By: Bertil Hjert
When practicing yoga, you need to make certain investments. These investments would do a lot for your flawless performance, benefits that you obtain from performing various asanas and overall health.
One of the most important investments you require to make even before you start off with your program of doing yoga is purchasing a yoga mat. This is one of the most crucial investments you need to make.
A) The mat is beneficial to you in the following aspects:
a) It prevents you from falling and provides you good amount of grip.
b) It provides you safety and it lets you perform all the asanas without any difficulty.
c) It allows you to stay away from sweat and the distraction caused by sweat while performing yoga.
d) A yoga mat provides good support for your back when you lie down.
e) The yoga mat lets you perform all your asanas just the way you should.
B) There are several things you need to consider prior to purchasing a yoga mat. This will make sure that you have made the best possible deal:
a) Learn
Try to gain sound knowledge on different types of yoga mats available. You need to know what material these are made of, what each mat specializes in and how they differ from each other.
b) Research
In order to get the best deal, you need to do a little bit of homework on your side. Try to make a good research on various shops selling yoga mats, the quality they deal in and prices each dealer offers you. Compare and then make a choice.
c) Comfort level
When choosing yoga mat you must see your comfort level. Check out whether your height and width fit well into the mat you are planning to purchase. The yoga mat should be able to provide proper grip and lay flat on the ground. Don't buy if it sticks to your feet when you lie down.
d) Allergies
Latex yoga mats are very popular and most commonly used. However, if you are allergic to latex products, simply stay away from it.
e) Don't fall for cheap options
Don't purchase a yoga mat just because it offers you good amount of discounts. Purchase a yoga mat only if it fulfills all your needs and specific yogic requirements.
f) Ask your instructor
If you are learning yoga from an instructor, ask him to provide superb tips for purchasing a yoga mat. He would be the best person to provide you great suggestions.
g) Look for these basic points
Make sure that you look for the basic points when purchasing a yoga mat.
1. Health and environment safe
2. Durability and comfortability
3. Accepted by your teacher
4. Non-slippery and light and easy to roll up
h) Tests
C) Here are some tests that would prove useful for you when purchasing a yoga mat.
a) The Quarter test
The edge of a quarter will tell you a lot about its durability. The more the strokes, the longer will be the life of yoga mat.
b) The wet friction test
Just wet your hands and bear down laterally on the mat surface. This will let you compare wet traction.
c) The pinch test
Just pinch the mat between thumb and forefinger and you will come o know about compression resistance.
