Yoga mats protect the body when performing exercises on hard floors and ensure a secure footing when practising a yoga pose, but the right choice depends on thickness and material, yoga teacher Kerstin Kopp says.
Asanas, the body postures in yoga, benefit from grip when standing and warmth and relaxation when lying down. Mats come in different thicknesses and materials such as PVC, TPE, natural rubber, cork or virgin wool, which in turn affect grip, cushioning and sustainability, she says.
Kopp, who has health insurer certification and has taught Vini and Hatha yoga for around 10 years, is also the press officer of BDYoga, the professional association of yoga teachers in Germany.
For beginners, a standard sports mat or even a camping mat may suffice, she says. However, these often have the drawback that the material stretches in certain postures such as downward-facing dog, and they often have a pronounced curl, a wave that can hinder some asanas.
By the second course at the latest, people should opt for a proper yoga mat so that their own practice can take centre stage rather than struggling with the mat, she explains.
For quieter styles such as Yin yoga or Yoga Nidra, virgin wool blankets are ideal because they are soft and warm. For more physically active styles such as Hatha, Vinyasa or Ashtanga, people should prioritise a non-slip surface to perform postures such as the hero pose, also known as warrior, safely.
Specialist retailers offer advice and, where possible, allow mats to be tested on site. A thicker mat is kinder to the joints. A thinner one is advantageous for balance postures. Depending on the posture, a thinner mat can be folded to cushion the knees, or a folded towel or cushion can be used.
Sometimes resourcefulness with props is called for but whatever helps is allowed. Generally, mats are quite durable with normal use. However, people should avoid folding a mat and always roll it to prevent the material from breaking. They should also avoid rolling it against the curl.
Avoiding harmful substances is also key. Depending on how mats are made, production can burden the environment and endanger the health of workers and end users. Yogis should look closely before buying and, ideally, ask the manufacturer. Some brands have dedicated eco lines and describe their quality guidelines in detail. – By Isabelle Modler/dpa
