Derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj”, meaning union, yoga helps us become one with our senses, nature, and the universe. This holistic exercise is a step towards leading a more mindful lifestyle. Hence, it only makes sense that the equipment you use when practising it is also sustainable. Eco-friendly yoga mats are a great place to start.
Before you rush online to buy a mat, take your time to learn about the different types available in the market, how they help in your workout, and how to choose and maintain the same.
Benefits of yoga mats
Whether you’re an experienced yogi or just a beginner, yoga mats are useful to have a defined space to perform the different poses (asanas). These accessories are useful to avoid injuries while doing various intense exercises. Furthermore, they become a safe base when you are practising outdoors, be it on the beach or in the garden.
Sustainable mats, made with natural materials, have a slip-proof texture to provide you with the optimum support.
Types of yoga mats
Yoga mats are mainly classified based on the different materials they are made up of. While the most commonly available mats in Bangkok are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), it is very harmful to the environment. Hence, one should opt for ones made with natural materials like rubber, jute, cork, natural cotton, hemp, and wool. These are safe for the environment, long-lasting, and most of them are also toxin-free.
How do you choose the best yoga mat?
There are several parameters to consider when choosing a yoga mat, including the thickness, material, size, and design.
The thickness of the mat you purchase should depend on your preferred type of practice and the level of experience you have. For beginners, it is recommended to select a yoga mat within 8-10 mm thickness, as compared to the 4-8 mm thickness, which is best for pro yoga practitioners. The thicker the mat, the better the protection. However, thin yoga mats are better for performing intense asanas.
When choosing the material of an eco-friendly yoga mat, keep in mind that some materials, like cotton and cork, naturally soak moisture, helping with better grip. Though they do need to be washed frequently if you use them every day. If you intend to practise outdoors, it’s best to go with a natural rubber mat.
You can pick the size and dimensions of the mat based on your body type and comfort.
How to keep your mat clean
To remove dirt, oils, stains, and odour from your mat, clean it with soap and a sponge. Spray some gentle disinfectant as well. For a deeper cleanse, soak the mat in a mixture of gentle detergent and warm water, and scrub off the dirt. Do this occasionally to increase the longevity of the equipment.
6 of the best eco-friendly yoga mats to buy in Bangkok
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THB 4980
If you travel frequently yet never miss a yoga session, this super-light yoga mat is the best option to help you pack lighter. With a thickness of 5 mm, this natural yoga mat is easy to carry anywhere you go, from hikes to scenic islands. It is made with 100% natural tree rubber which is biodegradable and super durable.
Due to its dense nature, the mat provides excellent grip but less cushion than other mats. This makes it best for skilled yogis who have the right amount of experience to avoid any injuries while doing yoga.
Image: Courtesy Lazada
THB 11913
An eco-friendly start to your day, this yoga mat comes with patented alignment system marks that are perfect for a guided yoga session. It is crafted with engineered eco-polyurethane and rubber, which is non-toxic and biodegradable in 1 to 5 years.
This yoga mat from Amazon has a thickness of 4.2 mm and ensures excellent grip and stability to carry out the most complex and easy poses without losing balance. The yoga mat comes with a bag for easy portability.
Image: Courtesy Lazada
THB 2790
The fresh floral graphic design on this yoga mat makes it a unique choice. The 4 mm mat is made with natural rubber, and its exterior is coated with suede lamination technology. This provides optimum support and prevents slipping.
The mat has high elasticity, good compression set resistance, bounce, and can handle your weight for the best experience while doing complex asanas.
Image: Courtesy Lazada
THB 1399
Both the colour and the making of this yoga mat from Promark is green. The top as well as the bottom layer of the mat is made in 100% natural rubber. This makes it ultra-durable and sustainable.
With an extra-dense top surface, it ensures complete stability and support for your joints while practicing yoga. This also makes it a great option for beginners.
Image: Courtesy Lazada
THB 1990
Add a doze of freshness to your mornings with this vibrantly printed yoga mat. It has a nature-inspired summer design that is made with non-toxic ink. The 5 mm yoga mat also comes with guidelines on the non-slip surface.
Crafted from natural rubber, it provides soft cushioning for utmost stability and grip. The material also makes it a durable and eco-friendly choice.
Image: Courtesy Lazada
THB 3531.95
Yoga is all about finding your centre and connecting with the universe. This yoga mat, featuring a mandala design, makes it an intriguing option for individuals, who meditate in addition to practising yoga.
This 5.5-mm yoga mat is made with a renewable cork top layer and base layer of natural rubber. This mix of materials provides with a cushioning best to protect your joints and a non-slip surface for maximum support.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
(Prices of the products mentioned in the story are subject to change.)
(Hero Image: Courtesy Mark Production/Pexels; Featured Image: Courtesy Ivan Samkov/Pexels)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Some of the best lightweight yoga mats to carry along while travelling are the Illuztika Natural Rubber Yoga Mat and Liforme Eco-friendly Yoga Mat.
Answer: Yes, you can clean your yoga mat with soap and a sponge or by spraying a gentle disinfectant. Also, you can soak it in a gentle detergent and warm water.
Answer: Rubber yoga mats are a better option as compared to foam yoga mats. Mats made from natural rubber are environmentally friendly, very comfortable and have excellent grip. Most of them are also anti-microbial, making them easier to clean.
Answer: If used gently and maintained properly, an eco-friendly yoga mat can last for a minimum of one year.
Answer: When evaluating the quality of a yoga mat, some factors to examine include the material's quality, texture, and thickness.
Answer: PVC mats are manufactured from polyvinyl chloride, a sort of plastic that is harmful to the environment. There is no green or safe way to make or destroy them. These mats often contain substances that are harmful to the body, such as phthalates.
Answer: It's recommended to not share your yoga mat with anyone else. This helps prevent germs and bacteria from spreading.
Answer: When practising yoga outdoors, it is best to use a sustainable yoga mat. This is to protect you from sharp pebbles, prickly sand, and maintain balance even on slippery surfaces like dewy grass and or a muddy ground.
An interior design graduate, Dinal is a writer by passion and profession. She is an avid traveller and has worked with lifestyle brands and publications like Nykaa Fashion and Little Black Book. When she's not recommending the coolest things to do, she explores offbeat villages, writes poems, and goes stargazing! She is an enthusiast of all things handmade.
