No matter if you are a more experienced yoga instructor or a private yogic teacher, one of the most important tools for your yoga exercise is a yoga mat. To add to the life of your precious mat, a way to protect a precious mat is to always store the mat in a safe place like a yoga bag.

A yoga mat comes in many original color options, materials and qualities. From synthetic to organic materials like cotton and hemp, you can certainly find a yoga mat surface that you will enjoy.

First of all, we're going to talk about why your mat is such a necessary item to your yoga time. Based on a lot of studies, the success of a yoga pose depends on your performance to keep your have a stable balance throughout each pose. A yoga mat is essential to support your balance during your yoga poses. When properly designed, it will lie on the floor perfectly with out making any wrinkles on top of the mat surface. It will be able to help you to easily change your feet, steady your palm, or calmly stay a "Headstand Pose" without worrying about slippage.

To lengthen the life of your yoga mat, it is best to keep the mat secured and clean by always storing it in your yoga mat bag and to cleanse it every now and then. Throughout your practice, you will likely fall down hair, skin and oils from your body. To maintain the mat clean, an easy way is to use an old rag with yoga cleaning soap to cleanse your regularly used mat.

A yoga mat bag is available in many original colors and shapes. They should have the ability to hold more than your yoga mat, like back pockets for towels and a water bottle.

Your yoga bag is found in different patterns. The most common are general harnesses or drawstring nylon bags. On the other hand, others are more of a specialty item that is made of silk brocades or embroidered canvas.

The most famous manufactures like Manduka, Harmony, Tapas and Ashtanga give you a wide array of designs and materials for your mat and bag. Yoga mats or bags usually cost somewhere between $10 and $80. If it's easier for you, I advise you to find a yoga shop to be able to experience for yourself which type of mat and bag is comfortable for you.

Sara Valencourt has always been interested in health and fitness. Sara has been writing a lot of information related to yoga at YogaHub.org. Check out the site at http://www.yogahub.org.

Author's Bio: 

Sara Valencourt is a health and fitness freelance writer living in Santa Fe New Mexico. She is an advent yoga student who has traveled throughout the U.S. to experience various yoga practices and to work with international instructors. Her work includes articles on the basics of yoga, easy healthy nutrition and real fitness for the average person. She is currently working on a series of articles based on her trials and triumphs.