How to Choose the Right Yoga Mat For You | The Criteria

Choosing the right yoga mat for you is dependent on a lot of factors - gender, body type, injuries, even how much you sweat! If you want to enjoy your workout experience on your yoga mat, it’s important to look at several details to make an informed decision.

What to Look for in a Yoga Mat

These 6 features can help guide your workout experience on your yoga mat, based on your  priorities, lifestyle, values, and budget.

1. Thickness

The thickness of your yoga mat can dictate how comfortable you feel — too thin, and your knees may not feel good. Too thick and it can be harder for you to balance.

5mm is the ideal thickness because it offers strong support (unlike a 3mm mat), but isn’t too squishy (like a 7mm mat)!

2. Material

The materials of your yoga mat are significant in determining your yoga mat’s grip, durability, and support system. Many yoga mats you find on Amazon or Target are made of a foamy material that is too squishy, can only be hand washed, and are slippery when sweating. Natural rubber is a stronger base material that can provide better grip, support, and durability and give you an overall better workout experience.

3. Texture

The texture of your yoga mat is also important because it can affect your workout confidence if you sweat a lot. You want to grip it, not slip it. So don’t sweat your downward dog because your mat is slippery, a suede texture yoga mat will give you a soft, cloud-like surface, while absorbing sweat so you never slip! Plus, suede is machine washable, so it’s more hygienic!

4. Eco-Friendliness

Nobody likes taking up landfills. And unfortunately, most standard foam yoga mats do exactly that. If choosing to value an eco-friendly yoga mat, you may choose one that is manufactured with an all-natural tree rubber base, so you can feel confident that you are helping save our planet, one yoga mat at a time.

5. Price Range

Determining where you align on your workout priorities, goals, and values should be part of your decision-making process when considering how much to spend on a yoga mat. Standard foam yoga mats will often be on the lower end of the spectrum, while fancy name brands will be on the higher spectrum. Ultimately, deciding whether the materials, texture, eco-friendliness, and design is important to you will indicate a price range that will give you the best bang for your buck. 

6. Design

Your style choices are an extension of your personality, and your workout gear can say a lot about you. Choose a yoga mat that illustrates your individuality, your mood, your uniqueness and you’ll be on your way to a better workout. 

What to Pair With a Yoga Mat

Whether you are an avid yogi, enjoy HIIT, or you’re a weekend warrior, your yoga mat can be paired with various workout essentials to get the most out of your fitness routine. Investing in a foam roller, a hot yoga towel, or resistance bands can assist you in discovering new activities while helping you reach your fitness goals

Before You Make Your Decision

When making a decision on choosing the right yoga mat, the key is being true to yourself. Building your most confident and comfortable self is key to a sustainable health & wellness routine, and your yoga mat should be part of that process!