Yoga Mat Selection

When you decide to make yoga a part of your life, the first thing that usually comes to mind is to have a good mat on which to do yoga whenever you want. When choosing the right yoga mat for you, what level you are and what yoga style you practice are important. For example, while the thickness of the mat is not very important for an advanced yogi, the cushioning of the mat should be strong so that beginners do not hurt their joints. Another example; Bikram yoga practitioners should prefer mats that absorb liquid and are non-slip in case of intense sweating, while these features may not need to be prioritized in calmer styles such as Restorative yoga.

Types of Yoga Mats

Natural Rubber Yoga Mats

Made from rubber tree nature-friendly yoga mats are completely renewable. The non-slip surfaces of the rubber mats with excellent adhesion also provide comfortable cushioning. Other disadvantages of these mats, which pose an allergy risk for people who are sensitive to latex products, are that they are heavy and do not dry for a long time if they get wet.

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) Yoga Mats

Does not contain PVC and latex Although TPE mats are not biodegradable, they are considered more environmentally friendly than other plastic products because they do not contain toxic chemicals. TPE mats, which are easy to clean thanks to their closed cell structure, allow you to practice yoga comfortably with their cushioning feature. They are more affordable than natural rubber mats.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Yoga Mats

PVC material is used in the production of almost all of the affordable yoga mats on the market. These PVC mats, which have high durability, are usually produced in low quality. In addition, there are PVC yoga mats produced in high density and non-toxic, environmentally friendly. For example, Manduka PRO series It is produced with high quality PVC and has the Oeko-Tex® certificate .

Cork (Cork) Yoga Mats

Yoga mats, produced with cork obtained by peeling the outer bark of cork oak without damaging the tree, are one of the most environmentally friendly options with its organic structure. However, if it is combined with TPE material to provide non-slip feature on the floor, its fully recyclable feature is lost. However, if you prefer products combined with natural rubber, you can have a product that is fully compatible with nature. Cork yoga mats are anti-bacterial and offer high resistance to heat and moisture.

EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Yoga Mats

The components of the lightweight and durable EVA yoga mats are purely chemical. EVA yoga mats, which are made of thin synthetic material, can be crushed and lose their function over time.

NBR (Nitrile Rubber) Yoga Mats

NBR yoga mats made of synthetic rubber offer good insulation and cushioning. They are light and durable.

Other Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats

Jute yoga mats are 100% environmentally friendly as completely natural products are used in the production of yoga mats made of wool, organic cotton or hemp yarn. Thanks to their liquid absorption properties and breathing structures, they provide high comfort in practice. These mats are for every style and yoga level It is suitable for   

Resources for the curious: 

https://www.doyou.com/types-of-yoga-mats/ , https://beinks.com/different-yoga-mat-materials/#1_Natural_Rubber_Yoga_Mat , https://rews.it/migliori-tappetini-yoga/ , https://alexlarryngton.com/how-to-choose-a-yoga-mat-material-pros-cons/ , https://www.atuttoyoga.it/tappetino-yoga-migliori/