The choice of a rug is one of the burning questions that sooner or later every yoga practitioner faces. And this happens for a reason. From a psychological point of view, the acquisition of a personal carpet is a kind of expression of the intention to the Universe to introduce yoga into its life not just as a “casual passer-by”, but as a “faithful companion” for every day. Even the ancient yogis, despite their ascetic lifestyle, had a tiger skin on which they meditated and went into deep Samadhi. Nowadays, tiger skins are no longer in vogue, but they have been replaced by a huge variety of carpets in the yoga market. It's no wonder that in such an abundance of models, brands and materials, a person who has recently got into the topic of yoga can easily get confused. If the question of acquiring a yoga mat has become relevant for you, then pay attention to the main selection criteria that must be taken into account.
1. Size
Carpets come in several standard sizes. They range in width from 60 to 80 cm. The length can vary from 170 to 220 cm. You need to choose the size of the carpet according to your dimensions. For a person of average build, not having a lot of excess weight, a width of 60 cm is quite suitable.
The length should be chosen depending on the height, with a small margin (about 20 cm). If your height is 160 cm, then a carpet length of 180 cm will be sufficient. A reserve in length is necessary in cases where extreme stretches are present in practice (for example, twines) so that the feet do not slip to the floor. Large or overweight people can take a wider carpet.
Consider also the fact that if you plan to take a yoga mat with you on trips, then it will be much easier to fit a roll of carpet 60 cm wide in a folded form into your luggage (suitcase). If your height does not really fit into the specified standards, then there is a way out for this case: some brands of carpets are sold with cut-off cloth. In this case, from the large roll you will be cut exactly the length that you need.
2. Adhesion quality
One of the most important parameters of a yoga carpet is its grip quality. That is why travel foam mats and most sports mats immediately disappear. The bottom layer of the rug should "stick" to the floor. This is important in order to prevent the mat from slipping during exercise. The upper cover, in the same way, should seem to "hold" yoga, which practically makes it possible to perform complex exercises without unnecessary sliding on the mat. This will ensure that you can safely perform balance poses and intense stretching and stretching asanas.
According to the description of the goods on the website of the online store, it is not always possible to get real information on this matter. To make sure that the surface of the carpet does not slip, it is best to give it a try. Fortunately, now in almost every yoga center there is a store with appropriate goods, where you can take the rugs "for trial" for a lesson and, if it met expectations, buy it.
3. Weight
The weight of the carpet can be from 900 to 3300 g. If you purchase a carpet for stationary practice at home, and do not plan to take it with you on trips, then this parameter does not play a special role. However, if you plan to take your yoga mat to the gym or to visiting thematic seminars, then it is better to choose the one that is easier. Here, again, your personal dimensions matter. If a fragile girl chooses a carpet, then look at options up to 1500 g. If a man chooses a carpet, then the range is wider, it all depends on personal preferences. This parameter can also be important for air travel, where there is a restriction on the weight of baggage.
4. Thickness
The thickness of the carpet can be from 3 to 6 mm. The thicker the carpet, the softer its surface and the more comfortable it is to do asanas on it, which uses emphasis on the joints (knees, elbows, etc.), of which there are a lot in yoga. Beginners tend to prefer thicker carpets. It is also important to remember that the thicker the carpet, the heavier it is. Therefore, we often have to compromise and look for a “middle ground”. Practitioners with many years of experience and good tempering tend to choose thin carpets.
5 Durability
The durability of the carpet matters when your practice has become regular and intense enough. The most durable carpets are reinforced. However, they are also the most difficult. Checking the rug for durability in a store is not easy, because it takes time for a real assessment. Therefore, there are only two options here: to believe the description of the product and / or the sales assistant, or to consult with experienced yogis who have already eaten more than one "dog" on carpets.
6. Material
When choosing a material, it is important to consider the specifics of your practice. If you practice in a relaxed manner and you do not have to sweat a lot, then any model, up to the cheapest, will do. But if you are doing intensively, then in this case, yoga mats made of PVC (PVC) with a closed pore, i.e. most of the budget options "go through the woods". Choose from: open cell PVC mats, PER + Jute mats, cork mats, rubber mats.
There are many yoga mats on the market today made from rubber and natural fibers. It is also worth noting here that some materials have a rather strong specific odor that takes a long time to disappear. Therefore, if you have an increased sensitivity to odors, then it makes sense when buying a carpet to smell it properly.
7. Price
At the moment, the assortment of carpets on the yoga market is quite large. The prices for them are very different - for any wallet. Here, as a rule, again you have to look for a compromise between cost and performance of the above parameters. It is clear that the higher the price, the more likely the carpet will meet all your expectations. However, my experience shows that the “golden mean” is located exactly in the middle of the price range that is on the market. Yoga mats at a price above average are, as a rule, items that have an additional parameter - the environmental friendliness of the material. Here, the decision is yours - are you willing to pay extra for this parameter or not.
There are also parameters such as the color and brand of the manufacturer, but they refer to individual preferences, so here you are the "master-master".
In conclusion, I would like to add that if you are going to purchase your first rug, then it is better to do this not through an online store, but at a point of sale, where you will have a real opportunity to check, touch, and try on your “applicant for purchase”. Or, if you do not want to take it home from the store, then in any case, first look at the carpet "live", and then order it with home delivery. Thus, you will get a better understanding of the quality of the product. And, if all the parameters satisfy you, then take it!
However, remember that having a rug does not make you a practicing yogi yet. This is only the first small step into a vast, boundless world. Then everything will depend on you, on the strength of your intention and perseverance in practice.
