| combines meditation with breathing exercises and | | | | experience can be ruined if your mat is too thin or too |
| physical exercises and has been practiced for more | | | | cushy. Achieving benefit from your yoga positions will |
| than five thousand years. It has its roots in the Indus | | | | be easier if you are using the proper mat. Your mat |
| valley people, and actually dates back to 3300 BC. | | | | should provide support whether you are reclining, sitting |
| Yoga has become increasingly popular as a way to | | | | or standing. |
| attain spiritual growth and physical well being at the | | | | No matter what surface your mat is on, it should |
| same time. This time-honored art can be practiced at | | | | adhere properly. The mat should adhere to you, as |
| any number of studios throughout the country, and | | | | well. You should be able to give full attention to your |
| books and DVDs about it can be found just about | | | | exercises - you should not be concentrating on a little |
| anywhere as well. There is one sure thing about Yoga, | | | | sweat causing you to fall. |
| whether it is being practiced by a novice or an expert. | | | | Your mat ought to provide a lifetime worth of function. |
| You will need a proper mat to receive maximum | | | | You will not want to have to replace your mat once |
| benefit from your exercises. | | | | you have found one that is perfect. |
| This may seem inconsequential, but there are many | | | | No matter what your budget, you should buy the best |
| things to consider before you choose your mat. If you | | | | mat you can afford. There is one company - Manduka |
| are traveling to your yoga class, you will need a mat | | | | - that offers a selection that will allow you to buy the |
| you can move around comfortably. This may seem | | | | perfect mat for you. Manduka mats are different in |
| obvious, but if you have trouble getting your mat out of | | | | that they are ‘zero-waste' and very durable. |
| your car you will be less likely to keep going to your | | | | They are stable and comfortable, whether they are |
| classes. | | | | placed over a carpet, tile, or hard wood floor. Manduka |
| The size mat you buy must be appropriate to your | | | | mats will stay in place, as will you, even if your mat |
| size. Many companies make only one size of yoga | | | | gets a little damp while you perform your exercises. |
| mat - you are best served to find a brand that offers | | | | The safety of these mats is assured as well - they |
| you a choice. A mat that is the right size for someone | | | | are Oeko-Tex certified. These mats have an added |
| who is short and petite cannot possibly serve a | | | | benefit of being manufactured in an emissions-free |
| mature adult who may even be twice the size. | | | | environment. They are one of the few companies that |
| Obviously, your mat must be comfortable for you. No | | | | back their mats with a lifetime guarantee. Manduka |
| matter what your level, you cannot have your attention | | | | mats are simply the best, and you would do well to |
| focused on pain in your hips, knees, elbows or spine | | | | procure one if you are intent upon having the most |
| while you are performing your exercises. Your whole | | | | beneficial yoga routine possible. |