Yoga Mats - which is right for you?

Whether you have been doing yoga forever or if you are new to it, at some point you will need to buy a new yoga mat. You may think that all yoga mats are equal, but that is just not the case. Many yoga mats are of low quality. They will not last long and they can have chemical additives. There are many different types to choose from and you should choose the one that is right for you.

The first group of mats is the inexpensive ones you find at most mass retailers. They are fine if you are not sure if you are going to stick with yoga for the long term. These mats can be purchased for $5 to $10. One problem with these mats is that they are very thing and do not provide much cushioning. They also have a chemical smell that can be unpleasant due to toxic chemicals called phthalates that turn soft plastic into hard plastic. Do not leave them in the trunk because heat can release the chemical smell.

An affordable and more eco-friendly alternative to the less expensive mats are jute and cork mats. These mats are more eco-friendly but they are made from very porous natural materials. They absorb your sweat during a yoga class and can become weaker and smelly. If you do yoga more than once a month these mats are not going to last very long at all.

Rubber mats are affordable and more durable than other natural mats. They are made from the rubber tree and are fairly sustainable. Rubber can be produced synthetically so make sure your rubber mat says that it is "natural". If you are allergic to latex you need to avoid natural rubber mats. You can purchase a latex free and phthalate-free yoga mat. They are more expensive but they do not have chemicals and they will not fall apart on you.

It is best if you buy a mat instead of using the communal mats where you take classes. If you have to use a communal mat, you can purchase mat wipes, but these are just expensive alcohol wipes that you can purchase for much less at a drug store. If you plan on practicing yoga for any length of time a good yoga mat is a smart investment. No matter what your tastes and budget are you can find the right mat for you.