If you’re ready to buy your own mat for yoga class, here’s what to get and how to take care of it.
One of the many nice things about yoga is that you don’t need much equipment to do it. However, aside from comfortable clothing, most people practicing yoga today do use one piece of equipment: the yoga mat. If you have never done yoga and are thinking about trying it, then you don’t need to rush out and buy a mat. It is better to go to a class first and see if you like it. Most yoga schools and studios will have extra mats that they will lend or rent to you.
Once you’ve done a few classes and think you will continue and maybe even do some yoga at home, then you need a mat. Yoga mats can be bought at many of the larger yoga schools and studios. Teachers and fellow students can also point you in the right direction. Alternatively, yoga mats have been seen in some of the better sporting-goods stores, and, of course, you can buy one online. Type ‘yoga mats’ into any search engine and a host of companies will pop up ready to supply you. Some well-known places are Bare Foot Yoga and Hugger Mugger.
A yoga mat is often referred to as a sticky mat, but, as yoga expert Noll Daniel says, “The mats are not really sticky. The name developed because the mat offers great traction.” In addition to traction, mats are used for cushioning so that your practice is comfortable and you are not distracted by slipping and sliding (especially on carpet).
Look for the basic sticky mat, which is approximately two-feet by six-feet and is made of a PVC-baked foam. The mat is 1/8-inch thick and comes in purple, green, light or dark blue. They look a little like a thin camping mat. Thicker mats are available, sometimes called an Ultra Mat, and are ΒΌ-inch thick and are used for extra cushioning. Extra cushioning does also mean extra bulk and if you are going to be carrying your mat around a lot (say, to and from class), you may want to reconsider. A basic sticky mat costs about $20 to $30 and an Ultra Mat costs between $30 and $35.
Another type of mat that is popular with those practicing astanga yoga is the Airex mat. This mat is a little thicker (3/16 inch), is waffle textured and is extremely durable (it is made of rubber) for the frequent jump backs and jump throughs that astanga practioners do. An Airex mat costs around $50.
Once you have a mat, you need to know how to care for it. Mats can be washed in the machine or by hand. It is best not to put them in the dryer; it lessens their life considerably. Dry the mat over a rack and it will last for years. Depending on the frequency of practice and amount you sweat, people wash their mats anywhere from every time they use it to weekly.
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