Hot Little Tips for Hot Yoga Mats

Bikram yoga is plain and simple fun. It is really empowering to acclimatize yourself to up to 110c and then start to perform lots of intense muscle building, lengthening, and flexibility poses. When you walk out the door after that class you will be on cloud nine...no really you may feel like your floating ;-) With the intensity of the practice combines with the heat, managing sweat and traction together is the big question of the day. Any typical yoga mat will likely become way to slick to support you more then a few minutes into your practice. So what can you do to keep the traction as well as absorb all the excess moisture? Well the answer is in the right Bikram yoga mat.

When I say Bikram yoga mat I actually mean Bikram yoga mat or variation of. There are three basic solutions that will work will for your next Bikram or Hot yoga class. The first is that you just grin and bear it. You bring a towel to class, yes one from your bathroom, and lay it over top of your mat. It will absorb lots of sweat. It can also be used to mop up excess sweat as you go. You will have sufficient drying power with your towel to get your through the class. Just don't attempt any poses on your towel that will be compromised by doing them on a towel. This could potentially result in a dangerous move. Now the other option, if you are not a regular yogi, just strictly a hot yogi, is a Bikram Yoga mat. These mats are designed to give you the gift of traction combines with perspiration absorption. Great combo for hot yoga. These mats are less popular then regular mats but if you know where to look you can definitely track them down. The most popular solution that you will find is a Bikram yoga mat towel. There are many reasons why this is a good option and they include versatility, easy to clean, inexpensive compared to a full Bikram Mat, and an easy add on.

Bikram mats although not really that easy to track down are definitely a great choice for hot yoga. They are generally composed of three layers, and if not three layers then three specific qualities. The top is designed to absorb sweat. The middle is the supportive cushioning that you will find in any yoga mat. Lastly the bottom is traction oriented so that your mat does not move around on the floor in your practice. Many materials can swerve more then one use but the end effect is that all three components are addressed. Many Bikram yoga mats can be put into the washing machine and dryer for a quick and convenient cleaning. Pricing on these mats ranges from about $60 and up. The main thing to consider in purchasing a Bikram yoga mat is if you will be doing any other types of yoga. If not then go for it, otherwise the Bikram yoga towel may be a better solution for you.

Okay, so lets sum the few other options that I want to point out. Cotton yoga mats are great. They are an eco friendly yoga mat option, they are easy to wash and they definitely meet the absorption and traction too. Once they have a little moisture on them they start sticking really well. These are really old school. Used in many yoga traditions for years they seem to still have a place in modern day practice. There is just such a mat called the Hugger Mugger Tola that you can check out online. See if it's your style or better left for your Mom's generation. Also, there is a Hot Yogi mat made by Lululemon. It sells for only $35, which is a great price for a specialty mat. It has great reviews, especially for the price, and has a great modern and sleek look that you can expect from Lululemon.

Take the time and read the online reviews prior to deciding on what mat will work best for you. It's important that you are happy with your choice. If you are happy with your equipment and feel supported in your practice you will be more inclined to continue to practice diligently. So do your research to find your unique answer.