Health and fitness can be expensive! Your wallet can get hit hard with gym memberships, weight machines, and an array of weighted balls.
If you want to save some cash without sacrificing your workout routine, here are a few ideas for what to use instead of a yoga mat.
What is a Yoga Mat?
Doing exercises requires one to have an excellent surface to do them on. Sadly, doing them on the floor or hardwood can be painful: it is hard on your joints and bruises your feet.
While we could use a long, used carpet or even a beach towel to avoid this, most people will invest in something that will last longer and prevent damage.
Why do people use Yoga mats for exercise?
One of the most common components of exercise is using a facilitator, such as a yoga mat. Such a component ensures that the surface on which the exercises are done is smooth and not too hard, preventing damage to both the foot of the person doing the training and those exercising around him.
One might think that if you are already doing intense exercise, a yoga mat would be unnecessary. However, this is not true. You can still damage your joints without a good support surface!
This can happen when one’s joints move incorrectly as they do not have an excellent surface to rely on.
With this, it is essential to know some of the beneficial aspects of using these mats and how they influence the entire exercise routine.
Most people consider this mat crucial and help ease the exercise and ensure the body is adequately supported.
Cons of Yoga Mats
1. Cost
The cost of a yoga mat can be pretty high. Considering that one will need a new one every year or two, this could be expensive. However, there are lots of things to consider when purchasing one!
One should consider the price of the purchase. One should also consider the shipping cost, which can sometimes be relatively high for some mats (just like many other items).
2. Size
Be careful when purchasing your yoga mat. They come in different sizes, and many of them will not fit in the space you have to do your exercises!
If you plan on having one thick enough to offer a lot of cushioning and provide some spring, check the measurements before buying one. This can also save you a lot of time and money as not every mat fits into all spaces.
Many people will buy one too small for their exercise area and keep slipping off it. This can be dangerous, so make sure it is large enough to support you!
What to Use Instead of a Yoga Mat
Now that you have the pros and cons of yoga mats, let’s go through what you can use instead. It is crucial to know some elements that can substitute yoga mats and provide you with profound alternatives that can cater to your needs.
Considering options that completely suit your needs not only streamlines the workout but also ensures increased morale that comes with the process.
Here are some alternatives which one can consider instead of yoga mats;
Beach Towel
One could use a beach towel or a beach cover to smooth the surface as a substitute. This can be an excellent practice for those who are not in the gym or do it outdoors, as it gives you that extra cushioning for your joints! This can be pretty useful for people who do exercises indoors and at home, as well.
One of the primary advantages of using beach towels is that they are often sold at a lower price than a yoga mat.
The major disadvantage of using these is that they don’t offer the same cushioning and are not as convenient for storage and carrying around. However, this can be resolved by getting the right kind of towel to use.
The towel is highly recommended because it is versatile and recycled! Unlike the yoga mat, this doesn’t have to be replaced yearly. As a result, eco-friendly nature plays a pivotal part in making this a great product.
Carpet or Rug
The use of a carpet or a rug can be beneficial in supporting the overall process. These rugs provide great comfort with time and can also be used indoors, outdoors, and even around the house. This is especially useful for those who are interested in indoor exercises.
One of the primary advantages of using carpets is that they are often made to be water resistant; thus, there is no fear of getting easily damaged by water spills or simple sweat from your body.
Another advantage of using carpets is that they are easy and portable. These are usually cheaper than yoga mats and can be easily stored when not in use.
This is undoubtedly a great alternative to yoga mats and can be very helpful. It gives you that extra support for your body and provides excellent comfort as it creates a cushioning effect for your joints.
It can also be used outdoors or in the gym, which makes it very convenient for those who need a great alternative.
While cleaning the rug or carpet, you must ensure that no harmful chemicals are used during the process.
This might eventually lead to some health issues. This is because the cleaning process affects the entire structure of the carpet, and if there are any chemicals in it, they may affect your body later on.
It is highly recommended that you use a vacuum cleaner or dust cloth so that it can easily be cleaned and maintained.
A Quilt
A quilt is also an excellent substitute for a yoga mat. These are often made to be thick and soft, which makes them highly comfortable to use! This can be pretty useful, mainly when used indoors.
One of the primary pros of using quilts is that they are often quite large and come with enough space for you to do your exercises.
These can also be used indoors, outdoors, and even in the gym. This assumes that you are not doing any activities in a very public place where someone might walk in while you are on your yoga mat.
Another advantage of using quilts is that they don’t have to be replaced every year or a couple of years. You can quickly go out and buy a new one once yours gets worn out.
Further, they are readily available in the market and don’t have to be replaced nearly as often as yoga mats.
It is crucial to consider the quilt’s weight before making a purchase. These are not as lightweight as yoga mats, so make sure you check the specifications before making your decision to buy one!
It is also vital to understand the cleaning procedure, which can be very effective in maintaining these, as they can be made with many different materials.
While cleaning these, you have to ensure safe and non-toxic options are used for the cleaning process.
This can be very helpful in maintaining your health; however, it is highly recommended that you do not use harsh chemicals on it as this may damage the piece of art you have purchased.
Old thick Blankets
Most people have an old blanket or sofa throw lying around their house, which can be used as a substitute for yoga mats. This can be an excellent alternative for those who want something non-toxic and doesn’t require frequent replacement of parts.
These can also be convenient, and you don’t have to worry about any breakage that might occur due to frequent breaking off.
This is the most accessible alternative which people could choose if they are not comfortable working out on a yoga mat.
This can be very helpful in making you feel comfortable, as it provides you with great support and comfort. Further, this is one of the most common things that people use.
This is a cheap alternative that is readily available for purchase. Since this is so common, you don’t have to worry about going to the store to buy one!
This can also be used indoors and outdoors; however, it provides less support compared to other options on the market.
In conclusion, the four alternatives are essential and can be used to provide comfort while engaging in yoga. However, they differ in the support and cushioning they provide your body.
This can be important for those just beginning their journey with yoga because it helps them adjust to performing these exercises on something that is not as hard and firm as a yoga mat. This will allow them to get used to it step by step and make the process easier.