It’s hard to imagine a true yogi without a yoga mat under its armpit. A yoga mat is something everyone needs to have when first stepping into the yoga studio. You may argue that it’s not necessary to buy a yoga mat because you can do yoga without it or take a yoga mat offered in your yoga studio. However, I would still suggest that a yoga mat is a must-have thing in your yoga practice. Below I’ll give 5 reasons why you need a yoga mat.
Hygiene and Cleaning
Although many yoga studios have their mats for yoga in the class, it’s still better to have your own yoga mat at hand. A yoga mat is a place where you move, sweat, and even cry from time to time. So, having your own mat takes off the question of how clean your mat is. In fact, cleaning a yoga mat is easy to do at home so it won’t take much time. Simply dissolve 1 part of vinegar in 1 part of water and rinse your yoga mat.
Personal Space
The rectangular yoga mat will become your personal part of the space where you practice the yoga poses. Coming back from day to day to this personal space creates more safety and becomes a calming activity for you. With a yoga mat, you will always know that there is somewhere a place to be yourself in your own body. This will become a place for experiencing new sensations and experimenting with the movements.
Take Yoga with You
Wherever you go, take a piece of yoga with you. With the personal yoga mat, you can practice everywhere: at the studio, in your living room, outside in the park, etc. Just roll out your mat in front of you and dive into the practice.
Comfort
There is a wide variety of yoga mats made from different materials. First, pick the mat that suits you the best in terms of comfort. Then, decide how soft and thick your yoga mat is, what material you want it to be, and how eco-friendly your mat should be. Yoga mats have various designs as well. So, in this way, your yoga mat becomes an expression of your lifestyle and not only a piece of rubber.
Connection and Inspiration
Practicing yoga on the same mat every day creates a connection between the mat and the desire to practice. The simple action of unrolling your mat and stepping on it creates the routine and atmosphere necessary for successful practice. It becomes your personal ritual that leads to more consistent practice and creates the necessary attitude with time.
To Sum Up
The decision to buy or not to buy a yoga mat is always up to you. But based on the said above, I would still insist that a yoga mat is a must-have accessory for beginner and advanced yogis.
