If you can give us enough likes on this post. We will deep dive into the Mat Universe and get the best options for you that you can choose from for the option that fits your choice and linking the best. Hit the heart and we will get the team scouting.
#yogamat #review #productreview
Listing out mat names here for all -
1) Basic Rubber Mat -2.5/5- Its good to start with but the rubber comes off very often. Its cheap, light and good for beginners. It has this self square pattern all over and comes in a huge range of colors. But if you are going to be practicing daily or at least 3 times a week of a good intense practice. You will wear this off in 3-4 months and will be back looking at this article for more options. These range typically between Rs.300-600 and can be found anywhere.
2) Cork Mat - 2/5 - These have become very popular recently, promoted as a natural mat though it may have as many chemicals as the regular ones. SO please don't get swayed by the propaganda. This mat might feel a little abrasive and rough. If you're into Ashtanga Yoga jump throughs, this mat will scrape your feet. I also can be very heavy to carry around and tends to curl up when opened. Headstands on this mat can feel pretty painful too even to seasoned practitioners. It typically comes in varies shades of browns with or without prints on it. Juru Mats, Eco corner are some of the popular brands that make this. They typically range from Rs.2000-2500.
3)Tego Mat- 3/5 - I am placing this as a "kind" of mat coz I haven't seen another brand make or sell this product. Its a handy mat. Its light and comes with a bag. The best part are the guidelines that are drawn on it, for beginner obsessed with form and alignment these can be good to follow. It comes in Black, Dark blue, Rust and Olive Green color option. It might feel a little slippery in the beginning and the chemical smell of a new mat might take some time to go away. I also feel it can feel a little small for male practitioners but overall its a handy all purpose mat though that is pretty study and strong priced at Rs.2699/-.
4) Rubber mats with coatings- 3.5/5- In terms of usage they really are the best but these are not for beginners. Only if you are a yoga teacher or a long practicing student you would want to "invest" in a mat like this. They can also be a little heavy close to 1.5kg so can't be carried along for travel etc. unless you're very particular about practicing on your mat. They will last you forever , or at least you wont wear them out. They also come in various colors and patterns which can be fun. These mats are little expensive starting from Rs.3500-6000/-.Polupar brands for these are Kosha Yoga and Yoga Essentials.
So I hope you like my review. You will see that there isn't "one mat fits al" solution. Based on your budget, your level and frequency of practice your preference might change. I myself started with a basic rubber mat and then moved on to a rubber coated one. I also bought a "Liforme" which is not available in the Indian market but is a heavier version of rubber with coating mat. Its the one you see Kino and Laruga practicing on Instagram. I bought it as a gift for myself when I started jumping through. It was very expensive and maybe its best to wait till someone gifts you or the compnay agrees to send you a sample. Lol !!! A special mention to Yogastra - they make cool fabric mats with rubber coating at the back in natural dyes and colors. those are interesting mats too to have a look if you're into traditional practices of yoga. They handy and easy to carry around for Yogis on the go.