If you practice dynamic yoga such as Ashtanga, Iyengar or Power yoga it is advisable to have a yoga sticky mat rather than a cotton style. You should chose a sticky mat which is not only durable but one that has sufficient stickiness to prevent it moving during yoga stretches and positions. The mats are available in a variety of colors.
The original ‘sticky’ Yogapro mats were designed in Germany over twenty years ago, it is still one of the most popular one the market and is instantly recognisable by its bumpy texture which provides the traction needed to stop it and you from slipping. Sticky mats can take a while to to be ‘broken in’ to give best performance. However, if you scrub a new YogaPro mat with equal parts of vinegar and warm water and then either pop into the tumble dryer for 5 minutes or air blow dry and blot with a soft cloth it will add friction to the mat. These yoga mats can also be laundered in a front loading washing machine on a cold cycle and then tumble dried for 5-10 minutes on a low setting or left to air dry naturally. Do not use a top loading washing machine as the mat may become damaged during the spin cycle.
For beginners to yoga, sticky mats are probably the best to buy. Select the best one you can afford and look for aspects such as ;
- Will it stick to my feet as well as the floor?
- Will it have the same grip once I start perspiring?
- Does it prevent my feet from slipping?
- Does the mat have sufficient stickiness to keep in place on the floor.
- Does it feel comfortable to touch?
- Is it easy to clean and launder?- will dust and lint come off easily, can I put it in the washing machine and tumble drier?
Pinch the mat between your index finger and thumb and judge how much padding it has and how much compression; try this on different brands to ensure you get best value for your money.
For yoga sticky mats are an invaluable component to your programme, to provide support and grip when balancing, achieving and maintaining yoga positions and poses.