July 1, 2014
Need help figuring out what the ideal mat is for your ideal practice? Look no further than our list below!
1. Travel Yoga
Now that’s what we call dedication – and also what we would call a situation ideal for a travel mat!
Need a mat you can bring with you no matter where life takes you? Then a Travel Mat may be exactly what you’re looking for! Its thin, lightweight design makes it the perfect mat to fold up into the front pocket of your suitcase or backpack.
However, many yogis find a travel mat too thin to provide substantial support on its own, which explains its popularity on top of more padded surfaces (such as a hotel room floor or on a grassy lawn). If you’re looking for a mat that’s still extremely easy to transport but has a little more heft, check out our new Hybrid Eco-Lite Mat! It’s likely to become your new favorite mat whether you’re Bali bound or relaxing at home.
2. Restorative or Prenatal Yoga
In need of a bolster, soothing eye pillow, or blanket to complete your comfort? We’ve got you covered!
If you’re practicing a more gentle form of yoga, such as restorative, gentle, or prenatal yoga, some extra support and cushion is going to come in handy. We recommend a ¼” Hybrid Eco Mat to facilitate in comfort, style, and function!
3. Bikram/Hot/Power Yoga
When practicing Bikram, hot, or power yoga, we find that the best mat is going to be one on the thinner side with superior traction to keep from slipping (especially with Bikram or hot yoga!). Check out our new Hybrid Eco-Lite Mat or Performance Grip Mat to get the grounding and traction you need.
4. Hatha Yoga
World renowned teacher and Ashtanga yoga pioneer Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
Hatha yoga covers a broad aspect of yoga, and is basically the incorporation of postures and breathwork into your practice and includes popular styles such as Ashtanga and Iyengar yoga.
If you’re just starting out and aren’t quite sure if or what specific yoga style speaks to you, we recommend starting with a good quality mat. Especially one that will provide great traction and cushion while giving a beginner yogi the chance to explore what their personal practice and prop style is. We recommend going with a 1/8” mat like our 1/8” Hybrid Eco Mat or a Natural Jute & PER Mat.
5. Aerial Yoga
Even aerial yogis need to come down for a landing! When they do, a mat that provides a sturdy, grounded surface is ideal. Try out a 1/8” or thinner mat, like our 1/8” Hybrid Eco Mat, Hybrid Eco-Lite Mat, or, for a more textured traction check out our Natural Jute & PER Mat.
Want to keep exploring what props work for you? Come visit us at BarefootYoga.com to expand your practice today!
Today, they welcome their students to 4 studios in Texas to continue on their journey of self-discovery. They aspire to ‘make it for more people, for all people, to do yoga’. Their experiences with different forms of yoga gave them an appreciation of the benefits and beauty of each type of practice, and the people they attract. They embrace and strive for diversity in their teaching forms, focusing on their students. Teachers are encouraged to teach from their hearts and connect with their students in the spirit of yoga.