Yoga is undoubtedly one of the best self-training practices in the world. Let’s say you have enrolled yourself in a yoga session, and you enter the studio with your mat. Or suppose you’ve fetched one of the studio mats. Now, what’s the first question that strikes you? Which side of yoga mat to use or which side is up?
This is a valid query. Without selecting the right side to do yoga, you might slip, and you can injure yourself.
We honestly do not want that. And most probably, that is the last thing you want in a studio ( or anywhere for that matter).
Hence we have come up with a detailed discussion over the right side of the yoga mat. This article will answer each of your questions about using the suitable surface of the yoga mat.
Hold tight!
Which Side to Use? Which side of Yoga Mat goes Up?
First of all, you need to know the necessity of choosing the right side of a yoga mat. Unless you do it on the right side, there is a possibility you might lose control in a hot yoga session.
The right side will always have a grip over it so that you can properly position your hands and feet over it. But this thing also depends on a couple of factors.
Let us break it down to you one by one.
Nubby side
There is an emerging trend of using sticky mats in yoga sessions. Most of the sticky mats come with small nub-like textures to hold your palm hands and feet onto them. The nubs ensure that the grip is formed so that you do not slip away.
Now, let us say you have got a mat with this texture on both sides. What should you do then?
The simplest way is to choose the nubbier side for yoga.
Why so?
Because the more the textured pattern it is, the more the grip tightens.
The exemption for this way are mats that include a microfiber, towel-like side, and a right nubby, rubbery side. These are intended to be polished with the towel-side up. You have to spurt it with some water to start the hold.
For you, set it towel side down on everything except the cover, you’ll slide, and the mat will extend as you practice. You could choose such a mat for a hot yoga class.
Shiny side
Some of the yoga mats are made from materials like polyurethane, latex, and rubber. These mats usually do not have bumps or nubs. The material itself can give you enough to hold on to.
However, these also have a right side for practicing. Generally, these cats come with a shiner side. The other side of the mat is usually dull in texture.
Here you should always opt for the shiny side to practice as it can give you more grip.
Logo or tag
Also, there is a clear hint with which you will spot the right side. Some mats come with a tag or a logo of the brand. Usually, the side that shows the logo or the label is the side for practice.
Worn side
Let us say you have not brought your own mat and borrowed one from the studio. What should you do then?
The simplest way of identifying is to spot the worn areas of the mat. Look for the side that has been used for a long time or can be a clear hint of usage. So, that means the worn side is the one that people use for yoga.
How to choose a yoga mat for yourself?
There are a couple of factors that you should watch while purchasing a yoga mat for yourself.
Understand your body type. This is quite an essential point over here. A standard yoga mat is 68 inches long. If you are taller than 5’6″, then a longer mat is appropriate for you.
Also, if you feel your joints can sore easily, you may choose a thicker material.
The type of yoga that you’ve chosen can play a vital role here. Some people start with the introductory session that does not need high quality. The ones of $10 to $20 are good to get.
However, if you are enrolling for hot yoga or flowing yoga, there are specially dedicated mats for those. You should check once and then confirm.
If you do yoga at home or mostly at home, weight isn’t a factor, really. That is because you do not need to carry it with you everywhere.
However, if you go out often for your sessions, opt for a lighter option.
PVC-made mats are the most famous ones these days. However, people have had bad experiences with these.
Besides, these are hard to recycle. Instead, you may choose the rubber-made ones. And, if you want to get something eco-friendly, get a cork-made mat at once.
Take a closer look at the grip of the mat. Sometimes mats tend to sleep away while stretching. That can hurt you. Hence, choose a rug with a firmer grip.
Conclusion
Using a yoga mat is necessary for yoga sessions. But what’s more important is to choose the right side. Check all the factors of the particular right side and use it comfortably.
A small tip here is to always roll up your yoga mat after use. If needed, give it a quick wash after every session. We hope this article has helped you find answers.
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