From your first sun salutation to your blissful arrival at Savasana, your yoga mat is with you at every step. Unlike many physical pastimes, yoga requires minimal gear. However, a high-quality mat is a welcome addition to any practice. Whether you sweat your way through an intense Bikram class or are spending hours mastering your flying crow, chances are you’ll be spending hours getting up close and personal with your mat.
Many yogis look towards their practice as a way to unwind and strengthen their physical abilities. Just like yoga blocks, the perfect mat can take your yoga game to a whole new level. A switch as simple as swapping your old towel yoga mat for any number of more durable cork yoga mats can help you achieve increased balance and stability. A high-quality Yoga Design Lab mat bolsters yoga practices and can foster a healthier, more sustainable yoga flow.
Read on to discover the top benefits of a quality yoga mat!
Five Benefits of a Quality Yoga Mat
Wondering how your mat yoga skills can be improved? No matter if you choose to shell out for a Yoga Design Lab pearl mat or an aesthetically pleasing Yoga Design Lab curve mat, all quality mats will bring value to your yoga routine. From ensuring your practice is free of toxins and environmentally unsound chemicals to allowing greater stability during your tree pose, offer a wide range of rewards:
All yogis know the benefits of your practice extend far beyond the four walls of your studio or home. As a spiritual and physical discipline, yoga teaches us to marry mindfulness and muscle connection. Having a high-quality mat that you can rely on reminds us that yoga is a process of self-discovery. Rolling out your mat lets you establish boundaries, define your personal space, and signal to your brain it’s time to focus. Taking ownership of your practice with a personal yoga mat makes the path to relaxation and spirituality much easier.
We all long to have the beautiful balance of a dancer during Warrior III or Half Moon pose. While practice certainly makes perfect, many yogis overlook the importance of a high-quality mat when working on their balancing abilities. A sturdy anti-slip yoga mat provides a safe space for practitioners to focus on their balance during specific asanas. Especially in standing poses, a dependable mat can allow you to hone in on perfecting your alignment and posture rather than worrying about an accidental slip. Some practitioners may even opt to place a yoga towel on top of their mat or purchase a Yoga Design Lab combo yoga mat, for the ultimate peace of mind during heated classes.
In yoga our body is more than our home, it is our instrument. Therefore it is important to treat it with kindness and care. Whether we are embarking on our yoga journeys with the baggage of previous injuries or simply looking to reduce unnecessary strain and impact on our joints, a quality yoga mat can help. High-value yoga mats are typically made from plush thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or recyclable cork. These surfaces are ideal for providing adequate cushioning and comfort to protect your body from unnecessary pressure during weight-bearing poses. Additionally, thanks to their high comfort level, these mats help you hold your poses and proper alignment for longer periods.
Sweat is a natural part of any yoga practice. But, that doesn’t mean we want our mats to become a breeding ground for bacteria. Investing in an eco-friendly and anti-microbial mat can benefit our bodies and the environment. Mats made from TPE are hypoallergenic, free of harmful chemicals, and recyclable. Manufactured using no silicones or Phthalate, their closed-cell construction stops moisture and bacteria from seeping into the mat. Another great choice for the eco-conscious yogi is a high-quality cork mat. Cork mats are naturally anti-microbial and sustainable. In addition to being warriors against foul odors and bacteria, their construction is naturally renewable. Cork trees are the only trees that regenerate stripped bark.
A cheap yoga mat may seem like a steal, but, poorly constructed low-quality mats are not made to last. Many low-cost mats are made from PVC which, while affordable are not biodegradable. Furthermore, these mats have been known to release chemicals when used during heated practices. Purchasing a high-quality mat today can protect your future self from wasting money or being stuck with a mat that threatens your health.
Other Yoga Tools to Consider
From full lotus to the wonders of achieving wheel pose, your yoga practice knows no limits. While a mat is essential to protecting your joints, ligaments, and tendons, other yoga tools can add flavor and flair to your routine.
Yoga Blocks
Have you ever struggled to reach proper alignment during triangle pose? Using a yoga cork block can aid your body in achieving the proper stretch and positioning during each pose. Cork blocks yoga work is an invaluable tool for beginners and beyond to strengthen alignment. A yoga block cork purchase can also provide support during seated positions.
Yoga Straps
Serene sunset yoga sessions or cozy meditation rituals on a breezy rooftop, changing up your normal yoga locale can breathe new life into your practice. Another way to stretch the boundaries of your routine is through the introduction of yoga stretch straps. Strap yoga can test the limits of your flexibility by permitting your body to achieve deeper stretches. A strap for yoga mat practice can also be used for pilates and physical therapy exercises.
Yoga Bolsters
Looking to give yourself a yoga hand? Welcome softness and stillness into your yoga regimen with a yoga bolster. These handy props bolster yoga practices by promoting gentle chest opening and encouraging you to fall deeper into rest during restorative Yin poses.
Yoga is a timeless practice whose origins can be traced back over 5,000 years. Our yoga ancestors may have completed the same sacred movements in Sanksrit, but since then our yoga tools have come a long way. Matching our movements with breath will always be the foundation of any yoga ritual. However, in our modern world, it can be helpful to invest in a quality yoga mat. Choosing to purchase a high-quality mat featuring an exquisite mandala or infinity design can bring advantages to your practice for years to come. From avoiding harsh and dangerous chemicals to offering supple support to your joints, a high-quality mat will transform your yoga regimen.
By: Isis-Maya Nissman