Yoga Mat Review (Pt 3) -- Everything Else 

I know.  I didn't think there would be so much to say about yoga mats.  But, yes, there's more.  There are all those blanket/rug-things you see students putting on top of their mats.  Are they just sweat-catchers?  You've seen the mat washes and spray and spritzers and cleaners.  What about mats that are extra long or wide.  Do you need one of those?  Could there be more mat bags?  How much money DO I need to spend on yoga?

I love innovation.  Find a need and fill it, right?  But, dang, doesn't it seem that savvy marketing campaigns convince us we need things we really do not?  The "business" of yoga is no different.  No wonder when almost 16 million US adults say they practice yoga(1)and that 44% have incomes over $75,000.  That's a lot of people with some change. 

These yoga add-ons may or may not be necessary, depending.  I own brightly stripped yoga socks and more than one (OK, lots) of yoga carriers.  Here are some products to consider or smile about or judge. 

Specialty Mats - Are you tall, wide or tall and wide?  No more finding your downward dog toes on the floor.  Many companies now make long(er) mats up to 84" X 36".  Hah!--check out the Rabbit Flap mat by Breathe Mats with a "double sided, absorbent terry cloth flap" to grip your hands during Rabbit(1) (or, I guess, other poses).    What about a round yoga mat.  Yogaccessories make a 6 footer so there is no interruption to your flow to reposition yourself or always having to return to the top of your mat.  You are always at the top of the mat!  Great for other activities  like Mom & Me yoga.   Not really a mat, but a mat platform, the LifeBoard is two HDPE panels that interlock and give you a firm surface for your yoga mat.  Helpful for squooshie carpet or sand or pine needles.  However, at 17 lbs, you're not going to be strapping it to your bike on your way to Dillon Beach.  Yes, Gaiam has a yoga mat with speakers.  With all the podcasts and audio of yoga classes, you can plug your iPod right into your mat.  Spiffy. 

Mat Cleaners and the Like - There are a variety of ways to keep your mat pristine or to give a good swipe to a public mat.  Sweaters want to do this more often.  But, seriously, you can avoid the cost and packaging and just make your own.  EcoYogini says vinegar, water and tea tree oil will do it.  Check it out at here.   They've got some helpful comments about washing and drying your mat.  Note for Jade mat owner:  The Jade mat is sponge-like and holds water, so unless you plan on drying it for 2-3 days, only give it a light spritz.  Avoid soap as it is hard to remove and can leave your mat slippery. 

Non-Mats - Skip the mat and wear sticky socks with individual toe slots that allow you to wiggle your piggies.  They all have those little rubber dots allowing some stickiness.  Stuff them in your tote or suitcase and you're ready for yoga anywhere.   Gaiam has them, of course.  Injinji (found at REI) makes a snazzy looking pair that has open toes for a more "tactile" experience.   Socks will also provide a cotton/nylon barrier between you the fungus on the community class at your local Y. There are also hand gloves which provide the same protection for your hands (Gaiam again).   Also, super great for those with sweaty hands that slide your downward dog into cobra.      

Yoga Bags -  Slinging your yoga mat over your shoulder has become somewhat of a status symbol saying "I'm fit and I'm spiritual and I'm cool".  If only.  What you stuff your mat in can either be a fashion statement or simply utilitarian.  Or not if you're Erick Thuss, owner with his brother, Collin, of the successful Westside Yoga Studio In Sebastopol, who says, "mat bags to me are like men carrying purses".  There are many and you can find them at Whole Foods and Bed Bath & Beyond and, of course, on Gaiam.com.  There are designer fabrics and designs with pockets  and sleeves for your keys and water bottles.  There are zippers, ties, and Velcro straps.  Big note:  Size.  If you've got an oversized mat (heh, Manduka Pro(2)) it's going to need some extra room.  There's no bigger struggle than trying to get your sticky mat into a top-loading, drawstring mat bag after class.  I definitely prefer bags with a side zipper.  And, better yet, Velcro straps are ideal for different mats and they cinch up tight.  Backpacks even have a separate strap to tote your mat  like the Ecoist Madison Backpack .  Got a sewing machine?  Make your own.  Squidoo tells you how.  

Toppers -  You've seen them, especially if you've been to a Bikram yoga class.  They're called toppers or rugs.  Sometimes they're just bath or beach towels.  An obvious reason to own a topper is to keep your mat dry(ish) during sweaty practices.  Personally, it keeps my body oil and sweat off my mat, especially in full prone poses, like savasana.  Like the Ashtangis, it helps my feet slide a bit during my jump throughs.  Speaking of Ashtangis, they have their own favorite, the yoga rug, that literally resembles a light rag rug.  I use the YogiToes ($$$$$$) brand and have been very happy with it.  Note:  In order to provide some "stick" before you've started sweating, it helps to spritz or dampen the hand and feet area of the topper.

Did I miss something?  I'm sure I did, but I don't want to bore you with any more yoga mat talk.  On second thought, yes, I do.  I'm exploring the topic of practicing without a yoga mat.  Do you have an opinion on what it might be light to go au natural?  Let me know, OK?

(1) Rabbit is a back stretching pose mainly seen in Bikram classes, where an absorbant towel is essential. 

(2) The muy grande Manduka Mat Carrier will set you back $63.  

Did you want to read some of my past columns?  You can right here.