Nama Say Wednesday: What Mat Should I Use?

I feel like Will Ferrell in Anchorman right now. The moment you see his lovely 70s mustache and he very slowly & loudly says:

Excuse me, everyone. I have a very important announcement: CANNONBALL!!!

Picture this moment.

Now picture me in the car last night with hubby in the passenger seat on the way to Kundalini. As we pull into the parking lot, he looks at me earnestly & says, “Why don’t I have my own mat yet?”

CANNONBALL!!

My husband & I have been together for three and a half years, married for one & a half of those years. He started coming with me to Kundalini a few weeks ago and reminds me on Tuesdays that it’s Kundalini night. Prior to that he showed no interest and never wanted to join me. You can imagine my insane excitment over this seemingly simple sentence!!

Now he needs a mat of his own. I thought this was the perfect time to discuss mats; what makes the perfect or ideal mat for each person, where to buy, what to look for and more! Let’s dig deep & if you have anything to add, please do so in the comments below.

1. Who makes the perfect mat?

This is hard to say. I’m super biased because I am having a love affair with my mat. To me, it’s perfect. It’s heavy, it doesn’t slip, it’s a beautiful blue turquoise and it has held so much sweat, tears & joy over the past two years. I’m obsessed with it. I have the Lululemon The Mat.

But not everyone feels that way about their mats. As I realized at teacher training this past weekend, there are so many styles of mats. One new friend has a mat that feels like a mattress or a foam bath pad. Another had a mat with beautiful patterns of swirls & ohms – but it was very thin and light. Another had a medium weight mat in a plain light blue.

There is a style & a fit for everyone – you’ll find what you’re looking for.

2. What should I look for in a mat?

• A mat needs to be attuned to your needs: pay attention to your body, what you love, colors and more!

• Do you have bad knees? You may want to look for a thicker mat such as The Mat by Lululemon …

• Do you feeling very healthy in your joints & crave color? Maybe a fancy & fun mat from TJ Maxx is more your style!

• Are you new to yoga? Not too sure you’ll stay? Buy one at Walmart or Target or borrow a mat from your local studio when you show up for occasional classes.

3. How do I find “the perfect mat?”

• Borrow a friends’ (ask them to switch with you during class sometime)

• Feel every mat you come across. Really study the color. Is it something you could live with for a while?

• Ask the studio owner his/her opinion. Ask friends. Ask peers in the room.

• Understand that you may not be right the first time: I went through three mats before I found my holy grail!

4. What are some brands you recommend?

• Did I yet mention The Mat? Biased, I know – but I love mine so much! The reason I love it so much is because it doesn’t slip and it’s thick. If you have anything going on in your body that requires a thicker mat, this would be best for you.

• I also recommend Jade, especially if you’re new to yoga. They are eco friendly and have a good, quality product in a few, fun solid colors. If you practice occasionally, I think they’re a great company. As I practiced everyday & used mine during my last teacher training, it eventually began to peel onto my clothes which was a bit of a drag. However, I like the weight, the colors, the sustainability etc.

• Gaiam makes some beautiful, fun and colorful mats! They aren’t as supportive as they are a bit thinner but they are a great company and very economically friendly. They can be found in many stores like Target or TJMaxx & even on amazon!

This article just skims the surface of buying a yoga mat. What’s YOUR opinion for beginners or people looking for a new mat to have a full blown love affair with? What are you favorite brands? Colors? Styles?

Leave a comment below & share the love.

Get out there – do yoga & make life sparkle!
Namaste,

Jenny