Yoga mats are small carpets that are used by people practicing yoga. Yoga is a traditional Indian exercise form that uses body postures, breathing techniques and meditation for attaining a healthy body, mind and spirit. The practice of yoga is found to have several health benefits; hence, it is becoming an increasingly popular fitness workout method. Yoga calls for perfect relaxation of the body as well as the mind. This is the reason comfort is very important. Yoga does not require any complex machinery. All it requires is a mat on which to do the “asanas,” or postures.
A yoga mat is the only investment for yoga; in fact, it is an absolute necessity. Yoga mats are now available in several models, patterns, styles, fabrics and textures. Traditional mats were made of cotton or jute, but these days, many other materials are being used for yoga mats. The main aspects to be considered while buying a yoga mat are: the durability, the comfort, weight and ability to fold. A major essential element in a yoga mat is its ability to grip the floor so that the user does not slip or slide on the floor during the posture. Yoga mats are generally 4-5mm thick, since these mats can be stiff enough not to crease on the floor while being flexible enough to be rolled up, carried and washed. Yoga mats should also handle repeated washing. Some yoga mats these days are also non-toxic and eco-friendly. Other different kinds of mats are: sticky mats, travel mats, foldable mats, lightweight mats and others. These mats are available in plain colors or patterns.
New yoga mats are relatively slippery, and stiffer. To give them a “worn in” feel, try washing them a few times. Walking over the mat for some time may also help. There are a few tips for extending the life of the yoga mats. Though most yoga mats are machine washable, the use of strong detergents, tumble-drying and spin washing may spoil the mat. The mat can also be cleaned with a damp cloth. Do not fold wet mats – squeeze out the water by rolling the mat in a towel, and press.
The price of a yoga mat can start from $20, though there are cheaper mats available for as low as $10. Yoga mats can be bought at yoga-related stores. They can also be ordered online. There are many websites that provide information about yoga mats, where the mats can be compared and even ordered online.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Cheap Yoga Mats
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Yoga is an ancient Indian exercise form that involves the use of certain body postures and breathing exercises for body, mind and spiritual health. Yoga is done by sitting, standing or lying down on a mat. Yoga mats should be very comfortable, as the postures...
-
Patterned Yoga Mats
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Yoga mats are the small rugs that are used while doing yoga. Rugs provide not only cushioning for the body against the hard flooring but also insulation. Yoga mats are the only equipment used for yoga; hence, buying a good mat is a reasonable investment....
-
Yoga Mat Bags
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Yoga is a traditional Indian exercise that aims to strengthen the body, mind and spirit through certain asanas (postures) and breathing techniques. Yoga is an art form that requires just a yoga mat, and no other equipment. The kind of mat used is a very...
-
Bikram Yoga
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Yoga is at least about 5,000 years old. The Hindus of the Indus valley civilization developed yoga as a practical device to unite the individual self with the Brahman, the universal self. It was codified about 2,000 years back into a system by Patanjali in...
-
Yoga
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Yoga, in Sanskrit, means, “to yoke together”. This is translated to mean the union of individual self, the ‘Atma,’ with the universal self, the ‘Paramatma.’ There are different methods to achieve this union. When we say Yoga in the present-day context, particularly in the Western...
-
Hatha Yoga
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Patanjali collected the yoga knowledge available in 2 A.D. and wrote a treatise called ‘Yoga Sutra.’ The yoga of Patanjali has 8 limbs to be practiced in sequence. They are Yama (restraint), Niyama (observance), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breathing), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana...
-
Yoga For Kids
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Yoga word is derived from a Sanskrit word ‘yeung’, which means ‘to join’. The daily routine can get monotonous and tiring. Tension and stress due to a hectic work schedule and a fast-paced life can really get to the common person as well as kids....
-
Floor Mats
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Floor mats are a kind of soft flooring. A floor mat is ideal for welcoming guests into one’s home. Floor mats are available in many patterns. A variety of floor mats in varied sizes, shapes, themes and colors is available. Floor mats are used also...
-
Clear Car Mats
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Car mats are a part of car furnishings that are used to protect the carpet flooring from getting dirty. Slush, mud and dirt can spoil the floor interior of your car to a point of no return – even if it’s serviced inside out. Car...
-
Pilates Yoga
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Though referred to as yoga, the Pilates exercise regime has no connection with it and works on entirely different approaches. The common factor between yoga and Pilates programs is their emphasis on mental focus and breath control during exercise. Some refer to Pilates as ‘yoga...