It does not matter whether you are a yoga newbie or have been doing yoga so long you’ve memorized your instructor’s routine, asana-by-asana – sooner or later you’ll be in the market for a new yoga mat. I used to think every yoga mat was created equally until I bought a jute yoga mat and discovered that it didn’t smell like chemicals. Of course, it fell apart within two months…
That’s when I decided to write an article about the different types of yoga mats out there, how to choose one that’s best for you, and how to choose one that isn’t terrible for the environment either.
The Standard Cheap Yoga Mat
Many people get a cheapo mat the first time. This is fine, especially if you’re not sure whether you are going to be a yoga fanatic yet. You can usually find these from between $5 and $10 at any mega-store like Target or Kmart.
There are several problems with a standard yoga mat. First, they are often very thin and do not provide much cushioning. Most importantly, however, they stink like chemicals and are made using a very environmentally hazardous process. Furthermore, the chemicals used may be bad for your health. They are made using Phthalates, which turn hard plastics into soft plastics. Studies on rodents involving large amounts of phthalates have shown damage to the liver, the kidneys, the lungs and the developing testes.
I know a lot of people who use standard yoga mats and they’re not dead or dying (that I know of). Just don’t leave them in the trunk of your car because they tend to release a chemical smell when they get hot.
Jute and Cork Yoga Mats
Jute and cork yoga mats are an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to the standard yoga mat, but they have some drawbacks of their own. Cork and jute mats both come from very porous plants. As the material absorbs your sweat during yoga classes, it becomes A: a bit stinky and B: a little weak. While it is not going to fall apart in your hands like wet paper, don’t expect one of these to last a long time if you do yoga more than once a month.
Rubber Yoga Mats
Rubber yoga mats are my favorite. They are durable, affordable and – best of all – they are made from rubber, which is a fairly sustainable material that comes from the rubber tree. Just make sure that you are buying a “natural” rubber mat because the material can be produced synthetically as well – although synthetic rubber isn’t nearly as bad for the environment and your health as phthalates.
Natural rubber yoga mats should be avoided if you are allergic to latex. Instead, try one of the phthalate-free, latex free mats from this page http://www.gaiam.com/retail/product/95-1041_OLIV . They are a little more expensive, but if you are allergic to latex, don’t want to work out on chemicals, and need something that isn’t going to fall apart on you – this type of mat is definitely the way to go.
From Rubber Yoga Mat, post How To Choose A Yoga Mat
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