Friday, July 25, 2008

Yoga Mats

So you've decided to practice the art of Yoga? Considering the many other workouts you could choose from, Yoga is a great choice. Yoga requires coordination, balance and connection of the mind and body. The last thing you need to worry about is whether your equipment is reliable during your poses. Although there are other accessories you will need, the most vital piece of equipment is the yoga mat. There are several questions you should ask yourself before making this purchase.
What type of Yoga are you practicing?
The most strenuous forms of yoga can be more comfortable with a thicker mat or a yoga rug.
If you have joint problems, a thicker mat will give more cushion and support.
Will the yoga mat help me maintain my pose without slipping?
You can test the mat for slippage by performing the wet friction test: moisten your hand and bear down laterally on the mat's surface. The mat should be sticky enough to maintain your pose.
Consider purchasing an extra long mat or a customized one to avoid adjusting your mat during your Yoga routine.
How durable is the mat?
You want a good quality yoga mat that will hold up with repeated washings.
Try rubbing the mat with a blunt metal object such as a coin until the surface starts to tear. A strong yoga mat will take a great deal of rubbing before it tears.
Is the yoga mat in a style and color you like?
There are many colors and styles to choose from. Choose a mat you like to look at and can live with.
You could buy more than one if you're serious about practicing and just like to change your mat at times
How much should I spend on a yoga mat?
The price of a good yoga mat ranges from $20-$60 or more depending on the quality, thickness, durability and comfort you're looking for.
Don't make the mistake of buying a cheaper yoga mat if you plan on continuing yoga to avoid wasting money.
Is it easy to transport?
Your yoga mat should be lightweight and require only a small amount of storage space.
Your yoga mat is an essential piece of equipment that should be comfortable for multiple sessions of practice. After you've asked yourself the above questions, your choice of a yoga mat should be one that you can rely on and be happy with.
Also visit: http://www.abc-of-yoga.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Coates

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