Bikram yoga is one of the most popular types of yoga with hundreds of Bikram schools all over the world. Bikram yoga is a series of 26 poses done in a hot room, the goal being it’s easier for you to get deeper into the stretches. Practitioners believe the sweat you produce while doing Bikram yoga also helps you detox.
While Bikram sounds great (and comforting during cold months), it is not without its risks. The biggest risk being slippage. If you don’t have a mat designed with grip in mind, you will be sliding all about. I have had this problem, and it took me a few months of careful research to find the best yoga mats for when you’re getting sweaty. Here’s what made the cut.
5. Kulae tpECOPlus
This eco-friendly yoga mat is made from a closed cell construction that means bacteria and moisture don’t absorb. At 5mm thick and 2.5 pounds this mat is ultra portable. The surface is textured to help give you grip during your class. Buy it at Kulae.com.
4. Jade Harmony Pro
Jade mats are made from natural rubber with an open cell construction that will give you awesome grip and cushion for your hot yoga practice. This mat loses grip after a few users if you don’t take care to clean it, so make sure to spray it down with diluted rubbing alcohol and lavender oil once a week. Buy it at JadeYoga.com.
3.GAIAM Sol Dry Grip Yoga Mat
This GAIAM brand yoga mat is designed with hot yoga in mind. Printed with beautiful designs, this mat is created with a topcoat that promises to wick away moisture and provide better grip as temperatures in class rise. Buy it on GAIAM.com.
2. Prana E.C.O
pRana makes an awesome latex and PVC free yoga mat that is perfect for hot yoga. This mat is called the E.C.O. and is made out of TPE thermo plastic with an anti-slip textured surfaces that makes it easier for you to maintain your grip. Manufactured in an eco-friendly and sustainable fashion, this mat comes with rounded corners and brilliant colours. Buy it at prAna.com.
1. Manduka eKo Mat
I am a huge fan of my Manduka eKo Mat. This mat is eco-friendly and made from natural rubber. It has a bit of a smell when you first get it, but that was remedied by putting it on the porch for a couple days and letting it air out. This mat is thick and sturdy with a grippy textured surface that keeps me from sliding around. This is the mat I have and use for my own classes. Buy it at Manduka.com. [Get 10% off your Manduka eKo with code 42YOGIS]
What are your favourite mats for Bikram yoga? Let us know in the comments.
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