We mostly have doubts and questions regarding yoga mats as to why to use, what to use, which one would be better and so on. In this article you would have all your questions answered, whether you are a beginner or an expert, whether you are planning to buy a new one or just looking forward to know a few benefits of a generic yoga mat.
What is A Yoga Mat?
A yoga mat is a piece of material that provides extra cushioning and traction when someone is practising yoga. Though yoga is an age-old practice, usage of yoga mats is a comparatively newer invention.
Yoga mats, also referred to as sticky mats, was first introduced in 1982 when a yoga teacher Angela Framer first started practising yoga on a rubber carpet. The trend struck the people and since then it has developed and has become of utmost importance for people who practice yoga.
Why is A Yoga Mat Used?
A yoga mat is not really ‘essential’ for your yoga sessions. One can still practice yoga without a yoga mat or replace it with something similar. But there are benefits of using a yoga mat, however yoga mats are typically used for better gripping and comfort.
As yogis (yoga practitioners) practised yoga over the years, some preferred a little padding than to practice on bare grounds. This trend slowly became popular in the 1980s and it slowly became a norm in most of the yoga classes across countries.
What Are Yoga Mats Made Of?
Yoga mats are primarily made from any one of these three types of material- Rubber, PVC and thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE).
Rubber: A biodegradable and natural material, rubber is quite eco-friendly. It has a good grip and absorbs moisture really quick, which should be ideal for yoga mats.
But yoga mats made of rubber are neither the softest to use or lightest to carry. They usually belong to a mid to high price range.
PVC: Polyvinyl chloride or PVC, as it is commonly known, is super durable and strong, but is a very light plastic. It is a man-made and non-biodegradable option, and is not really eco-friendly.
But it is really cheap, is durable, lightweight and is a popular option with yoga mat manufacturers, especially at the lower priced end of the market.
TPE: TPE or Thermoplastic Elastomer is a relatively newer material that is used to manufacture yoga mats. TPE is soft, odourless, light and not at all slippery. It is just the perfect material for a yoga mat.
But there is just one drawback. TPE yoga mats are not at all durable. They ear down very quickly and needs to be replaced faster than a PVC or rubber mat.
Why Does One Require A Yoga Mat?
There isn’t any reason that you HAVE TO buy a yoga mat. But the shortlisted reasons of buying a yoga mat differs from person to person. But if using, you should look for the best non slip yoga mats to avoid yourself from getting hurt.
Many choose to practice yoga on a yoga mat as it provides a better overall experience, in terms of comfort and grip. However, for years and years, the yogis practised yoga without a mat, and did that with ease. And this actually proves that a yoga mat is not necessary for yoga sessions.
But if you decide to buy one, yoga mats are easily available online, and you may have it at your home, for better experience.
How to Clean A Yoga Mat?
Cleaning your yoga mat on a weekly or monthly basis, will keep it clean and hygienic for your daily usage. Given below are three easy steps with which you can keep your yoga mat/mats squeaky clean!
Materials Needed:
- Spray Bottle
- Dry Towel
- Tea tree oil
- Lavender oil
Method:
STEP 1: In the spray bottle, fill it with 250-500ml of water. To it, add 4 drops of tea tree oil, 8 drops of lavender oil and shake it well.
STEP 2: Using a spray bottle, spray across the length of the mat. Make sure the liquid from the spray bottle reaches all the nooks and crevices of the mat. Bacteria breeds particularly in these crevices, and thus it is very important to clean these thoroughly.
STEP 3: Use a dry towel to gently rub your mat from the top to bottom. If the mat is still slightly wet, then leave it out in open air for an hour or two, to dry.
Now when you know more or less everything about the yoga mat, buying a yoga mat online, is no big a deal. Brands like KEPLIN Group have a whole range of best non-slip yoga mats, just for you.
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