Practical & Sustainable Yoga Mats & Clothes – Explained

Sep 30 2019

Practical & Sustainable Yoga Mats & Clothes – Explained

Best guidance for Hatha Vinyasa / Restorative Yoga / Meditation classes taught in an urban yoga studio.

NOTE: This advice is NOT from a HOT YOGA STUDIO.

CONSIDER THIS WHEN BUYING A SUITABLE YOGA MAT

The yoga mats we recommend are based on the type of practices we teach at Seva: Hatha Vinyasa, Restorative Yoga and Meditation.

Since the lessons focus on developing strong foundations from feet up, what this means is that your mat needs to offer a high level of steadiness while you are moving or standing still. Mats that are both sticky on the floor and under your feet or hands, work the best.

The next thing we value greatly is comfort when in floor postures, either on knees, hands, belly or back where it supports your body weight. You want the mat to offer just the right amount of thickness which can absorb your body weight without sinking to the floor.

So we recommend you consider a yoga mat with these specifications:

Note that sustainable materials will always be the most durable and eco-friendly
So choose one made of Natural Rubber / Jute / High grip rubber
4mm to 6mm Thickness
1-2.5kg in Weight
Minimum cost: $75 +

Here is a site with some reviews of the kind of mats that are quite popular with the above specs:

https://www.reviews.com/best-yoga-mat/

TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING YOGA CLOTHES:

There are many schools of thought on yoga clothing and at Seva we value practicality and sustainability most, when recommending the correct clothing for practice. This applies to both men and women and we recommend you consider the following tips;

#1 While there are many fitness clothing brands, chose the ones that fit well, are durable and promote comfort and confidence. Eg: if you feel that you get hot very easily, wear a singlet underneath your full sleeve top. And for ladies, you can opt to a crop top under your singlet / tshirt / long sleeve top. You are allowed to change out of and into whats right for you, in class. But over time, this fluctuation in body temperature will reduce, so you won’t need to worry about this for too long.

#2 Always choose materials that are fitted and flexible which assist in feeling light and mobile.

#3 Choose natural fabrics that are suitable for the warm or cold season, ones that allow you and your skin to breathe.

#4 If you’re attending a Restorative or Meditation class, chose clothing to support stability in your body temperature which will support your focus while still. Clothes that promote a natural warmth but not overheat or cool you.

#5 Avoid Synthetic and Polyester fabrics because they trap sweat and become breeding ground for bacteria on clothes and body.

Here is an article on fabrics used in fitness to consider before buying:

https://www.shape.com/fitness/clothes/10-fitness-fabrics-explained

Remember: You don’t need much to practice yoga and the attire and props do not define you as a practitioner. However from a pragmatic sense, the correct attire and accessories do assist and support, should you chose to invest with the right intention and clarity.

Many get swayed by appearances in magazines and websites but Practicality and Sustainability will always help guide you when you chose the ones right for you.

Practicality refers to suitability of the item for the type of activity you will be participating in and Sustainability refers to being both good for your health and how long you will be able to use those materials.

Practicality and sustainability don’t need to mean the cheapest or the most expensive. You can define what they each mean to you by just starting wherever you are right now, on your yoga journey. Then work your way to the best for where you want to go next.

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