The ten Greatest Yoga Mats of 2024, Examined

Yoga Mats We Additionally Examined

• B, Halfmoon’s B, Mat On a regular basis Lengthy Mat has an ideal grip and is simple to roll and handy to move, however the intense floor texture makes it barely uncomfortable. 
• Whereas ProsourceFit’s Further Thick Yoga Mat presents a ton of cushioning, it has an excessive amount of give, making it tough to steadiness by means of a full follow.
• Sweaty Betty’s Move Yoga Mat is light-weight and best for journey, however we discovered that it feels flimsy and doesn’t provide sufficient assist.
• Easy, steady, and light-weight, Yoloha’s Nomad Cork Yoga Mat is a stable selection. Nonetheless, we in the end don’t assume it’s well worth the steep value level. 

What to Search for When Searching for Yoga Mats 

• Supplies: Yoga mats are produced from a wide range of supplies, each eco-friendly and artificial. The commonest supplies used are PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), and pure rubber. Mats made from PVC are simple to scrub, sturdy, and long-lasting, however they aren’t thought-about eco-friendly. Mats made with TPE really feel extra like rubber and could be recycled after use, whereas pure rubber mats are favored for his or her traction and slip resistance.
• Thickness: The thickness of the mat performs a task in each cushioning and stability. A thicker mat presents extra consolation in your wrists and knees, however a mat that’s too thick might make it tough to remain steady throughout standing poses and inversions, says licensed yoga trainer Kayla Hargett, E-RYT. Because of this, some folks go for thinner mats to allow them to really feel the bottom beneath them.
• Size: The usual size for a yoga mat is 68 inches lengthy and 24 inches broad. Folks over 5 ft 5 inches tall might wish to contemplate sizing up for a bit extra room on each ends of the mat, permitting for full-body stretching. To check out the size of a yoga mat, transfer right into a downward-facing canine and ensure your palms and ft are firmly planted on the mat. If each match with out hitting the sides, the mat is the right dimension for you.
• Weight: Yoga mats can vary from super-lightweight to super-heavy, and it’s vital to contemplate the way you’ll use your mat to find out what weight is the fitting match for you. For those who’re touring to and from a yoga studio along with your mat, you’ll need an choice that’s not robust to hold. For those who’re on the lookout for a considerable piece of apparatus so as to add to your own home gymnasium, it’s possible you’ll want a heavier choice.

How We Examined the Yoga Mats

To seek out the perfect yoga mats, we examined 26 mats in The Verywell Testing Lab after which at residence in our common exercise routines. When testing, we consider every yoga mat primarily based on the next vital standards: 

• Design: Previous to our first mountain pose, we unrolled the mats, paying attention to packaging, any lingering chemical smells, and evaluating how effectively the mats laid flat. We additionally noticed how effectively the mat stayed flat underneath our palms and ft all through testing and if this modified over time. 
• Consolation: We first examined every mat twice by means of a guided vinyasa circulate within the Lab after which by means of a number of different exercises at residence. When flowing, we thought-about the padding and thickness of the mat and made observe of how supportive the mat felt underneath our palms, ft, joints, and head.
• Grip: To check the grip of every yoga mat, we full one circulate with dry palms and ft after which spray our palms and ft to do the identical whereas moist (mimicking sweat). We observe how confidently we are able to maintain poses with out slipping. We additionally contemplate the feel of the mat, and whether or not the sensation of the mat is interesting on naked pores and skin. 
• Portability: Subsequent, we roll up every mat, evaluating how simply it rolls and stays rolled. Then, we take them with us to courses, the park, or whereas touring, to fee their portability and storage. Mats that included a carrying bag or strap carried out higher on this class. 
• Worth: Lastly, we take a look at the worth of every yoga mat solely after we consider all the opposite standards. We contemplate whether or not the mat is pretty priced given its options, efficiency, and general high quality. We additionally contemplate if we might buy the mat at full retail value, or anticipate it to be on sale.

Our Consultants

We collaborated with yoga specialists all through our analysis, testing, and reporting for this story. Their insights guided us in figuring out the important thing options to contemplate when purchasing and in addition knowledgeable our testing course of.

• Kayla Hargett, E-RYT, licensed yoga trainer and former yoga trainer coaching co-lead primarily based in Tampa, Florida
• Mandy Ingber, yoga trainer and writer of Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Final Thoughts-Physique Makeover

Regularly Requested Questions 

What’s the perfect materials for a yoga mat? 

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and pure rubber are sometimes thought-about the perfect supplies for yoga mats on account of their mixture of grip, sturdiness, and eco-friendliness. Mats made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are additionally simple to scrub and long-lasting. 

What thickness yoga mat ought to I get? 

For those who prioritize consolation and cushioning, select a mat thicker than 5 millimeters, however in case you want stability, go for one which’s 5 millimeters or much less.

What’s dimension for a yoga mat?

Most yoga mats are 68 inches lengthy and 24 inches broad, giving most yogis ample house for his or her follow. Nonetheless, taller customers might want longer mats, sometimes round 72 inches, for further consolation and assist.

How a lot does a yoga mat value? 

A high quality yoga mat will sometimes value between $20 and $280. Whereas cheaper choices may appear interesting, particularly in case you’re not dedicated to long-term yoga follow or do not intend to make use of the mat continuously, they usually lack sturdiness in comparison with dearer ones.

Why Belief Verywell Match

Amanda Berkey, M.S.Ed, has been training yoga for greater than 20 years. She loves discovering yoga mats that strike the right steadiness of assist, cushioning, and nice aesthetics. Along with utilizing her mat for her common follow, she additionally loves settling in on a properly cushioned mat with a foam curler for post-run stretching.