Practice Yoga, not to get better at yoga, but to get better at living. Yoga is a lifestyle which is designed to help you on the various aspects of life. Be it body, mind, and intellect or spirituality –yoga is here to heal. To get a step ahead in this science of life, yoga teacher training is the ideal way to go.

For a successful yoga training program, certain yoga accessories are needed in the practice, one of the most important being a ‘yoga mat’.

“The yoga mat is a good place to turn when talk therapy and antidepressants aren’t enough,”- Amy Weintraub.

Check out how you can pick the best mat for your yoga teacher training:

The Best Yoga Mat

Before going to find the best yoga mat for your yoga teacher training, ask yourself, “Does the best yoga mat exist?” Yes, it does. We all have different needs, which are going to be a subjective choice while picking up the best mat. Remember, your yoga teacher training program sessions are going to be very sweaty, so choose accordingly.

As Per The Climate

It is important to choose your yoga mat as per the yoga course and its place. When going for yoga teacher training in Kerala, India you come across a humid climate. So a yoga mat with good grip is all you need. Similarly, yoga teacher training in Rishikesh or a town with cold climate needs a different kind of yoga mat- something that is comparatively thicker.

Thickness And Size

Generally, yoga mats are available majorly in three mat thicknesses. If your mat is too thin, certain poses might become too hard to practice. If your mat is too thick, then it will be difficult to maintain body balance. The thickest mat is of 1/4”, which offers the best support and comfort, and also fits in standard yoga bags. The most commonly used yoga mat is of 1/8”, which gives you both portability and performance. The 1/16” yoga mat is for those who want to have a natural feel of the ground. Talking about size, an ideal yoga mat is 24”X 68” in which length can vary between 72” to 74”.

Texture and Material

As mentioned above, the texture of the yoga mat can vary according to the climate of the place you are going to and according to the chosen style too.  Yoga Mat’s texture and material play an important role in helping you maintain balance and proper alignment when doing a pose, while it is also responsible for providing a grip. You can choose from smooth PVC mats to rough jute mats. To avoid slippage, go for rubber, jute or cotton yoga mat, and avoid PVC.

Design And Special Features

Today, there are several types of yoga mats available on the market. So it is up to your preference what kind of mat you choose. For example, mat with navigation tools is also there, which act as a visible guideline and help you with the alignments in various poses. Some colors and design may affect your energy, so with the right application of color therapy, you can choose the ideal mat for yoga teacher training.

Know Your Body’s Need

After noting down all the yes or no of buying the best yoga mat, here is the most important point to remember. Always listen to your body. Maybe a perfect yoga mat comes under opposite definition of what you actually need. If you feel comfortable on a certain yoga mat, everything else matters little. Finding the best yoga mat for your yoga teacher training doesn’t mean you have to buy an expensive or a fancy yoga mat. But instead, find the one on which you can practice comfortably and confidently.

Note for the beginners: If you are a beginner and building up your strength then we suggest you buy a padded mat. A padded mat helps to slowly build strength in the joints and muscles. It also helps in preventing injury.

Take your yoga mat and conquer your inner self. Don’t worry about falling for your mat will catch you!