



Lexie getting ready for downward dog!

A yoga mat. A simple tool to help you practice. Which, after use is then hidden away somewhere with the skipping rope, boxing gloves and any other miscellaneous exercise equipment. Or is it?

Just like getting the correct length of rope and nicely weighted handles on my skipping rope. Or getting the correct weight, design, comfort and wrist support on my boxing gloves. It's important to get the right yoga mat for you because it's something that you're going to be spending a lot of time with.

Up until now I've been using the first yoga mat I'd bought which was a basic relatively thin mat which was falling to pieces. Every time I used it, bits would come off and it was on its last legs. My aim was to try to see if I could wear holes into it like something out if a film but my yoga guru decided to intervene and surprise me with the gift of a yoga mat from her studio.

This wasn't a new packaged generic mat, but one being used directly at her academy. This is much more special to me, because having studied at her academy, I know many advanced practitioners and those well on the way to enlightenment (if not already there) would have used this particular mat. In fact, I may have used this actual mat before myself whilst doing my teacher training!









Things to bear in mind when choosing a yoga mat:





Thickness - if the mat is too thin, some poses will be uncomfortable or difficult to maintain, leaving you with bruised knees. You may also feel the coldness of the floor.

Grip - making sure you have enough grip not only gives confidence but also minimises the chance of injury!

Size - what's the right size for you? Do you want a nice big mat for at home? Or something a little easier to carry with you?

If you are looking for a new yoga mat and are not as lucky as I am to be given one from your Yogi then The Shaolin Yogi recommends:





Sweaty Betty - Super Grip Yoga Mat - £65

Sweaty Betty's High End Yoga Mat

4mm Thick

Super Grippy

made from latex









Or for an excellent budget option:

Yoga Matters - Sticky Yoga Mat - £ 17

Machine Washable

4.5mm Thick

Made from high grade PVC









So yes, a yoga mat is at the end of the day just a mat... But my new yoga mat has quickly settled in at my house and is getting on well with my skipping rope and gloves! ;)





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