What a yoga mat does in your practice is to provide a stable surface that combines cushioning properties (protecting the joints) with enough grip and traction so you don't slip and fall everywhere. You may find that depending on the type of yoga you practice, the qualities you look for in a mat may vary slightly, but generally this is what I look for in a yoga mat:

Density: Density refers to a cushion that is soft but not overly soft. If you need a lot of cushioning for your joints in a sitting or kneeling position, a soft cushion that sinks when you pedal or put your hands on it may be comfortable, but won't support your balance in a standing position. In fact, it can make balancing very tricky, especially in single-leg poses.

Grip: When you're trying to maintain your position, nothing distracts you more than a mat. Not only is this a distraction; the lack of grip can negatively impact your alignment as you find your body trying to compensate for slipping by changing shape. When buying a mat in person, I recommend trying to check the grip with a few face-down dogs on the mat. However, in a world where buying a yoga mat is often something we do online, sometimes we just have to take a word from a friend (or review). Do your research and find the best mat for you!

Traction: Same as above, but this refers to the pad sliding on the floor. This happened to me using a lightweight cushion on a smooth surface. Because of this, I prefer pads with rubber bottoms that stick to the floor, or thick pads. I really don't mind carrying a heavy pad with me if I find it reliable enough to not move around when I jump back and forth during the sun salutation.

Viscosity:

The sticky yoga mat prevents you from sliding all over the place and helps you stay aligned as you move from one pose to another and hold the pose for a few seconds.

 PVC yoga mats have the highest viscosity coefficient.

Basic Buying Guide: If you need help maintaining your posture, but the thought of practicing on a yoga mat with raised texture is creepy, a PVC yoga mat may be your best bet. Remember, these yoga mats are only sticky when they are cleaned, so make sure you take good care of your mat. If you buy a PVC yoga mat, wash it before use and use a handy yoga cleaner if you find your hands sliding forward in Downward Dog.

Environmental friendly

As yogis, we cherish the creed of ahimsa or non-violence. That makes it cumbersome to practice on a yoga mat that ends up clogging up landfills for decades.

Eco-friendly yoga mats are usually made from natural rubber or recycled rubber. These yoga mats may also include natural materials such as jute or organic cotton.

Basic Buying Guide: If being eco-friendly is important to you, avoid yoga mats made of PVC (traditional sticky mats), which won't break down in landfills and are difficult and expensive to recycle. Rubber, jute, and cotton yoga mats, while available in a variety of thicknesses, tend to be thicker and smoother than PVC mats. You can get an eco-friendly yoga mat that's thick enough to meet your needs for comfort and portability, with textures that prevent slipping (like a raised geometric pattern).

To find the most suitable yoga mats manufacturer, please click on www.secondpagesport.com. A team of yoga professionals is always at your disposal.