Yoga Mats – choose the right one

yoga mat

Starting your yoga practice with a good yoga mat will make your session more enjoyable and safe. Choose a yoga mat that suits your level of practice and purpose. Many yogis have quite a collection of yoga mats. If you are traveling or have to carry a yoga mat to class, you may choose a lighter one. You may also have a favourite one that you use for practice at home.

The main factors to consider are:

·  Texture – Your mat should allow you to practice without slipping. If you are slipping with your current mat during a pose, get a new mat. The type of material it is made from will determine its grip, sponginess and texture. Most yoga mats are made of vinyl, which makes them durable but if you want something more eco-friendly, you may wish to go for a rubber (with cotton and jute) or a bamboo-based mat.

·  Thickness – This is mostly personal choice depending on whether you want more cushioning or more contact with the floor for balance poses. A typical mat is 3-4mm thick(about 1/8 inch) but if you are doing a lot of strenuous or balancing poses which require more grip and contact with the earth, a thinner mat would be better (1.6mm or 1/16 inch). If you are using the mat for abs or need more cushioning for your knees or back, go for a thicker mat (6mm or 1/4 inch) but bare in mind, the thicker the mat, the more wobbly you will be for balance poses.

·  Material – This will determine its weight, stickiness, durability, eco-friendliness and longevity, so again it comes back to personal choice. In keeping with ahimsa (non-violence or absence of injury), the first of the eight limbs of yamas, many yogis choose eco-friendly yoga mats.

  • PVC (polyvinyl chloride) has the best grip and is durable but not eco-friendly. It can take up to 1000 years to decompose in landfill. It can become slippery if wet from sweat so keeping the mat clean is essential.
  • TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) are more eco-friendly and still provide good grip but is less durable. It is made of a mixture of rubber and plastic polymers. Its durability and eco-friendliness will depend on the blend of materials. It is not suitable for people with latex allergies.
  • Eco-friendly mats can be made of rubber, cork, jute, organic cotton, hemp or bamboo. The stickiness may not be as good and they tend to be less durable in general. Bamboo mats can even absorb sweat and odour, but this can damage its structure. Hemp mats are much more durable and can be resistant to bacteria and mould but the surface may be rough on the skin.

·  Size and Style – A typical yoga mat is 66cm X 180cm (26-71 inches). Yoga mats can come with alignment markings to help you get the correct alignment for poses, especially if you are just starting out. If you like to colour co-ordinate your mat with your yoga active wear, you may wish to have a variety of colours and designs.

·  Price – This can range from a super cheap PVC mat from your local department store to over $120 for a professional mat. Find a balance between your budget and your practice. More expensive does not necessarily equate to a better quality mat. Considering all the factors above should help you decide.

Here are a selection of our preferred yoga mats – shop here!