If you're ready to buy your own mat for yoga class, here's what to get and how to take care of it.
One
of the many nice things about yoga is that you don't need much
equipment to do it. However, aside from comfortable clothing, most
people practicing yoga today do use one piece of equipment: the yoga
mat.
If you have never done yoga and are thinking about trying it, then you
don't need to rush out and buy a mat. It is better to go to a class
first and see if you like it. Most yoga schools and studios will have
extra mats that they will lend or rent to you.
Once you've done a
few classes and think you will continue and maybe even do some yoga at
home, then you need a mat. Yoga mats can be bought at many of the
larger yoga schools and studios. Teachers and fellow students can also
point you in the right direction. Alternatively, yoga mats have been
seen in some of the better sporting-goods stores, and, of course, you
can buy one online. Type 'yoga mats' into any search engine and a host
of companies will pop up ready to supply you.
A
yoga mat is often referred to as a sticky mat, but, as yoga expert Noll
Daniel says, "The mats are not really sticky. The name developed
because the mat offers great traction." In addition to traction, mats
are used for cushioning so that your practice is comfortable and you
are not distracted by slipping and sliding (especially on carpet).
Look
for the basic sticky mat, which is approximately two-feet by six-feet
and is made of a PVC-baked foam. The mat is 1/8-inch thick and comes in
purple, green, light or dark blue. They look a little like a thin
camping mat. Thicker mats are available, sometimes called an Ultra Mat,
and are ¼-inch thick and are used for extra cushioning. Extra
cushioning does also mean extra bulk and if you are going to be
carrying your mat around a lot (say, to and from class), you may want
to reconsider.
Another type of mat that is popular with those practicing
astanga yoga is the Airex mat. This mat is a little thicker (3/16
inch), is waffle textured and is extremely durable (it is made of
rubber) for the frequent jump backs and jump throughs that astanga
practioners do.
Once you have a mat, you need to know how to care for it. Mats
can be washed in the machine or by hand. It is best not to put them in
the dryer; it lessens their life considerably. Dry the mat over a rack
and it will last for years. Depending on the frequency of practice and
amount you sweat, people wash their mats anywhere from every time they
use it to weekly.
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