The best yoga mats to unleash your inner yogi
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Yoga offers several physical and spiritual benefits. It is an ancient practice of uniting the mind, body, and soul. Since the pandemic, we’ve all been stuck at home and many of us had our anxieties rise over the past few years. A yoga mat is a must-have item for anyone who practices yoga regularly or exercises at home to feel calm and connected to your body. The mat is placed on the ground to provide comfort and cushioning while performing various yoga poses.
Yoga mats are typically inexpensive and found in stores and online, so it’s easy to always have one or two around the house. But if you have recently unlocked a passion for yoga, you will want only the best mats for you at home and to take to the studio. Luckily, we’ve reviewed some of the most remarkable yoga mats of 2022 for you.
Top Picks
Best overall: AmazonBasics Yoga Mat
Designed for yoga and other physical activities, the AmazonBasics yoga mat features an extra-thick construction for optimal shock absorption and a comfortable feel.
The textured foam surface is ideally suited for use with or without shoes, and the included carrying strap offers convenient portability.
This 1/2-inch-thick mat is 100% NBR foam with a textured surface for traction and stability. Also, the simple black and gray design is neutral enough to complement yoga and exercise outfits. This product has an elastic strap to hold it rolled up. A detachable and adjustable shoulder strap provides comfortable carrying options. We’ve chosen this product as the best one because it provides excellent traction and has a comfortable carrying strap.
Pros
Doesn’t wear or tear with time
Comes in an attractive black shade
Helps prevent the joint pain
Cons
Chemical smell is powerful
Highest quality: BalanceFrom Yoga Mat
Enhance your YouTube yoga video workouts with BalanceFrom’s premium exercise yoga mat. This item is of exceptional quality and great value for its price.
Made of high-density foam, the BalanceFrom all-purpose premium exercise yoga mat is sturdy and gives you the cushioning to prevent injuries.
The slip-resistant surface keeps the product in place when you’re in awkward positions or vigorous movement. This pick is slip-resistant on both sides, and its high-quality material ensures years of use. Whether a yoga beginner or an experienced practitioner, this yoga mat will help you stay comfortable, even in a downward dog position!
Pros
It is odorless
Doesn’t let the moisture gather in a single place
Easy to roll up and store
Cons
Too soft for plus-size individuals
Best nontoxic choice: Gaiam Yoga Mat
The Gaiam yoga mat is an excellent nontoxic option that’s PVC free. It is superior to any toxic mat you might find at a random outlet store.
Also, it is a durable and high-quality exercise mat, so the different materials don’t take away from the quality of the mat. This rug has a firm grip and superior thickness for comfort and is made to last for years.
It is an eco-friendly yoga mat that is environmentally friendly and sustainable. This pick is great for exercise and fitness, including pilates, yoga and cardio.
Pros
It comes with a carrying strap that allows easy portability
Available in multiple shades for ultimate personalization
Has moisture-wicking tendencies
Cons
It has a strong odor
Best nonslip option: HemingWeigh yoga mat
HemingWeigh is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, multipurpose yoga mats.
This exercise rug supports many yoga routines, from strenuous vinyasa routines to calming, restorative yoga. The high-density foam is 1-inch thick, providing optimum comfort with extra cushioning for the knees, elbows and the spine. This yoga pad is extra wide, providing more space for those who like to take their time with poses.
The nonslip feature allows you to maintain balance while doing yoga. Also, the premium anti-tear foam material withstands your most demanding poses, like a warrior pose, without ripping. The durable material makes it perfect for you, whether you practice at home or attend yoga classes with your friends.
Pros
The carry strap makes it easy to carry around or bring to the yoga studio without breaking a sweat
Super easy to clean
Absorbs moisture well
Cons
It’s made of PVC, which has a weird scent
Best style: Gruper Yoga Mat
Gruber’s excellent, eco-friendly yoga mat satisfies all your yoga practice needs. The new yoga mats combine unique, upgraded and eco-friendly material with a beautiful design.
It is great for beginners and intermediate and advanced-level yoga enthusiasts. It is made of high-quality, sustainable material that has its sights set on your little environmentalist heart.
It has a pose-receptive surface and provides optimal grip without sacrificing comfort, which gives us the freedom to practice on our terms. These rugs comply with U.S. standard formats, which means these beauties are non-toxic, chemical-free, and latex-free.
Pros
Can be carried easily
Doesn’t contain any foul odor
This mat doesn’t get wet from sweat
Cons
It cannot be washed in a machine
Yoga mats: a buying guide
Yoga requires a lot of stretching and poses. This can lead to many ailments down the road if your body isn’t used to these activities. But don’t throw in the towel just yet! The secret is to start with a proper yoga mat for your exercises. Here’s a little sneak peek into the world of yoga mats so that you can make an informed decision.
What points to consider while buying a yoga mat?
Thickness
The thickness of a yoga mat is very important. Thicker mats might slip more easily on the ground but will offer more cushion for added comfort. Thinner mats can grip the ground better but might not support you as much as you’d like.
Material
Yoga mats also differ in terms of material. Each material has its pros and cons. The ones with rubber, for example, are great because they give a good grip and prevent slipping during practice. But these mats are difficult to clean and are expensive.
The most common materials used are rubber, PVC and leather. The rubber mat is the most popular, as it is durable and provides better cushioning. It also dries quickly after you are done with your yoga session. If you sweat a lot, opt for a PVC mat as it absorbs sweat and is easy to wipe dry.
Texture
The texture of a yoga pad also makes a practical difference, as it provides additional support to the body during strenuous exercise. More and more people are investing money in a quality yoga mat with a good texture, and they are not just doing it on a whim. Different types of yoga require varying mat textures. For instance, the texture of a yoga mat recommended for ashtanga or power yoga differs from the one recommended for hatha or Iyengar yoga.
Stickiness
Yoga mats have to be sticky to provide them with traction and grip. If the mat is smooth and slippery, then the feeling is not comfortable. The mats also become difficult to clean, especially if athletes sweat a lot. So, it is always a good idea to buy a sticky yoga mat.
Materials used to make yoga mats
Yoga mats have come a long way and are composed of several materials.
PVC
PVC yoga mats are created from a material called Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC. Pipes, water bottles and various outdoor plastics are usually made of PVC. It is created from chemicals, then polymerized to form the compound called vinyl. Mats made from PVC are permeable to air and water.
Natural rubber
If a yoga mat is composed of high-quality natural rubber, it is desired by practitioners of yoga who adhere to a specific diet and lifestyle. Natural rubber resists tearing and abrasion and is resistant to most chemicals. It is also quite flexible and has a high tensile strength, so it supports a lot of weight without breaking. The surface of rubber yoga mats is also slip-resistant, which is a big plus for many yoga styles and exercises.
Thermoplastic elastomer
A thermoplastic elastomer is a compound that is primarily composed of synthetic rubber. It is manufactured by merging two ingredients, including synthetic rubber and plasticizer. The primary purpose of the compound is to give a soft touch to the product.
However, it differs from natural rubber because it has a higher temperature threshold. It is mainly used to manufacture yoga mats because it is one of the most flexible materials. It gives rise to a gel-like texture, enabling the mat to be very lightweight. Plus, it provides you with a perfect cushion, even on hard surfaces.
How to maintain a yoga mat?
Most mats these days are made of PVC, which requires a few simple things to keep them in good condition.
Before each use, wipe it off with a damp cloth to remove sweat, oil and dirt.
If you’re using the mat daily, spray it with a disinfectant spray at least once a week.
Remember to always wash and dry your mat after each use, and if it has a foul odor, rewash it.
Some users maintain that yoga mats look better if you dust them with a bit of talcum powder now and then.
If you are looking for a hygiene solution, wash your mat in hot water.
Allow your mat to air dry.
Avoid exposing your mat to sunlight for extended periods.
If you’re interested in caring for your mat after each use, you can use a bit of coconut oil to keep it flexible.
How to wash a yoga mat?
Yoga mats must be cleaned after five uses at the most. If you can’t get to a sink, wipe it down using a wet towel. Do not spray the yoga mat with a cleaner or use a carpet cleaner.
First, you need to unroll the mat and leave it to dry in the sun for a few days.
Then, you can wash the yoga mat using plain water, no soap or detergent.
Squeeze almost dry using your palm.
Do not wring, as it will damage the mat.
Finally, hang it back to dry in the open air.
Yoga mat FAQs
Q: What are the perks of using a yoga mat?
A: A yoga mat allows you to get the perfect poses you practice every day. It prevents you from slipping and hurting yourself. It helps you to relax and prevents you from getting tired. A good yoga mat supports your body and makes you comfortable. No matter what type of yoga you practice, a good quality yoga mat helps you get excellent results.
Q: What is the standard size for a yoga mat?
A: Your size depends on what you want. They are typically between 4 and 5 feet wide. It’s best to get a size that is just big enough for you without falling off the mat, though also not too narrow to feel cramped in one position. The standard dimensions for a regular yoga mat are 2 by 6 feet. These dimensions enable you to do a whole routine of yoga poses. If the width is over 2 feet, it might be hard to use properly. If it is over 6 feet long, it will be hard to handle.
Q: How long can a yoga mat last?
A: The lifespan of a yoga mat can vary depending on the manufacturer and the care taken to maintain them. The life of a yoga mat depends on how often it is used and how often it is cleaned. Some high-end mats may last longer than others, but the life of a high-quality mat can last up to five years. It should be cleaned regularly, at least once a month during this period.
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