The most important part of practicing yoga is to make sure your body posture and alignment are correct. You need to be mindful of how you sit, lie down and stand up.
However, as a yogi, you must also take care of your spine and keep it healthy by choosing the best yoga mat for your needs.
If you’ve been in search of the perfect yoga mat for your home gym, then we have all the information you need about which one will suit your needs.
Yoga mats come in different types – thick, thin, hard or soft. Some of them can even double up as a mat if needed.
Choosing the right yoga mat is essential because it not only supports your joints during poses but also keeps you from slipping while on the floor. So, what should you look out for when buying a new coussin méditation?
What’s the difference between a standard yoga mat and a firm yoga mat?
A standard yoga mat is usually made of foam and cotton. It has a lot of give and bounce to it, making it easier to roll over uneven surfaces. However, a standard yoga mat does not hold its shape well and tends to compress over time. This makes it difficult to bend and stretch your limbs. The surface of a standard yoga mat also absorbs sweat easily.
On the other hand, a firm yoga mat is made by using high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These are made with a very dense plastic that gives it more resistance compared to standard foam.
The advantage of a firm yoga mat is that its surface is harder so it won’t absorb any moisture and will keep the pose longer. Firm yoga mats tend to be thicker than regular ones.
How to choose a firm yoga mat?
When purchasing a firm yoga mat, it is important to pick up a few things before making your final decision. A good idea would be to buy two or three firm yoga mats and test each one out to see which one suits you best.
Here are a few factors you need to consider when picking a firm yoga mat:
Material – Make sure the material used for the mat is durable enough to last for years.
Thickness – A thicker mat means less stretching and less pressure on your knees, ankles and wrists.
Shape – Try to find a yoga mat that matches your own body type.
Size – Be sure to measure the size of the yoga mat before ordering.
Softness – Yoga mats are made with different materials – some are softer than others. Pick the mat that feels the best against your skin.
Durability – Look for firm yoga mats that can withstand your practice sessions without breaking down.
Texture – Choose a mat that offers a plush feeling instead of being scratchy.
Color – Match your mat to your outfit to create a coordinated yoga room.
Buying a Yoga Mat Online
Online shopping allows you to compare prices and compare products among various online retailers. Here are some tips to help you find the best yoga mat for your home:
- Check reviews – Before buying a product, check customer reviews to learn if there is any negative feedback on the product you want to purchase.
- Price comparison – Compare prices and deals offered by different stores and websites. Compare the price of the same item from different stores.
- Shipping options – Do you want to pay extra for shipping or do you prefer free shipping?
- Warranty period – Does the store offer a warranty period on its products?
- Product return policy – If you don’t like the product after trying it, you might be able to get a refund or exchange it. Know what the terms and conditions for returns and exchanges are for the specific product.
- Customer service – Are you satisfied with the customer service provided by an online retailer? Is it responsive to emails, phone calls and social media posts?
- Free trial – Many online retailers offer free trials on their products to ensure they meet your needs before placing an order.
- Reviews – Check if the company has received positive and negative reviews from customers. A positive review shows that a large number of people liked the product and used it regularly. On the other hand, if many people complained about the product, then avoid it.
- Brand reputation – Find out how long the company has been in business and if it has any quality complaints or lawsuits filed against it.
- Returns address – Always ask the retailer where you can send back the product if you aren’t happy with the purchase.
- Shipping cost – Most companies charge a fee for shipping. Take into account the amount of items you plan on purchasing to determine whether it’s worth paying for shipping or not.
- Delivery time – When looking at different online retailers, check out how quickly they deliver the product. If you have a tight schedule, it’s better to get your order delivered faster. In case you miss your deadline, try contacting the seller to arrange for another delivery date.
- Package design – Check the packaging of the products to learn if the products come in attractive boxes or plain bags.
- Payment method – Make sure you can use payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards and PayPal to make purchases online.
- Return policy – Be aware of the return policies of the company.
Buying a Yoga Mat Offline
You may shop for yoga mats offline too! Here are some things to consider before going to an actual physical store to buy a yoga mat:
- Measurements – Get measurements of your space and decide how much space you need for a yoga mat. Make sure you have enough length to cover the length of the mat and enough width to cover the width of the mat.
- Colors – Some yoga mats come in many colors. Choose a color that is suitable for your workout space.
- Size – Make sure you measure the size of the mat carefully. Also, make sure you have enough space around the mat to move around comfortably.
- Quality – Look for quality yoga mats that are made from high-end materials and are resistant to stains and wear and tear.
- Warranty – Ask if the store offers a guarantee period on its products. You can always contact the manufacturer directly for additional details.