For those who have been practicing yoga, you know that the mat is an important tool. You need it for stretching and for keeping your balance while doing poses. But what if you are not satisfied with the mat you currently have? There are many ways to make your yoga mat better.
Choose a good yoga mat
There are many kinds of mats available on the market today. Some of them are thin, some are thick, and some are waterproof. What exactly makes one mat more suitable than the other? The thickness of the mat has a lot to do with how comfortable it can be when used. So choose a mat that feels soft but firm enough to support your feet or knees. It should also be thick enough so that you don’t feel any pressure in your feet as you practice. Also, look at the grip on the mat – it should be sticky enough to hold onto without sliding around.
You should also consider your own body type when choosing a mat. If you are petite, then a thin mat will feel like a tight fit. Choose something thicker that is able to stretch out a bit to accommodate your size. This way, there won’t be too much room between your body and the mat.
When purchasing a yoga mat, you may want to consider buying a second-hand one. They do get worn down over time and become less durable compared to new ones. Plus, they come from people who have already learned how to use them and how to handle them properly.
A good mat can last you years and even decades. So instead of spending a fortune on a brand new mat that will only last a year or two, you could save up and buy an old mat that will serve you well throughout the years. And if you are looking for a good deal, you can find great deals on second-hand mats online.
People need to be alert in choosing the best yoga mats that are available for people. People can yogamatte kaufen after going through the various options. Having the detail analysis of the various options will take the person to the fine results. A person can plan to choose the quality of the mats at a reasonable rate.
Clean your mat regularly
While a mat can last quite long, it does eventually wear out. When this happens, the most common reason why is dust or dirt collection. Dust and dirt tend to build up on your mat over time and cause it to lose its elasticity and durability. To help prevent this, clean your mat regularly. You should wash it every few days or whenever you notice that it gets dirty. Use mild soap water and give it a thorough scrubbing. Wipe it dry with a towel and let it air dry.
If you live in cold weather, you might want to add some extra protection to prevent your mat from getting damaged. You can purchase foam pads that can protect your mat against snow, rain, and other elements. These pads can provide additional cushioning to your mat and make it easier to walk on it.
Consider using a yoga block
Some people prefer using their hands to keep their balance during postures. Others prefer having a prop handy. A good way to do both is by using yoga blocks. There are different types of these blocks, including small blocks, large blocks, and triangular blocks. All three allow you to position yourself comfortably and safely in your poses. They are easy to move around and they can be easily stacked or placed next to each other.
You can also place a yoga block under your foot to help keep your feet stable during standing poses, especially if you are not very familiar with balancing your whole body.
You can purchase yoga blocks from any store that sells yoga supplies. However, if you are looking for better quality, you can buy them online.
To keep your blocks safe, you can wrap them in plastic bags before storing them.
Keep your mat flat
As we mentioned earlier, a yoga mat can last for years. It is best to avoid placing heavy objects or anything else on top of your mat. Doing so can cause the mat to warp and ruin it permanently. Instead, lay your mat flat on the floor. Make sure that it is not folded up. Place something (like a blanket) underneath your mat to ensure that the floor doesn’t collect moisture or dampness and create mold. A folded-up mat can quickly start smelling bad and attracting bugs and germs.
Get a yoga ball
Yoga balls are another item that can make your yoga practice more interesting and fun. For beginners, they can be helpful because they allow your body to stay relaxed and still. They also help with posture alignment and core strength. Yoga balls are made of rubber and can be found in several sizes, ranging from small to large ones.
They are easy to carry around, too. Just roll it up into a ball and put it into your bag. As you progress in your yoga practice, you can upgrade to a bigger ball.
Make your own yoga mat
This is one of the options that you can try if you want to save money on a yoga mat. You can cut up an old yoga mat into strips of various lengths and widths. Then fold it up to form a square shape. Tie some string around the edges to secure them. You can either sew the strings together or glue them together. Once it is done, hang the finished product somewhere where it can dry. This method takes a lot of time and effort, but it is worth it in the end!
Another option is to get a piece of foam board and cover it with a fabric. Cut up an old yoga mat into strips of various lengths and widths. Cover the entire surface of the board with the fabric and tie the strips around it. This way, you will have a portable yoga mat that you can take anywhere.