Which yoga mat to choose, 5 rules for choosing it?

There are hundreds of models and brands of yoga mats, all different. Those who practice Yoga know that not all Yoga mats are equal.

And choosing your yoga mat is not a simple thing.

Here are some tips:

First of all, avoid floor mats, beach mats and other objects not designed for the practice

The qualities of a yoga mat are: its grip, its thickness which depends on the type of yoga practiced, its weight, its material and finally the price.

Its adhesion:

The yoga mat is different from a sound mat for its grip above all. The materials it is made of seek above all to give stability to the practitioner, as well as tranquility in his practice. No question of being disturbed by a mat that rolls up on its own, or of losing balance because of his mat!

So, if you want to choose a mat, the first thing is to choose one designed for yoga. A common floor mat, beach mat or living room mat could make you lose track of your practice, slip, or even worse, injure yourself!

Beware of products that are too cheap

Many people still consider a yoga mat to be like a floor mat, and it should cost the same, not expensive.

And it's true that large chain stores don't hesitate to offer entry-level products at attractive prices, but sometimes, buying "low cost" is expensive... In order to offer these yoga mats at knockdown prices, manufacturers often have to cut back on the quality of their mats, and you risk ending up with a mat that frays, crumbles, or tears after just a few uses!

If you are starting your practice and are not sure whether to continue, this may suit you very well! Otherwise, it may be better to pay a few euros more, to gain a few years of life from your equipment and above all to have equipment adapted to the practice of yoga.

Choosing an eco-friendly and responsible yoga mat

Most yoga practitioners are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases.

If a few years ago the options were rare, it is now possible to equip yourself with the environment in mind.

Sure, almost all the production plants are located in Asia, but that doesn't mean they use child labor anymore, or that the quality of the products is less important! The progress made over the years by Asian manufacturers (and the environmental standards they hold) often guarantee recycled, ecological and excellent quality products. However, if this puts you off, know that some yoga mats are made in Germany, all without producing greenhouse gas emissions!

Other yoga mats are now fully biodegradable, do not use toxic glues, and even the rubber used in their production does not contribute to deforestation! So you can make an informed choice about your purchase...

There are also natural rubber and natural jute mats that are environmentally friendly and organic, such as EcoYoga.

Some brands go so far as to offer a sustainable development approach by offering a gesture in favor of the environment with each purchase, like the Jade brand.

It is best to choose a branded carpet to be sure of the manufacturer's origin and approach.

Fall for a rug that makes us vibrate

Choosing a yoga mat also means choosing a companion during your practice...so you have to choose one that you like! An aesthetic, comfortable mat that you want to use, that calls for practice. To do this, choose a color that you like, a comfortable and durable yoga mat from the Manduka brand in order to make it your own as much as possible!

You will spend many hours of practice on your mat. It will accompany you in your progress in certain Asanas, you will be on your mat every time you want to recharge your batteries...Why not choose your travel companion carefully?

Support a brand whose attitude, cause you like, or that you know

Buying a product is also sometimes a vote of confidence in a project, embracing the cause of the company that invested in the creation of the products. Who is behind this human adventure? Why did they embark on this path? Can we trust them and do we want to support them?

And then when we practice Yoga, our mat accompanies us wherever we go . So, making a responsible purchase, after all, is also trying to support a project that makes us vibrate!