Yoga Towel vs. Mat

　　Yoga towels and yoga mats are both great for yoga, but they have slightly different functions. A yoga mat creates a soft surface for yoga practices and is usually made from rubber or PVC — a type of plastic. They provide a soft, cushioned and anti-slip surface for yoga and other exercise, but they can become slippery when you start sweating. A yoga towel is much thinner but absorbs sweat and adds additional grip.

　　If you’re trying to decide between a yoga towel or a yoga mat,?you should consider where you’ll be practicing. A yoga towel is sufficient for yoga on the beach, at the park or even on a rug at home, as you’ll have already have some cushioning under the towel.?If?you’re doing yoga on hard?surfaces, a towel on its own likely won’t provide the cushioning you need to practice comfortably, especially for positions that require?balancing?on your knees or elbows.

　　Ideally, you should use yoga towels in conjunction with yoga mats, as this is what they’re designed for.