Best Yoga Mats in 2022

How We Chose Our Selection of Yoga Mats

Brand – There are countless rubber mats available on the market and many of them may even make their way into yoga supplies stores. However, we chose brands that specialize in making mats specifically for use during yoga routines. These brands have a reputation for exceptional quality yoga mats that provide lots of comfort and support while preventing injury during the various poses.

Quality –A good yoga mat should be made of durable materials for lasting quality. After all, a true yogi will need a mat on a daily basis meaning it will get a lot of wear. A good quality mat will not only last for quite a while, it will not lose its shape or cushioning effect for many years. That’s why we looked at quality before any of the other selection criteria.

Durability – Yoga mats see a lot of strenuous stretching and posing so you need something that is durable and made to last. The more durable and strong the materials are in the mat, the safer it is for the yogi. We looked at mats that are particularly strong and reliable for everyday use over an extended period of time.

Reviews – There are not many more reliable ways to check the quality of a product than to read independent reviews from those who have already purchased, tried and tested that particular item. The same applies to yoga mats. Most people who practice yoga, even if it is just occasionally, need a yoga mat and will not hold back if the product failed to deliver on its promises. In the case of yoga mats, if the users found a particular mat consistently awkward or uncomfortable, we know to steer clear of them.

Price –When putting together this selection of yoga mats, our aim was to cater to most budgets. Some people only want a simple, convenient and well-priced exercise mat, while others want a high-end mat for more continuous and rigorous use. The price is just as important as many of the other criteria we looked at in a mat so we aimed to find a price that suited the features and quality.

Features To Look For In a Yoga Mat

Support – Yoga is a wonderful way to strengthen your muscles and your bones. It’s practically zero impact and the risk of injury is minimal. If your yoga mat provides you with the right support when you are practicing, you should be able to move from one position to another with relative ease and without losing your footing. More importantly, when you are lying on your back, the higher the density, the more support and cushioning you will have to support your spine. This will not only be better for your back, but it will also make the poses and stretches more comfortable to perform.

Grip – The grip of a yoga mat is often referred to as the stickiness factor due to how well you can securely plant your feet into the mat during a pose. A successful yoga position like the Warrior pose depends on keeping stable for the duration of the pose, before you seamlessly shift into another one. The last thing you want to be doing is slipping and sliding or losing your balance. This can result in injury. A good workout mat for yoga has great grip so that your feet and hands feel almost glued to the mat when you plant them in the required position. This allows you to align your body perfectly into the pose to get the most benefits out of your routine.

Size – The size of your yoga mat should depend on how tall you are. Most yoga mats are about 68 inches in length but for taller people, it is probably wiser to get one that is between 72 and 74 inches in length. You should be able to stretch out completely on a yoga mat ensuring your spine, arms and legs are properly supported on the mat.

Surface Texture –Yoga mats come in a wide variety of textures. Some are smoother and perhaps rely more on the stickiness factor while others have different textures that provide good grip. The texture also depends on the materials the mats are made of. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preferences. The main thing to remember is that you need stability so choose a texture that you feel will work for you.

Maintenance – Considering the activity performed on yoga mats, they can get dirty or absorb quite a lot of sweat. While the sweat will dry, the microbes in the sweat are left behind to multiply. Keeping a yoga mat clean is relatively easy. It’s just a matter of using a mild detergent and water and wiping it down after a workout and then letting it dry completely. The amount of wiping will also depend on the types of surface textures you choose. An open-cell texture allows for moisture absorption which increases the chances of bacteria growth. This type will need a more thorough cleaning after each use.  A closed cell texture, on the other hand, prevents moisture absorption and a sealed cell minimizes moisture absorption. As long as you remember to clean your mat regularly and let it dry, you’ll get plenty of use out of it.

Price – We touched on price in our selection criteria, but it’s an obvious thing you will look at when purchasing a yoga mat. The top yoga mats are made from better quality, sustainable materials and should like you a considerably long time. That isn’t to say that a cheaper mat won’t last just as long. Budget is an obvious factor but there is no point in getting a less expensive one if you don’t like how it feels.

Types of yoga mats – There are a number of different types of yoga mats and it basically comes down to materials or purpose. If you are looking for a traditional yoga mat, you can’t go wrong with a natural rubber mat. These are generally made from renewable sources and are biodegradable, making them eco-friendly. You can also get a natural yoga mat made from cotton or hemp. These are great but won’t last as long because cotton and hemp can wear out with continued use. Another natural alternative is the jute yoga mat. This type of mat is so comfortable and cushiony that it feels like a yoga carpet and is ideal for most of the different styles of yoga due to its natural breathing properties. If you’re not overly concerned about the environmental impact of your mat, there are a number of synthetic alternatives to choose from.

Because yoga is something you can do anywhere at any time a good travel yoga mat is a great investment. These are usually thinner than other yoga mats and fold or roll up with ease so you can pack it in your suitcase and go anywhere. Alternatively, you may get a mat that comes with its own bag making storage even easier.

The sticky yoga mat is possibly the most popular but it has more to do with function. These mats have a slightly sticky texture which makes it so much easier to hold a yoga pose for longer. These are also generally less expensive so are perfect for novices.

Yoga Mat FAQ

Q: What is a Yoga Mat?

A: A yoga mat is in essence, a fitness mat especially designed for use during a yoga routine. Their main purpose is to cushion and support the spine and joints and prevent hands and feet from slipping and sliding during the various poses a yogi may perform during the exercise.  This allows for a more natural alignment of the body which results in getting the optimal benefit from the routine.

Q: How thick should a Yoga Mat be?

A: The thickness of your yoga mat should depend largely on your physical health and fitness. Some yoga masters need very little when it comes to supporting during a routine but for beginners and those with back problems, it may be better to get a thicker yoga mat. The average thickens of most yoga mats start from ⅛of an inch and go up to about ¼ of an inch.

Q: What does “PVC Free” mean?

A: When we refer to something as being PVC Free it means it does not contain polyvinyl chloride. This is the substance most plastic and rubber products are made of and during production releases dioxins into the environment. Dioxins have been linked to cancers, reproductive, developmental and immune disorders. Choosing PVC Free products means you can avoid this substance and the health risks that come with it.

Q: What are Yoga Mats made of?

A: Many yoga mats are made of PVC, often referred to as vinyl. However, as many yogis are switching to newer, more eco-friendly materials the trend has seen a significant shift towards yoga mats made from natural, sustainable materials such as natural rubber, cotton, hemp or jute.

Q: How do you clean a Yoga Mat?

A: Like any item we use with any degree of regularity, a yoga mat will also need to be cleaned. One of the simplest ways to clean a yoga mat is in the washing machine. If you can get your mat into the machine, then all you need is a small amount of a mild detergent and wash the mat on a cold, gentle setting. Keep in mind though, that even if your yoga mat can fit in the machine, you need to check the manufacturer’s care instructions before you try this.

If you’re not comfortable with machine washing your mat, all you need is a spray bottle with a few drops of detergent. Spray over your mat and wipe clean. If your mat is a little on the smelly side, you may need to dilute some baking soda with a touch of detergent and give it a good rub down.

There are two important things to remember when you are cleaning your yoga mat. Firstly, you should always follow the cleaning process with a wipe down with a clean, damp cloth to remove any detergent residue and secondly, always allow your mat to completely air dry before rolling it up again.

Q: Are Yoga Mat towels necessary?

A: Many yoga mats come with their own towel, but you can also buy yoga mat towels separately. While they may not be necessary, there is some wisdom to using them. Yoga towels are fantastic at absorbing sweat and this is a great advantage to keep the microbes from multiplying on your mat. If you do use a yoga mat towel, you will only need to give your actual mat a quick wipe down after your workout, instead of a full wash down. Yoga mat towels also double up as a towel to pat yourself dry during exercise. Once your routine is done, the towel is easy to throw into the washing machine and be ready for use the next time.

Conclusion

A good quality yoga mat will be of great benefit to you during your routine and it really doesn’t matter if you are a novice or a professional. Yoga isn’t competitive so you can truly stretch into the various positions according to your level of flexibility. Unlike other forms of physical activates, when it comes to yoga, the mat is pretty much the only thing you need although it’s still pretty cool to have a few accessories.

Grab your favorite yoga mat and head for the hills. It’s a great way to improve your flexibility and find your calm center. This great exercise is perfect to do in the park and when your routine is done for the day, you can relax comfortably on your mat for as long as you can.