The Perfect Yoga Mat?
A yoga mat can last from a year to indefinitely, depending on what it is made of and how often it is used. Mats can be made of natural or synthetic materials and come in different thicknesses, lengths and widths. You’ll want a mat that has sufficient grip to keep you from slipping, especially if you sweat a lot!
Did you know they now make mats in many different sizes and if you are very tall you will be able to find a mat wide and long enough to suit your frame? Mats can cost anywhere from about $35 to well over $100. If you are practicing two times per week or more it makes sense to invest in a product that you are going to love, rather than purchasing a mat that you dislike as it will distract you from your practice.
3 OPTIONS TO CONSIDER...
WITH SOME RESEARCH AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF 'HOW' YOU PRACTICE AND WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR IN A MAT, YOU'LL FIND A MAT YOU LOVE!
One of the best selling mats is the Lululemon 5mm Reversible Mat.
The one side is for a more active practice with a Polyurethane top layer that absorbs moisture. The other side is for less active practices. If you have a latex/rubber allergy you’ll want to stay clear of this mat as it is made with natural and synthetic rubber. They also make this mat in an extra large size.
The Liforme Mat is gaining popularity not only as an excellent mat, but also because it is completely biodegradable, non-toxic and PVC free.
There are helpful markings on the mat to navigate foot alignment in asana. At a studio where I teach, they sell a ton of these mats and everyone loves them, except me. Having said that, this is the mat I use and I think it would be a better mat for me if I had a much sweatier practice. I find it slippy so now I’ve turned it over and use the other side. Will I buy a different mat? Most definitely but I would like to get a year out of this one for sure. Like I said earlier, I wasn’t able to do a ‘test’ run on this mat, it just seemed like everyone loved theirs but what I didn’t take into account was that I have a less vigorous practice these days!
My last mat was a Jade Harmony Mat.
Under $100 I really loved that mat, until I didn’t (which I’ll explain). Jade mats are made sustainably with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, a rapidly renewable resource and are made in the United States in compliance with all US environmental, labor and consumer protection laws. What’s not to love about that? They have an awesome grip (for some folks too much grip) and a nice feel under foot. My problem was that after one year the mat started to pill...a ton… and became unusable. It is the kind of mat that you need to buy a new one every year or so, again, depending on how much you use the mat. But I’m thinking I might buy another one. They also smell for a while when you first get one.
AND 3 MORE OPTIONS...
Manduka Pro mats were the gold standard for a very long time. I had one and liked it but was never ‘in love’. The mat is made from PVC , latex free and has a lifetime guarantee. The Health Clubs that I have taught in all use these mats. I think it didn’t feel cushy to me, and at a hefty 6mm thickness I thought it would have a bit more squish but it’s very dense. If you sweat a lot they recommend a sticky towel. In fact one of the selling qualities of the mat is that you ‘don’t stick’ so it allows you to flow between postures. It is heavy and comes in many sizes.
They now have an ECO series and a GRIP series….something for everyone
At another studio I teach at, the B Mat is very popular. When I looked at their ‘about’ story there wasn’t much there. I still don’t really know where they fit in terms of market demographic. Their mats come in three heights, 2mm,4mm and 6mm, are made from 100% rubber and sound like they would be really great, but I’ve never tried them. They also are under $100 which is awesome. I would definitely do a bit of research and maybe give them a try the next go ‘round.
One of the less expensive options is the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip yoga mat. I have not tried this mat either but it has many excellent reviews. It is rubber and latex free.
Yoga for active older adults
Taught by active older adults
Yoga that moves at an accessible pace
Start Your Free 14-day Trial
