The lifespan will depend as much on how you use them as on the quality of the material.

Some practical tips to remember

These basic criteria will help you find a good yoga mat. They will not be enough, however, because you will also have to juggle other little practical tips. We give you some more tips:

Pay attention to the price

You don’t have to spend a lot to have a good carpet. However, we must not lie: the discounted models that you find on unreliable sites will be those that will tear after a few months.

The price therefore remains an important index, which will inform you about the quality of the product. You may very well find references at 3 euros, as you may find at 100 euros. Above 15 euros, we can say that the investment is worth it.

A carpet, a practice?

It may be interesting to dedicate a mat to a sport. On the market, you will find a good number of pilates mats and other floor models. If they can do the trick, they will never be worth a real yoga mat.

The pros and cons of a yoga mat

At first glance, the yoga mat is not necessarily something you would think about looking for good and bad points. You might be surprised, however, that there is no shortage of pros and cons!

We have thus noted its strengths:

Reviews of yoga mats

Athletes in general are in favor of the investment that represents a yoga mat. It must be said that it is a versatile accessory whose usefulness has long been proven. A good mat will serve both bodybuilders and die-hard yogis.

The difficulty of finding the right brand, the right material and the right thickness the first time, however, dampens the enthusiasm. A good number of Internet users prefer to take the first reference which they find at hand.

Our review of the best yoga mats

We have selected 5 references that have already proven themselves to the public. We chose them not only because they are popular: they also have the advantages that we would like to find in any sports mat.

The Eco-Nature of Fitem

Our first rug comes from Fitem, a brand that focuses on the eco aspect to make its model unique. It is a model whose dimensions will suit the vast majority: 183 x 61 x 0,6 cm, on a reversible and non-slip surface.

This yoga mat is a responsible reference that respects the environment, and knows how to remain hygienic. Suitable for gym and yoga, it is also recommended for weight training and pilates.

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TechFit’s extra thick mat

This yoga mat deserves its name. And for good reason: its thickness varies from 10 to 15 mm, for a width of 60 cm, and a length of 180 cm. Slightly smaller than our first model, it adopts an ergonomic design that adapts to all types of sport.

TechFit’s model is elegant, simple, and effective. In addition to offering a design that adapts to stretching, gym, pilates, and abs, it is also ideal for camping. Its anti-tearing technology boosts its lifespan and resistance.

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The non-slip model of KG Physio

We continue with the non-slip yoga mat from the KG Physio brand. Equipped with transport straps, this model will be very practical for those who do not want to burden themselves with a bag.

Its thickness, established at 12 mm, rests on a durable, safe and comfortable composition. The high quality of the material is a guarantee of resistance that will convince the most demanding. On this rug, you will also find several colors, for all tastes.

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Le Flow, kit deyoga de Bodhi

The Bodhi brand enjoys marketing accessories that will appeal to women first. This is what the appearance of this yoga mat tells us, adopting a pop and very feminine color.

The accessory is accompanied by 2 fitness blocks, made of a light rubber foam. A cotton belt is also integrated into the package, and will reveal all its usefulness to beginners.

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The Large Mat from KeenFlex

The latest product is the Large Carpet from KeenFlex, which is environmentally friendly and recyclable. The model is aimed at all sports enthusiasts, not just yogis. The material, 6 mm thick, is elastic, resistant and easy to maintain.

Le Grand Tapis opts for healthy and eco-friendly materials to make an impression. Its cellular structure is studied to be hypoallergenic, and could therefore be suitable for sensitive skin.

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Conclusion

Finding the yoga mat that will accompany you on your sporting adventures is not very complicated. Just remember the logical arguments that will help you be sure to invest in a quality model.

Because this is the basic criterion for choosing well: the quality of the model, the material, comes before the popularity of the brand. A good yoga mat should be your number one ally during outdoor sports … but also indoors.

Its role: to boost your comfort, while making sure you perform your exercises correctly. Very practical for weight loss or well-being goals, the yoga mat is an accessory that knows that its functional aspect remains its best asset.

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