Matched with a Mat
Matched with a Mat By Lisa Tran
There is no question as to why yoga is so popular. The benefits are endless and the excuses to avoid are limited yet taking your first yoga class may still be a bit intimidating. However, all your fears will disappear as you learn to relax in class. Of course, you are probably a bit puzzled on which mat to choose from with such a wide range of variety, color, design, material, and dimensions. Not to mention the price! Before you get bent out of shape, here is a quick guide to finding the right mat for your type.
Beginning out in yoga may cause some injury and mild pain as you are getting use to the flexibility required so you probably need something with a good amount of cushion and grip. The standard mat dimensions usually are 74” x 24”, with a choice in thicknesses.
Jade Harmony is one of the popular and well-known brands among the community, offering the Fusion as their thickest mat at 5/16”. Jade has several types of mats ranging from a travel, professional, and fusion as well as kids travel size mats. If you are just starting out and will be carrying the mat around, a fusion may be a bit of a workout however the professional with a thickness of 3/16” can offer you just enough cushioning for any possible falls. As popular as Jade is, there is one downside that may deter some, the faint smell of rubber. However, they are known to be great for stability as they offer a non-slip grip that will help with any pose.
Manduka, on the other hand, does not have any smell to it. Their types are limited to just two categories, travel and pro. These mats range from 1.5 lbs to 8.5 lbs, however, they only come in black. Manduka is known for their PRO 85”mat with a ¼” thickness, which is a length that is not offered by many other brands. Manduka mats also have a non-slip grip to it to provide you assurance in your work out.
The above two brands can range from $40-$70, so if you are in the market for something a little less in price but still have the features you are looking for try out the Everything Yoga Deluxe mats. There lightweight mats come in standard and ultra thick with a wide selection in colors. If you’re tired of just the plain, solid colors then try out Wai Lana’s selections of decorative mats. These mats are not made of natural rubber like the Jade or Manduka mats; yet do offer you the cushioning and stability for a lower price.
All the mats mentioned above run from a length of 68” to 74”, depending on your preference. Each carries an arrangement of color varieties to choose from as well as thickness level to comfort you during your practices. We hope that this quick guide to finding your perfect yoga mat has equipped you with the knowledge needed to grab your mat today!
