Whether you are an absolute newbie to yoga or a long-time enthusiast, the right yoga mat can do or break your practice. No matter if you prefer hot yoga, Bikram yoga, Hutha yoga, Iyengar Yoga or other types of yoga, you want something durable with a good grip, because nobody wants to sweat and slide, lose balance and injure your knees 15 minutes after the start of the yoga class. Then there are comfort factors such as the mat thickness – some people are characterized by a thinner mat, others want a thicker mat.
The sheer number of options for yoga mats can be overwhelming – there are more than 30,000 results for “yoga mats” on Amazon – but this curated summary can guide your next yoga mat purchase, whether you’re heading to a yoga class or doing yoga -Pose after yoga pose on your move Living room floor. We will update it as we review more products.
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Manduka yoga mats
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What needs to be considered when buying a yoga mat?
Depending on your needs, you can easily include one simple standard yoga mat at TJ Maxx for $ 10, or you may have to spend a little more on something with more functions, e.g. B. a non-slip yoga mat with a particularly non-slip surface.
Think about what types of activities you are using your new yoga mat for and where you are taking your mat. Also consider your height (do you need a long yoga mat?) And other physical considerations (e.g. pain in the knees or back).
Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself when choosing a good yoga mat:
Do you use it indoors, outdoors, or both? Pretty much any mat is suitable for indoor yoga, but if you want to exercise outdoors, you want something more robust and durable.
Are you going to use it for hot yoga? If you use it for hot yoga, look for a mat made of non-slip grip material so that you don’t slip around while sweating. You want something that is easy to grip or has a non-slip surface without doing it sticky.
Do you need to take it on an airplane or other small room? Look for thinner mats that can be rolled up or folded into a compact size so you can easily pack them in a small yoga mat bag or luggage.
Do you need additional pillow or length? Standard mats run between an eighth inch and a quarter inch. You may need something thicker, e.g. B. a half inch mat if you need pillows for your knees, hands, or back. Longitudinally, the standard is 68 inches, so taller people would benefit from a longer mat if they wanted their entire body, including their feet, to fit on the mat.
What is your budget? Cheaper mats are best for beginners who are unsure whether to follow a yoga practice and for people who don’t practice regularly. If you practice several days a week, you will save more money in the long run with a high quality mat, as you will not have to replace your mat as often.
Amazon
Foldable into a compact 6.7 x 9.1 inch square, this 1/16-inch-thick mat comes with a carrying case so you can easily put it in a backpack, handbag, bag, or even a briefcase can be stuck. It only weighs 2.5 pounds, making it a great travel alternative to some heavier rolling mats.
What buyers say: “Great material, very light. Ideal for hiking or backpacking!” A buyer wrote. Another said“Super compact and portable. I try to practice yoga every day so that I can get this mat on the go. It is very soft and thin and can be folded up to fit in a compact, small travel bag!”
Amazon
Unlike other rubber or vinyl mats, this Aurorae mat has a microfiber surface that serves as a mat and towel in one product. It’s a great option for people who sweat and slip a lot, and usually put a mat towel over their mat. Oh, and it’s machine washable too.
What buyers say: “I think it’s important that potential buyers know what a quality product this is – I was so happy with it.” That reviewer continues“I have been using this mat two or three times a week since August 2013. I washed it in my washing machine (gentle cycle) and hung it to dry each time I used it.” Perfectly kept over the years and still looks almost brand new. ”
Amazon
Half a inch thick – compared to a quarter or even eight inches thick of most mats – the REEHUT High Density Mat offers additional padding and a grippy texture, making it comfortable but not unstable. It is also ideal as a Pilates mat.
What buyers say: “”Yay for bubbly soft mat! Yoga made my knees black and blue. I actually walked over this mat on my knees to test it. ”
Another buyer wrote that this mat is Perfect for use on hard floors, and another raves how easy it is on hands, knees and back.
Amazon
The standard length for yoga mats is approximately 68 inches, which means that anyone over 5 feet 8 inches cannot fully extend on a standard mat.
Older people may also have problems with wide-ranging poses, such as Warrior II and a downward-facing dog, so extra-large mats (between 72 and 85 inches tall) can help.
What buyers say: “I am very happy with this yoga mat. I am 5 feet 8 inches tall and rarely with an extra length of this mat do I have to think about staying on the mat while practicing yoga like on shorter yoga mats.” A reviewer wrote. “I can close my eyes while doing yoga and focus on yoga instead of constantly checking to see if I’m staying within the limits of my mat.”
Amazon
This mat is heavier than most others (7.5 pounds versus an average of 4 to 5 pounds), but this extra weight helps maintain durability and stability when practicing yoga outdoors and on uneven terrain.
Note that Manduka mats have to be broken in, otherwise they will remain slippery. Many people speed up the enema process with a Salt peeling. While this is probably impractical, most buyers say that the break-in process is worth the quality and durability of the mat.
What buyers say: “The last mat I will ever need … It is comfortable, but not soft or mushy at all, it is a very firm, stable support.”
Amazon
Jade makes these mats from natural rubber, which is obtained from rubber trees. It is an extremely renewable resource. They manufacture the mats in the USA and comply with all US environmental, labor and consumer protection laws. In addition, jade plants a tree for every mat sold.
What buyers say: “Jade Yoga is my new port of call. This is a really great mat that is worth the high price. It is also very thin but surprisingly comfortable.”
BalanceForm
This inexpensive and simple mat is ideal for beginners and anyone who doesn’t want to pay the cost of more luxurious mats.
What buyers say: “Affordable, simple, perfect thickness. ”
A reviewer who was new to yoga praised the mat as an easy choice for beginners and said, “I was always interested in starting, but I wasn’t sure which yoga mat to go to or whether I would stick to yoga what the cost was. ” My first impression was that I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and thickness of this mat. ”
Amazon
What buyers say: “Best. Mat. Ever … The surface is very absorbent. The grip is amazing – much better than with conventional mats – I’m so sure in Warrior 2. I can do half of my hot power yoga class without a yoga towel. “”
The same buyer came back two years later to update your feedback: “I have had this yoga mat for two years now! I have completed TWO yoga teacher training courses where I used it for hours every day and often allowed other students to use it. I practice it every day. I do restorative yoga, Drip-heavy, heated Power Yoga and Bikram and occasionally an outdoor class. It remains flawless as if I bought it yesterday! “
Other buyers praise the robustness, grip and all-purpose capability of this Gaiam mat, while others still point out its durability: No peeling or peeling after one year.
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The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions about an illness or health goals.