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Yoga is a wonderful method of exercise, used as a way to stretch or perform mobility exercises, or simply to help meditate and relieve stress. People constantly add yoga exercises and poses to their workouts and cooldowns—although you may want a bit more cushioning than your typical home gym flooring.
Enter the world of yoga and exercise mats. With a variety of poses and stretches done on your feet or knees, or while lying down, the best yoga mats strike a great balance between cushioning your body and remaining grippy and firm enough to stand stable during your warrior or tree poses.
Members of the GGR team—including certified personal trainers, lifting coaches, and lifelong athletes—have all had their hands (and feet) on top yoga mats and brands to determine the best yoga mat on the market. After extensive downward dogs and cow poses, we’ve compiled this list, rating these yoga mats a 1 to 5 on the following criteria:
- Purchasing and delivery
- Appearance
- Versatility
- Materials and durability
- Workout performance
- Overall value
The 8 Best Yoga Mats
- Best Overall Yoga Mat: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
- Best Yoga Mat for Travel: Nike Training Mat 2.0
- Best Budget Yoga Mat: BalanceFrom All-Purpose Yoga Mat
- Best Non-Slip Yoga Mat: b, halfmoon b, mat Everyday 4mm
- Best Yoga Mat for Beginners: Gaiam Yoga Mat
- Most Comfortable Yoga Mat: Alo Yoga Warrior Mat
- Most Firm Yoga Mat: Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
- Best for Hot Yoga: Oko Living Herbal Dyed Mat
Best Overall Yoga Mat: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
Good for: A durable and long-lasting yoga mat backed by a powerful lifetime guarantee
Best Overall
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 6 mm
Product Highlights
- 6-mm closed-cell yoga mat
- Ultra dense cushioning
- Available in 2 lengths: standard (71”) and long (85”)
- Proprietary pattern on bottom to prevent slipping
- 13 different colors available
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 2 lengths available
- 13 different colors
- Manufactured in an emissions-free facility in Germany
- 45-day satisfaction guarantee
- Latex-free
- Lifetime guarantee—“approximately 10 years”
Cons
- Expensive at over $125 dollars
- Only 4 colors are available in longer length
- Customer complaints of slippery mat surface
- Break-in time required
- Warranty void if cleaned with something other than Manduka mat cleaner or water
Bottom Line
The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat is expensive at $138 for the standard length without shipping included. According to the Manduka website, the mat will also require a break-in period. Customer reviews are mostly positive. The negative reviews found the mat too slippery, especially users that preferred hot yoga.
The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat takes our top spot for the best yoga mat overall because of its sleek design, good versatility, and solid grippiness—ideal for yoga. GGR head of content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, tested the PRO mat and agrees, saying, “This is pretty versatile. It’s also grippy and feels pretty heavy for a yoga mat—all that to say it’s not going anywhere while you work out.”
Nicole rates the versatility a 4 out of 5. She does mention that the 6-millimeter thickness is on the thinner side, so it’s not an ideal mat for support. This isn’t the mat to do Nordic curls on, but Nicole adds, “For yoga, Pilates, or bodyweight movements, this will work just fine.”
The closed-cell mat is constructed from PVC, and Nicole hasn’t had any issues with wear or tear in the time she’s had with it. She feels pretty confident in its longevity, rating the durability a 5 out of 5, due to the lifetime guarantee backed by Manduka. The PRO Yoga Mat has an expected “lifetime” of 10 years, so if your mat breaks down before then, Manduka has you covered.
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Nicole also rated the mat’s performance a 4.5 out of 5. Although she didn’t experience issues, many customer reviews admit there is a break-in period with the mat. Until it’s fully broken in, the mat may be slightly slippery. At $138 for the standard length, this is certainly a pricier, premium yoga mat. However, with its solid performance backed by a 10-year lifetime guarantee, and being the top mat recommended by yoga teachers, it has solid value.
An important note is that while the lifetime warranty of 10 years is pretty robust for a yoga mat, the warranty is voided if you use something other than Manduka’s mat cleaner or water to clean up the mat. If that warranty is important to you, stick with water or Manduka’s cleaner!
Price | $138 |
Dimensions | 71” L x 26” W |
Mat thickness | 6 mm |
Material | PVC |
Color options | 12 options |
Best Yoga Mat for Travel: Nike Training Mat 2.0
Good for: A yoga mat that’s easy to break down and take while on the move
Best for Travel
Nike Training Mat 2.0
Product Highlights
- Made with high-density foam to help optimize cushioning
- Easy roll-up design with carrying strap included
- Structured surface helps with grip
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Carrying strap included
- Easily rolled up
- Doesn’t slip on hardwood
Cons
- Thin
- May crack easily
Bottom Line
Thin enough to be transportable but not lacking in comfort, the Nike Training Mat 2.0 is a versatile mat choice.
If you travel a lot or commute to your yoga class, you’ll want a mat that’s easy to roll up and transport. Our favorite travel yoga mat, the Nike Training Mat 2.0 has you covered. The mat comes with a carrying strap and has an easy roll-up design. Plus, weighing only 2 pounds, the Nike Training Mat makes portability a breeze for any yogi on the move.
The 8-millimeter-thick mat provides a supportive and grippy surface. GGR performance editor Anthony O’Reilly tried out the Nike mat and says, “I’ve used the Training Mat 2.0 for stretching, yoga, balancing, push-ups, and more. I love how the mat feels and performs when I’m in socks or barefoot.” He rates its workout performance a 4 out of 5.
There’s not a lot to the appearance of the mat otherwise…Anthony explains, “It’s just a basic black mat with a Nike swoosh.” He rates the appearance a 3.5 out of 5. However, the materials are high-quality and solid, with sweat-wicking, high-density foam that’s fairly grippy. Anthony rates the durability a 5 out of 5.
Aside from the travel strap, the Nike mat is pretty simple. Anthony almost feels like you’re mostly paying for the Nike branding, giving the mat a 3 out of 5 for value. Still, this thicker mat performs well. Anthony says, “It’s really a fine mat. It’s quite grippy and stays pretty flat while in use. I just don’t know what to say beyond that.”
Price | $75 |
Dimensions | 71.26” L x 24.02” W |
Mat thickness | 0.32” |
Material | 95% thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), 5% polyester |
Color options | Black |
Best Budget Yoga Mat: BalanceFrom All-Purpose Yoga Mat
Good for: An inexpensive yoga mat that provides anti-tear material
Best Budget
BalanceFrom 0.5” Mat
Product Highlights
- Double sided non-slip surface
- Moisture resistant technology for easy cleaning
- High density foam helps cushion joints
- Yoga carrying strap included in purchase
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Comes with carrying strap
- Easily rolled up
Cons
- May stretch while performing exercises
- Thickness can make balancing difficult
- Indents easily
Bottom Line
Mixing comfort and quality, the BalanceFrom Mat is a great choice for those looking for a versatile mat that’s a bit easier on your budget.
Yoga mats can get pricey, up to $200 or more for premium mats. If you’re looking to save money, BalanceFrom All-Purpose Yoga Mats can keep you from spending too much on a yoga mat for home use. Available in three colors, the BalanceFrom is as low as $26 on Amazon. You can also find bundles with yoga blocks and yoga towels for less than $50.
The half-inch thickness is enough for those wanting extra cushioning from their mats. GGR senior staff writer Lauren Strong, CPT, does warn, “While kneeling, my bodyweight would compress the foam cushioning. After a few sets of my mobility work, I’d change where my knees were to get fresh, non-compressed cushioning.” She rates the workout performance a 4 out of 5.
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The appearance is fairly simple, as the yoga mat is a solid color with a corrugated texture on the top layer (although both sides can be used). There’s not much to this yoga mat otherwise, leading Lauren to rate the appearance a 3 out of 5.
The non-slip texture of the yoga mat allowed it to have good versatility and functionality for Lauren, who tried different mobility exercises on the mat. The thicker cushioning may make it challenging to maintain good posture for balance on some poses, but at this price, it still has great value, earning a 5 out of 5 from us.
Price | $26 |
Dimensions | 71” L x 24” W |
Mat thickness | 0.5” |
Material | Foam |
Color options | Gray, Purple, Red |
Best Non-Slip Yoga Mat: b, halfmoon b, mat Everyday 4mm
Good for: Yoga users wanting a grippy mat that’ll support most poses
Best Non-Slip
B,halfmoon traveler, everyday, and strong b,mat
Product Highlights
- 100% rubber yoga mat
- Available in 3 different thicknesses: 2 mm, 4 mm, and 7 mm
- 8 different colors available
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Also available in a long version for tall people
- More affordable than other premium yoga mat competitors
- Customer reviews stated it is very grippy
Cons
- Customer reviews note a strong rubber smell initially
- The grippiness of the mat attracts dirt and hair according to customers
- Prolonged direct sunlight can damage the mat
- Limited 1-year warranty
Bottom Line
B, Halfmoon yoga mats are available in three thicknesses: 2, 4, or 7 millimeters. They are more affordable than other premium yoga mats, with the 4-millimeter mat costing $96. Customer reviews shared that the mat was extremely grippy, even when practicing hot yoga. Other reviews noted that the grippiness also attracts dirt and hair from the floor.
For a yoga mat that will keep you secure through most of your yoga, we suggest the b, halfmoon b, mat Everyday yoga mat. GGR Editor Frieda Johnson, a certified nutrition coach and specialist in exercise therapy, says about using the b Mat, “I was excited to try a 100% rubber mat because of how eco-friendly they can be.”
Overall, she was happy with the grip on the mat, saying, “I like how soft the surface of the mat feels on my skin and how grippy it is. I’d been having trouble with my hands and feet slipping on my old yoga mat, so this one was a huge improvement.” She rates the workout performance of the b Mat a 4 out of 5, as she warns, “It can almost be too grippy!” She felt it was harder sometimes to transition between poses if she was doing a yoga flow with faster transitions (known as vinyasa).
She rates the versatility of the b Yoga Mat a 4 out of 5 as well, as it can be used for calisthenics, yoga practice, and Pilates. The grippiness allows for a variety of movements and exercises, although the 4-millimeter thickness won’t provide enough cushion for some stretches, like a couch stretch.
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Frieda has used the yoga mat daily for two weeks, and already saw signs of wear and tear, leading her to rate the durability a 3 out of 5. “It’s already showing spots where the rubber is peeling and scuff marks along the edges,” Frieda explains. Still, most of this is aesthetics, so we still can recommend this grippy yoga mat.
Price | $96 |
Dimensions | 71” L x 26” W |
Mat thickness | 4 mm |
Material | Rubber |
Color options | Black, Ocean Green, Charcoal, Cacao, Deep Blue, Deep Purple, Moss Green, Solar Orange, Sunrise Red |
Best Yoga Mat for Beginners: Gaiam Yoga Mat
Good for: New yoga enthusiasts wanting an all-around quality yoga mat for a value price
Best for Beginners
Gaiam Yoga Mat
Product Highlights
- Has a sticky no-slip texture
- Rolls tight for easy storage
- Free of the top 6 most harmful phthalates
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reversible
- Unique designs
- Sticky top layer enhances grip
Cons
- Shorter than most mats
- May have a strong odor
- Thinner than many similarly priced mats
Bottom Line
While shorter and thinner than the industry standard, the Gaiam Yoga Mat is reversible and has excellent grip, making it a solid contender for those looking for a new mat.
Are you new to yoga and asanas? Looking to get your feet wet? Our favorite for new users is a high-value yoga mat. We’d actually recommend it for just about everyone due to its value, which GGR senior director Kate Meier rates a 4 out of 5. “If you want a thin yoga mat, this is a great one,” she states. Available in a mind-boggling 28 different colorways and patterns, the Gaiam Yoga Mat performs well and comes in under $30.
Kate, who is also a gym owner, has used and owned Gaiam mats over the years and rates their durability a 4 out of 5. “These are great for yoga,” she says, adding, “I wouldn’t say they’re tear-resistant, but these mats can stand up to a lot of use and travel.”
This mat is thin at 6 millimeters, meaning this is more or less a dedicated yoga mat. “I’m not sure it’d be the most comfortable mat for versatile use, like for handstand push-ups or kneeling movements,” Kate adds. She rates the versatility a 3 out of 5.
Although this isn’t the most versatile exercise mat, as a yoga mat, it’s very solid. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to add yoga to your health and wellness routine, the Gaiam mat is a fantastic way to go about it, with plenty of fun colors and patterns to choose from.
Price | $29.99 |
Dimensions | 68” L x 24” W |
Mat thickness | 6 mm |
Material | PVC |
Color options | 28 options |
Most Comfortable Yoga Mat: Alo Yoga Warrior Mat
Good for: People wanting a good mat that’ll support your knees and other joints while in use
Most Comfortable
Alo Warrior Mat
Product Highlights
- 5-mm-thick yoga mat with oversized design
- Moisture-wicking and anti-odor
- Available in 7 different colors
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free shipping
- Made with ethically sourced all-natural rubber
- Customer reviews loved the grip
Cons
- According to customers lighter color mats can easily stain
- Too large and bulky to be used as a travel mat consistently
- Customer reviews disappointed with the durability
- Some customers received damaged mats and had trouble with customer service
Bottom Line
The Alo Warrior Mat is a large mat at 6.2 feet long and 2.2 feet wide. Customer reviews loved that it was very grippy even when they were sweaty from difficult classes. They also noted that the lighter colors were prone to getting sweat stains and recommended the darker colors. Customers also preferred this mat for home practice as it was too large and bulky to regularly travel to yoga classes easily.
The Alo Yoga Warrior Mat is built for comfort with a 100% rubber bottom layer and a top layer made with 100% polyurethane leather. This makes for a supportive yet comfortable feel while using the mat. GGR senior editor Erin Chancer, CNC, CPT, tested out the Warrior Mat, and rates the workout performance a 4.5 out of 5.
“It’s a tad slippery in socks, but extremely grippy with bare feet,” Erin says. “This mat actually felt great on my arches and ankles, which tend to ache a bit after training on thinner exercise mats.”
The mat is very sturdy, and Erin rates it a 4 out of 5 for its materials and durability. She does add, “I marked it down to a 4 from a full score because it does have a very strong rubber smell when you first get it. It made me feel a bit nauseous after my Pilates workout.”
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If it’s a sleek mat you want, the Alo Warrior Mat provides, with a basic matte design with a glossy logo. “It feels fancy,” says Erin, rating the appearance a 5 out of 5. The mat comes in seven different colors as well.
At $128, this is definitely a pricier yoga mat. Erin rates it a 3.5 out of 5 for value. “It feels luxurious and works well, but I couldn’t see myself paying this price more than once for a yoga mat,” Erin adds.
Price | $128 |
Dimensions | 74.4” L x 26.4” W |
Mat thickness | 5 mm |
Material | Polyurethane leather top with rubber bottom layer |
Color options | Highlighter, Smoky Quartz, Powder Pink, Eclipse, Dove Grey, Black, Jungle |
Most Firm Yoga Mat: Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
Good for: A heavy, durable, and firm yoga mat
Most Firm
Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
Product Highlights
- 3/16”-thick open-cell yoga mat
- Jade Yoga’s best-selling yoga mat
- Made with natural rubber from rubber trees
- Available in 14 different colors
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made with natural rubber
- Jade Yoga plants a tree for every mat sold
- Made in the United States
- Available in 2 different lengths
- Customer reviews love the mat’s grip
- Less expensive than other premium competitors
Cons
- Customer reviews note strong rubber smell
- Customer reviews shared mat was not durable
- No warranty information provided
Bottom Line
The Jade Harmony is a 3/16-inch-thick yoga mat available in two different lengths. It is Jade Yoga’s most popular yoga mat. Customer reviews liked the grip of the mat. However, there were negative reviews that disliked the intense rubber smell of the mat. The Jade Yoga site notes the rubber smell should dissipate over time.
If you need a yoga mat that isn’t going to budge, we suggest the Harmony Mat from Jade Yoga. This Jade mat is a somewhat heavier mat, at about 5 pounds. That’s not the heaviest yoga mat we’ve tested, but the grippiness of the mat plus the weight makes it a very solid and firm experience for your next yoga session.
GGR senior staff writer Lauren Strong tested out the Jade Harmony Mat, and one of the first things she noticed was the grippy texture of the mat. “It’s really grippy and you can even see the texture a bit when you’re standing up,” she says. “The grippiness makes it pretty good for most any bodyweight exercise,” Lauren adds, rating the versatility a 4 out of 5. The thinner mat wasn’t for kneeling exercises like couch stretches, though.
The natural rubber mat has held up extremely well over the 6 years that Lauren has had the Harmony Mat. There was one caveat that led her to rate the mat a 4.5 out of 5 for durability and materials—just shy of a perfect score.
“Simply put, it’s a pain in the butt to clean. The texture doesn’t allow you to just slide a damp cloth across the surface, and it’s too light to run a vacuum over (I’ve tried). I have to clean it with a floor mop to get it clean and back to normal,” Lauren says. Outside of the mat being a dust magnet, the yoga mat has held up over the years very well.
Because of its tendency to collect dust, the mat isn’t as grippy on the underside as it first was. Lauren warns to keep the mat clean to preserve its grippiness. At under $100, the mat is cheaper than premium yoga mats, but is still a bit more expensive than some.
Price | $91.95 |
Dimensions | 68” L x 24” W |
Mat thickness | 3/16” |
Material | Natural rubber |
Color options | 14 Options |
Best Yoga Mat for Hot Yoga: Oko Living Herbal Dyed Mat
Good for: Those wanting a grippy, natural surface for hot yoga
Best for Hot Yoga
Oko Living Naturally Dyed Herbal Yoga Mat
Product Highlights
- Cotton handloomed and herbal-dyed yoga mat
- Dyed using medicinal plants
- 3 different thicknesses available: 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm
- Available in 6 colors
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified cotton
- Machine washable
- Includes free carry care and laundry detergent
- Very light
- Customer reviews like that it travels easily
Cons
- Customer reviews note that it sheds
- Multiple complaints of colors not matching the website
Bottom Line
The Oko Living Naturally Dyed Herbal Yoga Mat is made with GOTS certified organic cotton and is available in three different thicknesses. The mats have mixed reviews, customers either really love or dislike the cotton yoga mat. Customer reviews also noted the mat tends to shed fibers.
Our choice for the best mat for hot yoga classes is also our most unique yoga mat: the Oko Living Herbal Dyed Mat. Instead of being made with foam or rubber, this mat is ethically handloomed using organic cotton, made for sustainability. GGR Editor Frieda Johnson, CNC, SET, got the Jade and Jute variety, which includes natural jute—commonly used for burlap—in addition to the cotton.
“The material mostly feels nice, although the jute is a little scratchy,” Frieda says about the materials. She adds, “It’s definitely getting softer the more I use the mat, though.” She rates the materials and durability of the mat 4.5 out of 5, as the fabrics and build seem high-quality.
Typically, mats best for hot yoga are open-cell mats, which can absorb water. These mats will become more grippy as they absorb moisture, but they are a hassle to clean. The Oko Living Mats, however, are machine washable, meaning they can be reused after sessions easily.
“Plus, the ridges of the fabric help immensely with keeping your footing,” Frieda adds. She rates the workout performance a 4 out of 5, though, taking a point away because the ridges also make the mat a bit less comfortable while lying down.
“It’s not very good for poses where you’re lying on the mat, like sphinx pose or savasana, because the ridges are uncomfortable,” Frieda continues. Depending on your typical yoga practice, this mat could be great, but it’s not highly versatile, earning it a 3.5 out of 5.
The mats come in 12 different patterns that all look unique and are dyed with natural dyes. “It looks like a nice runner that you could keep out and no one would realize it’s a yoga mat,” Frieda adds, rating the appearance a 5 out of 5.
The biggest drawback is the price, as they range around $200. With the lack of versatility, this may not be worth it for most, but for an ethically sound brand and an elegant design to your mat, this is a great option.
Price | $188 |
Dimensions | 74” L x 27’ W |
Mat thickness | 3mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm (affects price) |
Material | Certified organic cotton |
Color options | 12 options |
Other Yoga Mats We Researched
To make our list of the best yoga mats, we tested out over a dozen mats, and researched many others. Here are some yoga mats that we liked, but didn’t quite make our top picks.
- Lululemon The Mat 5mm: This mat from lululemon is neat, with reversible sides and cool patterns and colors. It also has an antimicrobial additive to prevent mold or mildew build-up. However, the mat does contain latex, making it off-limits for those with an allergy.
- Mind Reader Yoga Mat: This 1/2-inch thick yoga mat used to be under $20 on Amazon, making it a nice recommendation for exercise mats. However, it’s now nearly sold out—and also nearly $50.
- Rogue Yoga Mat: Most yoga mats are thin, but the Rogue mat is thin even for a yoga mat, being about 3 millimeters thick.
- Liforme Yoga Mat: This premium yoga mat is non-slip and eco-friendly, and also around $150. While it looks nice, we simply haven’t had a chance to test out this yoga mat.
How We Picked and Tested
After researching top yoga mats and brands, our team of product testers ordered and tested out over a dozen yoga mats. Each person tried yoga on these mats to test out the firmness and grippiness, but we also tried various mobility exercises and other workouts to test the yoga mats on their versatility and durability.
Each of the following categories were given a rating between 1 and 5:
- Purchasing and delivery: We accounted for how easy it was to navigate the website, as well as if there were any hiccups in the shipment and delivery of the yoga mat. We also determined if local retailers might carry these mats as well to determine how accessible they are.
- Appearance: Would you be OK with being seen in public with this yoga mat? We looked at the design and look of the yoga mat, along with how many colorway options or patterns were available.
- Versatility: Does the yoga mat allow for a variety of poses and movements? Additionally, we want to know if the yoga mat can be used as an exercise mat to further add to its functionality.
- Materials and durability: Yoga mats are made of different materials, from rubber to PVC and high-density foam. How does this material stand up to constant use?
- Workout performance: How did the yoga mat perform while in use? For a yoga mat, we want a grippy surface that prevents your foot from sliding, as well as a firm bottom layer that keeps it from sliding on the floor. Also, a yoga mat ideally has some cushioning and support for some kneeling stretches.
- Value: Overall, does the price of the yoga mat make sense for its build, performance, and versatility?
We also looked at customer reviews and rated each company’s customer service, and averaged out all the ratings for top scores. Using these scores, we determined our final list of the best yoga mats.
Benefits of Yoga Mats
You could 100% do yoga on hardwood floors, or on a rubber horse stall mat. So why use a yoga mat? Here are some of the main benefits of using a yoga mat.
Better Grip
Many yoga poses require a lot of balance and stability to maintain a proper posture. A yoga mat typically uses grippy materials like rubber, foam, or PVC to keep a solid grip on your feet, allowing for better balance and support during your yoga flow.
Cushioning
Yoga mats are made thin—typically between 3 and 7 millimeters—to provide a stable platform for yoga positions. However, even at a thinner thickness, a good yoga mat will still provide some cushioning and support during some stretching movements, like a cat and cow stretch.
Comfort
Usually, when I think of yoga, I think of warrior poses to tree poses and constantly staying up on my feet. We want to be comfortable on our toes during these poses in our yoga flow. However, laying down in the corpse pose (or savasana) is also important to relax and feel comfortable. The material and thickness of a yoga mat have a good balance between solid grip and support, along with providing comfort and cushioning for different poses.
What to Look For in Yoga Mats
Ready to search online stores for your next yoga mat? Here are a few things to consider before making your next purchase.
Materials
Yoga mats can be made from a variety of materials, including rubber, PVC, fabric, or high-density foam—I’ve even seen a cork yoga mat! Each material will bring different levels of durability as well as grippiness. Rubber is usually a more durable material, but if you have a latex allergy, you may want a latex-free alternative, like foam or fabric.
Mat Thickness
Yoga mats by nature are thin—usually between 3 and 7 millimeters, although some are thinner or thicker. The more thickness to a mat, the more cushioning you can get during kneeling exercises and poses. However, a thicker mat might also mean less stability if you’re trying to do a more advanced balancing pose in yoga (like Warrior 3 or the eagle pose).
Likewise, a thinner mat can be more stable and firm in use, but will also provide less cushioning. For a decent balance between the two, aim for a 4- or 5-millimeter-thick mat.
Versatility
This is fairly similar to the mat thickness as well. A thinner yoga mat is more conducive to yoga, but it may not provide versatility for other exercises if you’re hoping to use it for other types of workouts. A thicker mat can provide more versatility and cushioning, but also makes it slightly less suited for yoga.
Cost
Always think about the cost of mats and your budget. Yoga mats can run the full range of prices, with some being under $30, and others over $200. For yoga mats (or any purchase), make sure the price is within your budget, and also ensure that the yoga mat brings enough value to make it worth the price you’re paying.
Best Yoga Mat: FAQs
What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?
The thickness of a yoga mat will vary, with some as thin as 2 millimeters and others as thick as 8 millimeters. A thicker mat will provide more cushioning but less stability while balancing. A thinner mat will provide more grip and balance while also giving less cushion for kneeling exercises. The best thickness for you will depend on which yoga poses you tend to use during your yoga flow.
Why use a yoga mat?
Yoga mats are great for yoga and other bodyweight workouts. They provide a grippy surface for your feet, as well as cushioning for kneeling stretches. Also, they can be much more comfortable on joints and muscles than just a hard gym floor.
Which is better: a rubber or foam yoga mat?
If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly piece of equipment, rubber yoga mats are ideal. However, foam yoga mats are often cheaper alternatives with more cushioning, making them ideal for beginners.
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Yoga is a wonderful method of exercise, used as a way to stretch or perform mobility exercises, or simply to help meditate and relieve stress. People constantly add yoga exercises and poses to their workouts and cooldowns—although you may want a bit more cushioning than your typical home gym flooring.Enter the world of yoga and exercise mats. With a variety of poses and stretches done on your feet or knees, » Read more about: The 8 Best Yoga Mats for 2024: Stretch and Reach for These Top Picks » Read more
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