When it comes to working out, we all want to buy the perfect equipment. Whether you’re interested in HIIT, aerobics, pilates or yoga, high-quality equipment allows you to get the most from your exercise. If you're into yoga, you’ll be searching for the perfect mat to maximise every practice.
But which one? The options are almost limitless! It can be tough to select the best yoga mat, and this is where an in-depth review list will help.re...
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About yoga mats
Yoga mats are simply fabric mats that are designed to be non-slip. This feature helps you to feel secure during your practice, and prevent any injuries.
In earlier ages, people used to practice yoga poses on grass, hard earth or without any mat. They also used the skin of tigers and deer as a yoga mat, as well as cotton towels to prevent slipping. Nowadays, cotton towels have been replaced by non-skid, rubber mats.
Why You Should Buy a Yoga Mat
People often ask why it is important to use yoga mats while practicing yoga. Quite, simply, a mat will optimise every aspect of your practice.
Firstly, a good-quality yoga mat provides you with a surface on which you can safely perform a whole range of different yoga positions. It’s versatile, and can be used at the gym, in the studio, or during personal practice at home.
A yoga mat also helps you to maintain alignment whilst you practice your moves. Beginners must use a mat to safely move themselves into flexible yoga poses, as is provides appropriate cushioning. It also supports your spine, neck, limbs, and joints as you move and maintain positions.
To optimise health benefits, it’s important to ensure that your yoga mat does not contain any dangerous chemicals, including phthalates, AZO, phenol and heavy metals. These chemicals are not conducive to the general aura of wellbeing you will look to maintain through yoga practice.
It’s also possible to repurpose an old yoga mat in different ways. You can use a mat as a rug on a wooden surface to make your home look stylish, or as an underlay for an existing decorative rug.
A yoga mat also provides a warm layer against cool floors, which makes practice more comfortable. A mat helps you to balance your body weight and even out a soft surface.
Top Yoga Mat Buyer’s Guide
Before buying any yoga mat, you must have some knowledge about the texture and fabric of such equipment. You might not realize it now but a lot goes into buying the perfect mat.
Here are some of the tips you can follow before purchasing a yoga mat.
Now that you know the benefits of owning a yoga mat, let’s look at some of the best options on the market!
Our Yoga Mat Reviews
1. Heming Weigh high-density yoga mat
A double-sided non-slip yoga mat which helps to prevent injuries. This mat is constructed from a comfortable foam, which offers great absorption. It is very thick and protects your back, arms, and knees during practice. The mat is designed not to slip whilst exercising, and allows you to have a firm grip and balance on the floor.
The mat possesses moisture resistant properties, and can be easily washed with soap and water. As it’s constructed from a light material, this mat is super portable, and can be taken anywhere. An included shoulder strap makes it straightforward to transport from home to practice.
Generously proportioned at 24” x 71”, this yoga mat is specially designed for people of all shapes and sizes. It comes with two years of warranty, and is well-rated by current users.
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2. Yoga Mat by DynActive
This beautiful and stylish yoga mat from DynActive gives perfect grip and balance to your body whilst you practice. It is specially designed with a unique TPE material, which makes the mat incredibly durable, luxurious, and comfortable.
It is an SGS-tested, non-toxic, and PVC-free yoga mat which is also environmentally friendly. Unlike some other mats available, it is latex-free. Its ultra-absorbent structure helps to absorb your sweat, which also prevents accumulation of sweat and dirt. Lightweight construction makes this mat portable, and the firm base allows you to keep balance whilst perfecting your tree pose! With dimensions of 72” x 24”, there’s plenty of room to move around.
This yoga mat also provides guaranteed protection for your knees and joints, and as it is manufactured without dangerous chemicals, it’s will not have a negative impact on your overall health. DynActive provides customer support if needed.
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3. BalanceFrom Go Yoga all-purpose yoga mat
If you’re looking to join a yoga class, or begin practicing at home, then this mat may just be the right one for you! Measuring 71” x 24”, it’s a great fit for most body types. Its foam construction helps you to perform well on hard surfaces, while its thickness and softness cushions your back and hips. This mat has a double sided non-slip surface, which gives a perfectly firm surface while practicing, and prevents slipping injuries.
This durable mat is a great choice for any type of yoga, on any surface. Its moisture-resistant technology helps to keep it clean, and the mat is also washable. This lightweight mat is very easy to take anywhere with the help of a comfy shoulder strap. It comes in four fabulous bright colours; red, purple, green or pink. There’s also a two year warranty included, and customers are extremely satisfied with the quality of the product.
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4. Reehut thick high density yoga mat
This yoga mat is an excellent for beginners and experts. It is made from high-density NBR foam and measures 71” x 24”. A ½ inch of thickness makes the mat perform well, as it gently cushions your back and arms. The mat comes with double sided texture surface and slip-resistant technology, which helps to prevent injuries. Anti-tear net texture adds durability, and it’s strong enough to be used on all surfaces.
This lightweight yoga mat comes with a shoulder strap, making it straightforward to carry anywhere. It’s also incredibly easy to store, and the material used is non-toxic and eco-friendly. The mat has been tested and approved by RoHS, PAHs, 6P and REACH.
To give you an added level of confidence, Reehut bundles the mat with a one year warranty. It comes in a range of seven delightful colors.
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5. Deluxe yoga mat
This is a yoga mat that comes in 29 funky colors; plenty for you to choose from! It measures 74” x 24”, with a thickness of 6mm. Its high density performs well, particularly in relation to other similar mats.
The dual sided non-slippery surface allows you to practice any yoga pose. It also prevents you from getting injured due to its firm stability. This durable mat is constructed from a tear-free and nontoxic material. It does not include phthalates, latex, nor heavy metals.
The Deluxe yoga mat is perfect for any type of yoga or Pilates routine. It comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, and ongoing customer care.
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6. Giam print reversible yoga mats
Giam print reversible yoga mats are available in a range of trendy new designs and colors. Specially designed for yoga, it is wide enough to accommodate any pose you might want to try. It also cushions your back and arms on hard surfaces, and provides a firm footing to help you avoid injuries.
It is very light in weight and durable. The reversible texture is non-slippery and performs incredibly well on hard surfaces. It measures 68” x 24”.
The Giam print reversible yoga mat is free of phthalates DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP, as well as PVC, making it an environmentally friendly choice. As an added bonus, the mat comes with a free yoga workout video, that can be downloaded to your computer or smartphone. Practice yoga with perfect alignment, with a little help from this stunning Giam mat!
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7. Sivan health and fitness yoga mats
Yoga is fun with this Sivan health and fitness mat. It comes in a cool turquoise color with a carrying strap for ultimate portability! Measuring 71” x 21”, it can accommodate an array of body shapes and sizes. This ultra-thick mat allows you to grip well and prevent you from sustaining knee and back injuries. Its foam material helps in balancing your body, as well as cushioning whilst you perform floor exercises.
It's both surfaces are totally different; one is more rigid, to give you stability, and other is smooth, which helps to gripping the floor. Cleaning with water and soap is easy. As well as yoga, this mat is ideal for Pilates, stretching, and toning workouts.
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8. Sunny health and fitness yoga mat
Another top yoga mat is the Sunny health yoga mat. This is a very lightweight non-slip PVC mat, which gives you an excellent level of comfort during practice. It is available in either blue or purple.
You will enjoy upgrading your workout session whilst using the Sunny health yoga mat. It provides comfort throughout your yoga session, encouraging relaxation and successful development of your skills. Its design encourages beginners to practice safely and securely. The mat measures 24” x 68” and has a unique rigid surface to help you grip and balance easily, on any surface. It is effortless to roll and carry the mat anywhere.
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9. Amazon basics yoga and exercising mat
Available in three popping colours, the Amazon Basics yoga and exercising mat is perfect for any type of pose or stretch, as well as Pilates and other floor-based exercises.
It is specially designed with a non-slippery texture, which helps to prevent injuries. This mat is very comfortable and supports your back whilst cushioning your body. It is lightweight and comes with an easy-to-use carrying strap
It is thick enough to handle your body weight on hard surfaces, whilst its sticky texture helps to keep you firmly anchored to the surface; you don't have to worry about unwanted movement during a yoga session!
This mat is perfect for using at home or in the yoga studio, and its durable foam material is very strong and long-lasting. You can easily roll your mat and take it anywhere.
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10. Prosource Premium long high-density exercise yoga mat
The comfortable Prosource premium long exercise mat is perfect for any type of yoga. It ensures your safety and protects your back, knees, and other joints, providing you with the perfect base for a comfortable yoga session.
With dimensions of 71" x 24”, it is an extra-large yoga mat that fits any user. Ideal for Pilates, stretching, and yoga, this high-density foam mat offers exemplary support, allowing you to focus solely on your practice. Its non-slip texture provides excellent grip and confidence during balancing poses.
This mat is water resistant and easy to clean, simply by wiping it with a wet towel. A mat sling with carrying strap is included, making it ultra-portable and convenient to carry to practice and home again!
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How to Clean Your Yoga Mat
If you have a yoga mat, it’s important to know how to clean it. Maintenance of a yoga mat helps to keep it fresh, and prevents accumulation of dirt and bacteria.
Some yoga mats can be cleaned in a washing machine, whilst others are too delicate for this approach. Whichever technique you use, make sure to wash your mat regularly.
Follow these points to keep your yoga mat beautifully clean!
Keeping your yoga mat clean not only makes it look good, but also extends its life. You should never use a dirty mat, as it carries the risk of spreading bacteria. It also looks very unappealing to other people around you. A clean mat helps to prompt successful practice!
Wrapping It Up
You must have some knowledge about yoga mats before buying one. Internet research allows you to get a feel for the features you need, and the mats that provide them at the best price. The wrong mat will have a negative effect on your yoga practice.
The above list gives you a great idea of the current market; you can select one directly from the list, or use it to inform and guide your onward buying decision. Whether it’s a bold and funky design, or something more discreet, the appearance of your mat helps you to enjoy your practice, and show off your style.
Your yoga mat should be easy to clean and water resistant to avoid any stickiness due to sweat. It’s important to ensure that any yoga mat you use can support your body weight, so that you can avoid injuries. You must check the material of the product before buying; mats that are not tested and approved may contain harmful chemicals.
Many people think that a yoga mat is not important for practicing yoga. This is a wrong; you must buy a yoga mat to perform well and avoid germs and injuries. It’s also import to consider portability; if you are carrying your mat between home and class, ensure it is lightweight, and comes with a carrying strap. Buy a mat that is long enough for your height, and wide enough for your body type. Consider the environment in which you practice; a hard surface requires cushioning, whilst a soft surface may need extra grip.
The best yoga mat may be an expensive initial investment; however, if it meets all your needs, then it is a worthwhile gift to yourself.