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Cheap Yoga Mats: Manduka, Eco, Sticky, Travel And Yoga Mat Bags

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Published: January 21, 2008

Yoga promotes the well-being of both mind and body. The environment for yoga directly impacts the individual and their ability to achieve connectedness between mind and body. In turn, the products and props used for yoga also affect their user, and yoga mats are of the utmost importance. With all the time spent on yoga mats during any given practice session, they need to be comfortable, reliable and act as an ideal barrier from hard surfaces. All the better, ecologically friendly yoga mats not only provide harmony between the body and ground, but also between the user and the environment.

Though there are varying types of yoga mats, ideally they should all have the same core features. The most important function is to provide supple cushioning and traction. A non-slip, sticky surface is of dire importance when practicing yoga, as to avoid potential injuries and to achieve the proper asanas, or poses. Yoga mats should be dense and provide sufficient padding to avoid injuring elbows, knees and other unprotected joints. High-quality yoga mats will improve stability, coordination and balance.

The standard size for mats are 24 by 68, but come in extra long sizes for those who are taller. Yoga mats typically come in two materials, synthetic or natural. Synthetic mats are usually comprised of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Although these synthetic mats are usually sticky, not to mention cheap, PVC has been proven to have adverse effects on the environment. PVC mats loom around $20, and though users may pay a cheap price now, they may face a bigger cost to global welfare.

Natural yoga mats are typically made out of jute or rubber composites. These mats may be less sticky than PVC varieties. However, if needed, by going a few spins in the washing machine, these mats provide just as much traction as their counterparts. Natural mats do cost more, ranging between $50-$100. On the plus side, users can sleep easier at night knowing their yoga mats are environmentally friendly.

One of the best types of yoga mats come from Eco Yoga. This company's mats come in three varieties: Jute 4mm, Jute 4mm extra long, and Jute 2mm. The 2mm varieties are great for travel and come in slate gray colors. The 4mm come in soft, soothing colors such as deep lavender, coral pink and lichen green. The extra long mats come in lichen green. All varieties come in a color-free option as well. Eco yoga mats are made from plant-based materials and are biodegradable. The company has the highest standards in the industry, reflected in their supreme quality. The mats average around $45 and are available for purchase through the Barefoot Yoga Company.

Manduka is another industry leader for yoga mats. The company set the standard with the Black mat. Black mats are thicker and denser with a no-slip adherence. At seven pounds, they are rather heavy in terms of yoga mats. Manduka also offers the Purple Lite mats; at four pounds, they are ideal for travel and carrying to and from practice locations. Manduka recently began selling their line of eKO natural rubber mats. These are environmentally friendly and made from harvested tree rubber. eKO mats come in moss, lava, aqua and sand colors. All eKO mats are 5mm in thickness and seven pounds. All Manduka yoga mats range in price from $65 to $90 and are available through the company website.

For any yoga practicer, carrying the mats to and from different destination can prove to be a hassle. A yoga mat bag is any easy solution. For between $20 and $40, a mat bag provides a way to travel with yoga mats, as well as protect them from dust and debris. There is a plethora of designs, colors and materials from which to choose, including 100% Hemp materials. A yoga mat bag can be found at any sporting good store or through an innumerable amount of websites, including Barefoot Yoga Company.

The importance of high-quality yoga mats is not only imperative for experts, but for beginners as well. Yoga mats of high caliber should be used to truly perform yoga efficiently and properly. Using eco-friendly mats furthers the natural, harmonic relationship between those who practice yoga and its corresponding ideals.


Sources:
Pizer, Ann. "Before You Buy a Yoga Mat." About.com: Yoga. 2007. About, Inc. 15 Oct. 2007. http://yoga.about.com/od/yogagear/bb/yogamat.htm.< br />
"How to Choose a Good Yoga Mat." Yoga Mats Plus. 2003. 15 Oct. 2007. http://www.yogamatsplus.com/site/491583/page/14219 2.

Home. Yoga Mats Plus. 2003. 15 Oct. 2007. http://www.yogamatsplus.com/.

"Our Mats." Eco Yoga. 2006. 15 Oct. 2007. http://www.ecoyoga.co.uk/ecomats.htm.

"Yoga Mats." Manduka. 2006. 15 Oct. 2007. http://www.manduka.com/store/customer/home.php?cat =254.

"Product Detail 71" Black Mat." Manduka. 2006. 15 Oct. 2007. http://www.manduka.com/store/customer/product.php? productid=16206&cat=254&page=1.

"Product Detail 71" Purple Lite Travel Mat." Manduka. 2006. 15 Oct. 2007. http://www.manduka.com/store/customer/product.php? productid=16209&cat=254&page=1.

"eKO by Manduka." Manduka. 2006. 15 Oct. 2007. http://www.manduka.com/pages/introducing_the_mandu ka_eKO.

"Yoga Mat Bags." Barefoot Yoga Co. 2007. 15 Oct. 2007. http://www.barefootyoga.com/Page.bok?file=yogamatb ags.html.
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