Introduction to Yoga Mat Outdoor
Yoga mat outdoor is an essential piece of equipment for any yogi. It’s used to provide cushion and support during asana practice outdoors, or anytime you’re practicing yoga away from home. The mat also helps with balance and grounding both physically and mentally.
Yoga mat outdoor offers many benefits that our regular indoor mats don’t have, such as superior grip due to its thicker and non-slip surface material. This is especially helpful when practicing yoga in wet or muddy environments such as on grass, sand, or soil. Not only does the extra cushioning support your body while preventing you from slipping, but it also provides additional protection against sharp objects and stones that may be underneath the ground.
Additionally, the unique fabric design of a yoga mat outdoor makes it highly durable against friction, making it a great choice for long-term practice. Unlike other traditional mats; this type of material does not tear nor wear out easily.
Given the numerous advantages offered by yoga mat outdoor over traditional indoor mats, it’s no surprise this type of equipment has grown in popularity over the past few years among practitioners who enjoy taking their practice outdoors!
How to Choose a Yoga Mat for Outdoor Use
Material: When selecting a yoga mat for outdoor use, it is important to consider the material it is made out of as different materials work better in different environments. Ideal yoga mats for outdoor use should be made out of durable, water-resistant and non-toxic materials that can withstand changing temperatures and weather conditions with minimal wear and tear. Popular materials used for outdoor yoga mats include PVC, natural rubber, carpet foam and cork. Each material has a variety of benefits; for example, non-slip PVC makes an excellent choice if you’re liable to get wet or perspire during your practice.
Size: The size of the yoga mat should be chosen based on personal preference however an average size yoga mat suitable for outdoor use would measure 68 inches by 24 inches. If possible select a longer length as this will carry more weight and make it easier to practice poses such as warrior three.
Thickness: Outdoor yoga mats may vary in thickness due to individual preferences or requirements but we recommend selecting one that is 5mm thick or higher. This provides plenty of cushioning between your body and the ground while encouraging stability in standing postures such as triangle pose. It also lends itself well to rolling up easily which makes it easier to transport.
Portability: Yoga mats made specifically for outdoor use should generally be lightweight so they can be transported without any hassle ” think products that are approximately 2 lbs or less (for instance NBR versions). For some travelling yogis, ultra lightweight options – like inflatable/foldable PVC bags – might work best when moving from one location to another (ideal when heading off on vacation).
Durability: Durability always remains a key factor in choosing a good quality yoga mat that can stand up against all kinds of environmental conditions such as high winds and dirt, so look out for items with special coatings designed for extra strength and protection -think UV resistant coatings and anti-bacterial treatments which are commonly available on products tailored specifically for outdoors!
Benefits of Using a Yoga Mat Outdoor
Yoga has many physical, mental and overall wellbeing benefits that can be enjoyed even more when done in an outdoor environment. Practicing yoga outdoors exposes you to the invigorating energy of nature and gives you a much needed break from your indoor routine. Additionally, practicing yoga outside allows for more creativity in your practice, as various features like terrain, trees and natural light can be incorporated into the poses.
Physically, the practice of yoga outdoors is a great way to move your body and connect with nature. Standing postures help strengthen your lower legs and improve balance skills, while being surrounded by fresh air helps oxygenate your body and boost circulation. By aligning with nature’s rhythms, outdoor yoga helps regulate hormones and boosts immunity levels. Additionally, breathing in the fresh air helps detoxify the body on a physical level.
Mentally, outdoor yoga allows practitioners to clear their minds by focusing on their breath rather than other distracting thoughts or worries. Practicing outside also encourages relaxation due to its calming landscape which is conducive to deep exploration within one’s self. Being exposed to different elements ” soil underfoot or sun on skin ” further ground yogis in both the physical practice of postures and meditation techniques.
A wide variety of yoga styles are suitable for practicing outdoors such as Hatha Yoga (more gentle), Vinyasa Flow (a faster-paced sequence) as well as Kundalini (powerful sequences) just to name a few. More rigorous forms such as Ashtanga Yoga are also ideal for performance outdoors but require caution about warm-up exercises beforehand for safety reasons. All types of outdoor yoga offer multiple benefits that promote both physical wellbeing and mental clarity – making it an ideal choice for those seeking joyomeness between themselves, nature and all living things!
Tips and Equipment for Yoga Mat Outdoor Sessions
When setting up your yoga mat outdoors for a session, it is important to consider the environment you are working in. Outdoor yoga can be done on grass, gravel, or even on a driveway. It’s helpful to choose a surface that offers some entertainment to it such as sand, obstacle courses, and water features – these will give you additional interest points during practice.
Next, invest in a good quality outdoor yoga mat or mat specifically designed for outdoor use. This type of mat will be more durable and slip-resistant than the indoor variety. Look for thicker mats (at least 1/8 inch thick), which offer the ideal cushioning to support your body during poses while protecting yourself from abrasions and debris on the ground if you can feel them through the fabric. These mats usually come with built-in straps so they can easily be carried around and tied up once you’re done using them.
Finally, safety is an essential factor when engaging in any outdoor activity. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated at all times if you plan to stay outside for long periods of time and try bringing an umbrella in case of rain or harsh sunlight conditions. Wear appropriate clothes like breathable fabrics that won’t limit your movements too much and provide adequate protection from external elements such as temperature extremes or too much exposure to UV rays. If possible avoid practicing between 11am-3pm when UV rays are strongest throughout the day, especially during summer months when temperatures soar higher than usual.
Examples of Yoga Poses Suitable for Outdoor Use
Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) – This classic yoga pose is great for outdoor use. To modify it for outdoor terrain, simply spread your hands wider than shoulder distance apart to distribute the pressure more evenly and adjust the alignment of your feet accordingly.
Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana) ” This pose helps open up the hips and how not enough flexibility in your wrists, an issue that tends to arise outdoors as the ground can often be hard or uneven. To help relief this pressure, place a yoga mat between yourself and the ground before stepping into Crescent Lunge.
Warrior 3 (Virabhadrasana III) – Standing postures such as Warrior 3 demand balance and concentration, where a flat yoga mat may help provide stability and make a huge difference in maintaining correct alignment.
Tree Pose (Vrksasana) ” Practicing Tree Pose outdoors while rooted firmly on a yoga mat can bring calmness to your mind, enabling you to focus more fully on keeping balance amidst distractions and elements around you. Place your foot onto a soft surface such as a thick towel or cushioning foam block in order to provide cushioning for areas like ankle joint, thigh or within the hip area which experience pressure during the posture.
Closing
Advantages of Using a Yoga Mat Outdoors:
– Allows for natural alignment with the ground – A yoga mat (especially a thicker one) provides cushion between your body and the uneven surfaces of outdoors terrain, allowing you to naturally line up and align your body with the earth below. This is especially important when practicing poses as incorrect placement can easily lead to injury.
– Increased stability – Especially on slippery or bumpy surfaces, having a grip on the mat itself can be incredibly helpful for maintaining balance throughout your practice. The right outdoor yoga mat will increase traction, no matter the environment you’re in.
– Enhances connection with nature – When we practice on a yoga mat outdoors, we are much more aware of our surroundings, including sights and smells that we wouldn’t experience inside. Being connected to nature helps greatly promotes mindfulness during practice.
Tips for Selecting the Right Yoga Mat Outdoor:
– Consider the material ” Typically paddleboard mats are made of rubber and PVC; however, other materials such as cork may also be available depending upon where you shop. Choose a material best suited for where you plan to use it. For instance, if you plan to do most of your yoga near water or in areas that are prone to wet climates choose an eco-friendly option made of cork or jute. Also think about how often you’re going to use it; don’t opt for an expensive PVC option if you only plan it occasionally!
– Look at Thickness ” Think about balance versus cushioning needs when deciding a thickness level. If its greater negative of slip resistance and stabilizing features then go lower thickness level else higher thickness would be better suited for serious practitioners who are aiming control their daily poses better as well as cushioning effects.
Yoga Poses for Beginners:
1) Mountain Pose ” Stand erect with feet firmly planted on the floor hip width apart, palms pressing against each other in front of chest and shoulders relaxed away from ears. Inhale deeply into belly then straighten spine away from pelvis while stretching arms above head still pressing palms together before exhaling completely and slowly bringing arms down by body’s side in joined prayer at heart center position again relaxing shoulders down away from ears . 2) Cat/Cow Pose ” Place hands firmly onto mat with wrists directly beneath shoulder joints elbows kept close to ribcage while maintaining bend in knees at hip width apart both legs being parallel to each other , making sure core muscles remain engaged throughout this pose focus on taking deep breaths , begin by arching back into cow pose inhaling deeply then move over towards cat pose exhaling fully begin this pose slowly build speed keeping movement fluid taking 3 breaths per movement between transitions into cat cow etc., 3) Cobra Pose “Rest comfortably face down onto their stomachs bottoms not pressed too far up into sky while resting forehead onto floor if feeling pain place slight towel buffer under hips ensuring legs stay firm keeping toes pressed flat onto ground then curl torso pushing chest off floor widening collarbones inhale deep into lungs continuing curl until shoulders lift from surface abs engaged lightly flex feet , press shins towards ground creating stretch sensation through top upper ribs outwards follow breath slowly lift rib chassis off floor further opening space between chests sternum allowing chin tuck back gently elongating neck arch spoon shape hold here focusing attention awareness up through spine exhale returning crown head forward spinal vertebrae by vertebrae like unrolling slinky toy rest cheek either side before repeating flow pattern once more .
4) Plank Pose ” Position self hands placed outwardly underneath shoulders palms firmly pressed against ground roll ankles side wards lifting heels these will hover just above earth ensuring body remains parallel like plank positioning slightly angle elbows taking twenty seconds , take deep breathes eyes gazing neutral ahead lowering knee caps rounding toes touching land maintain front core muscles active firmer pressing forearms firmly against elbows carefully slow breathe wider lengthening collarbones exploring alternative side bends maybe moved waist left right activating oblique muscles continue until ten full breaths reached expanding challenges hold each position longer drop stomach lower spine sinking scapulae shoulder blades earthward fully releasing form deeper levels peace kindness strength respect rising joint consciences ends session respectful bow gesture Shanti Om
I am passionate about yoga and this is my blog. I have been practicing yoga for over 10 years and teaching for 5. Yoga has transformed my life in so many ways and I love being able to share that with others. My hope is that through this blog, I can help people learn more about yoga, connect with other yogis, and find inspiration to live a healthier, happier life.
