If you’re looking for a sign to start a new hobby…
THIS IS IT!
Firstly, let me introduce myself. My name is Hella and I’m a yoga and meditation enthusiast! Am I a yogi? No, definitely not. Sometimes my favourite pose is something that requires a lot of balance and concentration, but other times; you’ll find me lying on my mat and trying to just breathe. And guess what?
Every type of yoga is yoga!
But how can you find the right mat for you and your needs???
The first time I bought a yoga mat I was completely clueless and bought the first one I found. Now, I don’t want that for you so let’s have a look at what to consider when starting your yoga adventure!
There are quite a few things to consider when choosing your mat. Firstly
1. Your level of experience
Now this is something I never really thought of in the beginning. But, its absolutely true! Different levels require different needs.
Beginners
If this is the first time that you’re trying out yoga, you’ll be partaking in shorter sessions and more basic poses. On average, you’ll be attending/YouTubing (Thanks COVID-19) 3 classes a week.
You’d mostly likely prefer a thicker mat with a bit more grip. This will make sure you’re more comfortable performing your poses and help keep you safer. Try to purchase a mat of 5mm thickness (but remember to take into consideration any existing injuries or conditions you may have). Lastly, you’ll want a mat that’s easy to carry between classes so, get a strap that will keep things easy for you.
Intermediate
If you’re a frequent friend of the yoga mat and love your practice. This is for you!
With experience, comes more intense sessions that will make you a bit sweatier.
The great thing is that your 5mm mat will still suit your needs, however, try to have a higher quality mat that can withstand longer sessions. Don’t worry about quality with our products, our mats can handle sessions of any length and difficulty! If you’re a beginner and reading, this could be something to consider when purchasing your very first mat.
Advanced
Now, if you’re a yogi and you like spending your days seeing the world upside-down, you’ve come to the right place!
You might frequent hot yoga or attempt poses that require much more strength and balance. Firstly, I envy you! Maybe one day I’ll get there! But for now, let’s focus on your needs.
With more difficult poses, your safety is the most important aspect to consider. Your ability to balance and your grip will make or break your session. So, you’ll need a thinner mat between 1-5mm. You might even consider a rubber mat for ultimate grip.
2. Material
Now that you’ve decided on your level and how thick your mat needs to be; lets look at what mats are made of!
PVC (Plastic based)
Most yoga mats are made of PVC due to its durability. Also, this material is easy to clean and has good grip! This material is also latex free so if you have a latex allergy, PVC is perfectly safe for you. However, PVC can become a little bit slippery when sweating (try to not use this for hot yoga) and unfortunately, PVC is not biodegradable.
TPE (Thermoplastic elastomer)
Now this material is a little more biodegradable (some are even completely recyclable) than our good old PVC mat. But it isn’t as durable. This material is a human-made mixture of plastic and rubber polymers.
Eco friendly
These mats are Mother Earth’s best friend! They’re made out of materials such as rubber, cotton or jute. Therefore, they’re super sustainable! However, these mats tend to have less grip to the floor but will offer fantastic traction for your hands and feet. Lastly, they tend to be less durable than PVC and TPE. But if you’re like me and love to mix things up with the seasons, this might just work in your favour!
At VEVBLEU, our mats are made of natural tree rubber so we are proud to fall under this category! Rubber mats are currently the best available on the market because the grip is FANTASTIC.
Now, I’m not just saying that as a person who read about rubber mats. As a yogi myself, and a very clumsy one at that, my rubber mat has been a lifesaver when I go into my trickier poses like Sirasana (the ambitious headstand).
So, if you’re afraid of slipping and falling; our mats will serve you excellently.
3.Weight
No, not your weight. But the weight of the mat!
Some yoga mats can weigh more than 7 pounds (±3kgs) making transport a bit more tedious. If you’re anything like me and are prone to making excuses to attend classes due to convenience, a lighter mat will work for you. Also, pay attention to the material the mat is made of (PVC tends to be lighter). Mats labelled as “Travel mats” will suit your needs perfectly and are easy to pack and go at any stage!
4. Kid friendly mats
If you’re a mom or dad with little ones who are big fans of yoga or you’re introducing “tummy-time” to your bundle of joy; there are a few things to consider.
Firstly, a 5mm mat will suit the future yogi’s needs just fine! It’ll be thick enough for comfort but won’t interfere with their grip or balance.
If this mat is going to frequent the floor for playtimes, crawling and all sorts of fun; a thicker and wider mat will tick all the boxes. This thickness will bring comfort into the room and help keep away any tears from stumbling around.
Now, when it comes to material, finding a mat made of harmless materials is of the utmost importance! Have a look at natural materials, but, be sure to consider the durability there!
Okay readers, you’ve read this far so all I can say is HAPPY SHOPPING!
Have a look at our fantastic mats in beautiful colours and patterns and find the right mat for YOU!
Happy practice and may peace and light become you!
Till next time,
Hella