Yoga Mats

Standard Plastic Yoga Mats:

This is a common first-timer mistake, but it's the cheapest type of mat and therefore expected of the newbies. But it IS a mistake if you intend to keep doing yoga. If you 're not sure, this type of mat may just turn you away from yoga altogether! First of all, it's very thin and doesn't provide much in the way of cushioning. Additionally it really smells of chemicals, and these chemicals are not conducive to good health! These types of mats are made from Phthalates. This chemical turns hard plastic soft and causes lung and kidney damage in rats. Don't leave this type of mat in your car, either. It will release this harmful chemical when it gets hot. And if you 're concerned about the environment, these aren't for you, either. They are made using and environmentally dangerous process.

Cork or Jute Yoga Mats:

Cork and jute yoga mats are environmentally friendly, but they have drawbacks of their own. They are made from porous plants, and therefore absorb your sweat when you practice your yoga. This results in a matching smell to your well-exercised but un-showered body, and a weakening of the structure over time. Now, it won't fall apart like that "other brand" of paper towel on the commercial, but don't expect it to last very long if you practice yoga with any regularity.

Rubber Yoga Mats:

This is the best type for the environmentally-conscious money saver. They are sturdy yet inexpensive. Rubber is a replaceable resource, but be sure your mat isn't made of synthetic rubber. This is made from an environmentally unfriendly process, and is liable to have the same health detriments, although not as bad as the phthalate mats. Natural rubber mats could be a problem for you if you 're allergic to latex, but they do make phthalate-free and latex-free mats for a bit more in cost. They are well-worth it rather than exercise on harmful chemicals or the rubber latex that causes your allergies to flare up.