Yoga mats come in a variety of styles, colors, and materials, and most of them can be used for any type of meditation, or even aerobics. Here are some places to find yoga mats, along with other yoga accessories you’ll need:
AllMats.com. This is a flooring and mats company that sells yoga mats as part of their retail. Even though AllMats.com doesn’t specialize solely in yoga materials, they definitely have a lot to offer. Their yoga mats and supplies include: cotton mats, ashtanga (Indian cotton) mats, and premium weave and Styrofoam mats. You can also find mats for general exercise and Pilates on the site. You can also find yoga blocks, pillows, and bags to coordinate your yoga accessories for your next class. There are even yoga videos and DVDs available, along with training aids to improve your flexibility, and music to improve your concentration.
Megafitness.com. This company specializes in yoga mats and workout supplies, so there is more of a variety to choose from, especially if you’re looking for a specific material or color for your yoga mats. You can also find exercise balls to intensify your yoga workouts, and there are bags, halters, and yoga straps (used to improve your stretching and resistance during yoga) available on the site.
Yogasite.com. Of course, yoga mats can be purchased on this site, but more importantly, yogasite.com will tell you how to properly use your mats, which positions will work best for your body type, how to improve your focus when practicing yoga, and a list of instructors and videos for you to try if you’re practicing yoga at home. You can also buy yoga clothes and ‘earth shoes’ (comfortable sandals or Birkenstocks) from yogasite.com, along with yoga-inspired jewelry, posters, and meditation music and books to improve your understanding of yoga. You’ll also be able to research the many benefits of yoga, and how it could help to improve common problems, such as insomnia or fatigue.
When you’re looking for yoga mats, it’s important to try them out first if you can. Make sure the mat is long enough and wide enough for you, and that you’ll be able to move freely within the space of the mat. Most yoga classes are conducted on hard floors, and if you have to support yourself (even partially) on an extremely firm surface for long periods of time, it could lead to joint problems later on.
Also, make sure the yoga mats you choose are genuinely comfortable for you. That way, you won’t be so focused on physical discomfort when you’re trying to channel your energy somewhere else. If you want something sturdier to meditate on, you may want to try woven yoga mats; or if you’d like something softer, cotton yoga mats may be best for you.
Consider the price as well when looking to purchase yoga mats. They usually run between $30 and $50, but you may be able to find yoga mats on sale at local exercise equipment shops. Usually, mats on sale have only decreased in price because they haven’t been purchased yet. If the yoga mats aren’t damaged in any way, they’ll work just as well as more expensive mats, and you’ll have extra money to buy the rest of your yoga gear.
If you practice yoga at home, use these helpful tips to make your workouts a lot more rewarding. If you’re looking to join a yoga class, visit the sites in this article to find a yoga class in your area, or to find tips on how to get started on your own.
By Tamiya King