Anyone practicing yoga, especially hot or dynamic styles like vinyasa, understands the importance of grip and hygiene during sessions. A yoga mat towel is an essential accessory offering improved traction and a hygienic barrier. Here’s why you should consider adding one to your yoga toolkit.
What is a Yoga Mat Towel?
In essence, a yoga mat towel is a towel laid over your yoga mat, designed to enhance your yoga experience. Unlike a regular bath towel, it’s made specifically for yoga practices, ensuring better grip, quick wicking, and protection against excess sweat.
Reasons to Use a Yoga Mat Towel
1. Absorbs Sweat
For those involved in hot yoga or who naturally sweat a lot during practice, a towel is a game changer. It absorbs sweat, ensuring you don’t slip on a wet mat, allowing for a safer practice.
2. Provides Better Grip and Traction
Slipping and sliding can disrupt your flow, especially in a heated session. A quality yoga mat towel offers excellent traction, some even becoming grippier as they get wet, ensuring stability throughout your poses.
3. Hygienic Barrier
Using rented studio mats can be less than appealing due to hygiene concerns. A mat towel acts as a protective layer between your skin and the mat, giving you peace of mind.
Why Not Use a Regular Towel?
While it might be tempting to substitute a bath towel, there are significant drawbacks:
- Size: Bath towels are often too short, leaving parts of your mat uncovered.
- Texture: They are plush and tend to wrinkle, disrupting your practice.
- Absorption: Though absorbent, bath towels don’t wick moisture quickly, leaving you on a damp towel.
Recommended Yoga Mat Towel: Manduka Equa
Durability and Comfort
Manduka’s Equa Towel stands out due to its microfiber material, offering a soft, plush, suede-like feel. Quick to wick moisture, it ensures comfort and functionality throughout your practice.
Size Options
The towel is available in standard sizes (182 cm or 72 inches) and a smaller hand towel version (40 cm or 19 inches), catering to various needs and preferences.
Pros
- Stays in Place: It remains flat on your mat, even during dynamic sequences.
- Grippier When Wet: Its traction increases with moisture, ensuring safety as you sweat.
- Less Friction: Ideal for transitions and poses requiring swift movements.
- Quick Drying: It dries fast, perfect for use in multiple sessions within a short period.
- Compact and Light: Easy to carry, making it a great travel companion.
Cons
The only notable drawback is the price. However, considering its durability and performance, it is worth the investment.
Enhancing your yoga practice with a mat towel can make a significant difference in grip, hygiene, and overall comfort. The Manduka Equa Towel, with its numerous benefits, is a top choice for those looking to elevate their practice.
