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Know the most used materials in a yoga mat

Jun 15, 2020

Conoce los materiales más usados en una esterilla de yoga

“I am standing on my own altar. Postures are my prayers.” As the yoga teacher BKS Iyengar said, our practice space is very important since it is where body and mind converge. To know how to choose your yoga mat, the material is the first thing to consider since it determines many qualities and priorities of what you are looking for in a yoga mat. In this article we will review the most used materials in today's yoga mats. PVC yoga mats Until recently almost all mats were made of high-density PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It is a very resistant, lightweight material and the cheapest of all, but its environmental cost is higher and toxic substances such as the well-known phthalates may be added in its process. Make sure that your mat does not contain toxic substances and that it has sufficient density: if you can see the imprint on the mat when you press your hand, it means that it lacks density. The YogaYe Pro Mat is a high-performance non-slip mat that has passed the demanding OEKO-TEX® 100 Class I certification, which prohibits the use of toxic substances for all items that are in direct contact with the skin. It is made in Germany with high quality materials. The advantage of PVC mats is their durability and cheap price. Ideal for Yoga centers.

PU yoga mats The search for more sustainable mats gave rise to PU mats (polyurethane natural rubber). This material is obtained after an industrial process in which polyols derived from vegetable oils are reacted. Being able to be obtained from natural and renewable sources (such as soy, castor, cottonseed and neem tree) it can be confirmed that the mats made with this material are respectful with the environment. They are completely non-toxic because at the end of their cycle and once discarded, they disintegrate in a period of between one and five years. PU yoga mats have properties that are just as effective as non-slip PVC mats. They offer a very high adherence ideal for intense yoga practices and difficult asanas. The only drawback is that the PU material is heavier. If you usually sweat a lot on your feet and hands while you practice and want to make sure you don't slip, PU mats and also rubber ones are the mats you need. The phoenix mat and Liform Mat They are two mats of the highest quality and both made with PU and a lower layer of natural rubber.

Rubber yoga mats Natural rubber is obtained from the rubber tree. His species releases a sticky substance that when dry does not harden but turns into an elastic and adherent material known as latex. Thus, natural rubber mats naturally already contain excellent anti-slip properties, and furthermore, no chemicals or phthalates are used during production. With a natural rubber mat you will have a clear conscience: the latex is extracted by draining the sap through incisions that are then covered to allow the tree to heal. Natural rubber mats are biodegradable, highly elastic and 100% natural. It should be added that for these reasons it may not offer tremendous durability and can sometimes show signs of abrasion more easily. However, its functionality and grip are not affected at all. Keep in mind that the more adherence a mat offers, the less anti-abrasion it will have and the adherence of rubber mats is a unique property that is given by its material. Another point against it is that it gives off a rubbery smell (which will dissipate with use) and that if you are sensitive to latex it is advisable not to use mats made of this material. It cannot be left in the sun either. We have 100% natural rubber mats like the YogaYe Eco Mat, Manduka eKO Lite and all the jade series.

cork yoga mats It is a very eco-friendly option since the material is obtained from the Mediterranean cork oak tree but without damaging it since it is the bark that is used. In addition, the cork mats have an irresistible velvety texture and natural color. Cork produces suberin, a sticky, waxy substance that actually increases when it gets wet. So the more you sweat, the more it grabs. Amazing, right? And this is not all, it also cleans itself: it contains compounds in its cellular structure called phenolics that kill bacteria, keeping your mat fresh and smelling good. The only bad thing is that it weighs a little more than the rest of the mats. At YogaYe we propose a cork mat available with a beautiful alignment design: the moon cork mat.

All in all, it is clear that the material of a mat will dictate many key factors when choosing your yoga mat. Factors such as texture, grip, commitment to the environment, durability and density are things that you should consider and prioritize according to your experience and the expectations of the altar on which you will perform your asanas ;)

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