A Yoga Mat can be your Key to a Successful Workout

Yoga has become a popular way to get in shape, relieve stress and enjoy good health. One of the most attractive aspects of yoga is that you don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive equipment and apparel to begin the workouts. In fact, all you need to get started in a yoga program is some loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and a yoga mat. And just like the attire that you choose to wear to class, your yoga mat can come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors to meet your individual preferences and needs.

·         Types of Mats

When it comes to deciding which yoga mat will be the best choice for you, it is helpful to understand what the different types of mats look like and what each is primarily used for. One yoga mat that is useful with almost any type of yoga is the sticky mat. These mats are generally rather thin, and will become sticky when moistened. This is very helpful when you are trying to complete a complex yoga position, and you want to feel confident that your mat is not going to slip away from you. You can find sticky mats in a variety of sizes and colors to meet just about any need and preference.

Tantric Yoga Tip: While most forms of yoga seek to unite the mind, body and spirit in harmonious oneness, tantric yoga actually takes that process to a higher spiritual level. This type of yoga is tied to many Eastern religions and philosophies that all stem from the belief that the universe and the individual are intertwined. The process of tantric yoga involves concentrating one’s energy to achieve spiritual regeneration and awareness. This type of yoga cannot be taught in books – it is generally learned through devotion to a single yogi who passes the philosophies and discipline down to other students.

For those who prefer a little extra padding, there are also extra thick sticky mats. These are a popular choice in yoga mats because they make many of the yoga positions a bit more comfortable while still providing the stability and safety of the sticky surface. They are going to be heavier and bulkier to tote around however, so they may not be the yoga mat of choice if you are going to need to transport it back and forth to class. For this type of situation, there are also travel mats that are lightweight and easier to pack and go. These also work well for trips, since they can easily fit in a suitcase.

If you are involved in a yoga discipline that requires plenty of sweating, a cotton mat can help absorb the moisture as you go through your workout. As these yoga mats absorb the moisture, they can grip even better, where other less absorbent mats might become slippery; making cotton mats a safe choice for your positions during these more strenuous workouts. Nearly all of these different types of yoga mats will come in a broad range of colors and sizes so that you can find the best mat for you. And when it comes time to shop for a mat, take the time to try a few out to see which one will feel the best. This way to can rest assured that you will get a yoga mat that will last you for a good long time.