Which Yoga Mat Should I Buy?

A constant question that my students always ask me is: What is the best yoga mat to buy for my practice? I am always enforcing the idea that the most important part of yoga is not to have the latest or most expensive equipment, but simply to show up. With this said, a good yoga mat can go a long way in making your practice more comfortable and accessible.

The first thing to consider when choosing a yoga mat is your purpose. Does your training consist mostly of ashtanga and vinyasa, or do you prefer practicing a lot of hot yoga? Do you like to practice inside or out in the sun? Do you sweat a lot?

You may also want to consider other practical factors like, how portable is the mat? Does it fit into your budget? Whether or not you want to opt for an environmentally friendly mat as a home to your practice of gratitude…

All of these factors play a big role in determining the perfect mat for you.

Your perfect mat

The Manduka Prolite

This durable mat is common with ashtangis and is a personal favorite with Doron.

The mat offers great grip, portability and comfort which is great for all those ashtanga hip-openers that may otherwise feel hard on your knees.

Manduka explains that their mats also have a closed-cell surface, preventing sweat from forming bacteria in your mat. This build, along with its grip makes it competent under any condition- from long sequences in the sun to hot yoga. With this said, if hot yoga is your primary practice and you know you are a sweater, you may wish to opt for a mat with slightly more grip under these conditions.

The mat comes in two different sizes (71 and 79 inches), being a good option for all those long-limbed yogis. Although the mat runs along the more pricey end of mats, its lifetime warranty proves quality of design and satisfaction with your choice.

                                                                                             

Jade Harmony Mat

Also high performing, and well-loved for its sticky texture, the Jade Harmony Mat can also boast being environmentally friendly. Coming in lengths 68”, 71” and 74” and weighing only about 5 pounds, this mat has a lot of flexibility to match each yogis own purpose. With great comfort, the mats are sustainably produced using natural rubber from rubber trees and contain no PVC, EVA or other synthetic rubber. To further lower their environmental footprint, Jade partners with Trees for the Future and plants a tree for every mat sold!

Even more than looking pretty in their wide assortment of colours, Jade further ups their reputation by donating $5 to ovarian cancer charities for every teal mat purchased, and $5 to breast cancer for every pink mat purchased. Talk about yogis with big hearts…

                                                                                     

Yoloha Native Cork Yoga Mat

This mat takes sustainability to a new level with its production from a mixture of recycled rubber and cork. This mix creates a springy surface, allowing for a smooth and dynamic practice. The material also means that it is naturally antimicrobial, making it very easy to clean and thereby being one of the most low maintenance mats. The cork also improves its grip with moisture, making the Yaloha a great option for hot yoga…and every other yoga practice for that matter. The cork material also means the mat weighs less than most other mats, allowing for easy portability to class.

                                                                                         

Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat

Being extra thick, this mat offers the comfort needed for those newly getting into yoga or just require some extra padding on the limbs. The mat is durable and is one of the higher performing mats in those price range. Gaiam also offers a wide range of colors and designs making your mat a fun place to practice on,

While the mat is price-worth, and a good place to start, Doron, along with other experts recommend investing in a quality mat to build a practice on. It makes the difference.

                                                                                       

Liforme Yoga Mat

The Lifeform yoga mat is definitely along the pricey side of yoga mats, but it has its reasons. With strong grip and cushioning, the mat allows for all yogis to practice their own way. Its water-resistant grip has especially been commended as perfect for hot yoga, allowing the yogi to sweat it out without falling off the mat.

What is special about these mats are their AlignForMe markers, which serve as an alignment guide during your asana practice. These markers can help guide your limbs and avoid potential injuries. Made with natural rubber and eco-polyurethane, the mats are also a better option for the environment.

                                                                                         

Nowadays they even have grippy yoga gloves for those looking for even more portable options on the move. Previously limited to one PVC mat for practice, you are now blessed with endless styles, material and features that are perfect for just you. Whether it is ashtanga, vinyasa, yin yoga, hot yoga or simple stretching, the world is your mat!

Share the Style that Works for You!

Which mat is your favorite?

Did we miss one from the list?

Leave us a comment below and share this article with a friend who’s looking for a new mat.

Join us at the Doron Yoga & Zen Center to put your new mat through it’s paces with one of our amazing retreats!