Need A Yoga Mat? Find The Best Mats In Australia
Yoga practice is a life-long adventure in self care, self awareness, finding inner peace and investing in your own mental and physical wellness. This ancient art goes back thousands of years, but retains its relevance and importance in the modern world, with millions of people across the globe learning, teaching and practicing it. There are several different forms of yoga, and each has its own methodology, principles and purpose.
In general, yoga helps to calm the mind, make you more self aware, build muscle strength, ensure mindfulness, enhance flexibility, keep the body oxygenated. Regular practice promotes good sleep, boosts immunity, reduces the body’s vulnerability to autoimmune conditions and allergies, addresses chronic issues such as migraine headache or arthritis and helps to maintain emotional stability, good eyesight and cardiovascular strength.
One of the basic accessories that a yoga practitioner needs is a good quality yoga mat. Whether you are a veteran, teacher or new entrant into this field, a yoga mat is the essential element that provides support, comfort and safety.
Getting Started With Yoga
If you are thinking about taking up yoga, it’s wise to know more about this ancient yet contemporary practice. It is a great option for any age group, and because it is low impact, seniors can easily take it up without fear of injury. You can learn the basics from an experienced, qualified trainer and continue to practice in the comfort of your home. This exercise doesn’t require expensive or space consuming equipment, and you can practice alone or in a group.
Before you start, it’s important to select a particular style or school of yoga. Today, there are dozens of variations that explore different aspects of the mind, body and spiritual aspects. All of them involve different physical poses, breathing, balance, flexibility and strength training, while some of them involve meditation and deep inner exploration. You can align your own wellness goals with the style of yoga that best matches them, and if you find elements of other yoga styles that can be incorporated into one particular style, there is no restriction on this.
Vinyasa yoga is a more dynamic style, with plenty of movement and flexibility and synchronized breathing. It helps to maintain flexibility and focus, reduce stress and enhance your body awareness.
Using various props such as bolsters, straps, pillows and other supports is the hallmark of Iyengar yoga. It is founded on the principles of accuracy, form and flexibility. Achieving and maintaining the correctly aligned posture is the goal here. Ashtanga yoga is also focused on poses and breathing.
Beginners can start with hatha yoga which focuses on breathing, simple static poses and relaxation. If you’re looking for a more spiritual format, choose kundalini yoga with its chanting and breathing practices.
There are several other variations such as Power Yoga, Yin yoga, restorative or prenatal yoga. All of them provide their own benefits and advantages, based on your needs and preferences. You can either join a class in a private studio, or join a yoga group in your club or gym, get a personal trainer or learn online if you have some experience.
It is important to select a qualified, experienced teacher. They should offer gentle guidance, not force your body before you’re ready, provide non-judgmental support and have the wisdom to help you achieve your personal goals.
You can invest in good quality yoga clothing and accessories with advice from your teacher.
Find The Best Yoga Mats In Australia
As with any new undertaking, getting the basics right will set the tone for the rest of the journey. Start your yoga journey by investing in the right yoga mat. Choose the mat according to your own unique requirements, the size, brand and material, and whether you are a beginner or more experienced, you have to commute to class, practice outdoors or indoors, whether the mat has to be washed regularly, and what your budget is.
Folding Mat: is a great option if you’re looking for a compact mat that’s easy to carry and will slot neatly into small spaces. Choose one that’s made from environmentally friendly materials such as TPE, lightweight, washable, durable and can be folded for more padding if your pose requires.
Eco Friendly Mat: Most inexpensive mats are made from PVC that is non-biodegradable, gives off an unpleasant odor and can affect hormonal balance with prolonged exposure. Choose a natural material such as cork, jute or cotton. Natural rubber is another safe option that provides the right grip and safety.
Mat and Towel Combo: If you sweat a lot, or your style of yoga requires plenty of movement that causes you to perspire, get a mat that has a layer of absorbent toweling on top. The toweling layer is usually removable when you need to wash it. Microfiber ensures that it is quick drying.
Thicker Mats: are the best option for heavier people, and those who practice more dynamic yoga. These mats provide safety and comfort, and prevent impact injuries. Most of them have a rubber base that gives excellent grip and prevents slippage.
Your Height: If you’re extra tall, look for a mat that fits your height. Most standard mats are 6x2 feet but you may require a longer one if you have extra inches. This is important because you could injure yourself using a shorter mat that doesn’t protect your head or feet.
Texture: Most yoga mats available on the market have a bumpy texture designed to give you more grip. However, if you are sensitive and prefer a smoother texture select a mat that provides the right grip and stickiness to avoid non-slippage, but is smooth and soft to the touch.
Budget: Yoga mats come in a huge variety of prices. Ranging from simple beginner’s mats made from PVC at AUD 30 to ultra luxury yoga mats that cost hundreds of dollars, it all depends on where you are in your yoga journey, what your budget is, and what your yoga goals are. If you like personalized logos, patterns or prints you can get them custom made. Some mats are treated with antimicrobial products, or have embossed art work on them.
Do your homework before you purchase a yoga mat, especially when you are a beginner. Your yoga instructor can advise you to select the appropriate one. Mats are available at health and sporting goods stores, supermarkets, yoga studios, custom manufacturers, or online at https://restanddigest.com.au/blogs/yoga/a-guide-to-choosing-the-best-yoga-mat.