The first thing to think about is the style of yoga you’ll be doing. So, how do you decide on the best yoga mat for you? And what should you take into consideration when you are choosing a new yoga mat for your practice? It’s made from vegan-friendly rubber with water-based dyes, so won’t cost the earth. It’s easy to clean (warm water with lemon juice works well) and comes with laser etched alignment guides on the mat to help you get into position. That said, it did pick up a lot of fluff and dirt from the floor. However, there was a bit of movement when used on carpet – but nothing compared with cheaper mats. We used it on wooden floorboards, and it stayed put. The Yogi Bare Paws Extreme Grip Yoga Mat is famous for its non-slip tech and made from eco-friendly natural rubber and PU, meaning you can stay in poses for longer.įrom a simple downward dog to more dynamic moves such as crow and fallen star, this mat keeps you in place regardless of how much you’re sweating.Īt 4mm thick, the Yogi Bare Paws Extreme Grip Yoga Mat is as good for vinyasa flow and hot yoga as it is for more strenuous HIIT and circuit workouts, but if you’re worried about your knees you might want a slighter thicker mat. Overall a great value mat with good performance for travelling yogis. Jade Yoga has a plant-based mat wash you can use for cleaning, but we found that regular sprays worked just as well (although avoid UV cleaners as these can damage the rubber). We would note that the mat can be a little slippery when sweat-soaked, but it doesn’t tend to mark or stain which is a big bonus. It has an open cell construction and is really sticky, which is ideal as it means that you won’t slip and slide during your yoga session. This yoga mat is made from PVC-free natural rubber so expect a rubbery smell for the first few weeks (and avoid this product if you have a latex allergy). We would also recommend rolling the mat out after you unpack it to minimize creases. While this mat will take up very little space in your luggage or your closet at home, the downside is that its super thin profile means that there is zero padding in this travel mat.

It easily folds down to the size of a yoga block, and has a textured design that gives it great grip. The Jade Yoga Travel Yoga Mat is perfect for travel as it’s thin, lightweight and compact. From affordable options to the next level in yoga mats, it’s all here. Plus, we take a look at which yoga mats are great for rolling up and taking to your class, and which mats are better saved for home use. Our expert buying guide takes you though some of the very best yoga mats available on the market, from vegan or eco-friendly options, to mats that are naturally antimicrobial. And if you’re a seasoned yogi still using their old college mat, then why not treat yourself to an upgrade. Given how expensive some yoga mats can be, it’s worth taking the time to consider what’s important to you, how much your budget can afford, and your level of yoga experience.įor example, if you’re just starting out, it’s probably best not to blow your budget out of the water on a mat you may not be using in a year’s time. If all that doesn’t convince you to downward dog, then our list of the 8 benefits of yoga may do the trick.īut don’t forget - it’s important to have the right kit in place, to reduce the risk of injury, and give you the confidence you need to try those new positions. It can also lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, reducing the need for medications.

Help you manage the symptoms of chronic diseasesĪccording to Harvard Health, yoga can have a positive effect on cardiovascular risk factors, lowering blood pressure.

Help you lose weight by burning calories.Relieve low-back and neck pain and knee osteoarthritis.Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve overall mental health.If you’re still mulling over whether to start yoga or not, it may be worth knowing that the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health says regular yoga practice can: Most yoga mats may look similar, but there are hundreds of variations on offer, with a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and shapes available. To help your journey to yoga nirvana, we’ve tested out a range of yoga mats across a variety of budgets, to see what works and what doesn’t. If you’ve ever tried a new, challenging position in yoga, and found yourself slipping and sliding across your mat, you’ll know that the best yoga mats provide stability and comfort.

Flowstate mat