Yoga Products


Tips To Buying A Regular Or Extra Thick Yoga Mat

February 27, 2010 by Yoga Fan  
Filed under Yoga Equipment, Yoga Tips

Starting yoga does not require you to buy a lot of equipment like most sports or fitness classes. In fact, all the yoga supplies you really need to get started are some comfortable clothes and a proper yoga mat. The type of yoga mat you get is up to you, whether you want a regular mat or an extra thick yoga mat. The difference between the two can be pretty significant. Choosing the right mat is very important because it gives you the necessary cushion and comfort you need to perform poses, it helps determine your personal space, keeps you from slipping and if you practice yoga a lot, it needs to be durable. You can find yoga mats in a variety of colors, sizes, thicknesses, textures and materials. However there are a few key things to keep in mind when buying a regular or thick yoga mat.

  • Make sure the yoga mat is big enough for you to complete a variety of poses and stretches.
  • If you are older or have sensitive body parts such as knees, elbows, or back, you should consider thick yoga mats or extra thick yoga mats as they will provide more cushion between you and the hard floor.
  • Consider your perspiration. You want a mat that will support you and not act like a slip and slide when you are sweating. You need to consider the stickiness of the mat. If you sweat a lot, you may want to consider a yoga rug instead of a yoga mat because it will absorb the sweat better.
  • Durability of your yoga mat. You can easily find some inexpensive yoga mats on the market, but if you are going to practice yoga on a regular basis you will want to invest in a good mat that will last you a long time. Buying a good quality extra thick yoga mat will provide you with a lot of cushion for a long time to come.

Being a smart shopper is knowing what to look for before purchasing something. Understanding what the mat is used for, why it is beneficial and key things to consider will help you when you are ready to buy. There is nothing worse than staring at a bunch of yoga mats wondering, what’s the difference? Which one should I choose? After you have purchased your mat, you should also consider buying a yoga mat bag to store it in and keep it clean. If you buy an extra thick yoga mat, it may be easier to carry around with a bag. Make sure to buy an extra thick yoga mat bag because not all bags are the same. If you purchase a regular mat bag you will have a difficult time getting it in. Thick mat bags are designed specifically for the extra thickness and even if you end up purchasing a regular mat, you cant go wrong with buying extra thick yoga mat bags. It’s better to have more room, than not enough.