It’s important to pass on information to help you have the most comfortable yoga practice and give you insight about these specific mats. Mats are key to your practice! Especially if you are a beginner to yoga. Even if you know about mats this video is still for you.
I want to focus on this rubber mat that has a suede or microfiber top to explain the top 3 benefits of using it. A quick side note over the years, I’ve mostly used foam mats. Both foam and rubber mats have their benefits and qualities. After years of practicing yoga, I recently decided to try this rubber mat and it has been amazing. By the way, I’m not exaggerating. That’s why I said even if you are a seasoned yogi and know about mats, you might also be surprised about the benefits this mat has to offer if you haven’t used it before.
The three benefits of this rubber, microfiber top mat:
1. the stability
2. the grip or non-slip for hands and feet
3. the feel or softness (added bonus!)
Stability defined. Everyone needs stability in yoga when doing poses:
- that require balance
- standing on two feet
- standing on one foot
- on your toes
- on your hands and feet/fours (in down dog)
There are several poses where you definitely need stability to allow the ease to move from pose to pose or to hold a pose. Such as the picture of the pose where you balance on one hand and the opposite knee. Even though this pose is done closer to the ground, stability is needed to help you manage your balance easier.
I do have to say this mat has a flatter, more stable surface than a foam mat has. Compared to a foam mat, it has less give/squishiness. Now this mat is the closest thing that you have to being on the flat surface. It is similar to a tile or wood or a flat rug floor (with padding). Even though these flat floors provide stability, I always recommend using a mat to have a clean surface, for comfort and to cushion protect your hands, feet, joints, and body.
The point is a flatter surface is needed to help stabilize your feet and hands as you strengthen your ability to balance. Also, as you get older your balance is important to maintain. A key reason is to allow you to be fit to do everyday functions or movements.
This includes:
- walking
- squatting
- stairs
- turning /twisting
- carrying weight of any kind
- carrying your weight
Everything you do on the mat can help you off the mat physically and mentally!
Being new or returning to yoga can mean you need more cushion for your wrists, knees or tailbone. This can be from new positions or movements you are doing. If you need more cushion for any reason, you can fold a towel or blanket for more comfort. Sometimes I need extra cushion under my heels. Add the cushion as needed. Otherwise, this mat provides comfort just as it is.
This information is to encourage tools to use for your comfort in your yoga practice.
To find out more about this Freedom Yoga rubber and suede mat, check out the products page on our website. You can also, check out the Freedom Yoga YouTube channel.
Angela Franklin is a passionate yoga instructor, who wants to empower women to be their own advocate to improve their holistic health. She also has a background in the medical, mental health, and fitness professions. To get more information about yoga, wellness, and courses visit: https://freedomyogawithangelafranklin.com/