Yoga has become quite popular and because of this there is now an assortment of mats and towels to choose from. I have had the same mat since I first began practicing and it is probably time for a new one.
Mats come in an assortment of thicknesses. I have read that if you are a newer yogi you should get a thicker mat. The extra padding should help you slowly build joint and muscle strength and help prevent injuries from occurring. The downside of a thicker mat is that you may not feel as stable when doing balancing poses. Your body size may come into play here. A lighter, smaller build may not feel as stable on a super thick mat. If you are an experienced yogi, go for the thin mat. Your developed muscles are used to supporting you and you just don’t need as much cushion.
Along with the thickness of your mat, take into consideration it’s weight. There isn’t any need to get one that is super heavy. Besides, what if you want to ride your bike or walk to yoga? You certainly won’t want to have the extra weight!
Another thing to keep in mind is that some yoga mats have PVCs in them which is a toxic plastic with carcinogens in it. You are going to spend some time on your mat and you will feel better if it is made of natural rubber.
Don’t be surprised when you see the cost of your mat. They can be pricey. Just keep in mind that it will last you many, many years!
I have done some looking around and I think my new mat is going to be a Manduka LiveON mat. The LiveOn is made of recycled materials and is perfect for beginner to advanced. It has a soft foam that provides a solid level of support for balancing postures. This one definitely looks both solid and functional!
OH! Don’t forget about a yoga towel! This is truly more of a luxury than a must, but personally I recommend getting one. It will enhance your yoga experience. Most yoga classes are performed in warm to hot rooms, some with added humidity. On top of that, you are typically practicing breathing. In Ashtanga and Power yoga we use Ujjayi which is a breath that also creates internal heat. These factors lead to a lot of sweat (cleansing of the body). If you are sweating directly on your mat, your mat may feel a bit slippery – especially to the less experienced yogis. Get the yoga towel that has skidfree backing.