Last updated August 30, 2024
Attention all yogis. Want to know the secret weapon for staying balanced and blissed out on the go? It’s time to roll out the best travel yoga mat and let your practice begin.
As a yogi with serious wanderlust, my yoga mat is my trusty companion on all my travels. Practicing yoga while traveling has been a game changer for my physical and mental well-being.
Whether exploring the concrete jungles of Europe or hiking the trails of Arizona, rolling out my mat keeps me centered, energized and ready to take on the day ahead.
Investing in a great travel yoga mat is a must if you’re a wanderlust-filled yogi. But with many options out there, how do you choose? Fear not, my flowy friends. I’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to finding the perfect travel yoga mat.
How Many Yoga Mats Are Too Many?
Confession time. I’m obsessed with yoga mats — in fact, I own nine. One mat, in particular, has recently caught my eye. Have you seen those Liforme yoga mats with alignment lines? Super cool, right?
Well, I decided it’s time to replace my current travel mat with a Liforme mat. But before adding the Liforme to my arsenal, I wanted to understand what truly sets it apart from the rest.
I had the pleasure of chatting all things yoga with the Liforme team, where we discussed the inspiration behind the brand, their commitment to sustainability and what makes Liforme mats a revolutionary choice for traveling yogis worldwide.
One such innovation is the intuitive, flexible alignment guide that gives their mats that distinctive look. This AlignForMe System helps every yogi develop body awareness and practice safely.
I can personally attest to how helpful these alignment lines are. When I first started practicing yoga, I had no idea if I was doing the poses correctly. I would constantly glance around the studio, trying to mimic what everyone else was doing. With the Liforme mat, I can easily see where to place my hands and feet, ensuring I’m always in proper alignment. It’s like having a yoga teacher right there on my mat!
The team also explains that Liforme revolutionized the functionality of yoga mats with their proprietary, non-slip surface and patented 3-layer method of construction that avoids toxic glues and keeps everything grippy and clean. No more slipping and sliding during downward dog or side plank. Major win for me.
Benefits of Yoga
But let’s talk about why yogis should never leave home without their mats. For me, it’s a given. I practice yoga every day. Even if only a five-minute sun salutation sequence. It wakes me up. It gets my body moving. And it sets the tone for my day.
The Liforme team emphasizes that bringing a travel yoga mat makes practicing on the go much more comfortable, convenient and familiar. Travel can be physically and mentally dysregulating. Maintaining your practice helps ground your body and clear your mind.
Regardless of your level of expertise, yoga carries benefits from head to toe. Yoga enhances physical and mental well-being for individuals of all ages. While scientific research into the benefits of yoga is still evolving, the existing evidence aligns with what yogis have understood for thousands of years: yoga significantly enhances our overall well-being.
The benefits of yoga go far beyond the moments spent practicing on your mat. The real magic happens in how yoga nurtures your life long after you finish your sesh. Let’s explore the many advantages of yoga on your well-being:
- Yoga reduces stress and jet lag: Studies show yoga lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone) by 28%. After a long flight, some deep breathing and sun salutations are just what the doctor ordered.
- It improves sleep: A mind-blowing 68.5% of yogis report better sleep. This is crucial when adjusting to new time zones and unfamiliar beds!
- Yoga boosts physical health: Approximately 77% of yogis say their practice makes them physically stronger. What a way to stretch out those tight hips and hamstrings after hours of walking.
- It enhances mental well-being: An incredible 86.5% credit yoga for increased happiness. Cultivating joy and being present is what it’s all about — no matter where you are.
What to Look for in a Travel Yoga Mat
As you probably know, not all yoga mats are created equal, particularly when it comes to a travel yoga mat. Here are five tips to keep in mind when thinking about taking your mat along for the ride:
- Lightweight: Aim for well under 3 lbs so it won’t weigh down your luggage. Your shoulders will thank you.
- Foldable: Mats that fold up take up way less space than traditional rolled mats. Marie Kondo would approve.
- Grippy: Look for a non-slip surface that allows you to flow on any terrain. I’ve even taken my mat to the park and the beach for a class.
- Durable: Your mat should withstand being stuffed in a suitcase and schlepped everywhere. Flimsy won’t cut it.
- Easy to clean: Opt for materials that are quick-drying and machine washable. If you have mat wipes, you’re good to go.
A travel yoga mat is obviously smaller and lighter than a standard mat, making it more portable. A lighter-weight mat has a little less cushioning by necessity, but Liforme travel yoga mats have the same grippy surface and alignment guide as their full-sized mats. Something I’ve noticed lately is that many hotels and vacation rentals offer a loaner yoga mat. I like to layer my own mat on top of theirs for more cushionability.
Why Liforme Is My Go-To Pick
In addition to the above tips, I am super picky about the color of my mat. The right travel yoga mat not only elevates your practice; the right color can also motivate you to practice.
And I am actually on to something. Studies reveal that color profoundly affects our emotions and overall mood. Therefore, the color of your yoga mat impacts your practice and helps you achieve a deeper sense of relaxation, focus and mindfulness.
This is why Liforme mats tick all the boxes:
- The AlignForMe system is a total game changer. It helps me stay aligned and focused, even when I’m jet-lagged.
- The mat is super grippy, so I never slip, even when I’m sweating buckets in a hot yoga class.
- It’s lightweight and foldable, making it perfect for stuffing in my carry-on.
- The mat is made with sustainable, biodegradable materials. Eco-conscious travelers want to walk lightly on this Earth, and Liforme delivers.
- It comes in gorgeous colors that make me excited to practice. Currently, I’m crushing on the purple.
The Liforme mission is “better yoga, for people and planet.” They bring the values of yoga to the yoga business while providing yogis with truly useful products that don’t harm the planet. When you care about the planet, it of course makes sense to choose an eco-friendly yoga mat that’s high-performance as well.
Tips for Staying Zen Wherever You Are
Maintaining your Zen and yoga practice while traveling is easier than you might think. A “home” practice is often the most convenient, so make sure to download video classes ahead of time (if you use them). Alternatively, finding a yoga studio in your destination is a wonderful way to live like a local and can enhance your travel experience. If you can fit this in, I highly recommend it.
The Liforme team also share these five simple tips to help you stay grounded and connected on the go:
- Start small with a 10-15 minute flow each morning to energize your day.
- No props, no problem. Use blankets, pillows or water bottles instead of blocks and straps.
- Get creative with your space. Hotel room, beach, mountain top. Your mat = your studio.
- Try a yoga app for guided practice. Some of my faves are Yogaia and various instructors on YouTube.
- Embrace the imperfections. Yoga is all about adapting your practice to new environments.
So what are you waiting for, yogis? Grab your passport and your travel yoga mat. Embark on a journey to discover the world, one asana at a time! Namaste, and happy travels.
Liforme is dedicated to enhancing your yoga practice with innovative, eco-friendly mats designed for maximum grip, comfort and alignment. As a certified B-Corp, they are committed to sustainability and social responsibility, using non-toxic, biodegradable materials that are kind to both your practice and the planet.
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