When it comes to practicing yoga, choosing the right mat can make all the difference in the world. A yoga mat provides cushioning and grip, allowing you to focus on your practice without worrying about slipping or discomfort. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which mat is right for you. In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing a yoga mat that meets your needs.
The first thing to consider when choosing a yoga mat is thickness. Mats typically range from 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch thick (often measured in millimeters). Thinner mats are lightweight and easy to transport, while thicker mats offer more cushioning and support. If you have joint issues or practice on a hard surface, a thicker mat will usually be more comfortable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more stable surface for balance poses, a thinner mat may be a better choice.
Know What You Need
When choosing a yoga mat, it’s important to consider your personal needs and preferences. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Your Body Type
If you’re tall, you may want to opt for a longer mat to accommodate your height. If you have knee problems or sore joints, a thicker mat can provide more cushioning and support. It’s also important to choose a mat with good grip to prevent slipping and sliding during your practice.
Your Level of Yoga
For beginners, a standard mat with moderate thickness and good grip is a good choice. As you progress to more advanced poses, you may want to consider a thinner mat for better stability and balance. Advanced practitioners may also want to invest in a higher-quality mat with more advanced features.
The Type of Yoga You’re Doing
If you practice hot yoga or other types of yoga that involve sweating, you may want to choose a mat with good moisture-wicking properties to prevent slipping. If you primarily practice at home, you may want to choose a mat that is easy to clean and store. For studio classes, it’s important to choose a mat that is easy to carry and transport.
Where You Practice
If you practice on carpet, you may want to choose a mat with more grip to prevent slipping. On hardwood or tile floors, a thicker mat can provide more cushioning and support. If you primarily practice at home, almost any mat that you choose will work. But you may want to choose a mat that is easy to clean and store.
Understanding Yoga Mat Materials
When it comes to choosing a yoga mat, the material it’s made of is an important factor to consider. Here are some of the most common materials used in yoga mats:
Natural Rubber
Natural rubber is a popular choice for eco-conscious yogis. It’s a renewable and biodegradable material that provides excellent grip and cushioning. However, some people may be allergic to latex, which is a component of natural rubber. If you have a latex allergy, it’s best to avoid natural rubber mats.
PVC
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a synthetic material that’s commonly used in yoga mats. It’s durable, affordable, and provides good grip and cushioning. However, PVC is not eco-friendly and may contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates and heavy metals. If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your yoga mat, you may want to avoid PVC mats.
TPE
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is a newer material that’s becoming more popular in yoga mats. It’s a synthetic material that’s free of harmful chemicals and is recyclable. TPE mats provide good grip and cushioning, but they may not be as durable as natural rubber or PVC mats.
Cork
Cork is a natural and sustainable material that’s gaining popularity in yoga mats. It’s biodegradable, renewable, and provides excellent grip. Cork mats are also antimicrobial, which means they resist bacteria and odors. However, cork mats may not provide as much cushioning as other materials, so they may not be ideal for people with joint pain.
When choosing a yoga mat material, consider your priorities and needs. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, natural rubber or cork may be the way to go. If you’re on a budget, PVC mats are affordable and durable. TPE mats are a good choice if you want a synthetic mat that’s free of harmful chemicals.
Choosing the Right Thickness
When it comes to choosing the right yoga mat, thickness is an important factor to consider. The thickness of your mat can affect your comfort, stability, and overall yoga experience. Below, we’ll cover the three main categories of yoga mat thickness: thin, standard, and thick.
Thin Mats
Thin yoga mats are usually less than 2mm (1/16 inch) thick and are designed for portability. They are lightweight and easy to roll up, making them a great option for yogis who travel frequently. However, they do not provide much cushioning (almost none) and can be uncomfortable on hard surfaces. Thin mats are also not suitable for yogis who require extra support for their joints.
Standard Mats
Standard yoga mats are usually around 3-5mm (1/8-1/6 inch) thick and are the most common type of yoga mat. They provide a good balance between cushioning and stability, making them suitable for most yoga practices. Standard mats are also easy to carry and store, and are a great option for yogis who practice yoga on a regular basis.
Thick Mats
Thick yoga mats are usually more than 6mm (1/4 inch) thick and provide extra cushioning and support for yogis who require it. They are ideal for restorative yoga practices and for yogis who have joint pain or injuries. However, thick mats can be heavy and bulky, making them difficult to carry and store. They’re also not ideal for yogis who require a lot of stability in their practice. The reason is that the thicker the mat is, the more you sink into it when practicing which ultimately affects your stability and balance.
When choosing the right thickness for your yoga mat, it is important to consider your personal needs and preferences. If you travel frequently and need a lightweight mat, a thin mat may be the best option for you. If you require extra cushioning and support, a thick mat may be more suitable. For most yogis, a standard mat provides a good balance between cushioning and stability.
Considering Mat Length and Width
When it comes to choosing a yoga mat, length and width are important factors to consider. A mat that is too short or narrow can make it difficult to perform certain poses, while a mat that is too long or wide can be cumbersome to carry and store. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting the right size mat for your practice:
Standard Mat Size
The most common size for a yoga mat is 68 inches long and 24 inches wide. This size is suitable for most people, especially those who are of average height and build. However, if you are taller than 6′ or wider than average, you probably want to consider a larger mat.
Extra Long and Wide Mats
For taller individuals, an extra-long mat may be necessary to provide enough space for your entire body. Extra-long mats typically measure 72 or 74 inches in length. If you have a wider frame, you may want to consider a wider mat, which can range from 26 to 30 inches in width.
Travel Mats
If you plan to take your mat with you on the go, a travel mat may be a good option. These mats are typically thinner and lighter than standard mats, making them easier to carry and store. However, they may be shorter and narrower than standard mats, so be sure to check the dimensions before purchasing.
Choosing the right size mat can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your practice. Take the time to consider your height, width, and portability needs, and choose a mat that feels right for you.
Here are some recommendations based on a ton of yoga mat testing:
- If you’re over six feet tall, go for a minimum of a 25-26 inch wide yoga mat. Otherwise, you’ll find that your knees go off the side of the mat when you’re doing poses like the pigeon pose. Our top recommendation for a large yoga mat is the Manduka Pro. But this is a heavier yoga mat and it’s pricey. If you’re on a budget, our next best pick is the Heathyoga mat.
- If you’re under six feet tall and an average weight, you can get away with almost any yoga mat because the standard sizes will work just fine for you.
Assessing Texture and Stickiness
When it comes to yoga mats, texture and stickiness are important factors to consider. The texture of a yoga mat determines how easy it is to grip, while stickiness refers to how well the mat adheres to the floor and how well your hands and feet stick to the mat.
The texture of a yoga mat can vary greatly depending on the material it’s made from. Some mats have a smooth feel, while others are more textured. The texture of the mat can affect how easy it is to grip, especially when your hands start to sweat during a yoga practice.
Stickiness is also an important factor to consider when choosing a yoga mat. A mat with good stickiness will help prevent slipping during your practice, which can be especially important when doing more challenging poses or sequences. However, it’s important to note that some mats may be too sticky, which can make it difficult to move between poses.
Here are some tips and recommended yoga mats based on texture and stickiness:
- Natural rubber yoga mats – they’re heavy, can be thick, but they are sticky on the surface. Not so much so that it interferes with your practice though. These are great as long as you don’t have a latex allergy. Our favorite natural rubber mats are the Jade Harmony and Jade Fusion Yoga Mats.
- If you want a durable mat that comes with a lifetime warranty and has a good grippy texture but isn’t rubber, our favorite is the Manduka Pro, Pro Lite, or Heathyoga Mat (best budget option).
- Hot Yoga: If this is your preferred yoga style, you want either a combination yoga mat, cork yoga mat, or a yoga towel to go over your yoga mat. If you do some hot yoga and some regular, opt for the yoga towel. Our favorite combination mat is the Yoga Design Labs mat, our favorite cork is the GURUS Cork Mat, favorite yoga towel is the YogiToes.
Evaluating Eco-Friendliness
When choosing a yoga mat, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of the materials used. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating the eco-friendliness of a yoga mat:
Material
The type of material used to make a yoga mat can have a significant impact on its eco-friendliness. Some materials to consider include:
- Natural rubber: Harvested from rubber trees, natural rubber is biodegradable and can be sustainably sourced.
- Cork: Cork is a renewable resource that is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming the tree.
- TPE: Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are a type of synthetic rubber that is recyclable and free from PVC, latex, and other harmful chemicals.
- Organic cotton: Cotton is a natural and biodegradable material, but it requires a lot of water and pesticides to grow. Look for organic cotton mats that are grown without harmful chemicals.
Production Process
The production process can also impact the eco-friendliness of a yoga mat. Look for mats that are:
- Made using sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices
- Produced using renewable energy sources
- Free from harmful chemicals and dyes
End of Life
Consider what will happen to your yoga mat at the end of its life. Look for mats that are:
- Biodegradable or recyclable
- Made from materials that can be easily composted or recycled
- Produced by companies that offer take-back programs or recycling initiatives
By considering these factors, we can make informed decisions when choosing an eco-friendly yoga mat that aligns with our values and supports the health of our planet.
Deciding on Price and Quality
When it comes to buying a yoga mat, price and quality are two important factors to consider. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a high-quality mat can make a big difference in your yoga practice. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding on price and quality.
Price
Yoga mats can range in price from less than $20 to over $100. While a higher price tag doesn’t always guarantee better quality, it’s important to consider what you’re paying for. Cheaper mats are usually made of lower-quality materials and tend to wear out more quickly, while more expensive mats generally offer better grip, durability, and comfort.
When deciding on a price range, consider how often you’ll be using your mat and how long you want it to last. If you’re a beginner or only practice yoga occasionally, a more affordable mat may be just fine for you. However, if you’re a dedicated yogi who practices daily, investing in a higher-quality mat is worth it in the long run.
Quality
When it comes to quality, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Material: Yoga mats can be made from a variety of materials, including PVC, rubber, cork, and more. Each material has its own pros and cons in terms of grip, durability, and environmental impact which we covered above.
- Thickness: Thicker mats can provide more cushioning and support, but may be less stable during certain poses. Thinner mats may be more stable, but can be less comfortable for those with sensitive joints.
- Grip: A mat with good grip can help prevent slips and falls during your practice. Look for mats with textured surfaces or non-slip coatings.
- Size: Make sure to choose a mat that’s the right size for your body. A mat that’s too small can make it difficult to move through your practice, while a mat that’s too big can be cumbersome to carry around.
Generally speaking, established yoga brands will be better quality but they also tend to cost more money. This is one area where cost is a pretty good indicator of the quality of the item. They also tend to come with better warranties should anything happen to the yoga mat.
Maintenance and Care
