Yoga is a great way to relax and get in shape. It has been practiced for thousands of years, because it works. However, the problem with yoga is that it can be hard being on the ground on a thin mat. We have lots of tips to assist your comfort when doing your Yoga practice.
Yoga Mat Material
Yoga mats are typically made of natural rubber. Some people find that this material is too slippery, while others love the stickiness. For those who find it too slippery, a mat made of foam or cork would be a better choice.
Rubber Mats
Many Yoga mats are made from rubber, which has a strong smell and some say feels tacky to the touch. If you find this to be an issue, try some of these tips for making the mat more comfortable.
1. Keep your Yoga mat in a place with good air circulation to help reduce the smell.
2. Place a towel over the mat.
3. Sprinkle a teaspoon of baking soda on the mat and shake off any excess.
4. Keep a spray bottle with water handy to mist the mat to reduce the tackiness and remove any strong smells. You can also purchase mat sprays which eliminate odors.
Foam Mats
Yoga mats can be uncomfortable to use during practice or in pose. Here are a few ways to make your own mat more comfortable: -Wear socks if you are barefoot. -Place a towel on the mat to absorb perspiration. -Sit on a blanket or towel if it is too thin for you to sit comfortably.
Yoga Mat Shape
A common misconception about buying a yoga mat is that you need to find a mat with a specific shape. In reality, you can use any size or shape mat as long as it suits your needs.
Yoga Mat Size
The size of your yoga mat should be large enough that you can lay flat on it and not overhang. Yoga mats come in all shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. For some people a thicker mat is more comfortable, for others a thinner mat might be more comfortable. If you are on the shorter side, a longer mat can make yoga poses easier to achieve. And if you’re taller a shorter mat may not cut it.
Yoga Mat Comfort
Here are six ways to make your mat more comfortable. To help make your mat more comfortable, consider the following:
1. Take the time to wash and dry your mat thoroughly between uses. Keeping it clean and in tip-top condition will help you to feel more comfortable on the mat.
2. Carry a towel with you to keep sweat and body oil off your mat.
3. Invest in a yoga mat towel for extra comfort, or use a yoga mat towel in between sessions.
4. Consider using a mat with a closed-cell surface.
5. Consider using a mat with a non-slip surface.
6. Consider using a mat with blocks to assist your poses.
Alternatives to Yoga Mats
At Tantra Designs we like to offer alternatives to assist you with comfort when it comes to making yoga poses and taking the time to relax. That is why we have a specialist range of Chaise Longue ergonomically designed to mix comfort with exercise. We offer a selection of colors such as black, brown and white. The range of style options is a great example of how we are trying to provide you with an alternative to the standard yoga mat. The chaise longue can be used for other purposes too, so it is not just for yoga! Reading and relaxation are also great uses of this furniture piece.
