It’s way more than that: your mat is that one essential piece of workout equipment that helps you feel grounded, supported and gives you the right protection for your joints - in addition to being beautiful and inspiring for your practice. This mat feels a bit thinner than other mats we tested, so it would be better for faster-paced classes rather than restorative yoga. It would not be well suited for practices or exercises that require you to rest on your joints for a long period of time. Yoga mats are made from a variety of materials, both eco-friendly and synthetic. The most common materials used are PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), and natural rubber. PVC mats are easy to clean, durable, and long-lasting, but they aren’t considered eco-friendly. TPE mats feel more like rubber and can be recycled after use, whereas natural rubber mats like IUGA's Pro Non Slip Yoga Matare favored for their traction and slip resistance. This non-toxic mat from Jade Yoga has great grip and balance support, making it a good choice for beginner yogis. The natural rubber this mat is made from provides better grip than synthetic mats, giving people new to yoga more confidence as they move through different poses. The budget-friendly price point helps, too. Camel is the perfect brand for all your sporting needs. Whether you’re an active lifestyleista or just love to wear some shoes when going out, this store has everything that will suit anyone’s tastes! How do I Choose the Best Yoga Mat?

Adidas 8mm Yoga Mat – Workout For Less

We liked Nike's Mastery Yoga Mat because it was durable and supportive, but we noticed it had a strong rubber scent that did not go away during our testing period. This mat is lightweight, but not flimsy. However, it doesn't stay rolled tightly without a strap, which is not included. This sturdy mat from Gaiam has a pleasant blue and green lunar wave design that makes your practice feel luxurious. The mat is reversible, so you can choose whichever design suits your mood.The generous length and width provide plenty of space to move about freely, allowing you to stay focused during flows. We also love the beautiful color range and overall style, as well as easy spot clean care instructions. The mat rolls up tightly, but at a heavy 6.7 pounds, we found it difficult to carry—earning a low portability score. It's one of the more expensive options on our list. However, we always recommend investing in high-quality fitness equipment that will last for dozens of Downward Facing Dogs to come. The standard length for a yoga mat is 68 x 24 inches. People over 5-feet-5-inches tall may want to consider sizing up for a bit more room on both ends of the mat, allowing for full-body stretching. To test out the length of a yoga mat, move into a Downward-Facing Dog and make sure your hands and feet are firmly planted on the mat. If both fit without hitting the edges, the mat is the proper size for you.

Comfort Yoga Mat 8 mm - Blue Jungle KIMJALY - Decathlon

This stylish yoga mat from lululemon provides excellent grip and stability for a variety of poses, making it our best overall runner-up. During testing, we noted the raised texture on the mat surface provided great traction so there was no slipping, even when our hands were sweaty. We liked the bubbly texture and found that it made the mat very grippy. While most mats made from natural rubber can be heavy, IUGA's Pro Non Slip Yoga Mat weighs in at a relatively light and comfortable-to-carry 2.2 pounds (the manufacturer records 2.8 pounds, but we found it to be lighter when we weighed it in our Lab). We also love that it comes with a carrying strap for trips to and from the studio or gym.

Plus, if the mat has a good grip, well then it is a perfect yoga mat for all types of yoga practice, from a dynamic Ashtanga to a more grinding Yin yoga practice. Disadvantages Yoga mats are trending online these days, with more people spending more time in their houses and more free hours for exercise. Yoga and other mat exercises are among the safest exercises for beginners, so it makes perfect sense why a lot of people now want their own yoga mat. They are a great investment in fitness, which can be used both at home and in your fitness gyms. This yoga mat from Manduka has a center alignment stripe and is reversible with a lighter side and a darker side. We like that the reversibility extends the use of this mat. In testing, we found it to be very lightweight and portable but less cushioned than others we tested. However, if you aim to practice grounding practices like Yin yoga or Restorative yoga, then this type of yoga mat may be fine! It really depends on what type of yoga you are going to be doing. Who is this perfect for? Travel yoga mats are perfect if you know you will be traveling and you don’t have much space in your suitcase, or if you prefer thinner mats.