Yoga mat

Abstract

Improvements on mats for practicing yoga are presented. The mats typically provide improved balance, stability, relief of joint and knee pain, and/or improved grip, among other advantages. One particular mat has an upper surface with protrusions, such as knobs, to provide a feeling of acupressure massage to the user. The mat may be continuous and rolled up for storage, or may be divided into sections and folded. A layer of foam may be provided for cushioning, and the foam may optionally be a memory foam. Alternative embodiments include a mat without the protrusions on the upper surface, a mat with cushioning that has an undulating or otherwise irregular surface, and a mat that has no central foam but which is made of a single material.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to exercise mats and, in particular, to exercise mats that are particularly well-suited to yoga. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Yoga is practiced worldwide as both a form of spiritual and physical development. In the West, Yoga is most often practiced as a form of exercise that develops and tones the muscles, increases flexibility and strength, improves balance and promotes overall health and well-being. Circulation is also increased and the nerves are ensured a supply of nutrients and oxygen. [0003] The Yogic physical exercises are called Asanas, a term which means “steady pose.” By way of example, in one form of yoga some basic postures include: headstand, shoulderstand, plough, fish, forward bend, cobra, locust, bow, spinal twist, crow pose, and peacock pose, standing forward bend, and triangle. The names of these poses indicate that much bending and stretching is involved. [0004] The routine is typically done on a f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] Other variations are possible, including providing a foam layer that has a pattern on its surface, such as a wave pattern, an undulating pattern, an egg crate pattern, or the like, to provide a specialized cushioning to the user.

Problems solved by technology

However, many of the yoga mats currently in use do not provide optimal support to the user, or do not provide optimal comfort.

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