Whether you just got into yoga or you're an advanced yoga enthusiast, it is very convenient to have your own yoga mat at home. Yes, you don't need a yoga mat to start with, just a simple bath towel will do, but the comfort, cushioning, and stability of a mat would make a big difference.
Choosing which yoga mat to buy can be quite overwhelming. But don't worry, we've got you covered! We have a guide with comments and tips from fitness coach Michelle Estuar, plus we have a list of the best yoga mats you can buy online. Keep reading to know more!
Quick List - Top Yoga Mats
Michelle Estuar is the Head Coach of one of the indoor cycling studios in Metro Manila. She trains individuals interested in becoming cycling coaches. She also designs and develops programs to meet fitness goals. To add to that, she is a former triathlete, running coach, and ultra-marathoner, and has completed long-distance events such as a 102km run and a 10km open water swim. Michelle is addicted to anything related to sports and fitness as well as diet and nutrition. She has tried (and will keep on trying) the latest trends in diets, apps, equipment, gears, and accessories—she will do anything to stay fit and healthy.
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Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Keep in mind that when choosing a yoga mat, always get one that is a few inches longer than your height to be able to accommodate all your poses, especially those that involve stretching out.
Always get a mat that is at least 7 to 10 inches longer than your height. As for the width, if you have broad shoulders, or are on the heavier side, you might need a wider mat for more comfort. To find a good width, lie down with your arms comfortably out and away from the sides of your body. Measure the width and add at least 2 to 3 inches. Newbies can benefit from a wider mat as well.
Aside from the length and width, thickness is another point to look closely at. This can greatly affect your comfort and stability when doing yoga poses. Keep these things in mind when choosing a mat that will work for you.
Thin mats that are only around 2 mm thick are great for people who want lightweight mats that they can carry around for traveling. They are easy to roll up and stash in luggage.
Aside from that, thin yoga mats offer a more stable foundation for balancing poses, and a stronger connection to the earth. That's why experienced and advanced yoga practitioners prefer this type.
Yoga mats, both thin and thick, are available in different lengths as well. Ideally, the longer the mat, the better for your practice. This is true only if you do yoga solo, either at home or somewhere with a wide open safe, where you can freely lay your mat without guilt. However, if you bring your mat to class, be more considerate, and bring a standard size with you.
The average mat has a standard thickness of 3 to 4 mm, which is preferred by yoga practitioners of different levels. They strike the sweet spot between thick and thin mats and can offer adequate cushioning and sufficient stability for balancing at the same time.
Getting a thin or thick yoga mat is not just an issue of comfort and needs, but it is a question of where you practice yoga. Thin mats are suitable for use on the beach, grass, and carpeted flooring. Thick mats are best for hard, cemented surfaces.
If you have some back or joint problems, a thick mat of 5 to 10mm would be the right option for you. Thicker mats offer ample cushioning so that it would be less painful on your joints, especially in poses when you have to get down on the floor. This is why thick mats are often used in rehabilitation sessions or therapy.
Keep in mind, though, that when you’re doing yoga, a thicker mat might make it harder to balance and do some standing poses. Thicker mats might also make you feel less connected to the floor. They are also not ideal for traveling since they are heavier and harder to roll up.
Thick mats are best for anyone with physical concerns or undergoing therapy and recovery. These mats are well utilized in yoga therapy, which is an adaptation of yoga, and is focused on integrating the mind, body, and spirit to help improve one's mental and physical concerns.
Before you purchase a mat, make sure to check out the material it is made of. Manufacturers are required to disclose whatever material they use, so you can check the labels to find out. Read on to know more about the pros and cons of the most common materials used in making yoga mats.
PVC or polyvinyl chloride is one of the most commonly used and affordable materials to make yoga mats. This type has a sticky surface, which helps hugely with balance and stability when doing poses.
PVC is also latex-free, so it’s safe for those with latex allergies. PVC yoga mats are cheaper and are good enough as a starter yoga mat for those who want to try and dip their toes into the meditative art of yoga.
PVC mats are the best type if you are looking for a good grip. However, at some point, the mat loses its stickiness, and can lead you to slipping and losing your balance.
A quick fix to keep your mat sticky again is to wipe your mat with a homemade solution of water and a few drops of liquid detergent or dishwashing liquid. Make sure you rinse it off with water, wipe it off well, and let it dry!
Cork and hemp are other examples of natural materials. Although these are less widely used, cork has an antibacterial surface that could be favorable in hot yoga. On the other hand, hemp absorbs moisture well but is not as grippy as the other types and may slide on smooth surfaces.
Whether synthetic or natural, biodegradable or not, yoga mats are prone to host bacteria and viruses. If you are using a mat from the gym or yoga center, make it a point to wipe down both sides of the mat with a wet cloth, and dry it up with a dry cloth. And even if your environment looks clean, and you yourself do not sweat at all, make it a habit to find some time right after your session, and clean your mat right away.
TPE, also known as thermoplastic elastomer, is a man-made blend usually composed of plastic and rubber polymers. Unlike PVC mats, TPE mats are biodegradable but are not quite durable. These mats are odorless and lightweight, so it's easy to carry, especially when you commute or travel.
These mats are also ideal for more advanced yogis since they provide a lot of traction. You don't have to worry about slipping or falling when doing more daring poses. However, compared to PVC and rubber mats, TPE mats are more expensive.
If you want to optimize the use of those mats, go barefoot. Yoga mats are built to protect you and your feet, and there's no need to wear socks. Moreso, yogis will advise you to ditch those socks since these will prevent you from feeling the ground.
Ethylene-vinyl acetate or EVA is a synthetic material that is very lightweight and resists ruptures. EVA is one of the lightest yoga mats, making it a good choice for people who practices yoga even when traveling.
They have a high moisture resistance and are relatively easy to clean after your yoga sessions. However, these mats tend to stretch as you work out, and they may emit an unpleasant odor that can be disturbing if you are not used to it.
Just like your running shoes, yoga mats have a "mileage" and are bound for replacement as well. Usually, mats are good for 6 to 12 months depending on how frequent and what type of yoga you practice.
NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) is a type of synthetic rubber that is non-toxic. This material is thick and dense, usually measuring about 10mm or more, which makes it a good choice for people with joint issues. Despite this thickness, it's lightweight and easy to transport.
More importantly, NBR foam repels sweat and dirt. This makes it one of the best materials for hot yoga and other strenuous exercises. It's easy to clean as well! The downside, though, is that it loses a little of its grip when wet.
If you want to get as close as you can to the earth, fabric mats are worth a try. This type consists of a fabric usually stitched on top of another layer, although some are also available as simple yoga towels. Common fabrics used are cotton, microfiber, polyester yarn, and linen. They are soft, absorbent, and washable. Best of all, they are foldable, so they are great for carrying along on trips!
Cotton yoga mats are now getting more popular. Aside from its earth-friendly feature, cotton mats have enough padding, and are very soft and pleasant to the skin. This is something you should consider if you have allergies and skin conditions, as well as those with knee or joint issues. These are easy to clean, lightweight, and foldable, making them suitable for those who are always on the go.
It goes without saying that a good yoga mat should be able to provide some traction to keep you steady as you go about your poses. With that in mind, keep an eye out for mats with textured patterns or raised lines. The rough and bumpy surface will help keep you from slipping and getting injured. However, keep in mind that the more intricate the texture, the harder it is to clean.
Another thing to check is the bottom of the mat. Non-slip bottoms are essential if you're a beginner or if you're undergoing therapy for your injury. The sticky and grippy side will keep your mat from sliding around on the floor.
Yoga is all about alignment and the correct placement of each body part. There are mats available in the market that have lines specifically to help in the alignment. These lines are called Lakshan (Sanskrit), which means auspicious marks, that serve as a guide for your yoga practice. The whole mat has a set of lines, straight and angled, designed to mark the placement of your heels and palms.
The color of your mat can create the right mood you are looking for, which can be very advantageous during your session. For example, red and orange mats can stimulate energy, making them a good choice for when you feel exhausted. Meanwhile, blue and violet tones are soothing, so they can help you relax and calm down more. Bottomline: if you want a spare mat, get another color so you can choose whether you need energy and tranquility.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lotus Activewear Anya Pro Yoga Mat | ![]() | A Leather and Rubber Blend With Superior Grip for Dynamic Poses | |
2 | Lululemon Professional Yoga Mat | ![]() | A Crowd Favorite for Its Excellent Stickiness | |
3 | Lixada Non-Slip Yoga Mat | ![]() | A Reversible TPE Mat With Lines That Help With Body Alignment | |
4 | D&D TPE Non-Slip Yoga Mat | ![]() | A Mat With Two Different Textures for Superior Traction | |
5 | Kool Non-Slip TPE Mat | ![]() | A Water-Repellent Mat for Yoga Lovers of All Shapes and Sizes | |
6 | Thickened Printed Anti-Slip Yoga Towel | ![]() | A Light And Washable Cloth Mat Perfect for Traveling |
From its minimalist design alone, it's clear that the Lotus Yoga Mat is your perfect partner for a calm and relaxing session. And since it's made with eco-friendly materials, this mat is 100% recyclable, too.
The top layer is composed of polyurethane leather with moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties. At the bottom, you'll find a rubber backing with a non-slip design to keep you glued and connected to the ground.
Users love how sturdy and heavy this mat feels, as they feel supported and stable even through the most dynamic of poses. It's also a great option for people who prefer smooth textures over patterned ones. The smooth surface also means that it's easy to clean — just wipe with soap and water, and you're good to go!
Who hasn't heard of Lululemon? When it comes to yoga, this brand has instant name recall for their high-quality yoga clothing and equipment. This reversible mat gives you two surfaces to work on - a polyurethane layer on one side, and a natural rubber base on the other side.
The polyurethane side is absolutely a winner in terms of grip and stickiness, and the thickness is just right, enough to keep you steady in balancing poses. However, while it is sturdy, it tends to retain marks and scratches easily. The natural rubber side, on the other hand, is scratch-resistant and incredibly tough.
Overall, the surface feels squishy enough without being too cushiony. The size is another plus factor - this one has ample space, measuring a bit wider and longer than standard mats. It also comes with a case for easy transport.
This mat is reversible and comes in two colors: blue and pink. One side has lines and markings which help in proper body alignment during poses, while the other side has a wavy pattern perfect for practicing difficult stances. This makes it perfect for both beginners and advanced yogis!
Moreover, this TPE mat is PVC-free and also latex-free. This mat weighs only 870g, so it is still light and easy to transport. Plus, it comes with a carrying strap that can also be used for floor workouts, and a carrying bag for storing and transporting.
The D & D mat is another favorite of yoga practitioners because of its simple yet versatile design. It has two usable sides, both of them offering superb traction. One side has a bumpy texture, while the other is smooth. Whichever one you use, you can rest easy that it is dense and stable.
Aside from that, this mat is recommended for people with allergies or sensitive skin because it is non-toxic, hypoallergenic and completely free of latex, PVC, and phthalates. It's also environment-friendly and recyclable!
No matter how sweaty you get, this mat will see you through to the end of your yoga session. The TPE material and closed-cell surface ensure that no moisture seeps in, and your mat will stay free of harmful bacteria. Cleaning is easy as well because of this design.
It is also a good choice for people who frequently travel, as the mat is very lightweight and comes with a case. And since it's made of TPE, it's completely recyclable and biodegradable. Best of all, you get this value-packed product at a budget-friendly price!
Spice up your yoga routine with these colorful tie-dye printed towels. Made of fine fiber material, they are absorbent and machine-washable. While it doesn't have the sticky base commonly found in traditional mats, it does have anti-skid features at the bottom for a little stability.
This mat is perfect for more experienced yoga practitioners, as it is very thin and helps you feel more connected to the ground. And because it's light and foldable, you can easily stash it in its carrying pouch and keep it in your luggage when you travel.
We asked Fitness Coach Michelle Estuar some of the web's most asked questions. Read below to know her answers!
While yoga mats can be used as exercise mats, exercise mats are not suitable for yoga. Exercise mats may not have enough grip, but they do have smoother surfaces that are much easier to clean. These are built for high-intensity activities even with shoes on.
Yoga mats, on the other hand, feature a sticky grip, a rough texture, and extra cushion to help you balance and hold positions without slipping. Overall, exercise mats are designed to withstand high-intensity activities even with your shoes on. Yoga mats are created to support low-impact exercises, and are best used if barefoot.
Try to make it a habit to clean your mat after each session. Use a soft cloth to wipe the moisture and dirt away. Also avoid using baby wipes and disinfectants, as these can destroy the mats eventually.
Once a month, give it a deep cleaning. There's no need to hand wash. Simply leave it in a tub of water with a few drops of mild bath or dish soap, and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse completely. Place a towel on top, and roll it together to remove excess water. You may either lay it flat on the ground or hang it to dry.
Here are some signs that will tell you to replace your mat as soon as possible:
・You slip easily.
・You get off balance in poses that you normally nail.
・There are some uneven parts in the mat.
・You are experiencing joint or foot pain after a session.
・It is starting to smell bad.
If you want to delve into other sports or activities, here are some more products to help you in your fitness journey!
Author: Rie N.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Lotus Activewear|Anya Pro Yoga Mat
No. 2: Lululemon|Professional Yoga Mat
No. 3: Lixada|Non-Slip Yoga Mat
No. 4: D&D|TPE Non-Slip Yoga Mat
No. 5: Kool|Non-Slip TPE Mat
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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