Yoga Mats Unveiled. A Gaiam Yoga Mat or an Organic Yoga Mat? A Natural Rubber Yoga Mat or a Sticky Yoga Mat? Help!

For devotees of yoga who are at all interested in worldly goods then Gaiam Yoga Mats have to be the “Ferraris” of the yoga mat world, without being as expensive – or phallic of course...

Joking aside Gaiam yoga mats are probably the best quality yoga mats available to date and no I’m not saying this just because I have one – even though I have.

I know from personal experience that Gaiam yoga mats come in all shapes and sizes in fact one is quite spoilt for choice. Gaiam supply – non-toxic, organic rubber yoga mats from a quite stylish range throughout the World. As far as far as I know Gaiam yoga mats are also bio-degradable.

Gaiam also provide a range of yoga mats made from recycled natural materials in pretty cool colours too.

_{Copyright 2007 David James aka The Lone Rager. All Right Reserved}

Sticky yoga mats possess a curious surface that stays slightly “sticky” to the touch. Ones grip is therefore maintained even when the surface of your yoga mat is damp or wet due to sweat or humidity.

Apparently the sticky yoga mat was invented by “bright spark” - Angela Farmer a yoga teacher.

I know quite a few friends who have sticky yoga mats and they all – without exception – swear by them. Sticky yoga mats tend to be hardwearing lightweight mats. They provide very stable grip or traction to the hands and feet even during the most demanding yoga sessions.

_{Copyright 2007 David James aka The Lone Rager. All Right Reserved}

The term “eco” or “natural” covers the organic yoga mat, the natural rubber yoga mat, the previously mentioned - gaiam yoga mat, etc...The words eco and natural do in fact cover rather a lot - however generally speaking “Natural” rubber for example is meant to be rubber with no man made additives. That being said natural rubber has still been known to cause allergic reactions so tread cautiously.

However one advantage to owning a natural rubber yoga mat is the fact that it has a much better rebound. This provides very comfortable yet stable cushioning often needed for the more challenging Yoga poses! A natural rubber yoga mat will set you back about $30 - $50 on the Internet - however if you were to get lucky on EBay – you might find one cheaper.

Still always remember that just because a Yoga mat is described as “organic” or “eco-friendly” it doesn’t mean that you personally cannot suffer some adverse reaction to the specific materials used...It has to be stated though that you’re probably much more likely to suffer an allergic reaction from the Yoga mats made from the wide range of synthetic materials out there.

Almost unbelievably it appears that you can actually buy Yoga Mats made from Natural Hemp. I kid you not - apparently this type of Yoga mat is made in Amsterdam and woven from high-strength cannabis plants! Now I know why some Yoga followers report experiences of levitation! On the subject of “grass” one can also obtain – if you’re so inclined - a Natural Dried Grass Yoga Super Mat. These are supposedly created – and I have to confess to some incredulity - by using grass clippings from American lawns...

An Eco yoga mat or an organic yoga mat is supposed to be completely “natural” and “non-toxic”. In addition Yoga Mats made from natural fibres like jute grip the floor better than man made materials like plastic or PVC. However – depending on the specific material - this may mean that they wear out more rapidly. It has to be said that Yoga mats made of synthetic materials often last longer.

The term "organic" of course applies also to lots of other yoga accessories and apparel such as pure cotton tops, yoga pants and yoga belts made from natural and organic fibres.

As I think I mentioned previously I myself have a natural rubber Yoga mat from Gaiam, and I must confess to a slightly smug feeling of moral and holistic superiority. Surely a priceless feeling...I know – I’ve a long way to go before I reach self-enlightenment!

Yoga Mat Bags

Yoga Mat Bags specially designed to carry any size yoga mats are now also widely obtainable. Once again they are available in all kinds of colours and natural and organic materials.

If you want an organic Yoga mat bag – you can get one. If you require a gaiam yoga mat bag once again you can easily obtain one and at a price to suit your budget.

Just remember when purchasing your Yoga mat that it should be easy to roll up and secure – and it must be light! After all the name of the game is “Yoga” – not weight-lifting...The thickness of Yoga mats varies but around a quarter of an inch would be normal.

_{Copyright 2007 David James aka The Lone Rager. All Right Reserved}