What the Expert Says on Choosing the Right Yoga Mat
There's never been a better time than now to establish an at-home yoga practice! When it comes to yoga mats, there are nearly as many different types as there are yoga postures. The thickness, material, design, and length all play a role in giving you the best yoga experience. We had a little chat with Iman Malmberg, founder of Swedish brand Grounded Factory, and summed it up to provide you with a list of expert guidance.
1. Match your body type.
The type of yoga mat you need depends, to some extent, on your body. You may need a thicker mat if your joints get sore easily. Also, consider any injuries. For example, if you have knee issues, you might want a thicker mat to protect your knees. Keep length in mind if you're tall. A standard yoga mat is 173 cm long, which may not be long enough if you're on the taller side.
2. The design.
Let's admit that more yoga will be done on a cute yoga mat. Not only will it get you into the namaste-mode quicker, it's also more likely that you keep it on the floor at home and spontaneously swing by for some extra downward dogs. Grounded Factory's mats come in a wide range of patterns and colors that goes well with any decor. For example, MANTLE co-founder (and yoga teacher) Stina Lönnkvist pimps her floor with this mat.
3. Choose organic.
Some yoga mats contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that has a bad reputation in the yoga community because some studies indicate it may be a carcinogen. Choose organic for the environment and for your health. Your face will literally be on the mat, at least at some point. All Grounded Factory's yoga mats are organic with materials like natural rubber and vegan suede.
4. Anti-slippery function.
Even though your hands and feet get sweaty, you should never be slipping on the mat. Grounded Factory's faux suede mats have an anti-slip function that activates when the surface gets damp. If you buy a basic yoga mat, you may have to give it a few washes and scrubs to make it more sticky.
Support your e-local yoga shop over at groundedfactory.com. Right now, they offer 30% off with the code GROUNDED30. Happy yoga and stay grounded!
Ps. Check out our favorite free online resources to find inspiration and guidance of what to do on your mat.
New to yoga? Check out our post on all amazing benefits it has on the mind.