The Best Yoga Mats
Whether you're a veteran yogi or a beginner learning the ropes, a yoga mat is an absolute necessity. You might assume that you can do yoga anywhere, and there are plenty of poses in which that is true; however, you'll be limited by the lack of grip and the pain of pressing your bones against a hard floor. A good yoga mat does a few things: it prevents you from slipping when you get sweaty, cushions your bones and joints, and provides a stable surface that installs confidence during those precarious poses. We've rounded up a few of the best options, so have a look and see which one is right for you.
What to Look For
Your yoga mat will serve as the foundation for your practice, so it’s crucial to pick one that you like. To make your search easier, we suggest focusing on three key qualities: the mat’s grip, thickness, and length. Some folks prefer thicker mats that provide extra support, like our top pick from Gaiam Essentials. Whether you have sensitive knees or simply enjoy feeling the dense cushioning beneath you, you’ll probably enjoy the luxe feel of this mat. But it is a bit costly, for casual yogis might prefer a more affordable option, such as the mat offered by Amazon basics. Read on to learn more about the rest of our favorites.
Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat
Thick in all the right places
The American yoga community — as well as the wellness community at large — has often been accused of gatekeeping. What should be an inclusionary practice seems to price people out with its costly and seemingly mandatory products, such as workout attire, yoga blocks, and studio memberships. In our opinion, you shouldn’t have to dish out a large chunk of your paycheck just to practice yoga. For that reason, we believe Gaiam’s Essentials mat is one of the best options out there. At over 10 mm thick, this ultra-economical mat provides more cushioning than most other mats without being incredibly bulky. And despite its affordability, it sacrifices very little in quality.
Pros:
- Thanks to its thickness, it’s great for those with sensitive knees
- Available in a wide variety of colors
- Purchase includes a free mat carrier strap
Cons:
- Not the most durable, so it’s better for casual use
Amazon Basics Exercise Yoga Mat
Keeping it casual
While serious devotees may want an expensive mat that provides them with ample support, what if you just have a casual relationship to yoga and you want a mat that reflects that? Rather than splurging, it might make more sense for you to choose something more budget-friendly like this option from Amazon Basics. Thick enough to cushion sensitive knees yet light enough to be carried from your home to the studio with ease, this is a good mat for anyone looking to get involved in the practice without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Multiple color options available, so you can find the one that best suits your tastes
- Shoulder strap included for easy transportation
Cons:
- Gets very slippery when it’s wet
- Dry grip isn’t too impressive either
Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat
On firm footing
Many of us turn to yoga for its numerous benefits, both physical and mental, and so when we take to the mat, we expect to be rewarded for our efforts. But there’s almost nothing more frustrating than heading to a class, centering your attention, and starting to feel the blood flow through you, only to suddenly slip and stumble out of a pose in front of the rest of the class. Your yoga mat should complement your practice, not detract from it, and so we find the Gaiam Premium to be an excellent choice. Its non-slip surface helps you maintain your grip, even during tough poses. And perhaps best of all, the patterns and colors that Gaiam offers are truly unique, so you can flow through your vinyasa in peak style.
Pros:
- Huge variety of beautiful patterns and colors to choose from
- Great value for the quality provided
- Purchase includes a downloadable yoga class for free
Cons:
- The mat’s strong odor takes a while to go away
NewMe Fitness Exercise Yoga Mat
New beginnings
Between yoga’s many poses, the foreign nomenclature, and its physical demands, many people feel intimidated by the practice. NewMe Fitness’s idea behind this mat is to lower the barrier to entry by producing an educational mat. It’s just as effective as supporting your body through your practice as it is as teaching you the basic shapes of common yoga poses. Thanks to this, it’s a great buy for anyone looking to give yoga a shot. It’s also the ideal pick for anyone looking to buy a mat as a gift for a loved one.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly construction
- Makes for an excellent gift
- Offered in different colors so that you can find the one that’s right for you
Cons:
- A tad too thin for those with sensitive knees
Manduka Pro Yoga Mat
The motherlode
To some, yoga isn’t merely part of their fitness regimen, but rather a way of life — a ritualistic endeavor that centers the mind, calms the spirit, and fortifies the body. For those who know that they want to give their practice the best materials possible to enhance the experience, the Manduka Pro is the way to go. Sold in two different lengths to accommodate different body sizes, this one cuts no corners — and that’s reflected in its price. The Manduka Pro offers superior grip, comfortable cushioning, and a clever closed-cell surface that is dense enough to keep sweat from seeping into the mat’s body. It’s designed not just to last, but to do so with style, because it won’t flake like so many of its competitors do after months and months of rigorous use.
Pros:
- Available in various colorways
- Easy to clean
- Wears in well with use
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Can be a bit slippery when wet
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a yoga mat to practice yoga?
The simple answer is no, you don’t need one. But let’s pose a similar question: Do you really need shoes to go running outside? No, but it won’t be the most pleasant experience. Most people don’t have a yoga-friendly patch of grass readily available to them, but even if you do, what happens if you want to practice indoors on hardwood floors? A mat gives you the flexibility to practice wherever you want without having to worry about logistical matters like this. If you’ve got the money to spend, and you’re interested enough in yoga to invest time into it, it makes sense to buy a mat. It can greatly enhance your practice.
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