Hi,
I’ve been interesting in yoga for a while now and finally decided to take my first class about a month ago. I loved it! I’ve been going at least twice a week since. I started shopping for mats and I can’t believe how expensive they are. I sweat so much during class that I’m planning on buying a rug to use over my mat and to use on my carpet at home. Do I need to buy a good mat if I’m going to be using a rug over the top of it, or will one of the $20 mats suffice?
I like to use a yogitoes towel (but now they are expensive…I got mine at a huge discount sale) over my mat in sweaty classes as it is thin and very easy to wash and dry and does not slip…a thicker rug may take a long time to dry after washing…
I would go for a midrange rubber mat…I have found that the plastic ones break down quite quickly and shed tiny bits of mat all over the house…
If you like the ones you are using at the yoga studio you go to ask where you can buy it.
I like the eco-mats as well with the hemp/hessian fibers in but a friend found that it shed bits of rubber and did not last…perhaps different types of sweat affect mats differently…
I have a cheap $30 mat that I was gifted. It works pretty well for me with the exception that my hands and feet tend to get a little sweaty so I am about to invest in a towel. Just remember to check how thick a mat is before you buy it, I would prefer a little more cushion.
Mats are like shoes after a while no matter how well they hold up they become stained, soiled and may even stink, I go with cheap mats and usually they wear out when they?re ready to be thrown out.
If you’re going to be going regularly, and you probably will, then its best to invest in a better quality mat that will last longer, as well as give better performance. This will also be the most eco friendly choice.
You don’t have to spend loads on the most expensive mat at this point though, try out a few studio mats and see which one you like.
And also think about weight - if you have plans to travel get lighter one. I recently bought Manduka mat. Its awesome but I wouldn’t take it with me for retreat, its bulky and heavy.
About sweat: I recently started a little routine. After 1 or 2 practices (may be less frequent but I also sweat a lot during practice), I take a shower with my mat. After I’m done with showering I pick it up and rinse for a minute or two in running warm/hot water. Then I just spread it on the chair to dry. Minimal effort and works very well in keeping mat fresh.