Elephant Yoga Organic Cotton Yoga Rug - Handwoven and Eco Friendly - Ideal for Ashtanga Mysore Hot Yoga Pilates Power Yoga

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Some mats are machine washable (rejoice!), in which case giving it a thorough clean is as easy as throwing it in the machine, putting it on a cold gentle cycle with mild detergent and air drying it afterwards. Those looking for a more natural and traditional yoga experience will benefit from using a yoga rug. The organic cotton used in yoga rugs has a very different texture than a yoga mat, and many say it feels like you’re closer to nature. Yoga mats also come in a wide range of sizes, so you are able to choose a yoga mat that fits your travel needs, whether that is simply from the home to the gym, or traveling on an airplane, or needing a yoga mat in a hotel room to loosen up. Higher Variety of Yoga Mats While there are many options available, the differences between a yoga mat and a yoga rug are significant. While your choice may simply come down to personal preference, understanding the differences between the yoga mat and the yoga rug will help you select an accessory that fits your personal needs. Materials The yoga mat vs. yoga rug debate is one that has been argued endlessly. There is often confusion about which is better to buy, the yoga mat or the yoga rug.

These distinguished benefits of a yoga rug are not the same as the benefits of a yoga mat, but nonetheless, should not be overlooked. How to Use Yoga Mats and Yoga Rugs Together Keep an eye out for any mats that have our WH Lab Approved logo proudly displayed on their picture, as these items have all been given our resident PT and yoga expert’s seal of approval. Additionally, there are yoga mats that use other eco-friendly materials, such as cork or jute, and are intended to more closely resemble the traditional nature of a yoga rug. Durability Our pros put a number of mats through their paces, seeing how each one performed during yoga, yoga nidra (a form of deep rest), HIIT and even weights sessions (most yoga mats double up as exercise mats). They were scored based on how grippy, comfortable, portable and stable they were (with bonus points for eco credentials), and only their favourite few made it on to this list.

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Another top-quality option from our pals at Les Mills. Unlike the MBX mat above, this one is designed specifically for yoga, with a vegan leather top layer that absorbs moisture (read: sweat) and stops you from sliding around, no matter how clammy your paws are. Sure enough, our resident yogi stayed rooted in their poses during vigorous vinyasa flows, without any distracting slipping around. Music to our ears! The higher variety of yoga mats is also helpful based on the type of yoga you enjoy. For hot yoga, you may need a non-slip yoga mat, while the physical nature of Ashtanga yoga or partner stretches may demand a more supportive yoga mat. Yoga Mats Have More Grip An eco-friendly yoga mat means that it has been sustainably manufactured out of responsibly sourced materials. These materials are biodegradable, including cork, jute, natural rubber, and even cotton.

For advanced yogis that perform headstands and other inversions, you may want additional support. Using a headstand as an example, your hands and wrists hold a lot of tension, so using a yoga mat and a yoga rug together can enhance your comfort level. A standard yoga mat measures 60 x 173 cm. While the width will always remain the same, the length can sometimes vary, and it’s not unusual to come across mats that measure 182cm and 188cm. In rare cases, there are some yoga mats that are as long as 213cm. It all depends on your height. The best way to find the right length for you is by trying to do a downward-facing dog pose on a standard yoga mat. As long as your hands and feet are securely on the mat, the length is sufficient. What about price? Yoga props are used for different purposes to aid you in your practice. Generally speaking, they are used to provide stability and support when entering difficult poses but they can also be used to help you get a deeper stretch. Yoga props are a great tool for gradually increasing your flexibility, range of motion, and strength.There are several reasons to consider a cork yoga mat. The first is the environment – when you shave a layer of cork off the tree it actually encourages it to grow and replace it. It doesn’t get much more renewable than that. Yoga rugs have been shown to offer more durability than traditional yoga mats. Since yoga rugs are made of woven materials, you can wash them in your washing machine without worry, giving it more longevity. Yoga-Mad claims that the Warrior Plus is machine washable up to 40˚C, and while this sounds like a really handy feature at first, the fact that it can’t be put through a spin cycle means you’ll probably find yourself wiping it clean instead. It’s a little on the bulky side and not the easiest to carry around, but it’s surprisingly lightweight, portable enough to take to the gym and easy to roll up when you’re done – all at an affordable price. In actuality, what’s “better” is relative to your individual needs, as the intensity of your yoga practice, your weight, how much you sweat, and more, should all be factored in when making a decision about what's better to buy. What is a Yoga Mat? Fast-paced flows aside, it’s just as effective for chilled out sessions, even on the most unforgiving floors, thanks to the wonderfully cushioned rubber base. Our tester said it lay flat on the floor as soon as they rolled it out, it’s wide enough for users of all sizes, and cleaning the mat is a painless experience – just wipe it down with a cloth and you’re G2G (good to go).