Buying a Yoga Mat

One of the nice aspects of yoga is that it requires very few accessories.  Unlike golf where you need 14 clubs, or tennis where you need a racket, with Yoga, all you need is a yoga mat and a towel.  Sounds simple, but it's actually a bit involved.

Although many people view yoga as being a collection of stretching exercises, it's actually one of the most demanding forms of fitness exercise you can do.  Manyof the postures andmovements invlove lying on a mat and result in a considerable amoutn of perspiration.  Hence the need for the yoga mat and the yoga towel.

What is a Yoga Mat?

The yoga mat isn't just any old mat.  They are quite thin, padded and comfortable, and have a good gripping surface so that you do not slip or slide around on the floor while you are completing your yoga positions. With all the perspiration you want to be sure to get a non-slip mat from a maker such as Jade Harmony.  Their mats are made from open cell rubber to reduce the likelihood of slippage.

These mats cost around $50.  At the upper end, Jade harmony makes yoga mats for $75. These are super thick yoga mats. They have extra cushioning and an extra sticky of the surface. It is considered the "Cadillac" of yoga mats.

Jade Harmony also makes travel yoga mats, so you can always take your yoga mat with you on vacation or business.

Along with the yoga mat comes the yoga towel.  Lookout for Yogitoes towels.  They make a superabsorbant towel with non-skid silicone beads on one side for use on top of your yoga mat or by itself.   These are priced around $49 and come in multiple colors.