I am a beginner in yoga, how do I choose an eco-responsible yoga mat?

The right yoga mat is a question of type of use, thickness, size, eco-responsible material and quality.

So you've decided to start yoga! But you don't have the equipment yet? Know that it is important to have your own eco-friendly yoga mat for hygiene reasons. However, you will see that this accessory will become your greatest ally in your practice. It will support you in your postures without ever saying anything. However, you don't know how to choose an eco-friendly yoga mat ? Between type of use, thickness, material, size and price, you are completely lost.

Which eco-friendly yoga mat for which use?

Among yoga mats, you can find standard mats and travel yoga mats . The difference? Lightness and maneuverability. The former are heavier and can be suitable for use at home. However, the latter are light and foldable, so they can be easily transported, especially to the studio or when traveling.

A soul mat of the right thickness (cushioning) to support you properly.

Have you noticed that there are several thicknesses (cushioning) of eco-friendly yoga mats ? Between 1.5 mm and 8 mm. We recommend that you choose your eco-friendly mat according to the type of yoga practiced, your comfort preferences and your proprioceptive sensitivity. The thicker an eco-friendly mat is, the more it will cushion your back and joints. However, the less dense it is, the more stability it offers in your postures. The thinnest eco-friendly floor mat (1.5 mm) corresponds to the travel yoga mat . Although practical, it is not very comfortable. For dynamic types of yoga (Ashtanga, Power, Vinyasa, Kundalini), we advise you to choose a thicker and therefore more comfortable yoga mat : between 4.5 and 6 mm.

What size yoga mat should I choose?

Just like the thickness, there are different lengths of organic yoga mats : standard (about 1.80 m) or long (about 2 m). Choose its dimension according to your height. If you are over 1.80 m, then opt for a yoga mat between 1.90 and 2.15 m. This way, you will have less risk of injury. As for the width, it depends on your build (the width of your shoulders). The standard size is about 60 cm. However, if you have a large stature, prefer a mat between 66 and 72 cm wide.

Choose an eco-responsible material!

Instead, choose eco-friendly materials for your eco-friendly yoga mat : eco-friendly PVC (Oeko-Tex certified), TPE, natural rubber, jute or organic cotton. Discover in particular the Tayrona ''My soul mat'' yoga mat in TPE. Why? They do not contain chemicals that are toxic to your health (such as AZO plasticizers and dyes). In addition, these eco-friendly mats are biodegradable and therefore do not pollute once thrown away. And finally, one of the big advantages is that these materials are durable, meaning that you will keep your eco-friendly yoga mat for several years.

Eco-friendly yoga mat VS cheap yoga mat

Generally, eco-friendly yoga mats are expensive because the material is natural, but also because the manufacturing process is more ethical. Workers are paid more fairly. The advantage is that these eco-friendly yoga mats are of better quality and you will invest only once in a mat rather than several times in different cheaper mats.

Discover all our eco-responsible and quality yoga mats on the Tayrona Yoga store