From the psychological well being advantages of lowered stress, anxiousness, and melancholy to the bodily well being advantages of improved mobility, energy, and steadiness, yoga has confirmed to assist improve the lives of individuals for hundreds of years.
Whereas a yoga mat isnt required in each studio or for each model and custom of yoga, utilizing a mat can enhance your follow. Michael Hartman, PhD, well being and diet science professional and vice chairman of analysis and growth at Plexus Worldwide, says a yoga mat is particularly useful for inexperienced persons because it supplies visible cues for foot and hand placement. Mats are additionally essential for individuals who have steadiness and coordination points, joint issues or are recovering from an damage. In addition to the cushioning of yoga mats to assist your physique and toes, utilizing a mat can even put you within the mindset to follow, says Rajaa Azouqa, yoga and mindfulness teacher at YogaRenew Instructor Coaching.
To check yoga mats, we had seven editors, together with a number of who’re licensed as instructors in barre, yoga and private coaching, use the mats in our lab whereas doing a collection of yoga flows. They did the yoga circulate collection as soon as after which once more after spraying their palms and toes with water to imitate an extra-sweaty exercise. Then the editors rated the yoga mats based mostly on thickness, grip, consolation, and portability, based mostly on a scale of 1 (being the worst) to five (being the perfect).
Greatest General
Jade Yoga Concord Yoga Mat
Amazon
Why We Like It: Its created from renewable, tree-tapped rubber which presents nice grip, and each buy goes towards planting timber.
Its Price Noting: We observed a barely off-putting scent through the kid’s pose.
Crafted from open-cell pure rubber, the Jade Concord Yoga Mat supplies each a snug cushion and a agency grip in your yoga follow. Open-cell rubber is of course derived (not artificial) and supplies a superior non-slip grip expertise over artificial rubber. We discovered the grip to be wonderful, and it wasn’t as slippery as a number of the different mats we tried.
It is best to know although that even pure supplies can have off-gassing durations, too, or a time frame when the mat smells. We observed a slight scent through the kid’s pose, the place the brow is on or close to the mat.
And at 5 mm thickness, this mat supplies a steadiness of softness and stability, so you may focus in your poses and breathwork even when working towards on exhausting studio flooring. We preferred that the mat was thick and the floor was agency, however not overly plush. For that cause, this mat could also be notably useful for folks with foot well being circumstances that will impression their steadiness corresponding to plantar fasciitis.
At a complete weight of round 5 kilos, most will have the ability to comfortably carry the mat out and in of courses with out threat of pressure. To maintain this mat clear, the producer recommends utilizing their plant-based formulation for a fast spray and wipe down after every yoga session. You can too use a pure, unscented cleaning soap to spot-clean or do a full wipe-down of the mat. Let the mat totally dry earlier than rolling and storing. Youll have the ability to roll the mat up for simple cleanup after understanding, however do word this yoga mat doesnt include a carrying strap for simple journey and storage.
Value at time of publication: $85
Product Particulars:
- Materials: Rubber
- Measurement: 68 x 24
- Thickness: 5 millimeters (mm)
- Weight: 5 kilos (lbs)
- Cleansing methodology: Spot clear
Greatest for Journey
BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Objective Yoga Mat
Amazon
Why We Like It: Its ideally suited for somebody seeking to check out a number of yoga courses regionally or whereas touring as it may be rolled up and introduced anyplace with ease.
Its Price Noting: The froth materials makes a slight squeaking sound when youre transitioning poses.
The BalanceFrom All Objective Yoga Mat actually could be taken anyplace with you. Its underneath two kilos and it comes with a helpful cloth carrying strap. Our testers say they love the provider strap that comes with this yoga mat as a result of it suits tremendous tight and makes the yoga mat tremendous straightforward to hold and retailer. Additionally they love how this mat is somewhat thicker than most, however as one reviewer mentioned, theyre nonetheless capable of preserve a very good grip on it, making it versatile for each yoga and different workouts like HIIT or weights.
And the thickness of this foam materials mat actually is unmatched. At over 12 mm thickness, you may relaxation assured your hips, knees, elbows, and wrists are supported in each pose on each studio flooring. That is notably useful for people who find themselves newer to yoga and on the lookout for further joint assist or for individuals who have joint circumstances like osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, not each yogi goes to really feel at peace on a thicker mat. It comes down to private choice a lot of the time, says our testers.
However its price noting that the mat didnt lay flat proper out of the field (not ideally suited if youre wanting to make use of it right away whereas on the street). A slight squeaking noise was additionally noticeable throughout yoga pose transitions, in keeping with our testers.
Youll wish to spot clear the mat and lay flat to dry, however you may toss the strap into your washer for simple cleansing.
Value at time of publication: $19
Product Particulars:
- Materials: Foam
- Measurement: 71 x 24 inches
- Thickness: 12.7 millimeters (mm)
- Weight: 1.8 kilos (lbs)
- Cleansing methodology: Spot clear
Greatest for Scorching Yoga
Sweaty Betty Supergrip Align Yoga Mat
Sweaty Betty
Why We Like It: The non-slip grip declare holds up even through the sweatiest of sizzling yoga classes.
Its Price Noting: Its a thinner mat that feels much less cushiony than others.
The rubber mix on this Sweaty Betty Supergrip Align Yoga Mat makes it an apparent alternative for warm yoga classes as a result of the mat continues to be grippy even after the sweat begins dripping. Even with moist palms, we by no means slipped on this one, and the mat stayed put all through the yoga session.
The mat can also be fairly light-weight at underneath 5 kilos, and really transportable. Nonetheless, it’s possible you’ll wish to buy a carrying strap for added ease. You must also know that this mat is thinner than others on the checklist. And at 4 mm thickness, it is probably not fairly sufficient cushion for some yogis. We wouldve liked to really feel somewhat extra consolation and assist with some additional cushioning. So, when you have joint ache or follow yoga on particularly exhausting surfaces, it’s possible you’ll wish to select a thicker possibility.
This mat could be spot cleaned, laid flat to dry, and rolled up with minimal effort.
Value at time of publication: $88
Product Particulars:
- Materials: Polyurethane and rubber
- Measurement: 72 x 24
- Thickness: 4 millimeters (mm)
- Weight: 4.4 kilos (lbs)
- Cleansing methodology: Spot clear
Greatest for Tall Yogis
Lululemon The Reversible (Huge) Mat 5mm
Huckberry
Why We Like It: The extra size of the mat means tall yogis can guarantee private area in small studios or full courses.
Its Price Noting: This yoga mat has a powerful scent when first unboxed. It is probably not appropriate for folks with scent sensitives.
That is the mat for tall yogis and for yogis seeking to safe somewhat additional private area throughout yoga courses. We felt comfy doing any pose with out worrying about falling off the mat or slipping on the bottom. Our 6 editor famous she was capable of lay flat on the mat and nonetheless have sufficient room to maneuver round comfortably. When standing, the mat area allowed her to totally stretch in warrior poses. All of us appreciated that the mat had a very good grip which was useful for sustaining steadiness and serving to to modify between poses.
The mat can also be very absorbent and dries up any drop of water rapidly. We have been amazed that after we sprayed water on our palms, the power to grip the mat was unchanged, so this is a wonderful mat to make use of for warm yoga.
Nevertheless, on the print aspect of the mat, we famous a slight chemical scent. On the again aspect, the rubber scent is even stronger. Whereas it’ll fade over time, this is probably not the best alternative when you have scent sensitivities.
The mat can also be barely sticky upon first unboxing, which makes it initially proof against unrolling and rolling. Giving the mat a mild wash with a spot-clean methodology and laying flat might assist. Lastly, its price noting that the black end reveals handprints and footprints, which can be distracting to some folks throughout follow.
Value at time of publication: $88
Product Particulars:
- Materials: Polyurethane and rubber
- Measurement: 28 x 84
- Thickness: 5 mm
- Weight: 7.05 lbs
- Cleansing methodology: Spot clear
Greatest for Quick Yogis
Yoloha Yoga Authentic Cork Yoga Mat
Amazon
Why We Like It: The cork padding supplies joint assist and the mat is light-weight.
Its Price Noting: This mat could also be too brief for taller yogis and it doesnt roll up tightly.
The cork padding and 6 mm thickness of the Yoloha Yoga Authentic Cork Yoga Mat is right for folks on the lookout for joint assist and sweat absorption. We discovered the cork to be agency sufficient to keep away from sinking into it and bouncy sufficient to stop feeling the studio flooring beneath you. The cork additionally cushions underneath palms and toes with minimal slipping. Our consultants mentioned the cork supplies are absorbent, too, so theyre appropriate for a wide range of slower circulate to larger depth yoga courses.
There are some issues to think about earlier than investing on this mat. After unboxing, the mat didn’t lay flat and the perimeters of the mat did curl barely. This didnt impression or intrude with the yoga circulate or follow. We did discover a slight chemical scent whereas in childs pose, nevertheless it wasnt overpowering or too disagreeable.
Its essential to do not forget that cork mats dont roll up as properly as mats created from different supplies, together with PVC and rubber. The massive measurement of the ultimate yoga mat roll, didnt match nicely into the offered carrying strap. It’s nonetheless a light-weight possibility so when you dont wish to use a carrying strap, you have to be simply fantastic bringing it to courses anyway. Nevertheless, as a result of its on the bulkier aspect, this can be a greater mat for utilizing at residence the place you may preserve it unrolled.
Like different mats on this checklist, you may clear your cork mat with a spot clear methodology utilizing pure cleaning soap or spray and laying flat to dry.
Value at time of publication: $135
Product Particulars:
- Materials: Cork
- Measurement: 72 x 23
- Thickness: Six mm
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
- Cleansing methodology: Spray with mat cleaner and lay flat to dry
Greatest Skinny
Sugarmat Printed Yoga Mat
Amazon
Why We Like It: Its delicate however nonetheless grippy (and completely beautiful).
Its Price Noting: This mat could also be too skinny to follow comfortably on exhausting surfaces.
The Sugarmat Printed Yoga Mat is a lot greater than its distinctive and delightful design. The feel, really feel, grip, and roll-up expertise are perfect for folks on the lookout for skinny mats for yoga courses. Skinny mats could be notably helpful in yoga courses as a result of they encourage correct positioning of your wrists, ankles, and extra. This encourages better strength-building and stability. Azouqa tells Well being if the mat is simply too thick, your palms will sink in, which may have an effect on the wrists negatively. Plus, thick mats make it exhausting to activate the arches within the toes, she provides. If youre utilizing this for yoga solely, its definitely worth the splurge, however for higher-impact courses like HIIT, it might not present sufficient assist for the leaping actions.
The rubber materials makes this Sugarmat very grippy. Even with our moist palms on the mat, we didnt slip when performing any poses or transitions.
Nevertheless, some yogis might discover this mat too skinny, particularly if theyre working towards on exhausting studio flooring. We tried this mat on concrete flooring, to see how it could maintain up towards the toughest floor to follow on doable. The concrete might be felt by means of the mat, so this mat could also be higher to be used on carpet flooring or fitness center foam flooring than concrete, hardwood flooring, or pavement. Regardless of its slim profile, when rolled up, the mat is heavy and tougher to move than others.
You may machine wash the Sugarmat and hold it to dry, making it extremely straightforward to take care of.
Value at time of publication: $99
Product Particulars:
- Materials: Rubber
- Measurement: 68 x 24 inches
- Thickness: Three millimeters (mm)
- Weight: 3.7 kilos (lbs)
- Cleansing methodology: Machine-washable
Greatest Versatile
Alo Yoga Warrior Mat
Alo
Why We Like It: It’s a well-rounded supportive mat that can be utilized in mild or high-intensity yoga courses.
Its Price Noting: Sweaty palms and toes left an imprint on the mat throughout our testing.
If youre on the lookout for a really versatile yoga mat that may accompany you to any class, that is it. We felt the thickness and grip ranges have been ideally suited for feeling totally supported throughout holding poses or transitioning between poses. One in every of our editors is susceptible to wrist fatigue, however she discovered this mat was comfy and supported her wrists and saved her pain-free all through the whole yoga circulate.
We selected this mat as most versatile as a result of its appropriate for rigorous and delicate practices alike, in addition to meditation or simply pre- or post-workout stretching. We liked that this mat supplies additional cushioning in your knees, which might be useful if you must maintain a lizard or frog pose for a number of minutes. And whereas on the heavier aspect, it does roll up fairly properly for simple journey and the advantages of the mat make the additional weight to hold price it.
Nevertheless, through the testing course of, we had some issues about sweat staining the mat. Throughout the sweat take a look at (with moist palms and toes), imprints might be seen on the mat. The mat additionally tends to get soiled simply, particularly when stepping from a naked flooring to the mat. To scrub the mat after follow, spray and wipe away the sweat and lay it flat to dry.
Value at time of publication: $155
Product Particulars:
- Materials: PVC
- Measurement: 6.2 toes (ft) x 2.2ft
- Thickness: 5 millimeters (mm)
- Weight: Six kilos (lbs)
- Cleansing methodology: Spot clear
Our Testing Course of
The Well being workforce, together with employees members which can be licensed yoga and barre instructors, and a licensed private coach examined every of the yoga mats. Every take a look at course of included unboxing the yoga mat, unfolding and unrolling the yoga mat, two brief yoga circulate practices (as soon as with dry/non-sweaty palms and as soon as with palms and toes sprayed with water), cleansing the mat, and rolling or folding the mat.
We evaluated the mats on grip, consolation, padding, thickness, portability, and even scent, since some yoga mats can have an odor, particularly when first used. We additionally thought of how nicely the yoga mat stays rolled up when not in use, if its heavy or overly massive, whether or not or not it comes with a yoga mat strap or a carrying bag, and if the care directions are overly fussy.
Together with these particular person components, we rated our total expertise utilizing the yoga mat based mostly on a five-point scale with 1 being wouldn’t suggest and 5 being the perfect.
We additionally spoke to educated consultants together with:
- Rajaa Azouqa, yoga and mindfulness teacher at YogaRenew Instructor Coaching
- Michael Hartman, PhD, well being and diet science professional and vice chairman of analysis and growth at Plexus Worldwide
What to Know About Yoga Mats
Supplies
Yoga mats can be found in all kinds of supplies. The fitting materials in your yoga mat relies on a number of components. Hartman tells Well being it comes down to private preferences, the floor beneath the mat, and the kind of yoga follow you do. For instance, he says, each cork (antimicrobial) and jute (wonderful grip) mats are nice selections for warm yoga, whereas PVC mats have essentially the most sponginess and are the perfect for sticking to hardwood flooring. Nevertheless, cotton mats are good in order for you a thinner mat.
Sorts
Yoga mat sorts are outlined by the primary supplies used. The most typical yoga mats available on the market embrace polyvinyl chloride or PVC, pure rubber, and pure cork. Azouqa tells Well being PVC yoga mats are on common, the thicker, cheaper choices accessible that are likely to last more. Hartman says theyre low-maintenance and supply good grip, too.
Pure rubber, alternatively, is fabricated from renewable and biodegradable assets good for the eco-conscious yogi. Azouqa says that rubber mats might present much more grip however could be on the costly aspect and heavier than different supplies. Hartman says recycled rubber or recycled plastic mats present delicate cushioning and simply take up sweat. Pure cork is one other renewable and biodegradable possibility and its value can fluctuate from inexpensive to costlier. Pure cork is utilized in sizzling yoga because the extra you sweat the higher the grip turns into, says Azouqa. Pure cork mats are additionally thought of antimicrobial and antifungal, straightforward to wash, and supply no-slip grip.
Different choices are additionally accessible together with jute and cotton mats. Hartman says jute mats supply superior assist and traction, so theyre sensible for inexperienced persons. He provides that cotton mats are sweat absorbent and simply machine-washable, which is especially helpful when going to common yoga courses or if youre visiting totally different yoga studios and wish to guarantee superior hygiene.
Value
Yoga mats are private investments. The yoga mats listed right here vary from just below $20 to round $150.
Extra Yoga Mats to Think about
Gaiam Folding Yoga Mat: Gaiam Folding Yoga Mat was straightforward to fold and really transportable, nevertheless it fell brief by way of its grip stage as a result of it was very slippery.
CAP Reversible Yoga Mat: An inexpensive possibility for many, the CAP Reversible Yoga Mat is slipperier than others we examined. Whereas some yogis like this problem, we discovered the slippery end to be distracting as a result of our palms and toes have been slipping even through the dry take a look at. The mat additionally took some time to put flat after unboxing and emitted a slight chemical scent.
Manduka SuperLite Yoga Mat: If youre on the lookout for a particularly light-weight possibility that’s straightforward to journey with and retailer away when not in use, this might be it. The mat is right for touring or for utilizing in small areas as a result of its straightforward to roll up. Nevertheless, its not grippy sufficient to be appropriate for individuals who sweat quite a bit throughout class or to be used in sizzling yoga courses.
Your Questions, Answered
What’s the greatest thickness for a yoga mat?
The perfect thickness for a yoga mat will rely upon private choice, whether or not or not you require further joint assist, and what feels most comfy in your follow.
As a normal rule, there are three totally different yoga mat thickness sorts, explains Hartman. These thicknesses vary from round 1/4 to 1/8 inches and 1/16 inches, with 1/8 being the usual.
For yoga inexperienced persons, Hartman suggests going for a 1/8 inch mat after which adjusting from there. Azouqa echoes this stating it’s best to start with something between 4.2-5.5 mm thick.
For yoga courses with numerous leaping, you might have considered trying a thick mat, says Hartman. However for slower, extra reasonable poses, you may go for a thinner one that offers you a greater connection to the ground.
Which mat is greatest for yoga?
The perfect yoga mat actually relies on which kind of yoga class youre attending and your private preferences.Cork or jute mats are greatest for warm yoga courses or courses the place youre certain to work up a sweat as a result of they nonetheless present a secure stage of grip for holding poses. If youre trying particularly for a yoga mat to assist preserve you in place throughout follow (ie. improve stability and steadiness), Azouqa suggests selecting a cork or pure rubber possibility.
Who We Are
Michelle Pugle, MA, MHFA, is a well being journalist, writer, and suicide prevention speaker with levels in Womens Research and Feminist Analysis, Sociology, and English. Michelle practices hatha yoga and numerous sizzling yoga courses to launch saved traumatic stress, fight power ache, and strengthen emotional resilience. Michelle makes use of a supportive rubber grippy mat as a result of it provides her the boldness to discover deeper poses with out worrying about joint fatigue or ache.
