Looking For The Best Yoga Mat? Do you really need one…
So you are looking for a yoga mat! But first thing first. Do you really need it? I mean for something as ancient as yoga when yogis were practicing headstand under the open sky on the grass fields. How could they manage without a mat or say a yoga block or a tight yoga pant! Surprisingly, they could even manage without their smartphone (which we can’t).
Apart from the innovations we have in the modern age, there is a growing fondness for luxuries and a desire for perfection. Hence to add this, our yoga practice can’t be an exception. And this is the secret sauce behind the invention of all the yoga props available in the market.
The credit for the most common kind of yoga props (such as blocks, straps, wheels, mats, bolsters or a wall and say furniture of the house!) goes to the most stylish and innovative Yoga Guru BKS Iyengar. Iyenger invented and embodied an array of them to the ensemble in his teaching. These were the things made from wood hence the eco-friendly “friends” for the people with restrictions.
Yoga Mat, Most Staple Prop for your Practice
Years went fantasizing about a bright colored rolled yoga mat hanging to my right shoulder! The recent version of mats is the most functional as well as the fashionable. It lets you connect with your yoga practice. A Yoga mat can simulate yoga postures in your brain as does a cozy bed to a Goodnight sleep!
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7 Yoga Poses With Yoga Wheel|What Is This Most Celebrated Yoga Prop@2021
How To Use Yoga Blocks For Back Pain And Better Posture
Properties you want in the Best Yoga Mat
>Material Type: Eco-friendly and non-toxic
This is our top priority. An all-rounder mat may possess subtle properties but one made of PVC is already disqualified from the list. PVC being declared a source of carcinogen does not make its place between the best yoga mats.
Keep in mind that you will touch and smell your mat with more intensity than your partner! If you’re working on a mat which is a stock house of toxins is not worth having.
As a yogi, you are naturally in love with your surroundings. Ahimsa is the root mantra of your life. Kindness and compassion are what you have reaped in abundance from yoga apart from the physical and mental fitness. That is the reason, modern mats are yogi-friendly as well as an eco-friendly.
A natural rubber obtained from the rubber plant is biodegradable, suitable for yogis and environment both!
>>Price: High Price or a brand, which one is The Best Yoga Mat?
You can buy the cheapest yoga mat in the market just to start with. But you may end up paying more to a chiropractor later. On the other hand, an expensive yoga mat may bear the overheads of the brand, instead of having qualities!
Choosing the best yoga mat for Yoga practice may turn anyone crazy. Decide smartly where to put your hard-earned money and have an all-around fulfilling yoga journey.
>>Form of Yoga: Hot or Bikram, Yin or vinyasa? Traction Dry or Wet
The form of your yoga practice is a major deciding factor for buying a yoga mat. If you sweat too much and easily, you need wet traction. Same is the case with the practitioner of hot yoga. Your wet palms need traction to avoid any fall or slip.
Yin yogis are the coolest one. There slow and restorative moves hardly require any traction.
Bikram yogis don’t bother doing oppositional poses on the mat, as opposed to a vinyasa class.
In vinyasa aka a flow yoga sequence, your yoga mat needs to push apart with feet and hands. This is where you need a mat which is sticky, analogous to a wall for a gecko, eek! Dry traction will be a great choice.
>> Cushion and Thickness: The Best Yoga Mat Will Protect Your Joints
One of the main reason why we use a yoga mat is to prevent our joints and muscles from an injury. Hence cushioning effect plays an important role in keeping us safe from the impact of a hard floor, especially when you’re trying to flow from one yoga pose to another. Once You Buy the Best Yoga Mat you are at Peace of Mind!
If your mat is not gripping you tightly when you are flexing a downward-facing dog, you will focus more on preventing a potential slip rather than sending your tailbone to the sky. Without safety, focus and attention fade away quickly even if you’re in a most stable pose such as Savasana.
More On Yoga Props: 7 Yoga Poses With Yoga Wheel|What Is This Most Celebrated Yoga Prop@2021
>>Durability- Desirable Factor of the Best Yoga Mat
You don’t want to buy a beautiful yoga mat with cushions and all kind of tractions which gives up its integrity so easily! What if it bears permanent marks from your yoga poses after a few session and soon gets disfigured. While you don’t want to stretch for lifelong on the same yoga mat, you wish to last it for a substantial duration.
>>Portability- Because You want to travel with your mat
A yoga mat isn’t to feel like a survival kit when you are heading to practice on the beach. In case you’re using it indoors most of the times, how much your mat weigh hardly matters! But for evergreen yoga practice, portability of the mat is highly recommended. I remember a bride entering her in-law’s house with a yoga mat! This announces your routine to everyone without saying a word from your mouth.
This is one thing why portability even matters more.
Usually, traveler yogis prefer to have two of them. First, the weightier one, to stay home and the other one they can’t live without when out of town.
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>>Hygiene: Best yoga mat must be easy to clean
Yoga practice means a lot of sweating. Wet surface harbors millions of bacteria. It’s crucial to wipe and dry the mat regularly to avoid stink and illness. For this reason, your mat should be “easy to clean and maintain”.
Compare These 10 Best Yoga Mats Of This Year
PS: On reading this post on a mobile or a small screen device, you may not read all the rows from this table at a time. Please, scroll across the table. Also, find a scroll tab at the bottom of the table.
| Yoga Mats | Looks | Material | Yoga
Form |
Durability | Portability | Hygiene | Price |
| #10. Balance |  |
Foam | Restorative | Doubt-
ful |
Medium | Soap
And Water |
Check |
| #9. Reehut Yoga |  |
Non
Toxic |
All except
Hot Yoga |
Durable | Highly
Portable |
Easy
To Clean |
Check |
| #8. Liforme |  |
Bio
Degradable |
Warrior
Grip |
Medium | Medium Weight | Moderate | Check |
| #7. Gaiam |  |
PVC | Suitable
For Most |
Highly
Durable |
Light
Weight |
Easy
Wash |
Check |
| #6. Manduka Pro Yoga Mat |  |
100%
Latex Free |
Better
For Yin and Restorative |
Durable | Heavy | Comes
With Cleaner |
Check |
| #5.Jade Harmony |  |
Natural
Rubber |
All
Types Of Yoga |
In Question | Heavy | Needs Extra
Cleaning Due to Rubbery Smell |
Check |
| #4. Sivan |  |
NBR
Memory Foam |
Not For
Hot yoga |
Durable | Yes, but
heavy |
Easily
Wiped |
Check |
| #3.Yogaland |  |
Certified
Being Most Safe |
All
Type Of Yoga
|
Durable | Yes | Easily
Wiped |
Check |
| #2.Ridge |  |
Organic
Cotton |
All
Type Of Yoga |
Highly
Durable |
Yes | Machine
Washable |
Check |
| #1.Basically |  |
Organic
Cork |
Best
For hot yoga |
Medium | Highly
Durable |
Self-sanitizing
antibacterial |
Check |
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#10. BalanceFrom GoYoga
>>All-Purpose, High-Density Non-Slip Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
1/4″ Extra Thick
With high-density foam material, the 1/4” thick premium mat comfortably cushions spine, hips, knees, and elbows on hard floors.
An Anti-Tear Mat
With the integrated anti-tearing net and high-quality material, you can use this mat for most yoga poses and exercise activities.
Super Easy to Clean
Easy to clean. The moisture-resistant technology and high-quality material make the mat to be easily washed with soap and water.
Cons: Integrity of mat is in question. If you’re aggressive yogi, be prepared for a few unwanted issues.
#9. REEHUT Yoga Mat
Soft, Thick & High Density
Non-toxic, soft and thick design, best for your working out.
Block the cold and dampness from the ground.
Anti-tearing Design
Prevent from falling apart.
Use for strenuous yoga poses and exercise activities.
Easy-to-Clean
Quickly clean with soapy water or diluted white vinegar, pat it dry with a towel.
Cons: Not exactly .5 inch thick as claimed. But thick enough to feel the comfort.
#8. Liforme Yoga Mat
Eco-Friendly, Non-Slip Yoga Mat with the Original Unique Alignment Marker System. Biodegradable Mat Made with Natural Rubber & A Warrior-Like Grip.
Liforme’s original ground-breaking Yoga Mat features the unique AlignForMe system of practical alignment markers to intelligently guide Yogis of all shapes and sizes and help them to practice in better alignment. The mat is longer and wider giving the space Yogis crave, with perfect balance between firm stability and comfortable cushioning.
WARRIOR-LIKE GRIP
They got inspired when Patanjali nailed it: “Sthira Sukham Asanam” (Asana is a steady comfortable posture).
One of the most important functions of a Yoga mat is to provide grip. Slipping around can make your practice ineffective, or even dangerous. The revolutionary “GripForMe” material is the grippiest Yoga mat material. And it stays grippy even when you get ‘sweaty wet’.
PLANET FRIENDLY, BODY KIND
The mat has naturally sourced sustainable rubber for the bulk of the mat.
AlignForMe markers are etched on the mat instead of printing with potentially harmful inks.
They make use of a heat-bonding process that eliminates the need for toxic glues to bind the top layer to the base layer.
This mat is PVC-free so it doesn’t contain any nasty ‘heavy metals’ such as lead and cadmium.
UNIQUE ALIGNFORME SYSTEM
Very unique, and revolutionary, AlignForMe System works as a navigational tool for your Yoga asana practice. So no more guessing if you’re in alignment.
The unique combination of intelligent markers gives you the required guidance when you are in a yoga flow.
Cons: Not nicely padded as some of the foam mats. Avoid if you have knee injuries. Price may also a factor.
#7. Gaiam Yoga Mat
>>Printed Extra Thick Mat for All Types of Yoga
I love the print. Out of many aesthetic prints, I love this black chakra mat most. And if you’re not aware, Gaiam yoga studio app is an excellent place to learn yoga. You can download the Gaiam Yoga Studio App for over 25 hours of ready-made HD video classes and 280+ poses.
Check on these points for more-
LIGHTWEIGHT & THICK YOGA MAT:
These durable, yet lightweight exercise yoga mats are extra-thick for the additional cushioning your joints need during any yoga or fitness routine.
STICKY NON-SLIP TEXTURE:
Yoga mat features a textured sticky non-slip surface for excellent traction and superior grip and a stylish design to keep you motivated and focused
NON-TOXIC & 6P FREE – PVC:
Free of DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP (Note: For best results unroll and air out your mat for 2-3 days before use – a harmless odor may be present when unwrapped)
FREE YOGA CLASS: Yoga mat purchase includes a free bonus downloadable yoga workout to help get you started
Cons: As opposed to other in the list, Gaiam yoga mat is made of PVC, which is a less desirable feature.
#6. Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat
At first glance, the mat seems the perfect one. Though one of the most popular ones has a major drawback of being slippery. It needs to be broken up on the upper layer before being used as a perfect mat. Just have some details:
High-density cushion, joint protection, unmatched support.
To Store
Roll Manduka PRO mats with the top side (fabric-finish) facing outwards.
To Break In
The surface texture of Manduka PRO mats improves with use. The best way to break in your mat is practice, practice, practice.
To Clean
Keep your mat in the best condition by wiping it down after every practice with Manduka All-Purpose Mat Wash. It’s specially formulated to clean your mat without damaging the surface.
Closed-cell surface prevents sweat from seeping into the mat.
Non-toxic
Emissions-free manufacturing, 100% latex free.
Cons: The upper surface is not sticky at all when it’s new. You need to practice a lot in order to break it and avail the required traction. That said it improves with use. Price may also be a matter of concern.
#5. Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
Jade has everything you want in a yoga mat: cool color, incredible grip, great comfort, and made with sustainable materials.
This also provides a superior level of traction. As the name harmony suggests, due to natural rubber; it has a much stronger grip and has more cushion than any of the synthetic rubbers on the market (PVC, PER, TPE, EVA). Made with sustainable materials, it is designed to provide a secure grip to help hold your yoga pose.
Also, natural rubber is the most sustainable and best-performing material for yoga mats. As Jade Yoga mats come from trees, they claim to plant a tree for every mat sold. And since 2006, have planted over one million trees so far. Harmony is one of the most popular mat and is great for all types of yoga style including Hatha, Vinyasa, Hot, Bikram, and Iyenger.
Cons: After being the popular mat for so long, its durability is questionable. If the price were a bit lower (which are not) you could have thought of buying the jade harmony more frequently.
#4. Sivan Health and Fitness NBR Comfort Foam Yoga Mat–
Sivan is my number one brand choice and the best-selling one when it comes to buying overall yoga equipment including blocks, straps, and towels.
Apart from having a cushioned and non-slip surface, it’s easily washable and lightweight hence ideal for stretching a yoga pose. You can consider the following points for selecting a mat.
Thick NBR Foam
Specially designed for superior impact and absorption. Thicker for support and comfort.
Easy to Clean
Wipes down quickly for a clean, slip-free surface and enjoyable experience.
Removable Carry Strap
Provides easy transport to home, gym, or yoga studio. Easily rolls for storage, when not in use.
Strike a Pose Indoor
Cultivate a healthy mind, body, and soul from the comfort of your home for a personalized yoga journey. Incorporate this mat into your everyday routine, pre-class warm up, or to stretch the possibilities!
Take a Journey Outdoor
When you’re ready for a sun salutation, this lightweight yoga mat is ready to travel with ease. Simply use the shoulder strap to transport to your next yoga, Pilates, stretching, or toning workout.
Cons: Because of extra foaming, sometimes it makes some stretching poses difficult. Not suitable for hot yoga. Weight is also a factor. So most fitted to be used indoor.
#3. YOGALAND Premium Yoga Mat
With Carrier Strap, Thick, Non-Slip, Eco-Friendly, Lightweight, and Extra Large. You can’t expect more at this price.
NON-SLIP, WORRY LESS
The worst thing when you practice yoga is slipping on the mat. Yoga land yoga mat provides the best solution for you for an ultimate yoga experience.
ECO-FRIENDLY & CERTIFIED
Yogaland yoga mats are certified by SGS, TUV, and RoHS (certifications for being safe and non-hazardous). It doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals, latex, PVC or silicone. Yogaland yoga mat is the best choice for your body and keeping our environment safe.
CARRIER STRAP [UPGRADED] INCLUDED
The carrier Strap is Complimentary Gift! Every single yoga mat comes with upgraded ergonomic carrying straps. You can easily bring your mat anywhere you wish to practice.
OPTIMUM THICKNESS & SIZE Extra Thick 6mm 1/4-Inch for the best cushion. Extra Large size yoga mat; 72-Inch (183cm) long and 24-Inch (61cm) wide and weighs just 2.50 pounds. Perfect for Yoga, Pilates, Fitness or Exercise for home.
Cons: Couldn’t find. With so genuine pricing, I think there is no room left for one.
#2. Ridgeback Yoga Rug,
Towel Alternative with Grip. Will not Move, Twist, or Stink. Lays Over Your mat for Heated/Hot Yoga.
What you’re going to love most about this mat is its organic texture. What may stop you buying one is the price. The costliest of rest of others in the list, Ridgeback is not a yoga mat basically but an excellent lay over your mat. If you currently own a mat use ridgeback and protect your mat from further tears and wears.
This one is my personal favorite. Due to ‘gripper ridged it has for extra protection. The only reason for giving rank #2 is the “ cost factor”.
Check these points for more detail:
HIGHLY ABSORBENT
100% cotton handwoven in natural fibers base – sweat-wicking, disbursement & additional grounding.
BEACH YOGA
Just shake off the sand and use ZIPPER POCKET for jewelry, keys, wallet, phone & water resistant.
ECONOMICAL / GREEN
Save water, energy, money & hassle.
Hand Woven in India
Handwoven by the beautiful apprenticed artisan weavers of Panipat, India.
Gripper ‘ridges’
The name ‘ridgeback’ – these ridges add additional grip for your hands & feet on top of the rug. The more you sweat, the better your grip. A delicate balance between the yogis, and the mat? The hand-woven cotton softens with wash.
Hang Dry & Machine Washable
Hang dry after your practice. Designed to be used multiple times (10 +) between machine wash – even from the sweatiest of practices. The natural weave of the cotton and the antimicrobial ridges will keep you going between the washes, without any stink!
Cons: This is a rug, not mat. This requires another yoga mat beneath to work properly. Price may cause a setback.
#1. BASICALLY PERFECT Cork Yoga Mat-
HIGHEST QUALITY YOGA MAT IN THE MARKET
Made to last with eco-friendly, beautiful, and highly functional all natural organic cork and organic tree rubber. Made of the special process ensures that the cork surface will never chip like the others. Feel good, knowing no trees were cut to make this mat.
UNRIVALED GRIP
Non-slip cork surface gets even grippy with heat and sweat. No yoga towel needed! Practice with confidence, serenity, and a sense of grounding.
NON-TOXIC
Free of phthalates, PVC, TPE, foam, adhesives, and other harsh chemicals. Switch to cork and breathe well.
SELF-SANITIZING
Naturally antimicrobial. Cork surface stays fresh free of germs and bacteria. Let the fresh earthy scent of cork add to your practice.
PERFECT
For hot yoga, Bikram, sweaty practice, palates, floor exercises, stretching, and meditation.
It is kind to your body, mind and the environment. The combination of natural cork and rubber will ground your hands and feet like never before. You will begin to crave this grip, stability, and the soothing elegance of the Basically Perfect Yoga Mat as you deepen your practice.
>>Recyclable and biodegradable.
>>The soothing look of minimalistic cork.
>>Simply elegant, no brand look.
To clean
Try a vinegar, water, and essential oil DIY cleaner. For dirt, use organic soap and water. Wipe away any soap residue and let air dry.
Wrapping Up-The best yoga mats
–>My vote for the first choice, if you’re a beginner goes to –Yoga Land Premium Yoga Mat.
>>It is a perfect one for the beginners. You get a whole lot of things that too at a genuine price.
–My First choice for advanced yogis- Basically Perfect Cork Yoga Mat
>>Cork is the biodegradable and eco-friendly along with being highly absorbent material.
–>At third rank is the ridgeback yoga rug.
>>There is no better alternative for organic cotton. You can wash it easily, whenever needed.
–>If you’re looking for something cushiony, Sivan is the perfect fit for you.
>>NBR foam supports your knees and joints from the hard surface.
–>If you wish something really cool and versatile keep harmony with Jade.
>>Fits all yoga-types and helps to rejuvenate the green trees by planting one tree for each sale of Jade harmony yoga mat.
–>Manduka Pro can be your choice if you have some patience. It gets better with use.
>>This includes fabric surface. Comes with a special cleaner to keep your mat most hygienic.
–>Aesthetic beauty of Gaiam Yoga Mat will make your practice more appealing and fantastic.
>If its material, PVC, is not an issue, go for this mat. It may have everything you need in your mat.
–>Wish to get perfect alignment? Go for Liforme Yoga Mat.
>>Unique alignment marker guides you throughout the practice.
–>Reehut will stay with you for longer.
>>This mat is one of the heavy duty mat in the market.
–>Balance from Go Yoga is a high-density all-purpose yoga mat.
>Consider it if you don’t stretch your practice longer than half an hour.
Thanks for reading up here. Have you got a mat of your choice? Please let me know in the comments box below.
Thanks for your every share! Share buttons are within your reach. Live a happy and fulfilling life Yogis 🙂
Please don’t leave without Reading this–>7 Yoga Poses With Yoga Wheel|What Is This Most Celebrated Yoga Prop@2019
4 Comments
The article provides an insightful overview of the top 10 best yoga mats of 2019, catering to various preferences and needs of yogis. It emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly and non-toxic materials in selecting a yoga mat. The choice of a mat depends on factors like the form of yoga practiced, cushioning, durability, and portability. The Jade Harmony Yoga Mat stands out for its natural rubber material, while the Basically Perfect Cork Yoga Mat offers an unrivaled grip and self-sanitizing properties. For beginners, the Yoga Land Premium Yoga Mat is a perfect choice with a great value-for-money proposition.
Hello Varatha, yes, yoga mats play crucial role in our daily yoga practice, so we must choose them carefully.
Hi
To be honest your article is informative and very helpful. After i saw your site and i read it and it help me a lot.
Thanks for share your kind information.
Nice to know that you found the article useful. Thanks for your kind words!