How to Use a Yoga Mat
Yoga, which began more than 3,000 years ago in India, means to "yoke" or unite, the mind, body and spirit. The benefits of yoga include improved flexibility, strength, balance and stamina, and reduced anxiety and stress, according to KidsHealth.org. The essential piece of equipment used in yoga is a yoga mat. The yoga mat, which comes in various colors and thickness, provides comfort and safety from hard and slippery surfaces. Talk with your physician before engaging in a new fitness routine.
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Instructions
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Preparing the Mat
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Purchase a mat. Take in consideration cost, thickness, material, texture and stickiness. You also need to determine how often you will be engaging in yoga. If you will be participating often, consider a durable, more expensive mat.
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Remove the mat from the package. Take care not cut through the packaging with a sharp object or you may damage it.
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Unroll the mat and prepare it for use. Since the mat was rolled in packaging the corners may not lay flat. Place weighted objects on the four corners and leave in place until they lay flat automatically. This may take a few hours to a day. Yoga mats are primarily used in an unrolled position, so it is necessary to have flat corners for proper use.
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Re-roll the mat and secure it with a yoga strap or belt. Store it in a dry place until ready for use.
Activities
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Stand on the opened mat to perform yoga postures. You can participate in yoga under the direction of an instructor or you can do yoga at home with a DVD.
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Lie on the yoga mat to perform crunches and other floor exercises such as leg lifts and pushups. Doing exercises on a bare floor can cause discomfort to the bony regions of the back, buttocks, hands and hips. A yoga mat can provide cushioning for these various exercises.
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Sit on the mat to stretch after exercising at the gym or at home. Stretching helps prevent injury and increases flexibility and range of motion. Taking your yoga mat to the gym can reduce the spread of infections from mats or floors that may be unclean.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep the yoga mat clean and dry. A soiled mat may cause skin irritations or rashes.
Before taking a class, make sure the instructor is registered with the Yoga Alliance, which requires at least 200 hours of training in yoga techniques and teaching.
Dress comfortably for yoga by wearing clothing that allows you to move your body fully, such as stretchy shorts or pants and a tank top.
Beginners may want to consider purchasing a yoga block to help with stretching and performing certain postures.
References
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