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You just got out of a blissful yoga practice. Your body feels stretched and alive, your mind is at ease, and you experience a profound sense of peace. Feeling rejuvenated, you slowly roll up your mat and prepare to return to the outside world. How do you carry this mat when rolled up? It begins to unroll as you tuck it under your arm. It bumps into people, picks up dirt from the floor and generally turns into a clumsy accessory when you are navigating a congested street or taking public transportation.
This is the role of the modest but effective yoga mat bag. It's a perfect solution that changes the way you get to and from the studio; it's more than just a piece of fabric. There are several benefits of using a yoga mat bag. By making your daily practice a little bit easier, a good yoga mat bag protects your mat and frees up your hands.
Benefits of Using a Yoga Mat Bag
If you are wondering whether a yoga mat bag is a worthy investment, consider these game-changing yoga mat bag benefits:
1. The Ultimate Convenience and Portability
Think about a yoga mat bag that has a comfortable shoulder strap to wear your mat on your body, instead of having to carry it. Whether you are walking, biking, or on the bus, your hands are free and not awkwardly balancing the mat with your water bottle, or answering a phone call, or holding onto the railing. It makes your commute much easier, instead of a hassle.
2. Optimal Hygiene and Protection
A yoga mat is your own personal space: your head is there, your hands, and your breath. Just think of all the things that your yoga mat is exposed to when it is being carried around unprotected - dust, pollution, rain and germs that are transferred from public places to your mat. A bag is a protective covering to maintain hygiene. A bag also works in the opposite way - after a sweaty practice, the bag contains your mat, which ensures any moisture or dirt don't get transferred to your car seat, or your clothes.
3. Prolongs the Life of Your Mat
Yoga mats are an investment, particularly higher quality ones. In addition to inevitable exposure to weather, temperature and some friction- mats are subject to other wear and tear as well. Mats can get scuffed on material, start to fray on edges, and become discoloured and degrade after exposure to sunlight. A bag acts as a buffer against this daily wear and tear, extending the lifespan of your mat by quite a lot.
4. Helps in Organizing
Yoga mat bags are designed with the practitioner in mind. Most mat bags offer extra pockets, seams, or zippers, allowing mat bags to go from simple mat-carrier to full-fledged all-in-one gym bag! Depending on the extra pockets, the bag is perfect for storing your essentials:
- Keys, wallet, phone
- Small towel
- Water bottle
- Yoga belt
- Change of clothes, or post-yoga snacks
How to Choose the Right Yoga Mat Bag
The next step is finding the perfect bag for you. Here are the key factors to consider reaping all the benefits of using a Yoga Mat Bag.
1. Size and Fit
This is the most important consideration. If the bag is too small, your mat will not fit inside; if the bag is too large, the mat will slide around. Before you buy a bag, measure your yoga mat when it's rolled up tight. Record its length and measure its diameter as well. Yoga mats are available in a variety of thicknesses (from thin 1.5mm travel mats to cushy 8mm mats) and the greater the thickness of the mat, the greater the rolled-up diameter. Always check the bag sizes against your mat specifications.
2. Material
Material affects how durable and heavy the bag will be, and how easy it will be to clean after use.
- Cotton: Cotton is a great option. They are breathable, lightweight, and often machine washable. Since they are made with natural fibres, the mat can air out in the bag without the risk of developing musty smells.
- Polyester/Nylon: Polyester and nylon are durable synthetic materials, which are often resistant to water. If you are walking to yoga class and may get caught in a light drizzle on the way, a water-resistant bag is a great option!
- Jute or Hemp: Eco friendly alternatives to cotton or polyester/nylon are jute and hemp. These sustainable materials are also very durable and have a unique earthy look.
3. Features to Look For
- Pockets: Check out for the pockets for easy storage of other essentials. Just a single pocket on the outside for your phone or lots of pockets to keep things organized. Choose according to your needs.
- Ventilation: A good design will severely limit air circulation, thus look for not only grommeted holes, or even mesh panels. Proper ventilation is an essential function for allowing your mat to breathe, ensuring the mat can dry after practice thus limiting odour from building up.
Conclusion
There are several benefits of using a yoga mat bag. It is a fantastic tool that enhances the value of your yoga journey. A bag removes the annoying little inconveniences of carrying your mat to your studio. Your mat will stay cleaner and protected, it will transport better, and you can place all your essentials together. Its a pledge to a more effortless, fun, and consistent practice. Your mat will get the home it deserves.
