Yoga Mats: Why Are They So Expensive?
Yoga mats are essential for practicing yoga. They can be expensive because they often use eco-friendly materials. These materials help the carpet last longer than cheaper mats. Yoga mats also don’t slip on the floor, so you won’t have to worry about injuries. These benefits might seem small initially, but over time you will save money with the right type of mat!
Why Are Yoga Mats So Expensive?
Many factors contribute to the high cost of yoga mats. The materials used, the amount of care put into each, and the added features make them more comfortable and easier to use.
So let’s get to the main point and learn why they are so costly.
Made Of More Eco-Friendly Material
The material that a yoga mat is made of is the most important factor in determining how much it costs. Low-grade mats are usually made from polyvinyl chloride froth (PVC). This material is cheap, lightweight, and strong enough for basic use.
These mats are made of cheap PVC foam and disintegrate quickly. They do not help with many things but are better than nothing.
PVC foam is not biodegradable or recyclable. This means that when you are done using your moderate yoga mat, you need to choose the option to discard it. Since these mats usually do not break down well, they are more responsible enough to end up in a landfill than the material used in great yoga mats.
Eco-friendly yoga mats are typically made with biodegradable materials, while non-eco-friendly yoga mats are made with PVC.
Because they are constructed with recycled rubber, jute, and essential elements such as natural or natural cotton, eco-friendly and simple-to-understand yoga mats are getting more expensive. These materials are selected for their extreme effectiveness and to minimize natural damage. They can also be reused if needed.
Maximum Durabilities, Thickness, And Comfortable
Some people use yoga mats for the only purpose of doing yoga poses. But other people use them as a sort of cushion. They are perfect for yoga poses and a wide range of exercises. They are made with recycled rubber, so they cannot collapse easily. They also provide maximum cushioning for yoga or other workout sessions.
A high-end yoga mattress is 1/8 inch thick. This thickness helps to ensure safety and stability. The expensive one contains ultra-dense material, which allows for optimized cushioning and ensures users’ comfort. The mat protects the knees and other parts from injury. For high-impact activities, it ensures perfect cushioning.
The mat thickness is important. A thin mat can injure your knees or other body parts. A thick mat is hard to adjust on the floor, and people might be unable to balance on it.
The price of the mat is higher because it is more durable and comfortable. It also has a long-term and, in some cases, lifetime warranty.
Perfect Design
People sweat a lot during yoga. This can create an environment where bacteria and other microorganisms can grow. Having a clean mat is important to help prevent this from happening. There are two types of designs for mats- nearest cell and open cell.
The mat that has open cells is less expensive. It has more pores, which makes it absorbent. This feature also makes the mat less durable. It would help if you cleaned it frequently to prevent bacteria and microorganisms from developing.
The high-end mat has closed cells which makes it less porous. This means that it doesn’t absorb as much and is more durable. It is also easier to clean and has antimicrobial properties which stop bacteria from growing.
Improved Grip
The yoga mat is an important factor when you are exercising. If the mat slides around, it can be dangerous for you. It is hard to stay balanced on a mat that moves around a lot. So be careful when choosing a yoga mat.
The cheap mat does not have a grip, so the foam cannot hold it in place. However, the mat can quickly move. The mat will slide to a different spot when the person moves around during their workout.
The high-end mats have improved grip, so they don’t move around or slip. Even if the internal object slides, the mat will stay in place. This prevents any accidents from happening during yoga practice.
Environment Friendly
The high-end yoga mat is made with recycled rubber. This means that a lot of recycled rubber was used. It protects the environment from pollution. It does not radiate dangerous chemicals, so it is safe for users and the environment.
As a result, biodegradable materials are used to manufacture high-quality mats. These may be combined with the dirt. As a result, it is an environmentally friendly mat.
Some Have Alignment Cues
Some yoga mats have a feature that helps you do the poses correctly. This is called “AlignForMe.” The feature tells you where to put your hands or feet. Beginners like this feature a lot, and some experts do too. Unfortunately, this makes the price of the mat higher.
Some Come With A Lifetime Guarantee
If you have an expensive Manduka yoga mat, you know it comes with a lifetime guarantee. This is something that not many people know about. The only thing you need to do is take care of your expensive Manduka yoga mat, and it will last for years and years.
Are Expensive Yoga Mats Worth It?
Some people think that expensive yoga mats are not worth it. This depends on what you want from your yoga mat. A cheaper option is better if you only plan to use it for a few months and then get rid of it. However, if you are looking for a durable mat that will last you for years, then investing in an expensive one may be the best decision.
If you want something that will last for more than a year, it is better to choose the more expensive option. It costs more money at first, but in the long run, you will save money.
One of the worst things about a cheap mat is how quickly it starts to wear down. If you don’t clean your yoga mat often enough, the small cracks between the fabric will become stains that will be hard to eliminate.
Cheap mats are not as good as more expensive mats. They are usually made from lower-quality materials and do not last as long. This is especially true if you use them outdoors or on rough surfaces.
What’s The Difference Between A Cheap Yoga Mat And An Expensive One?
The price is the first thing most people consider when buying a yoga mat. What is the difference between a cheap and an expensive yoga mat? An expensive yoga mat is usually more durable, eco-friendly, non-slip, and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
This means that you don’t have to replace your mats as often. You’ll save money in the long run because of this!
Do You Need A Yoga Mat?
Many people find that using a mat helps them stay in alignment. A mat can help you stay in better alignment than if you used the floor. Mats also help you grip the floor better, so your hands won’t slip as much, making it harder for you to get hurt.
If you have a little extra money, buying a high-quality mat might be a good idea. A good mat will be better for your joints and muscles because it has a non-stick surface, thicker foam padding, and an extra layer of microfiber.
Do Yoga Mats Have To Be Expensive?
A good yoga mat is made of good material. If you take care of it, the material will last long. The quality of the yoga mat depends on how often you practice. If you take care of it, it will last up to 5 years! Some high-quality mats are made with natural rubber or eco-friendly PVC plastics, which offer a better grip.
A lot of people like to do yoga outside. That’s why buying a mat that works well outside is important. Some mats are made with materials that don’t offer much traction and are often cheap.
Some yoga mats cost more than others. But if you buy an expensive mat, it might last longer. If you buy a less-expensive mat, it might also last for a long time with proper care. The choice is up to you!
How Expensive Should A Yoga Mat Be?
A yoga mat should usually cost between $50 and $100. Some mats are cheaper, but they may not work as well because they might be thin or have no grip on the bottom side. This could lead to slipping in difficult poses, which can be dangerous if you are doing headstands, backbends, or other poses where your feet are coming off the ground.
Moreover, cheaper mats usually cannot withstand being washed, so it is slippery in some poses and has an odor that comes with them. Cheaper mats typically have either a top layer that has a poor grip and slips easily when wet or a bottom surface with poor traction.
What Should I Look For When Buying A Yoga Mat?
There are many yoga mats made from different materials and in different thicknesses. You need to choose the right one for you, depending on the type of yoga you’re practicing, your budget, and what you prefer.
Some people like a smooth feel on their mat, while others prefer a textured surface. Other things to consider are how sticky the mat is, how eco-friendly it is, the price range, how heavy it is, and what style you want.
Are Manduka Yoga Mats Worth It?
They are worth it. Manduka mats are heavier than many other mats. Still, they offer incredible comfort and grip for most types of yoga practice. When you invest in something like a Manduka mat, you’ll love your mat, but your practice will likely worsen if you go with another kind of mat.
Some people fold their mats in half to make them easier to carry. But other people like how it feels when they are doing balancing poses or vinyasa at a faster pace because the weight of the mat helps them stay grounded.
Many other companies make mats from rubber or sell mats made from natural materials like jute and hemp.
Final Thoughts
Looking for a high-quality, eco-friendly yoga mat that will last may be worth the investment. But other options are available if you can’t afford one right now or don’t want to make an upfront purchase. You could use towels as mats or buy a cheaper mat and replace it when needed.
Read more: Here’s When You Should Really Replace Your Yoga Mat
