The Importance of a Good Mat for AcroYoga

Yoga mats are a significant symbol for modern yoga with most every practitioner of AcroYoga using one. A mats first use becomes noticeable when you first walk in the door of your AcroYoga class; it allows you to claim your practice space.  As you can see in the image above, yoga studios can have limited space available; placing your mat will insure you have space on the days with a big class. “The yoga mat does more than just provide a sticky surface. The mat defines your space. We personalize our mats to more accurately reflect who we are as practitioners”(Colin Hall, 2014).

It can also offer protection for the base and the flyer while practicing AcroYoga. If you decide to go with a thicker mat or gymnastics style mat (like the multicolored one in the picture) it provides more cushion for the bases back and a softer landing for the flyer if they fall. This can be helpful for the nice days you want to practice outside or for indoor classes. Trying new and challenging moves is intimidating especially for the flyer because of the possibility of a bad fall and getting hurt. In my experience using a larger mat is important for safety, comfort, and the ability to try new moves. The more comfortable you are trying new moves and the less often you get hurt trying them the more you are going to enjoy AcroYoga.