Is it better to have a thick or thin yoga mat? Is it better to have a yoga mat made of NBR or TPE?

We all know that practicing yoga has many benefits for our body, but at the same time, practicing yoga requires a yoga mat. There are many types of yoga mats on the market now, so is it better to have a thick or thin yoga mat? Is it better to have a yoga mat made of NBR or TPE?

Generally, for those who are just starting to do yoga, it is advisable to choose a thicker mat, such as 6mm thick, to prevent sports injuries. But you can't choose a mat that is too thick because you are afraid of pain. It is easy to lose balance during practice, unstable center of gravity, and cause sprains. Those who have a certain foundation can choose a yoga mat with a thickness of about 3.5mm-5mm. Hardcore fans and professional yogis generally use yoga mats with a thickness of 1.5-4mm. In terms of personal needs, it depends on what kind of yoga you do. If you are learning yoga that focuses on flexibility training and spend most of your time sitting on the mat, then a thicker and softer mat will make you more comfortable. However, if you are learning Power Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga, which is mainly jumping yoga, the mat should not be too thick, and the anti-slip requirements should be higher.

TPE is the most high-end yoga mat product. It does not contain chlorides, metal elements, and is anti-static. Each mat is about 1200 grams, which is about 300 grams lighter than PVC foam mats, making it more suitable for carrying out. The general thickness is 6mm-8mm. Features: soft, compliant, and strong grip - it is more secure when placed on any ground. Compared with PVC yoga mats, it is about 300 grams lighter and more convenient to carry. The advantages of TPE mats are light weight, easy to carry, easy to clean, excellent anti-slip properties in both dry and wet states, and no odor if the TPE material of the mat is of high purity. Most PVC foam mats still have some smell due to process and cost reasons, which cannot be removed. Even if some products have no smell, it does not mean that their ingredients have changed or some harmful substances do not exist, unless they have been tested in various ways according to the standards of export products.

In order to prevent themselves from falling, many beginners of yoga often have the idea that the thicker the yoga mat, the better. In fact, this idea is wrong, because the focus of yoga mats is elasticity rather than thickness. The purpose of using a yoga mat is to protect the body from being squeezed when it comes into contact with the ground. Therefore, elasticity is more important. For example, a 3mm TPE yoga mat is more elastic than a 6mm PVC yoga mat. For yoga mats of the same material, the elasticity of a thick mat is relatively better. When buying yoga mats, you can find that the prices of yoga mats of the same material will vary greatly due to different thicknesses. For example, under the condition of equal quality, a 6mm PVC yoga mat has better elasticity than a 5mm mat. The most suitable yoga thickness for beginners is 6mm. The international standard yoga thickness is 6mm, and this thickness is determined after a series of tests and is accepted by all parts of the world. People who are new to yoga should choose a 6mm yoga mat.

Yes. Just use water, detergent and towel to wash. PVC yoga mats will have residues after washing with detergent, and should not be exposed to the sun. After washing the yoga mat, remember not to expose it to strong sunlight, which will cause the mat to crack and peel. It is recommended to roll it up and tie it up when not in use, and do not fold the yoga mat. To ensure hygiene, you can wash the yoga mat once every week. Some women who love cleanliness are used to washing it after each use, but it is actually unnecessary. Because excessive washing will wash away the anti-slip pattern on the surface of the yoga mat, and eventually reduce the anti-slip performance of the mat. When cleaning the yoga mat, do not use a harder brush to scrub it, which will cause the surface film to crack and fluff.