| The beginner-yogi is often surprised to learn that not all | | | | mats is 1/8" -thick but the softer variety is 1/4"-thick. A |
| yoga mats are created equally. Mats range in price | | | | thicker yoga mat might even be a smart purchase for |
| from eight dollars to eighty and come in a variety of | | | | anyone but can importantly serve as a cushion for |
| materials, sizes, and styles. These factors determine if | | | | delicate wrists or kneecaps. |
| your mat will be comfortable and durable enough, as | | | | How frequently you practice yoga also determines the |
| well as appropriate for the lineage you practice, and | | | | kind of mat that is appropriate for you. Because the |
| how frequently you do so. | | | | price ranges from eight to eighty dollars and is |
| The first determining factor in choosing a yoga mat is | | | | proportional to their quality and durability, the serious |
| the lineage, or style, of yoga for which you will primarily | | | | practitioner may chose to opt for a more expensive |
| be using your mat. Because some lineages of yoga | | | | mat. Natural rubber and other eco-friendly materials |
| entail a sweaty workout-like Ashtanga (Power Yoga), | | | | usually constitute the more durable mats, while most |
| or Bikram (Hot Yoga)-many yogis prefer an ultra | | | | yoga mats are made of latex and micro fiber. The |
| sticky mat, or even a cotton yoga rug, to go over their | | | | earth-friendly will find that eco-awareness and durability |
| mats, so that they do not slip. The added benefit of a | | | | often go hand in hand. |
| cotton mat is one of sheer utility, as you can simply | | | | Because the less expensive mats are usually more |
| toss it into the washing machine. This will allow you to | | | | thin and flexible, some purchase an extra mat for |
| wash away dirt, sweat, and if you are lucky, a little | | | | travel. Others may enjoy having an extra mat in the |
| karma, as well. | | | | event that she has a guest who wants to join in |
| You can also choose a yoga pad to accommodate | | | | morning sun-salutations. For the frequent practitioner, a |
| your height or sensitive joints. The tall yogi or yogini can | | | | yoga pad will need a bag or strap for easy carrying. |
| buy a mat that is up to even feet long; get ready for a | | | | Conveniently, accessories for easy mobility can be |
| very long downward-facing dog. If you have suffered | | | | found anywhere that yoga mats are sold. You can |
| injuries in the past, simply have tender joints, or practice | | | | even decide to have two mats-one for your home |
| a strenuous form of yoga, choosing an extra thick | | | | and one for the studio-but be sure to ask your local |
| yoga mat is wise. The average thickness of yoga | | | | studio, first! |