The foundation of our yoga practice begins with a supportive and reliable yoga mat. More than just equipment, it’s a supportive companion that can enhance our practice and add a touch of comfort to our sessions.
After trying out a ton of yoga mats throughout the years, we broke things down based on size, material, traction, portability, and price. In the end, we have our top picks that will surely benefit both beginner and seasoned yogis alike.
Keep on reading to find out the best yoga mats for your needs!
Best Overall: Alo Warrior
The Alo Warrior Yoga Mat stood out as the best among all the mats we tried. Its high-quality and simple yet functional, with a certain thickness that provides ample support. What’s even better? It provides plenty of space for those smooth vinyasa flows!
This mat made inverted poses a breeze, with no wrist strain during dolphin and downward dog poses. It also has a strong grip, and we were able to use it right away as it does not have a break-in period.
While we did notice some sweat stains during yoga practice, the good news is they evaporated easily when we let the mat dry flat after our session. Overall, this yoga mat proved to be a winner in every aspect!
Key Features
The particular mat is made from premium all-natural rubber that is sourced ethically. It is also formaldehyde and PVC-free.
It has an oversized design and a matte finish. The top layer is made from 100% polyurethane leather, while the bottom part is made of 100% rubber. It comes in six colors: smoky quartz, powder pink, eclipse blue, dove gray, black, and jungle green.
As for the fit, its dimensions are 6.2ft x 2.2ft x 5mm. It also weighs about 8 lbs.
Pros
- Provides ample support
- Has a lot of space for flows
- Has good grip
- Can be tightly rolled
- Easy to clean
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Sweat staining may show on lighter colors
- Not ideal for traveling
Runner-up: Lululemon The Mat 5mm
Our runner-up for best overall yoga mat is the Lululemon the Mat. It would have been our number one choice were it not for its pliability. When the yoga mat has been stored in a rolled position for a long time, it does not lay flat when unrolled. It needs a bit of time before it straightens out.
Also, this mat does not come with a carrying strap. So, you need to buy a separate strap if you are going to do yoga in another place.
Nevertheless, the stability and grip of this mat is excellent. The mat has a raised textured design that helps combat slipping. We were able to hold our poses even when our hands were already dripping in sweat. The padding provides solid support.
Key Features
This yoga mat has an FSC-certified natural rubber base. The top layer has cushioning that helps absorb moisture. Additionally, it is protected against mold and mildew due to an antimicrobial additive.
Furthermore, Lululemon is also a reversible yoga mat. You can choose between the smooth and grippy side, depending on what is needed for your sessions.
There are four options to choose from: silver-black, silver-blue, pink pastel, and plain black.
Its dimensions are 66 cm x 180 cm, 5mm. The weight is approximately 5.24 lbs. Keep in mind this yoga mat contains latex. Don’t use it when you have latex allergies.
Pros
- The texture provides added grip
- Provides ample support for both long hold and inverted poses
- Has a beautiful design
Cons
- Does not immediately lay flat when unrolled
- Does not come with a carrying strap
- Has a chemical smell when initially opened, but it eventually goes away through continued use
Great for Beginners: Jade Yoga Level One
A stable mat will help beginners in balancing poses, and stability is exactly what the Jade Yoga Level One Mat has to offer.
Grip is equally important for beginners who tend to sweat a lot. Losing grip on the mat can dampen your confidence in completing a pose. Thus, it is beneficial to have a yoga mat that can support your grip, like this one!
Keep in mind that this mat is on the thinner side compared to others we explored—while this means you’ll feel more pressure during long-hold poses, we see it as an advantage. After all, embracing the physical strain of certain flows and poses is essential for beginners.
The more you get used to this, the easier it is to do more complicated flows in the future.
Key Features
The Jade Yoga Level One Mat is made with eco-friendly natural rubber. Also, it does not contain EVA and PVC. Both the top and bottom layers have a slightly textured design, which is what provides it with its grip and moisture absorption.
It only comes in two colors: blue and purple. It does not come with a carrying strap. Its thickness is 4 mm, and its dimensions are 24 in x 68 in. As for its approximate weight, it weighs about 4 lbs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Offers good grip
- Easy to roll
- Provides support that helps maintain balance
Cons
- A bit thin
- Does not have a carrying strap
Best for Advanced Practitioners: Manduka Prolite
Advanced or seasoned yogis require little to no support from a yoga mat. Still, based on our experience, it is better to have a mat with maximum firmness. This is because we do many flows and poses that we cannot afford to have a mat that bottoms out.
The Manduka Prolite Mat is perfect for practitioners who want to elevate their yoga practice. While it adds a bit of stability, its primary focus is durability. A durable mat ensures smooth transitions between flows without any unwanted bouncebacks.
Take note that the mat could become slippery. However, it was designed to be like this to encourage users to engage more with flows. The Manduka Prolite strikes a balance between user-friendly and challenging, perfect for seasoned yogis looking to push their limits.
Key Features
This yoga mat is 100% latex-free and made of 95% PVC and 5% polyester. It has a textured top layer to aid your grip, and the bottom layer has a dotted pattern to avoid slipping.
Additionally, Manduka Prolite has bimodal foam technology, which makes the mat durable and dense. It has a closed-cell PVC construction seal, too, which helps keep moisture out and prevent the growth of bacteria.
It comes in 17 vibrant colors and also has two length sizes. You can choose between the standard, which is 180 cm, or the long size, which is 200 cm. Both size lengths have a width of 61 cm. Lastly, depending on the size, it can weigh between 4-4.5 lbs.
Pros
- The mat is designed to engage the body more
- Durable
- Hold its form really well
- Offers support without bouncebacks
- Vegan-friendly
Cons
- It needs a bit of a break-in
- Grip power lessens when exposed to too much moisture
- Does not offer support for full stability in standing positions
Best for Support: Manduka Pro
No amount of grip power can combat the support that dense cushioning provides. Going for a thicker cushion helped support our back and joints during long hold poses.
On the other hand, dense cushion mats are not made for energetic flows. Therefore, the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat is best suited for styles that do not have a lot of flows and transitions.
Key Features
This yoga mat is made from OEKO-TEX standard 100 PVC. Its top layer has a surface resembling a fabric, which helps with your grip. The bottom layer has a dotted pattern to aid in the stability of the mat.
The cushion is ultra-dense because it measures 6 mm. Also, the closed-cell construction seal protects the mat from moisture. This feature makes it easy to clean and disinfect the mat.
You can pick between two length sizes—the standard size is 80 cm, while the longer size is 215 cm. Both sizes have a width of 66 cm. It can weigh between 7.5 to 9.5 lbs.
Lastly, it comes in 11 colors. Our favorite is Earth, which is like a sage green. It looks clean and refreshing.
Pros
- Offers the best back and joint support
- Can help you maintain long-hold poses
- Easy to clean
- Durable
Cons
- It is a bit heavy, so it is not ideal for traveling
- It is bulky when folded
- Not ideal to be used in styles with a lot of flows
- It feels slippery at first, but with continued use, it gets more traction
Best Budget Pick: Aeromat Elite Yoga Pilates Mat
The Aeromat Elite Mat is the most affordable yoga mat on this list. It only retails for $38.45 and already comes with a harness.
When we tested this, we expected it to be extremely uncomfortable due to its low price. However, we found out the affordable price did not diminish its quality. It tends to slip a bit, but not to a point where you feel the mat is unstable.
This mat also prevents slipping because it has a sticky surface. When we got sweaty, our grip did not slide. Although you can visibly see the sweat stains, they can be easily wiped and dried off after yoga practice.
Key Features
This yoga mat is made from PVC. It also does not contain phthalates and latex. In order to prevent it from stretching, it has a built-in mesh material. The texture of the mesh also helps with your grip and stability during flows and poses.
Additionally, the mesh material makes it easy to fold and unfold. Once it is unfolded, it immediately lays flat and does not take on the rolled shape.
You can choose between two thicknesses: 6 mm and 5mm. It also comes in 12 colors, wherein the crowd’s favorite is the Coral because it is almost always sold out.
Its dimensions are 72 x 24 in. For the height, it is ¼ in. It is also the most lightweight mat on this list, as it only weighs 3.5 lbs.
Pros
- It is affordable but has good quality
- Extremely lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Lays flat easily
Cons
- Just offers a bit of support
- May slip a bit when there is excess moisture
- A bit uncomfortable
Runner-up Budget Pick: Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip
The Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Yoga Mat is a bit more expensive than our best budget pick, as it retails for $69. However, this mat deserves to be on our list because it is an affordable mat that has great grip strength.
There are other high-end mats that do not offer the same strong grip as the one from Gaiam. In fact, we noticed its top layer actually got stickier when it was damp. Our hands and feet were grounded on the mat despite continuous flows.
This mat also has a good amount of cushioning. However, it is not thick enough that you no longer feel tension in your joints.
Key Features
The Gaiam Performance Dry Grip is made of polyurethane and PVC. It also has a premium topcoat that helps wick away moisture, which further helps with the grip of the mat.
Its cushion is 5 mm, and it is 100% latex-free. You have three colors to choose from: purple, black, and blue.
The dimensions are 68 x 24 in, and it weighs approximately 4.25 lbs. Keep in mind, just like other mats, it has a strong chemical smell when you unroll it initially. But this odor is harmless. It is recommended to air it out for two to three days before using it.
Pros
- Has grip strength
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Helps keep your hands and feet grounded
Cons
- Has a lingering odor
- It does not come with a carrying strap
Best Splurge Pick: Jade Yoga XW Fusion Mat
If you want to upgrade your yoga mat, the Jade Yoga XW Fusion Mat is a bit of a splurge at $266, but trust us, it’s worth it.
The Jade Yoga XW Fusion Mat feels downright luxurious, and its noteworthy thickness adds a significant boost to grip and support. Additionally, its cushion aids in relieving joint tension, so we have more fluid flows and pose transitions.
Further, it can be used for a variety of styles. It’s perfect for meditation yoga, providing extreme comfort for sitting and lying down. At the same time, it is great for hot yoga as it does not slip when we are already dripping with sweat.
Lastly, you cannot go wrong with its size. You won’t run out of space when diving into energizing flows and stretches.
Key Features
This yoga mat is made from natural and eco-friendly rubber. It is also non-toxic as it does not contain PVC and EVA. It is one of the widest mats on the market, as it measures 80 in long and 28 in wide.
Additionally, it is one of the thickest mats you can ever use. Its cushion is 8 mm thick.
You also do not have to worry about slipping due to its open-cell design. There are four choices for the color, and it ranges between purple and blue.
Pros
- Provides excellent support
- Does not slip even on different types of surfaces
- Extremely comfortable to use
- Has a lot of space
- Durable
Cons
- Does not come with a carrying strap
- Things like dirt or hair tend to stick to it when left unrolled
- Takes a long time to clean
Best for Hot Yoga: Jade Harmony
In the world of bikram or hot yoga, a serious session is pretty much a given. But dealing with a slippery mat that messes up your balance? Not fun. That’s where the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat shines as the top choice for our hot yoga sessions.
Unlike other yoga mats that rely on materials you need to wipe off, the Jade Harmony mat takes a different approach. It absorbs the sweat instead, so you can keep flowing without worrying about slipping.
Moreover, even if the mat has absorbed a lot of moisture, it still has great traction. The cushioning is not so plush that your hands will be drenched in sweat when you press against it as well. This yoga mat was designed for traction, stability, and comfort.
Key Features
This yoga mat is made from natural rubber. Also, it does not contain EVA and PVC. There is variety in terms of length as it comes in two sizes: 68 in and 74 in. For both lengths, the width size is 24 in.
The thickness of the mat measures 3/16 in. Furthermore, you have a lot of choices for color, and its palette is jewel-toned. It weighs 4.8 lbs.
Pros
- Has optimal traction
- Perfect for hot yoga due to fast moisture absorption
- Has a lot of color choices
- Durable
Cons
- It has a rubber smell that lingers
- Not lightweight, especially when it absorbs a lot of moisture
- It is a bit difficult to wipe due to stickiness
- Easily shows scuff marks
Best for Yoga Form: Omala Aurora Color-Changing Mat
The Omala Aurora Color-Changing Mat is perfect if you are someone who wants to check or perfect your yoga form. We were extremely fascinated with this yoga mat when we first saw it since it changes color based on pressure and heat. This means you can actually see your hand or footprint on the mat, making it a fantastic tool for checking and refining your yoga form.
It’s particularly well-suited for beginners, as it allows them to visually check their forms rather than relying on the “feeling” of the stretch or flow.
Key Features
The Omala Aurora Color-Changing Mat is made from PVC with a thermal-responsive material and premium cushioning. Your stability can also be improved by the surface contouring of this mat.
Additionally, it does not contain paraffin, phthalates, and BPAs. For the color, you have two choices: purple and old rose. Its dimensions are 24 in x 70 in x 0.2 in. Lastly, it is a bit on the heavier side, weighing 4.96 lbs.
It is worth noting that you have to take special care of this yoga mat as the thermal-responsive material may lose its effectiveness when the coating is cleaned or scratched off.
Plus, the color-changing response is unique to the thermal signature of the user. To get the best response, it is better to use that mat at a temperature between 68-72°F.
Pros
- Thermal response helps guide and correct form
- The feel of the top layer helps with your grip
- Rolls out flat immediately
- Ideal mat for form-heavy practice
Cons
- Lacks thickness
- Offers a bit of support
- A bit heavy
- It has a strong floral smell when unboxed
- It takes 48 hours of airing out before you can use it
Best for Travel: Manduka eKO Superlite
The best travel yoga mat is one that is lightweight and easy to fold and unfold but still offers good grip and stability. We found all these qualities in the Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat.
Usually, travel yoga mats are shorter. But this one still has the standard size, so you are not pressed for space with your footwork. We tried traveling with this yoga mat and carrying it for an extended period was not a hassle at all.
Out of all the mats we tried, this one was also the most lightweight. Given this fact, it is also expected that the yoga mat is fairly thin since adding more cushioning will increase its weight.
Key Features
The material of this yoga mat is made from natural non-Amazon tree rubber. It is also 99% latex-free and vegan-friendly. Moisture and bacteria are locked out due to its closed-cell surface.
It can also be folded or rolled, and it will not crease. Additionally, its top layer has an orange peel surface to help with grip and traction. As for the thickness, it is just 1.5 mm.
You have two choices for the length: 71 in or 79 in. Both lengths have a width of 24 in. Lastly, its weight, depending on the length, ranges between 2 lbs. to 2.5 lbs.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Has a fair grip and traction
- Can be folded or rolled without creasing
Cons
- It can be a bit slippery at first
- Does not offer additional support
- Cushioning is thin
Best for Yoga at Home: Liforme
It can be challenging to do yoga at home since we do not have our yoga instructors to guide or adjust our form. This is why the Liforme Yoga Mat is beneficial for home use; it’s specifically designed to guide forms.
We thought that using the alignment guide on the mat would be difficult. However, the instructions that came with the mat are simple and easy to follow. Thus, we had the opportunity to lean deeper into the poses instead of worrying if we were doing the right form.
The yoga mat also has extra space compared to standard sizes of other mats. This made it easier for us to do energetic flows, meditation, and extended stretches.
Key Features
The base material of the yoga mat is natural rubber and the top is made from eco-friendly polyurethane. Also, it is PVC-free and made with biodegradable materials.
Its top surface has alignment markers, which can help guide your form. They have what they call “Clean Grip Technology,” which is a three-layer construction of the mat. This helps with moisture absorption, cleaning, support, and grip.
Liforme is also wider and longer than other mats. Its dimensions are 185 cm x 68 cm, and the thickness is 4.2 mm. Due to its size, expect it to be heavier. It weighs approximately 4.6 lbs.
It already comes with a carrying bag. The instructions on how to use the alignment markers are also included in your purchase.
Pros
- Perfect for aided yoga practice at home
- Has a lot of space
- Easy to clean, dries easily
- Has a good grip even when you become sweaty
- Durable
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Bulky
Best for Yoga and Cross-Training: BalanceFrom All-Purpose Mat
The all-purpose mat from BalanceFrom is perfect for those people who do a variety of exercises, such as pilates, aerobics, HIIT, and other floor exercises. However, the thickness of this mat offers just the right amount of support for yoga and cross-training activities. It helps with stability, but it is not grip-heavy, so your rapid movements are not stunted.
For yoga, we realized that it works better on energetic flows. But when it comes to long-hold poses or slow flows, the thickness can be a bit much. This is because the thickness of the mat prevented us from leaning deeper into the pose. However, since this mat is designed for a variety of exercises, it’s a reasonable trade-off.
Key Features
This yoga mat is made out of high-density foam. The foam helps cushion your back, spine, knees, and elbows on different surfaces. Additionally, both of its layers have non-slip surfaces, so you won’t have to worry about slipping when you get too sweaty.
Its dimensions are 71 in x 24 in, and the thickness is 12.99 mm. The thickness of the mat helps with comfort, balance, and stability. Surprisingly, even if it is huge and has thick cushioning, it is still lightweight, weighing approximately 2 lbs.
The BalanceFrom All-Purpose Mat has moisture-resistant technology. This makes it easy to clean and dry; soap and water will do the trick.
Pros
- Perfect for yoga and cross-training
- Extremely comfortable
- Has good support
- Easy to clean
- Prevents slipping
Cons
- Not ideal for slow flows and long-hold poses
- Bulky
- Takes a long time to lay flat when unboxed
- Can sometimes make squeaky noises
Best for Meditation Yoga: Lululemon Workout Mat
A good meditation yoga mat is one with the right amount of cushioning and grip. It should not be too thick that our bodies are comfortable enough to just relax on a stretch or pose. Rather, support should only help relieve tension but still keep our bodies engaged during long holds and static poses.
As such, the Lululemon Workout Mat makes it a perfect fit for meditation and slow-flow yoga styles. The size is perfect for a locust pose, lizard pose, or standing forward bends.
The raised texture of its surface helps prevent slipping. The thickness is just right for you to be comfortable and stable, but you are not relaxed enough to let go of the pose. It is also wider compared to other mats in this list.
Key Features
The material of the top layer of the mat is PVB. This is a recycled resin that is usually used for safety glass, like windshields. Also, the raised textured helps with your grip. Additionally, moisture and sweat can easily be wiped off due to the closed-cell design.
It only comes in one size: 66 cm x 180 cm with a 6.6 mm thickness. The approximate weight is fairly standard for yoga mats, which is 4.4 lbs.
Pros
- Provides comfort while engaging the body
- Wider compared to other mats
- Easy to clean
- Prevents slipping
Cons
- It has a strong rubber scent, which eventually goes away
- Does not lay flat immediately when unrolled
- Does not come with a carrying strap
Best Non-Rubber Yoga Mat: Oko Living Herbal
The Oko Living Herbal Yoga Mat is a good alternative mat if you dislike the feel of rubber of most yoga mats. Just remember, since it is not made with rubber, it cannot offer optimal support. At the same time, you have to be mindful of your grip as it does not have that sticky surface.
However, we found that its bottom layer has a coating of natural tree rubber, so there is still a bit of traction.
Key Features
The Oko Living Herbal Yoga Mat is hand-loomed and plant-dyed. It is made from 100% organic cotton, so it does not have chemicals, PVC, BPA, phthalates, or heavy metals. This mat is as eco-friendly as you can get since it is also biodegradable.
It comes with a carrying case and a wildcrafted nut laundry detergent. Its length is slightly longer than other mats. The dimensions are 72 in x 25 in. It is approximately 3.4 lbs.
Aside from natural tree rubber, the mat has rib lines where your hands and feet can get extra traction. Additionally, it offers a bit of support due to its thickness (5 mm). You do not have to worry about bacteria buildup due to sweat since the material itself is antibacterial and antimicrobial as well.
Pros
- Eco-friendly choice
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
- Does not slip
Cons
- It does not offer a lot of support
- Prone to staining
- Ridges can be too far apart to aid with certain poses
How to Choose the Best Mat For Yoga
With so many options in the market, it’s easy to feel lost on what to buy. But here’s a general checklist of factors you should consider when choosing a yoga mat.
Material
There are a lot of options for the material of your mat. The most popular ones are natural rubber, foam, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). Choose a mat material that aligns with your yoga style, as certain materials are more suitable for specific practices.
For example, PVC mats are durable, and sweat can be easily wiped off of them. Therefore, these mats are a good option if you are doing hot yoga.
Another example is rubber mats. These mats have good traction. So, they’re good for yoga styles with energetic flows, like vinyasa flows.
Thickness
The thickness is another important factor when choosing a yoga mat to buy. The cushioning dictates how much support, stability, and comfort the mat can offer.
So, if you do energetic flows, you do not have much need for a thick mat. On the other hand, if you focus on poses and long holds, then a thick mat is essential.
Keep in mind the thicker the mat, the less tension you will feel on your hands and knees. Alternatively, a thicker mat can also offset your balance when doing inverted poses.
Balance can be easily achieved when our feet feel the ground, so if your practice involves a lot of balancing, it is the best option to go for a thinner mat.
Length
The standard size for yoga mats is 68 in x 24 in. However, this does not mean that it can accommodate all sizes of people. If you are taller than 5 ft, you should look for a longer mat.
You can check if you can fit in the mat by doing a downward-facing dog. Check if your feet and hands are planted firmly on the mat. If they do not hit the edges, you have the right size.
Weight
Another factor to take note of is the weight of the mat. Lighter mats are portable, so they are easier to carry when you go to the yoga studio or when you are traveling. They also offer more stability and can help with balance. As you can still feel the ground on your feet, you can center yourself more and lean deeper into a pose.
On the other hand, heavier mats tend to be more comfortable. They offer more support so your elbows, knees, and back do not feel too much tension. We just find that they are a bit harder to clean, and take longer to dry.
The weight of the mat has a bearing on whether it is easy to roll and unroll it as well.
Cell Type
When you look at mats, you will see that they either have an “open cell” or “closed cell” type. This refers to the ability of the mat to repel or absorb moisture.
Open cell type yoga mats absorb moisture. Therefore, it will work perfectly for Bikram or hot yoga. However, you have to clean them regularly as they can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Meanwhile, closed cell type is when the mat repels moisture. These are good for low-intensity practices. Also, closed cell types tend to have more traction, so you can strengthen your grip. Since most of them are waterproof, they are easier to clean.
Grip
There are mats that have smooth and textured surfaces. Your option for surface type depends on your preference and yoga practice.
For example, if your practice has vinyasa flows, it is the better option to buy a mat with a smooth surface so that your transitions go smoothly.
Another example is when your practice involves a lot of inverted poses. This time, a textured surface will work well because you will have more grip. A mat with a textured surface also prevents slipping, which is great for hot yoga.
Odor Resistance
Your mat will get smelly in due time. Even if you’re not diving into hot yoga, all the sweat from your other sessions will add up. Mats with a sticky top layer are also magnets for dirt, hair, and oil. All these factors contribute to the odor of the mat.
Rubber mats are notorious for smelling sour even when they are cleaned after use. If you’re eyeing a rubber mat, make sure to look for features that can tackle the smell, like built-in deodorizers or antibacterial properties in the material.
Airing out your mat under the sun may help with the odor. However, doing this on a daily basis destroys the integrity of the mat. Therefore, the mat itself should really have good odor resistance.
Maintenance
You should also consider how much time and effort it will take to clean your mat. The general rule is to not leave your mats under the sun for more than three hours. Doing so will ruin the material, and it will no longer stay flat. Some even flake, change color, and become brittle.
If you choose an open cell type mat, you really need to clean it with soap and water after every use. For waterproof mats, you can just deep clean them thrice a week.
Aesthetics
The aesthetics of the mat may seem like a minor detail to some, but we think that the look of the mat also plays a role in your practice. If you are using a mat that is aesthetically pleasing to your eyes, then you are also motivated to do more yoga.
The color can also affect your mood and determination to hold your poses and complete your flow. Buy a mat with a color and design that you will truly love. We assure you that every time you unroll it, you are put in the zone to complete your yoga session.
Wrapping Up
All in all, choose and buy the mat that fits your needs. Align your choice with your yoga style, capabilities, and limitations.
You do not have to invest in an expensive mat. Start with one that fits your budget. As you start using the mat, you can determine which feature is lacking. From there, you can upgrade your mat to fit your needs better.
The best mat for you is one that can supplement your practice—whether that’s for support, better alignment, or traveling. Treat your mat of choice as your longtime companion in your journey to wellness.
FAQs
What is the difference between a yoga and an exercise mat?
In general, a yoga mat is thinner and has a textured surface that helps with stability, balance, and grip of the user. Exercise mats tend to be thicker and firmer. The latter aims to support exercise equipment and cushion the back for floor exercises.
Does an expensive yoga mat make a difference?
More expensive yoga mats can elevate your practice. They can offer more support and grip to make your poses and flows easier to accomplish. However, there are also less expensive mats that are high quality and can deliver the same claims.
Is a rubber or foam yoga mat better?
Rubber mats offer more grip and cushioning. They can also help with stability and balance, which makes them ideal for intense practice. Foam mats can only provide support, but they are easy to clean. The cushioning of foam mats can disrupt your balance.
What is the best thickness for yoga mats?
It depends on your yoga style. Thicker mats (5-6 mm) are best for joint support and cushioning, which is suited for gentle yoga. Thinner mats (3-4 mm) offer balance and stability—these are best for vinyasa flows.
Are yoga mats hygienic?
Mats can be a haven for bacteria when you do not give them a good wash after use. Open cell type mats are prone to bacteria growth because they absorb moisture. Viruses and bacteria can survive on your mat for days. Therefore, to keep you from getting sick or having skin allergies, thoroughly wash your mats after your session.