Which Yoga Mat to practice Ashtanga?
So which mat for Asthanga yoga? Great question! And yes, each yoga has different specificities that do not necessarily require the same equipment. Ashtanga Yoga is a traditional dynamic type of yoga with repeating series. In this article, we talk about specificities of Ashtanga Yoga and advise you on the mats adapted to your practice !
THE SPECIFICITIES OF ASHTANGA YOGA
DEFINITION OF ASHTANGA YOGA
Ashtanga yoga comes from “ashtau“(“eight” in Sanskrit) and “anga“(“members” in Sanskrit), these eight members are in fact the 8 essential practices of Ashtanga yoga: concentration, breathing, control of the senses, focus, meditation, rules of behavior, enlightenment and self-discipline.
In Ashtanga yoga, the breath allows to increase the temperature of the body and thus to detoxify the body . In addition, stretching accompanies the postures, which helps the body gain energy and strength.
In Ashtanga, the postures become more and more difficult during the predetermined sequences. And a posture is made only if the previous one is successful which helps to develop the patience of those who practice.
THE ASHTANGA YOGA PHILOSOPHY
As mentioned above, the philosophy of Ashtanga yoga is based on the eight essential practices described by Patanjali in “Ashtanga Yoga”. In order to achieve self-realization it is advisable to adopt a life discipline based on these 8 steps:
First of all with the first step: the rules of attitudes with the outside world called yamas. There are 5 of them: being sincere, not stealing, being non-violent, having a spirit of poverty and being faithful.
The second step refers to the “niyamas” which are this time the rules towards oneself. There are also five: cleanliness, knowledge of self and of the sacred texts, serenity, ardor and devotion to the Lord.
The third step concerns the body postures that we call the “asanas”.. The goal is to bring the vital breath to the body through each of the postures. In Ashtanga yoga, the postures unite the body and mind while building self-confidence.
The fourth step is related to the breathing exercises (pranayama). Breathing increases the body temperature during the sessions and therefore makes it easier to eliminate toxins. Working on your breathing is a way to release physical and mental tensions.
The fifth step is related to relaxation techniques and the control of the senses (pratyahara). For that it is necessary to manage to calm its spirit by moving away the impact that to our senses on this one. The goal is then to succeed in focusing on oneself, on one’s own emotions.
The sixth step is the concentration (dharana). Today we know that we can’t pay attention for long. because our emotions and mental habits distract us. That’s why we have to train ourselves to stay focused in order to get back to our own self.
The seventh is meditation (dhyana)It is made possible by concentration, just as its practice helps to develop concentration. The goal is to be able to stay without thinking to listen to your body and your sensations.
Finally, the eighth and last stage is bliss (samadhi)It is the union between the self and the absolute. A state of full consciousness or ecstasy is reached.
The importance of not slipping
The anti-slip mats allow you to not to slip during your sessions . This is a great way to ensure that you will be precise in the execution of your postures without worrying about a possible fall.
For intensive yogas such as Ashtanga Yoga, it is therefore imperative to imperative to choose a yoga mat that is extremely non-slip for your safety but also for your comfort. safety but also for your comfort.
Note that in all cases, whether you practice gentle or dynamic yoga, a non-slip yoga mat will be a good choice.
Knowing that moreover, in Ashtanga yoga the postures of the sequences become more and more complex, that’s why you should make sure you have the make sure you have the material to advance correctly in your practice and not be distracted by constantly thinking about not falling.
THE THICKNESS TO CHOOSE
In general, choosing a thick mat will help protect your joints. But logically, the thicker the carpet the heavier it will be. This is why 6mm mats are often very heavy and will not allow you to easily transport your mat.
We advise you to choose mats that are between 4 and 5 mm thick, the comfort will be more than enough and the mat will be much lighter.
Yogom’s Star line of mats are the best non-slip mats on the market, and you can believe us! Whether you sweat or not, the star mat is there to ensure you never slip again. It is therefore the ideal mat for any type of Yoga and even more so for Ashtanga Yoga for which it is important to be able to concentrate during the practice.
And as a bonus, the designs of the star carpets are just sublime! Choose between 8 models in stock online with prices ranging from 95 eur to 114 eur for the new rugs with poetic print and therefore the thickness of 5mm is ultra comfortable. You can also opt for a “bodyline” model where lines are used as markers to place your hands and feet correctly.
The icing on the cake: delivery is free for a minimum purchase and we offer you a cotton carrying strap! We have made sure to offer you the best value for your practice.
Some more information on this superb carpet which you will not be able to do without:
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Its non-slip coating is made of polyurethane and its base of natural rubber, which is not bendable, very dense and also very resistant (a mat that lasts over time and has a perfect grip on the ground!).
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The star mat is suitable for daily or regular use.
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Its dimensions are 183 cm x 68 cm (we told you it was perfect).
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Star mats are not recommended for fitness or pilates.
To learn more about the Star Yogom carpet it’s here :
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Yoga mat Star Azulejos blue
Original price was: 125,00€.100,00€Current price is: 100,00€.
You can’t stand sticky plastic sticky plastic carpets ? We have the right carpet for you: Performance mat made of natural rubber. Here is a mat ashtanga yoga quite adapted because under the action of the perspiration of the hands you will be slowed down. Thanks to this you will be able to naturally be fluid in your movements without being totally blocked as you would be with a carpet without this ultra soft .
Note that the Performance mat is suitable for those who want to take their mat everywhere when travel .
The designs of the Performances carpets are all each one more captivating than the other you just have to make a choice and we offer you and we offer you the delivery in France from a minimum purchase with a shipping in 24h !
Some more information on the Performance carpet and its peach skin effect that everyone loves:
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As mentioned above, the Performance mat is not very slip resistant, so if you are looking to avoid slipping, choose the Star mat. If, on the other hand, you want to be slowed down without blocking your movement, the Performance Mat is ideal!
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Its grip on the ground is perfect!
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Dimensions: 183 cm x 68 cm (a large width for more comfort).
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Do not choose this mat if you are allergic to latex and choose a Yomad mat.
Learn more about the carpet Performance Yogom it’s here :
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Performance Samadhi Prune Yoga Mat
Original price was: 87,00€.69,60€Current price is: 69,60€. -
Performance Samadhi Yoga Mat Cobalt Blue
Original price was: 87,00€.69,60€Current price is: 69,60€. -
Green Toucan Performance Yoga Mat
Original price was: 87,00€.69,60€Current price is: 69,60€. -
It is the perfect rug for all nature lovers. The cork carpet is produced in Europe (Created in France and manufactured in Portugal) from natural materials (cork and natural rubber), recycled and vegan. It is also a carpet light, soft and non-slip, what more could you ask for!
Its size is more than sufficient since the cork carpet measures 186 x 66 cm only that! Add to this a thickness of 4 mm which allows to amortize the movements to preserve the articulations and you obtain a mat with an unequalled comfort and perfect to take the role of a mat ashtanga yoga.
We give you some more information to help you make your choice:
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Its weight is 1.4 kg, which is very low compared to other mats on the market that average 3 kg.
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As for its grip, it is between that of the Star carpet and the Performance carpet mentioned above.
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The cork mat can be rolled up but not folded, or you risk damaging it!
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Note that cork is a natural antibacterial and is soft to the touch and very comfortable.
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You can use the cork mat indoors as well as outdoors, it is suitable for all types of soil!
To know more about the carpet in Cork Yogom is here:
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Massage ball
12,00€
To learn more about Ashtanga Yoga, go to this Yogom article where we detail all the characteristics of this traditional type of yoga often confused with Vinyasa Yoga.
And to discover a complete Ashtanga Yoga class, watch this YouTube video :
Still hesitating? discover our comparative table of yoga mats to make the best choice !
