If you're not sure where to start, choose a mat that's about 1/8-in. thick (or 3.175 mm), a pretty standard thickness. These mats are excellent for those in a strong, flowing practice. They allow solid contact with the floor, which helps with stability during a variety of poses.
What should yoga mats be made of?
Material
Options: Most standard yoga mats are made of PVC, otherwise known as vinyl. Newer, more earth-friendly options include natural and recycled rubber, jute, and organic cotton or natural cotton (which means the fabric is not treated with synthetic finishes during manufacturing).
What is the best material and thickness for yoga mat?
The sweet spot: 4mm yoga mats
Luckily, mats that are made from natural materials like natural rubber or cork cannot be too thick, and will therefore keep you more in control of your balance while you practice as well as give you the right grip for not slipping.
Is a rubber or foam yoga mat better?
Foam yoga mats are typically made from a dense, closed-cell foam material, which provides a stable and cushioned surface for yoga practice. They are lightweight, easy to clean and transport, and are generally more affordable than rubber mats. They also provide good grip, but can be less durable than rubber mats.
Does an expensive yoga mat make a difference?
They're more durable
High-end mats are built to endure heavy use that can take you from a home practice, to the studio and even outdoors. Take Manduka, for example. Most yoga instructors I have spoken with have owned a Manduka mat at some point in their practice.
What thickness of yoga mat is best?
4mm
The sweet spot: 4mm yoga mats
This makes the absolute best material for grip. However, having more than 5mm thickness in natural rubber simply can't be for a yoga mat – rubber is a heavy, dense material so a thicker natural rubber mat will be way too heavy.
Need a new yoga mat? Here's how to choose the right one for you... https://t.co/y3Cipymi0g pic.twitter.com/ffPMmKOw5v
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Are thicker yoga mats harder to balance?
The tradeoff is that thick yoga mats (some as thick as 1/4 inch) can make it harder for you to feel a strong connection to the floor, making you more wobbly in Tree Pose, for example.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the point in a yoga mat?
Using a mat is pretty much essential for yoga. Not only does it protect your joints from impact against a hard floor, but the surface is grippy enough to keep you locked in place when you're in an awkward position.
Do you really need a mat for yoga?
Yoga Mats. Wherever you practice, a proper yoga mat is essential. Working on a rug, slippery towel or overly-soft gym cushion can lead to injury and frustration. Most studios and gyms offer mats for public use, but owning your own can be a more hygienic alternative.
What thickness is best for yoga mat?
4mm is the best yoga mat thickness for most people practicing yoga at home or in the yoga studio. If you often travel or prefer a lightweight yoga mat the best yoga mat thickness will be 2mm. And if you feel like you need a little bit of extra cushioning 5mm is likely the best yoga mat thickness for you.
Which yoga mat material is best for beginners?
If you want to stick with the tried and true sticky mat, choose a yoga mat made out of PVC, which can endure your use and abuse for more than a decade. Sponginess can vary widely with different blends of materials, but in general, PVC has the most "give" of any yoga mat material; jute and cotton have the least.
Which side of my yoga mat goes up?
And one that grips your body a little better the logo. Side is generally the side that faces up and the non logo side obviously is the side that hits the floor.
What side of Lululemon mat to use?
The smooth side of the reversible mat is softer and my personal choice of side by default. The textured side is grippier and therefore a better choice if you sweat a lot, or are looking for a reliable non-slip yoga mat for hot yoga.
FAQ
- Which side of Manduka mat to use?
- The Manduka X Mat is made of the same durable material on the top and bottom, so you are welcome to use either side! How do I care for my Manduka X Mat? Keep your mat in the best condition by wiping it down after every practice with our Manduka All Purpose Mat Wash. Never soak, shower or submerge your mat in water.
- Are extra thick yoga mats better?
- Thicker mats provide extra cushioning and are best for more therapeutic practices. If you enjoy restorative yoga, a style with fewer poses that you hold longer, for example, you may prefer a softer, more cushioned mat.
- What are the lines on yoga mat for?
- If you want to be a yogi master, your hands and feet need to be positioned correctly when practising a pose. Our mat has laser-etched Asana Alignment Lines with essential eye, hand, and body positions. The lines act as a guide to help you align your body correctly, optimise your stance, and reduce the risk of injury.
- What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?
- The sweet spot: 4mm yoga mats Luckily, mats that are made from natural materials like natural rubber or cork cannot be too thick, and will therefore keep you more in control of your balance while you practice as well as give you the right grip for not slipping.
- Which yoga mat material is better?
- Usually, PVC yoga mat has the best viscidity and traction. TPE or NBR have similar viscidity, but they are slippy on the surface, thus their traction is not as good as PVC yoga mats.
How to choose the right yoga mat
| What qualities should a yoga mat have? | Beyond a color and pattern that suits your style, your yoga mat needs to keep you stable in your poses; it needs to be storable and portable, yet comfy and cushy. You may also want your mat to be environmentally friendly. |
| What are yoga mats called? | A yoga mat, otherwise known as an exercise mat, is a small and soft piece of foam used for exercise. |
| What is a mat for exercise called? | Yoga mats are specially fabricated mats used to prevent hands and feet slipping during asana practice in modern yoga as exercise. |
| What is the traditional yoga mat? | Yoga rugs are traditionally woven from cotton, while mats are usually made of rubber (although these days you will find mats made from other sustainable materials, like cork or juke). |
| How many types of yoga mats are there? | Rubber, jute and, cotton yoga mats, while available in a range of thicknesses, tend to be thicker and slicker than PVC mats. You can get a yoga mat that's eco-friendly, has a thickness that meets your needs for comfort and portability, and has a texture (such as a raised geometric pattern) that prevents slippage. |
- What is the difference between yoga mat and regular mat?
- Compared to exercise mats, yoga mats tend to be thinner and can be found somewhere in the middle of the firmness scale. The thinness of a yoga mat gives yoga enthusiasts enough cushion to still be able to feel the floor without feeling any pain associated with just using the floor.
- Does quality of yoga mat matter?
- Look for mats with textured surfaces to maintain better grip when the poses get more strenuous. Thicker mats provide extra cushioning and are best for more therapeutic practices. If you enjoy restorative yoga, a style with fewer poses that you hold longer, for example, you may prefer a softer, more cushioned mat.
- Can you print on a yoga mat?
- Want to create custom printed yoga mats? Our flatbed printer can help you do this by direct inkjet printing on yoga mats. Whether the material of yoga mat is EVA, PVC, or PET, it is so easy to complete with our YD-F2513R5 flatbed yoga mat printing machine.
- Is it worth it to invest in a good yoga mat?
- Whether you're going to a local studio or practicing at home, having a quality yoga mat that provides the right amount of grip and support is critically important.
- What materials should you avoid in a yoga mat?
- Phthalates, PVC, and synthetic latex Phthalates are another chemical often found in yoga mats. This chemical is used to make PVC flexible, but it has been shown to leach out of materials when they become warm, making it a particular problem for anyone doing Bikram yoga.