6 Extraordinary Benefits of a Yoga mat

Yoga mats over time have become a staple of many a yoga practise around the world. But why is this?

In this article we discuss all the benefits a yoga mat can bring you. This will help you decide whether a yoga mat is right for you and your practise.

What are the benefits of a yoga mat?

1. Provides comfort
2. Helps with balance and stability
3. Provides warmth
4. Helps create your own space
5. Provides better grip
6. It can be more hygienic

Benefit Number 1 – Comfort

Yoga is predominately conducted on the floor. As a result, a yoga mat is often the only thing stopping you standing, kneeling or laying on a hard surface, which can be particularly uncomfortable if you are practising on a wooden floor as I do. Even though yoga mats are effectively just a thin layer of material it can make all the difference to your yoga practise by providing that little extra comfort.

Yoga mats do vary in thickness a lot. It is a key measure for us when determining what our top ten yoga mats are.

Benefit Number 2 – Balance / Stability

Like me many of you have probably fallen over or lost balance whilst trying to practise the tree or similar yoga poses, especially if you are a beginner. Having a more stable, firmer and less slippery surface to practise on  really does help with your balance and with it your confidence.

Benefit Number 3 – Warmth

Unless you are lucky enough to practise somewhere with under floor heating chances are the floor is going to be cold, or at least not very warm.  A yoga mat provides that little extra padding between you and the floor so that the warmth from your body is not directly transferring into the floor you are practising on.

Benefit Number 4 – The Mat Is Yours

Yoga can be a very personal experience. Therefore, having something that is yours can help create your own sacred place, no matter where you are practicing. This is particularly useful if you are or are about to start practising meditation. In a busy yoga hall it also lays down where your territory is!

Benefit Number 5 – Grip

You are practising a yoga pose (let’s say tree) and you have just got into position. Next thing you know your foot is slipping on the carpet/floor below. This can be frustrating. Having a strong surface to grip onto can really help you practise your yoga without being distracted by the potentially slippery surface below. It also provides the confidence you need to try the more difficult poses.

Benefit Number 6 – Hygiene

Floors can often be very unhygienic especially if you practise in a public space. As a result, a yoga mat can help protect you from any harmful bacteria lingering on the surface below you. Having your own yoga mat will also prevent any cross contamination from another person who may have used the mat previously.

Conclusion

Yoga mats provide a more comfortable, clean and stable yoga practise. Although having a yoga mat is not essential, having one really does make you feel more like a yogi as well! If you are interested in purchasing a yoga mat, why not check out our article on the top ten yoga mats?