If you’ve decided to sign up for yoga or start a fitness workout at the gym, you probably already know that you’ll need a personalized exercise mat as well as other accessories that will make your workouts comfortable and effective.
- Some clubs and gyms, however, have their own yoga mats and even yoga blocks, but for longer workouts it is better to have personal accessories. Why? About that in our article.
First
it is a question of personal hygiene and convenience. Judge for yourself, with each session fitness mats absorb the sweat of those who work out on them, and this is probably the main reason to buy a mat for fitness, designed for individual parameters.
Second,
both blocks and mat are always at your fingertips and you don’t have to worry about whether your new gym will have the equipment you need.
The benefits of personal accessories:
- The hygienic side of the issue we talked about above.
- The mats are made of special material that does not slip on the floor.
- One mat can be used in different ways: for yoga, fitness, as a mat for exercises in nature.
- The mat is easy to clean and wash.
- Practicality, since all the accessories are at your fingertips and you can practice yoga even at home.
How to choose a personal fitness mat:
Rule #1. Add +10 centimeters to your height – this will be the ideal length for your personal mat.
Rule #2. You don’t have to buy the most expensive mat, base your choice on the intensity, type and nature of your exercises, and whether or not you will be using this mat outside the gym.
Rule #3. Don’t forget that your mat and accessories need something to wear, so take care of
A special bag for your mat.
What to buy a yoga mat: basic selection criteria
Thickness
The denser and thicker the mat, the more comfortable it is for your hands and knees to do the exercise and hold the balance. Do not choose too soft mat, you should feel the hard surface of the floor or the ground, if you prefer to do yoga in nature.
Tip! If you are a beginner, choose a medium density level of yoga mat – about 4-6 millimeters.
Material
The most expensive fitness mats are those that are made of environmentally friendly materials and cause minimal damage to nature in their manufacture and use. If you want to buy eco-friendly activity mats, be prepared for fairly high prices.
A regular yoga mat, on the other hand, is made of synthetic compounds or PVC. Usually, synthetic materials are quite practical, hold their shape well and frequently stressed. But, for example, PVC should not be considered as an option for prolonged practice, although, it should be noted, such a mat is very pleasant to the touch, it is very comfortable. For stability and better grip on the floor, look for rubber or vinyl models .
Pay attention to the range of mats and accessories for yoga in the online store SportsTerritory.
Texture
Texture is the parameter that affects the degree of adhesion of the mat to the surface and its stability.
For active fitness you need a mat with a non-smooth surface and texture, but if you practice relaxing yoga – a simple soft mat on which you will be comfortable.
Additional features:
If you decide to buy a yoga mat, pay attention to its additional features:
- Moisture absorption. During active exercise, sweat gets on the surface of your mat and if it does not absorb moisture well enough, you can simply slip while exercising. To prevent this from happening, choose mats made of natural materials: rubber or materials with the addition of jute fibers.
- Easy transportation. Keep in mind that mats made of natural materials with high density and thickness are heavier. Some mats are equipped with additional rubber bands or pouches that make them easy to carry.
- The average lifespan of a mat with regular use is 4-5 years, so make sure to renew your accessory at that interval.
What are yoga blocks and rolls for?
Not all yogic exercises work right the first time. Some asanas must be practiced for months. Here you cannot do without special accessories that support one or another part of your body during the exercises. It is to such, multifunctional helpers for yoga are rolls, cushions, easels and blocks for yoga. These accessories are also suitable for Pilates, physical therapy, stretching and fitness classes.
The basic accessories also include Yoga Balls
Yoga ball by American brand USA Pro, which specializes in the manufacture of products for women’s fitness is excellent for toning and strengthening the major muscle groups. One half of the ball has a smooth surface and the other half is textured and studded with massage spikes, which helps relieve muscle and muscle strain. Durable material of this “projectile” can withstand a load of up to 300 kg.
Pay attention to the range of mats and accessories for yoga in our online store SportsTerritory. Follow the updates, because every day there are new products.
