Hatha Yoga World

If you’ve decided to take up yoga, you’ll probably be very pleased with your choice. Doing yoga on a regular basis increases your strength and flexibility, helps you focus your mind, and teaches you how to reach a state of tranquility in a busy, uncertain world. Best of all, you won’t need much equipment for your new exercise program. The one major thing you will need is a sticky yoga mat.

Sticky yoga mats were the brain child of a yoga teacher Angela Farmer. Farmer was frustrated with trying to do yoga while her hands and feet slipped out from under her. Eventually, she began to do yoga with carpet padding. Her father took an interest in this process, and patented the first sticky yoga mat. Next came the Hugger Mugger company with the “Tapas Mat.”

Today, you will find a dizzying array of sticky yoga mats in different colors and thicknesses. Finding the right one for you involves taking into account the workouts you do as well as your personal taste. For instance, people who practice Ashtanga Yoga, a fast-paced type of yoga favored by athletes, probably need a sticky yoga mat at least four millimeters thick. You might also select a thicker mat if you are very thin or frail and need the extra padding.

Other Considerations in Buying a Sticky Yoga Mat

Sticky yoga mats are available in dozens of different colors. Some even come with pictures or patterns on them. You’ll be able to find sticky yoga mats at many health or sporting goods stores as well as dozens of different yoga sites online. Prices range from $15-$20 for a basic mat to $35 or $40 for a more specialized mat. You might consider checking some of the online auction sites—they often have good deals on used or new sticky yoga mats.

Some people are concerned about the chemicals that go into most sticky yoga mats. They may choose to work out on rubber mats, Gaiam mats, the eco-Yoga mat, or the Earth Elements mat. These mats are generally a little more expensive, around the $35 range, but if you are concerned about toxins in the environment, you may decide the higher price is worth it.

Selecting the right sticky yoga mat for you is an important first step to practice yoga. Once you have a good mat, you are well on your way to enjoying the benefits of yoga. Happy hunting!