Fitness
Are You Practicing on the Right Yoga Mat?
Share
There’s no denying that practicing yoga has some amazing benefits, from increased flexibility and physical strength to facilitating the detox process and perks like mental clarity. But, have you ever experienced a class where your mat just wasn’t cooperating? Maybe you were slipping and sliding or weren’t getting the proper joint support to nail that pose. Whatever it may have been, there’s nothing worse than being distracted during your YOU time.
For yogis who want to take their practice to the next level and avoid distractions, it’s important to invest in the right equipment. Simple enough, right? Wrong. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned pro, navigating your way through yoga mat shopping can be as challenging as a level 3 power vinyasa class. Luckily, Manduka has over 20 years of experience when it comes to making mats that benefit all practice styles.
Before nailing down the perfect mat for you, there are several things to consider. First, what’s your main reason for practicing? Is yoga your primary fitness type, or are you looking for some restorative sessions to help you relax and unwind after a busy day?
Secondly, type of practice—if you’re already committed to one style—can also help narrow down the right mat for you. For yogis who want to give hot yoga a go (or those that tend to get sweaty in regular classes), you’ll limit distractions during class if you equip yourself with a grippy, slip-free mat. Or, if you find that yoga can be hard on your joints, you’ll want a mat that has good density.
The third factor worth considering is your lifestyle. Planning to practice at home, in a studio, or outdoors? Whether you live in a walkable city or prefer to arrive at your favorite studio by car, portability is an important factor. After all, you won’t want to lug around a 9-pound mat on the subway!
To make the whole process a bit easier, we at Manduka have created a tool to guide you through finding a yoga mat that’s a perfect fit for you and your practice. Take our quiz, and start tackling those poses like a PRO.
