Yoga Mat for Hot Yoga Buying Guide
The best yoga mat for hot yoga depends on your yoga practice, and how much you typically sweat during your workout. Here are the key things to look for:
Non-Slip/Non-Skid
Yoga mats with a non-slip or non-skid surface will retain texture and grip even when wet. Yoga mats made of cork, some rubbers, foams, and many fabrics are specially designed to retain or even improve their grip when wet or damp.
These kinds of yoga mats are perfect for sweaty hands and feet, so that you can concentrate on your poses without slipping or shifting.
Moisture Absorbing
If your yoga practice is particularly hot and sweaty, moisture can actually pool up on the surface of a yoga mat. Even if your mat still has grip when wet, this can still be distracting. For this reason, many people opt for a yoga towel or a yoga mat with an absorbent fabric surface that actually soaks up moisture and keeps it away from your skin.
Antibacterial or Antimicrobial
Along with moisture and heat, we get microbes and bacteria that can cause odors and shorten the life of a yoga mat. Yoga mats that are antimicrobial are helpful for preventing odor, but it’s also important to clean and thoroughly dry a yoga mat after every use.
In other words, if you suffer from sweaty hands and feet during yoga, you may be happiest with a non-slip yoga mat. If you sweat a lot during Bikram or hot yoga, you may want an absorbent surface and perhaps a yoga towel. In any case, an antimicrobial yoga mat is helpful to prevent mildew, odors, and decay.
Materials
Materials used to make the mats can be all natural or all synthetic. These materials also have an impact on a variety of factors such as cost. Here are some examples:
- Foam – These mats are usually cheaper and are long lasting. They are synthetic, latex and phthalate free. Ideal for the yogi on a budget.
- Cloth – These mats are extra thick, and completely environmentally friendly, as they come straight from nature.
- TPE – Comfortable and travel-friendly, as the gel-like material is extra soft and lightweight. Also recyclable.
- All Natural Rubber – Environmentally friendly, slip-resistant, resilient and durable.
Thickness
Thicknesses of yoga mats start from 1/16 inches and go to ¼ inches. Obviously, the thinner the yoga mat, the easier it is to store and travel with. The thicker mats are designed for comfort and soft support. When considering the thickness of your mat, think about storage, travel and comfort during class.
Length
Length of your mat should be around two inches longer than your body length. If you are a tall person, this could be an issue, as a mat that’s too short will be unsuitable. Likewise, for a short person, a longer mat is unnecessary.
Maintenance
Yes, yoga mat care is a thing, especially as you want it to last you a long time. When buying a yoga mat, take into consideration the materials used, how easy it is to clean and if the manufacturer has any type of warranty. Rubber and synthetic mats can take quite a lot of punishment, whereas cloth mats can wear down quickly.
Price Range
If you’re on a budget, the basic, plain, medium thickness sticky mats will be what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for comfort, antimicrobial, raised textures or even the eco-friendly ones, expect to pay more.