Usually, when we begin to practice yoga we underestimate the power of a mat. We take the one that we find at the back of the storage room that we used to use to go camping and we think it will be perfect. Then we arrive to yoga class, and our mat rolls up all over the place, we sink too much or even our hands slip on every downward facing dog. Has it ever happened to you? The yoga mat plays a very important role in the practice of yoga since there are asanas that require stability and strength, and a slippery mat will end up frustrating or injuring ourselves during the practice.
Ok, I got it! Maybe I will keep my 10-year-old Decathlon mat for my camping trips and I will look for a different one to help me during yoga class, but which one will suit me? The market has grown infinitely and today we find thousands of mats of different sizes, materials, and designs. That is why I have created this little guide that I hope it will help you choose the perfect mat!
THICKNESS:
The thickness of the mat is of great importance but here it is key to define what type of practice you do most. While a thin mat will help you in an active class in which balance is worked on by having less thickness under the feet helping you to root yourself, a thicker mat can be more comfortable in types of restorative yoga with postures that are maintained for a long period of time. The thicker the mat, the more comfortable for the joints, kneeling postures, etc., but try not to go too thick to feel your feet on the ground and flow without impediments.
TEXTURE:
The texture of the mat will ensure that you do not slip during practice, the rougher the mat is the more traction, however, if you are very sensitive, the roughness could make you uncomfortable during relaxation so look for a smoother mat for a softer feel.
MATERIAL:
The material of the mat will affect the price but also the durability, weight, traction and above all our impact on the environment.
PVC: Durable plastic-based material, easy to clean with great anti-slip power. the inconvenient? Its absorption difficulty can make it slippery during the most powerful practices and it is the least sustainable option with the planet since it is a non-degradable material.
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer): It is a mixture based on plastic and rubber, which sometimes involves recycled materials, making it a more sustainable option with better traction although less durability.
Natural materials: If sustainability is your priority, these types of mats are made with natural materials such as natural rubber, organic cotton or cork. They tend to be slightly more slippery and degrade faster as they do not contain plastic in their manufacture.
At KUKUI we prioritize sustainability, that is why we have made a collaboration with Yogamatata, since we love their ecological mats of high technical quality and their cool designs!
Enjoy now of the special discount code for our tribe, enter KUKUI when buying your Yogamatata mat and practice sustainably.
