When you start practicing at home, a yoga mat is an essential tool. However, the characteristics and comfort of yoga mats vary greatly depending on the material they are made of. In this article, we will explain in detail the various yoga mat materials and their characteristics, and help you choose the mat that best suits your lifestyle and yoga style.
1. TPE Recommendation Level: ★★★★ ☆
Features :
This is a recommended material for beginners. TPE is a synthetic resin that has recently become popular as an environmentally friendly material. It is recyclable, making it an environmentally conscious choice. TPE yoga mats are soft, elastic, and durable. They are also lighter than PVC and rubber materials, making them easy to carry.
Suitable exercise style:
It is suitable for high intensity exercises such as power yoga, hot yoga, Pilates, and weight training. It is especially recommended for those who value portability and those who are eco-conscious.
merit :
Environmentally friendly Lightweight and easy to carry Durable and long-lasting
Cons :
・Depending on the floor material, the grip may be weak. ・It is prone to deterioration under high temperatures.
2. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Recommended: ★★☆☆☆
Features :
PVC is one of the most common materials for yoga mats, and is popular among beginners because it is relatively affordable. It is easy to maintain, so it is ideal for beginners. It is not suitable for those who do not like the smell of rubber, or for those who want to use it for a long time because the corners of the mat wear out quickly due to its soft material.
Suitable exercise style :
It is suitable for gentle styles of yoga and some Pilates movements, and is also comfortable for long periods of seated meditation.
merit :
Reasonably priced and has good cushioning
Cons :
・Huge impact on the environment ・Some people may find the unique smell bothersome ・Deteriorates quickly
3. Natural Rubber Recommendation Level: ★★★☆☆
Features :
Natural rubber is a material with excellent slip resistance and cushioning, making it perfect for those who want stability during yoga movements. It absorbs sweat easily, making it ideal for styles that produce a lot of sweat, such as hot yoga and Ashtanga yoga.
Suitable exercise style :
It is recommended for high intensity styles such as hot yoga and Ashtanga yoga where a firm grip is required.
merit :
- Natural, eco-friendly materials - Excellent grip
Cons :
・Expensive ・Heavy and difficult to carry ・Not suitable for people with latex allergies
4. Ultra-fine fiber (microfiber) Recommended rating: ★★★★☆
Features :
Microfiber mats are effective for all types of exercise because they quickly absorb sweat and moisture. This material is durable, non-slip, and the mat itself is comfortable to use even for long periods of time. It also has a soft, fluffy feel, making it ideal for long periods of meditation.
The combination of microfibers and TPE materials is gaining popularity in the fitness industry overseas, including in Korea.
MYRÓA yoga mats also use this material combination, so be sure to check them out.
Suitable exercise style :
Hot yoga, Pilates, weight training, meditation
merit :
・Absorbs sweat and is non-slip ・Soft and comfortable to the touch ・Excellent durability ・Stylish design
Cons :
・You may feel that the grip is weak when doing regular yoga.
5. Cork Recommendation level: ★★★☆☆
Features :
Cork is a natural, sustainable material that is gaining attention as an eco-friendly option. Cork is water-resistant and becomes less slippery with use. It is resistant to moisture and maintains its grip even when you sweat, making it particularly suitable for hot yoga.
Suitable exercise style :
Recommended for hot yoga, vinyasa yoga and those who are eco-conscious.
merit :
・Eco-friendly ・Anti-slip and water-resistant ・Grip improves with each use
Cons :
- Harder than other materials - Feel may change over time
Choose the right yoga mat for you <br data-mce-fragment="1">It's important to choose a yoga mat material that suits your yoga style and lifestyle. If you're looking for an eco-friendly option, try TPE or cork, or if you want a firm grip, natural rubber or PVC are good choices. Understanding the characteristics of each material and finding the mat that's best for you will help you have a more comfortable and effective home exercise experience.
As you can see, the material of your yoga mat plays a big role in how you choose it. Find one that suits your needs and enjoy the best yoga experience possible!
