How to Find the Perfect Yoga Mat for Your Practice
When it comes to yoga, finding the perfect yoga mat is crucial. The right mat can make your practice more comfortable, enjoyable, and safe. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Alerse is a Southern California brand so we are constantly looking for ways to take our practice outside into nature. The beach, the park, the forest, all great places to take your practice.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Yoga Mat:
Material:
The material of the yoga mat plays a crucial role in its performance. There are various materials available, including PVC, rubber, cork, jute, and TPE. PVC is the most commonly used material, but it's not the most eco-friendly. Rubber and cork are eco-friendly options, while TPE is a non-toxic, recyclable material. Jute is a natural fiber that's biodegradable and compostable.
Thickness:
The thickness of the yoga mat affects its comfort level. Thicker mats are more cushioned, making them suitable for restorative or gentle yoga practices. Thinner mats are more suitable for advanced or power yoga practices, where stability and grip are essential.
Texture:
The texture of the yoga mat affects its grip and traction. Some mats have a smooth surface, while others have a textured surface for better grip. If you have sweaty hands or practice hot yoga, you may want to choose a mat with a textured surface.
Size:
The size of the yoga mat is another factor to consider. A standard yoga mat is 68 inches long and 24 inches wide, but there are also longer and wider mats available. If you're taller or have a larger build, you may want to choose a larger mat for more space and comfort.
We believe the Alerse 75 THICK yoga mat is the ideal choice for yoga. Why? First, you want a mat that is a barrier between you and the floor. The Alerse 75 THICK yoga mat is designed with one side dedicated to gripping the floor outside and the other to being the cushion you need to do the more difficult poses.
For the studio: How to choose a mat for the yoga studio?
A mat for the studio needs to have the following qualities:
Grip- The ideal mat should provide not just grip for your hands and feet but also on the floor so the mat doesn’t slip or move on you.
We Recommend: The alerse 75 THICK yoga mat as it has dual surface technology. One surface designed to grip the ground and the other to support your body.
CUSH. In yoga there are many poses that require you to apply pressure onto your knees and wrists. A yoga mat that gives you support and cushion allows you to hold poses for longer without pain.
We recommend: The alerse 75 THICK yoga mat at 8mm it is the thickest performance yoga mat and is also the lightest in its category. Two things that will maximize CUSH.
How to Choose the Perfect Yoga Mat:
Determine Your Needs:
Consider your yoga practice and your needs. Do you practice gentle or restorative yoga, or do you practice advanced or power yoga? Do you have any specific requirements, such as eco-friendliness or non-toxic materials? Determine your needs and preferences before choosing a yoga mat.
Consider Your Budget:
Yoga mats come in various price ranges, from budget-friendly to high-end options. Consider your budget before making a purchase. Keep in mind that a high-quality yoga mat can last for several years, so it's worth investing in a good one.
Read Reviews:
Before making a purchase, read reviews from other yogis. Look for reviews on the material, texture, and durability of the mat. Reading reviews can give you a better idea of the mat's performance and whether it's suitable for your practice.
What is the purpose of a yoga mat?
A yoga mat is an essential barrier between you and the floor. It provides cushion and grip as many surfaces such as tile or wood can be slippery and very hard. Also, it is a surface that you can take with you to anywhere that you practice yoga. The studio, your home or the outdoors.
The alerse 75 THICK yoga mat is our recommended yoga mat as it provides both the Cushion and grip that you need to practice yoga anywhere. Also, it is 75% recycled, sustainable and lighter than comparable mats.
Which side of the yoga mat is up?
Alerse has solved this problem with our dual surface technology. We have developed a mat that has one surface that is for the ground to give you the grip that you need and another surface that is specifically designed for you to practice on. Check out the photos below showing you the two surfaces (The speckled side is for the ground):
