How to choose a yoga mat. Choosing the Right Yoga Mat Thermoplastic Elastomer Yoga Mat

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How to buy the right yoga mat?

Do you really need a personal yoga mat? After all, the gym has communal mats, so is it worth spending the money? "Necessarily! — the “LIVE!” instructor convinced me. according to hatha yoga. - You have a toothbrush, comb, deodorant. A yoga mat is also a personal item because it absorbs sweat. And then, knowing your mat, you will be sure that you won’t “go anywhere” on it during complex exercises or asanas.”

What is the difference between cheap and expensive yoga mats?

The price range for yoga mats is from 300 to 3000 rubles. “The difference is in the quality of the material: the more natural, the more expensive,” says Andrei Epikhin, a consultant for one online store. - In addition, cheap rugs often do not have a quality certificate. The certificate guarantees that the yoga mat does not emit toxic substances, is safe and will not poison the air in the house. Therefore, before you buy, find out if there is a certificate.”

Synthetic mats

Denis Bykovskikh

The cheapest option: such mats cost from 300 to 1000 rubles and are suitable for yoga, fitness, Pilates and aerobics. “People buy them when they are not sure about the duration of classes,” says the “LIVE!” instructor. according to “Children's Yoga” Elena Rozhkova. “It’s not a shame to throw away such a yoga mat after a couple of classes.” It is made of PVC - an elastic, durable synthetic polymer. These mats are not suitable for yoga because they are too slippery. They serve for a maximum of two years. Mats made of thick PVC may be suitable for yoga; they are quite rough, but they also cost more, from 1100 to 1300 rubles.

Thermoplastic elastomer mats

Denis Bykovskikh

Suitable for fitness and yoga, they are softer, lighter and more elastic than PVC mats, more pleasant to the touch, and retain their shape well. They do not fade in the sun and are resistant to frost. They do not slip and absorb sweat better, so they are suitable for yoga. Because of their softness, they are also called “female”, although men love them no less. Such a rug costs 1,400 to 2,000 rubles and will last four to five years.

Natural yoga mats

Denis Bykovskikh

These mats are made of natural rubber with the addition of jute or rubber. Rubber is not so light, but it does not electrify at all, does not slip and does not store unpleasant odors. These mats are thicker than synthetic ones, so it doesn’t hurt to put your elbow or knee on them. The rubber mat does not allow the cold from the floor to pass through, it is very sticky and does not slip, which helps to do the same “downward-facing dog” and other asanas with the emphasis of the hands. One of the disadvantages is that natural rugs are heavier. Price - from 2000 to 3500 rubles. They are bought by those who are committed to intensive long-term practice.

How to care for a yoga mat?

PVC yoga mats are durable enough to be machine washed. The rest are best wiped with a damp cloth or alcohol. The main thing is not to wash with soap. Any detergent is absorbed into the yoga mat and is difficult to rinse out. During intense exercise, the soap absorbed into the mat mixes with body moisture, which is why you can roll on the mat as if on ice.

For better squeezing, you can stomp on the mat. After this, air dry.

How to choose a yoga mat?

The length of the rug is chosen by adding 10 centimeters to the height. For some classes you need a longer mat, for example, for Ashtanga yoga it is better to buy a mat 200-220 centimeters long.

Gettyimages/Fotobank.ru

How to buy the right yoga mat?

What is the difference between cheap and expensive yoga mats?

Synthetic mats

Denis Bykovskikh

Thermoplastic elastomer mats

Denis Bykovskikh

Natural yoga mats

Denis Bykovskikh

How to care for a yoga mat?

For better squeezing, you can stomp on the mat. After this, air dry.

How to choose a yoga mat?

The length of the rug is chosen by adding 10 centimeters to the height. For some classes you need a longer mat, for example, for Ashtanga yoga it is better to buy a mat 200-220 centimeters long.

Whether you're working out at home or in a fitness club, it's always nice to have your own mat! It's not only hygienic, but also safe! We'll tell you in this article how to choose the right rug for yourself.

Mat size

Width rugs come in 60 cm and 80 cm. - 60 cm, it is designed for a person of average build.

By lenght mats come from 170 cm to 220 cm. For beginners, a mat +5 cm to your own height is suitable, and for those who train stretching and have been doing it for a long time, a mat +20 cm to their height is suitable.

Clutch

This is the most important criterion. The better the grip of the mat on the floor, the safer the exercise. Each fitness mat in the store has a table of the level of slipperiness of the mat on a five-point scale, and reviews will confirm this, because not a single scale can replace the experience of use.

It is also important that the practitioner himself does not slip while performing the exercises. Here the material plays a key role. If you do stretching, a mat made of any material will do. But if yoga is dynamic, then there is no PVC, because of which your palms and feet will sweat and slip.

Thickness

The thicker the rug, the softer and warmer it is. On such mats it is good to perform exercises on the back or elbows, where the softness of the surface is very important. They are also warmer, so they are ideal for cold surfaces like tiles or tiles. However, thick mats are difficult to carry and heavy.

Marking

Marking helps beginners and practicing yogis. There are lines that will help not only track progress, but also perform asanas correctly without falling in different directions, serving as a guide for a more correct and uniform position.

Using all these tips, you can choose a suitable mat that will make sports not only safe, but also enjoyable. Good luck with your choice.

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Currently, there are many articles on choosing yoga mats, but all of them do not reflect modern realities. The market for yoga mats is growing rapidly, and in recent years quite a lot of new products have appeared about the features of which a wide range of yoga lovers are not so aware.

In this article we will try to understand in detail how to choose a yoga mat in 2017-2018. What to pay attention to, what trends and new products exist, how to save money without overpaying for the brand and ultimately choose a reliable and high-quality rug for yourself.

Budget rugs (PVC rugs)

When choosing a yoga mat, many beginners initially pay attention to budget options, which is especially logical for those who are not yet fully confident that they will practice regularly and are not ready to spend more than a certain amount on a new hobby. Let's start with what requirements must be met:

1. Don't slip on the floor

2. Prevent slipping during practice

3. Be durable enough

4. Have a comfortable length, width and thickness for a yoga practitioner

The first 3 points depend directly on the material from which the rug is made. There are 3 generally accepted base materials from which rugs are made. These are: PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and rubber. They can also be combined.

1.PPE. In fact, this is a tourist foam, which, firstly, slides heavily on the floor, and secondly, is not at all wear-resistant. Considering it a yoga mat is completely wrong, even if the seller claims it as a yoga mat

2. Izolon. It’s also more like a travel mat that slides on the floor, is very bulky during transportation, has poor anti-slip properties, and wears out quickly

3. EVA. It slides on the floor and wears out quickly.

The optimal budget options that meet the basic requirements for a yoga mat include, first of all,.

Until 2013, the niche of budget PVC rugs consisted mainly of Chinese rugs. Their advantages include acceptable stickiness to the floor, a large number of colors, and low weight.

Of the minuses, it is worth highlighting: not the best anti-slip properties. But everything is learned in comparison, especially with mats made of PPE, EVA and other unsuitable options.

The main disadvantage These rugs are wear-resistant; these rugs wear out very quickly and crumble.

The characteristic texture for these rugs is the texture of pimples.

Similar rugs are available in many stores, including chain stores.

They are available under different brands, in different colors and thicknesses. In fact, any company can make such a rug under its own brand. The price of such rugs depends on the pricing policy of the company, brand, size of the rug and sometimes the design on it.

The most important difference between these mats is their density, which determines their wear resistance.

There is also a big misconception about the thickness of such rugs. Very often, beginners try to choose a thicker mat so that they can practice comfortably, but this is a double-edged sword. The optimal thickness for such rugs is 4 mm.

Often such rugs are found with a thickness of 6 mm, 8 mm and even 1 cm. Such thicknesses in this case will most likely not bring comfort, but on the contrary will interfere with practice.

The fact is that with such thicknesses, the mat is simply very foamed, but its density is very low, due to this it is difficult to maintain balance on such mats. They are also not suitable for dynamic practices; the mat is pressed through. Also, similar rugs often have a length of 173 cm. The standard European length is 183 cm

We leave all reviews, including criticism, but don’t forget that this is a budget option, and you won’t be able to get a flying carpet for 550 rubles.

But in terms of price-quality ratio, these rugs will definitely not disappoint their customers.

Mid-price rugs (PVC rugs)

Just a few years ago, in many articles one could very often find the opinion that PVC mats belong specifically to entry-level mats, i.e. the simplest, for beginners, the least durable, etc.

In fact, this is a big misconception, even premium class mats, for example, all mats in the series are made of PVC.

So what is the difference between rugs in the mid-price category, and therefore of higher quality, and inexpensive ones?

Due to their texture, German rugs have better anti-slip properties; due to their denser material, they are more durable. These rugs also have European quality certificates, which also state that the rug is safe for the skin of children under 2 years of age.

In personal practice, such rugs serve for 3 years or more.

As a rule, German mats have 2 thicknesses: 3 mm for more static practices, such as Iyengar yoga, and 4.5 mm for a more universal thickness.

The width of such rugs is standard 60 cm or. Length from 175 to 220 cm.

The most popular models in this price category

Mid-price mats (TPE mats)

Such rugs are produced in China and sold under different brands, including European, Russian, and American.

These rugs are very convenient to take with you. Perfect for both beginners and professionals. It should also be noted that there are many bright, interesting colors in each model.

Natural yoga mats (premium mats)

Rugs made from premium natural materials have recently achieved the greatest variety.

And it becomes quite difficult for an ordinary consumer to understand them. In this price segment, the price does not directly reflect the quality of the rug. The number of different brands and new products can be confusing when choosing a rug. Therefore, we will analyze all the available varieties of natural rubber rugs to help our customers choose the right model for themselves.

1. Rugs made of 100% natural rubber.

Classic models of rubber mats. 100% rubber mats were one of the first to appear on the Russian and world markets, and have won recognition among yoga practitioners.

These mats, as a rule, have an open-pore texture, which is aimed at absorbing moisture. Solid weight, depending on the size of the rug. A standard 100% rubber mat measuring 183 x 60 cm x 4 mm weighs about 2.5 kg

These rugs very durable, have excellent anti-slip properties and adhere perfectly to the floor.

All are produced in one factory in Taiwan. Their cost depends on the size, for example, the most inexpensive of this category are thin ones. Despite the fact that a rug made of the same material will cost 2 times more.

The brand under which the rug is produced also plays a big role.

For example, rugs from famous American brands will be slightly more expensive than rugs from famous European brands. Although their quality is 100% comparable

And rugs from Russian brands, with identical quality, will be even more affordable. As a rule, the only difference between brands is the design. The larger and more famous the company under whose brand the rugs are produced, the wider and more diverse the color line of models.

This is due to the minimum number of rugs per color that the plant is ready to sell to wholesale distributors.

We can conclude that they are still one of the best and time-tested yoga mats.

2. Yoga mats made of rubber using latex.

Because The main disadvantage of yoga mats made of 100% rubber is the considerable weight of the mats. Since 2014, they have appeared on the world market new mats from the Spanish factory using latex. Adding latex to the rubber allowed the weight of the mat to be reduced by about 20%

The texture of the rug has also changed. Unlike 100% rubber yoga mats, the texture of a latex mat is closed cell, making the mat easier to maintain. Also, rubber mats with the addition of latex often have perforations similar to the perforations of TPE mats, which creates additional anti-slip properties. The manufacturing plant claims that the latex coating has an antimicrobial effect.

The price for these mats depends, just as with mats made from natural rubber, on the size of the mat and the brand under which it is sold. There are German, Russian, Spanish brands.

We conclude that a rubber mat using latex will be an excellent alternative to 100% rubber mats due to its lighter weight and easier maintenance of the mat.

In terms of price, the cost of mats made from 100% natural rubber and mats using latex are approximately the same.

3. Yoga mats made of natural rubber with NON Slip coating

In 2016, a new product appeared on the Russian market -. Literally NON Slip can be translated as “anti-slip”

A layer of polyurethane is applied to the rubber base, which is a non-slip coating.

This coating has a completely closed texture, on which markings or a pattern are applied, which helps beginners in adjusting asanas. Many patterned rugs are a little more slippery than regular rugs because... applying a layer of paint to the rug changes its texture and

Anti-slip properties. The pattern on the Non Slip coating does not change the texture of the coating itself, because made using a laser. Thus, we get a mat with excellent anti-slip properties, interesting design and markings.

It is worth noting that mats with such a coating have the disadvantage of classic rubber mats - they are quite heavy. Non Slip mats weigh about 3 kg because, among other things, they have an increased width of 66 cm (6 cm wider than classic rubber mats)

All Non Slip mats are identical. The only difference is in the design and the brand under which this rug is produced.

Thus, we conclude: this mat has excellent anti-slip properties and an interesting design.

4. Yoga mats made of natural rubber with microfiber

Just like mats made of natural rubber with Non Slip coating, a thin layer of microfiber is applied to the rubber base, which in these models performs 2 main tasks:

1. Microfiber perfectly absorbs moisture, which is especially important when sweating profusely, as well as during some types of yoga, such as Bikram yoga.

2. Using microfiber, a colored pattern is applied to the rug, which makes these rugs very interesting from a design point of view. Microfiber can be used to apply a pattern of any complexity with any color rendition.

In addition, microfiber has pleasant tactile properties, soft and pleasant to the touch, and does not irritate sensitive skin. Well suited for practices where there are a large number of sliding elements. Perhaps for beginners with dry palms, these mats will seem a little slippery compared to classic rubber mats.

Microfiber rug prices vary depending on the brand and size of the rug and the quality of the print. But there is no fundamental difference between them.

5. Cork-coated rubber yoga mats

Just like in previous models, a thin layer of natural cork is applied to the rubber base. Cork absorbs moisture well, and a pattern is also applied to the cork using a laser.

Compared to microfiber mats, they have better anti-slip properties; the cork coating gives such mats an additional eco-friendly look.

The price also depends on the brand and size of the rug.

They also belong to natural yoga mats, but are placed in a separate category. As a rule, they are made in India, but, from a practical point of view, it is difficult to work on them, because Cotton rugs glide across the floor and fold like an accordion. Rather, they are suitable for meditation, rather than for yoga practice.

When a person first comes to a yoga class, he sees other students and the teacher performing various poses on a special mat. This sports equipment can also be seen in fitness training. It is extremely inconvenient to perform exercises on a bare floor, and in some cases even dangerous. To make your practice comfortable, it is important to choose the right yoga mat.

Why do you need a yoga mat?

Beginners often underestimate how important a yoga mat is. At home, people unknowingly often use blankets and towels. However, they cannot compare with special sports equipment. The bedding, made of foam material, provides comfort and safety in performing various elements. When taking relaxing poses, a person will begin to freeze on the bare floor, and when performing complex elements, there will be strong pressure on the joints. A yoga mat will protect you from these problems.

Determining mat requirements

When choosing a bedding for practicing relaxation techniques, you should consider a number of characteristics:

The bedding must be made of wear-resistant materials.
The material must also have elasticity in order to restore its original shape after mechanical stress.
To prevent the mat from slipping and moving on the floor when performing exercises, you need to choose equipment with “corrugated” surfaces.
The density of the mat should be such that you don’t feel like the hard floor during lying poses. At the same time, the material should be pleasant to the touch and not cause pain when performing lying asanas.

We also must not forget about the environmental friendliness of the selected equipment. The bedding should not emit unpleasant odors when used or leave marks on clothing and skin.

What criteria should you consider when choosing a rug?

When purchasing bedding for performing various exercises, you need to take into account its main indicators. If they were chosen correctly, we will practice more comfortably. First of all, we need to talk about the material. Experienced trainers advise not to skimp on the quality of the mat.

Material

It is advisable to choose natural rather than synthetic material. Synthetics have significant disadvantages:

Low wear resistance. If synthetics are actively used and subjected to constant mechanical stress, it will lose its original characteristics in 2–3 months.
Poor shape retention. Synthetic material will lose its shape after 7-10 sessions.
It is difficult to find non-slip synthetics.

Size

To correctly calculate the length of the rug, you need to know one trick. It is enough to add 15 cm to a person’s height. Experienced trainers recommend that students purchase large mats, 220 cm long. It is more difficult to carry such a mat, however, there is much more space for doing exercises. If we talk about width, then the optimal parameter is 60 cm. For people of large build, you can choose a wider rug.

Thickness

Comfort when using this sports equipment largely depends on this indicator. The greater the thickness, the less the material will allow cold from the flooring to pass through. It is also convenient to do exercises on a thick mat that require your joints to touch the floor.

Weight

Many sports equipment buyers think that yoga mats should weigh no more than one kilogram. However, this is a misconception. In stores you can find models weighing 250 grams, as well as 4–6 kg. If a person visits the section, light bedding is suitable.

Absorbency

Not all yoga poses are considered relaxing. There are dynamic techniques in which a person sweats profusely. Because of this, the material on which the yogi practices is saturated with liquid. To prevent slipping when performing movements, it is necessary to choose a porous structure. If we talk about the material, it is better to buy mats with latex or cotton coating.

Rigidity

This indicator is indicated on the packaging of the mat with a special designation. When choosing sports equipment, you need to be able to decipher them:

HAb Mats - this marking indicates the hardest and thickest bedding.
Workout Mats are softer models that support the body well when performing various movements.
Mind Body - are considered professional mats. The stiffness is in the optimal range.

In addition to the indicators presented above, you can choose colors, the presence of patterns, and elements for carrying.

What are rugs made of?

The most important indicator when choosing a mat for yoga practice is the material used to make the equipment. Durability, wear resistance and environmental friendliness will depend on this. Below we will present the main types of materials from which rugs are made.

Latex

Durable bedding is made from this material, which has high reliability and wear resistance. They also do not emit substances harmful to the body during operation. The mats themselves are sticky and do not move when performing active movements. Such products do not absorb water. They will retain their original shape for a long time with active use.

Jute

This is a material that consists of natural and synthetic fibers. Models made from rope are durable and wear-resistant. They are easy to transport due to their low weight. During active exercises, it can move, which is why such bedding is not always convenient to use.

Cotton

Mats made from natural materials are used for light exercise and meditation. It is convenient to perform various movements on them and the cotton mats are pleasant to the touch. However, they are not suitable for active movements due to the fact that they do not have sufficient grip on the floor.

Thermoplastic elastomer

This is a material that combines the qualities of silicone and rubber. Products made from it are pleasant to the touch, wear-resistant and sticky. Typically, models made from this material consist of two layers. The first is the sticky surface and the second is the reinforced mesh. The main disadvantage of products made from TPE is the synthetic smell that comes from the litter.

PVC

Inexpensive plastic mats that can be found in any sports store. Rugs made of this material are light, pleasant to the touch, and do not slip well when moving. Trainers often advise beginners to start with these mats. Unpleasant odor is a key disadvantage of PVC models.

Types of rugs

You can buy a yoga mat at any sports store or online. There are many commercial models, however, it makes sense to mention only some products that have gained popularity among buyers.

Wunderlich

These mats are made from PVC. Thanks to the use of plastic in manufacturing, the price of such rugs is not too high. They are convenient to take with you not only to training, but also on hikes.

folds compactly, which is convenient for transportation;
light weight;
reliable material.

The disadvantages of these models include their short service life.

Salamander

These models are made of rubber. This material has good adhesion to the floor covering and prevents a person from slipping when moving.

reliable grip;
high strength;
light weight;
environmental friendliness of the material.

There are no downsides to rubber mats. Buyers note that with active use, white marks remain on clothing and flooring.

AeroFit

Made from environmentally friendly TPE material. Popular both for yoga and fitness classes. The average thickness of these mats is 6 mm, which is considered the optimal value for relaxing poses.

The porous surface provides reliable adhesion.
There are metal holes for storage.

The disadvantage of these beddings is the presence of an unpleasant odor.

Caring for and storing rugs

It is important to remember that sports equipment requires proper care and proper storage from its owner. Otherwise, the service life will be shortened. Tips for storage and care:

After purchasing the bedding, you need to wipe it with a damp cloth on both sides. This removes the wax that is applied in production. It is advisable to wipe down surfaces after training. Sweat that remains on surfaces negatively affects the material.
Not all rugs can be washed in washing machines.
It is important to buy a cover for the bedding. With its help, it is easier to transport sports equipment and protect it from environmental factors.
When cleaning rugs from dirt, do not use chemical compounds or cleaning products.
The litter should be stored away from open flames and heating elements.

It is advisable to purchase products in sports stores, and not on the Internet, in order to examine the product in detail and check its quality by touch. Don't skimp on material. The durability and wear resistance of the selected model depends on it.

A yoga mat is considered an important element that will protect against injuries, cold and help you perform active exercises comfortably. With proper care and storage, the litter can last from 2 months to several years.