Ever wonder which yoga mat is best? What yoga mat thickness and size? Do I actually NEED a yoga mat?...Well - In the first FAQ ‘Yoga Foundations’ video we’ll be talking YOGA MATS 101 - All the answers to your yoga mat questions! These are all questions that I’ve been asked as a yoga teacher, and often wonder myself as a yoga student - So whether you’re new to yoga, an experienced yoga practitioner, or somewhere in between we’ll lay the foundations for our yoga practice, wherever we are on our journey. Let’s get started with something I get asked about all the time: Yoga MatsClick the video to watch the Q&A session with me, or scroll to read the notes below… Do I need a yoga mat to practice yoga?Well technically no, a yoga mat isn’t essential to practice yoga (you can always use a towel or blanket if it's sturdy and supports) However - the benefit to using a yoga mat is it provides comfort, especially to help protect the knees AND it gives you some grip to prevent slipping. “Whilst having a yoga mat isn’t essential, a yoga mat is advisable for your yoga movement practice as it gives you comfort but also helps you grip and not slip.” What sort of yoga mat do I need?Finding the right yoga mat for you is really down to personal preference. Some people love a thick padded mat, others thinner and lighter is best. Thicker (over 5mm+) is generally good for ultra comfort and can feel really cushioned when on the knees. Personally, I prefer a thinner mat (5mm or under) typically because it's easier for balancing postures - with the really squishy mats you might find it difficult to hold steady and might even have to step off the mat - PLUS with a thin mat you can always pad out under the knees with a blanket, or simply fold your mat over, whereas if it’s a really thick mat you can’t take away or make it thinner. Eco-friendly cork yoga mats: “One of my favourite mats is a cork yoga mat from CorkYogis. Cork is eco-friendly, sustainable, natural and antibacterial. Viruses, bacteria, and fungus do not grow on cork so makes for less rigorously cleaning.”
Another one of my favourites - More budget friendly but still eco-friendly:
Where do I buy a yoga mat?Give Google a try - but if like me you can be overwhelmed by the 1000+ results then perhaps check out www.corkyogis.com and www.myga.eco who also have some great looking vegan material and eco friendly yoga mats. Good news if you live in Barry: I also have some beautiful eco-yoga mats available to purchase >> click here for details << which I can bring to class or you can collect from me for FREE :) If you’re just getting started on your yoga journey and not looking to spend £££s on a mat quite yet then… Super budget yoga mat option: “If you're looking for something a little more budget friendly then TKMaxx tend to have a good affordable range on offer, usually in the region from £10+. Some supermarkets also sell them too, so again could be a good place to get you started.” You may be able to find some cheaper than this however longevity may be questionable! (also cheap plastic = not so good for the the planet) How do I clean my yoga mat?*DISCLAIMER: Always check manufacturer instructions before cleaning your mat!* Different materials require different methods of cleaning, so please always check first. 1. For my daily yoga mat spritz I use a lovely ‘empower’ mat spray from Katia Yoga made up of essential oils ‘lavender, lemon, melaleuca cleaning mist with witch hazel for a naturally clean yoga mat’... Freshens and cleanses beautifully (just like you would your face!) Or you could have a go at making your own… (I must remember to do that soon!) 2. For in-person classes it’s recommended to give your mat a wipe down with something more thorough (esp. in this current climate) such as MediKills Surface Disinfecting & Cleaning wipes before and after class. 3. For a yoga mat deep clean - If you’ve a PVC yoga mat *some* of these can actually be washed in the washing machine (PLEASE always check first) on a cold gentle cycle.. Depending on whether it fits of course! Most yoga mats are NOT SUITABLE for tumble drying. Make sure to dry naturally on the washing line or somewhere suitable indoors like over a bannister or clothes horse. I usually washing machine wash plastic yoga mats every few months or so depending on how often I use them. “Always make sure to air your yoga mat out thoroughly for at least 10mins after a wipe down, a good few hours after a deep clean, and that your yoga mat is completely dry before rolling back up.” … That’s the first edition of Yoga Foundations ‘Yoga Mats 101’! Whether you need a yoga mat, where you can get one from, the different types of mats, best yoga mat size, thickness, and how best to clean your yoga mat… Your Next StepYour next step after watching this video (clicking ‘like’ + subscribe to my channel if you enjoy! 💜) is to find a yoga mat that’s right for you. Use the links above, or get in touch via blog comments below if you’d like to know more. If you've any yoga questions you’d like answering for future videos, be sure to ask in the comments below too! ⬇️ Hope these yoga mat tips have helped guide you in the right direction my friend. I look forward to seeing you on the mat (whichever one you choose!) ✨ ... What to be the first to know about freebies? videos? yoga exclusives before anyone else? ... Hazel xx
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Blog posts written by me: Hazel Parsons | Hazel Lily YogaMore blog posts coming soon :) ... Archives
November 2023
CategoriesRelaxing Yoga Classes in Barry - Best Yoga & Wellbeing Business Vale of Glamorgan
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