How to choose the right yoga mat?

Want to buy a yoga mat and don’t know where to start? Here are some tips to guide your decision.

To get the most out of your practice, choosing a quality yoga mat is essential. A good yoga mat will allow you to maximize comfort and stability during your practice. Note that it is also much easier to set up a regular yoga practice when you have good equipment.

Here are the criteria to consider when choosing your yoga mat.

The size of a yoga mat is pretty standard. As a rule, its dimensions are 60 cm x180 cm. To start, it is best to opt for a carpet that is neither too thin nor too thick, 4 to 6 millimeters.

Although there are longer or wider mats to accommodate everyone’s body type, it is above all the thickness of the yoga mat that will guide your choice. Depending on your needs, you can choose to use a thin yoga mat, a medium thickness mat or even a thick yoga mat.

Choosing the thickness of your mat also depends on the type of yoga you practice. A thicker yoga mat is generally more comfortable. It is suitable for a gentle yoga practice and works great for people with sore joints.

On the other hand, thick mats are heavier which makes them difficult to transport. They also offer less stability. A thinner yoga mat allows for better balance and grounding. He doesn’t settle. It is ideal for an active and dynamic yoga practice.

The choice of carpet thickness is above all a matter of preference, comfort and experience.

Where are you going to practice?

Before investing in a yoga mat, it is important to ask yourself where are you going to practice. If you are looking for a yoga mat for home use only, you can opt for a spacious and comfortable model that fits perfectly into your practice space.

Here, the weight of the carpet will therefore not be a major factor. Conversely, if you spend a lot of time in the studio, a travel yoga mat is likely to be more suitable. These tend to be smaller, lightweight, easy to fold and carry. In addition, if you practice on a mat or on carpet, you will need a thinner and more compact yoga mat.

Indeed, a thick mat will sink on this type of floor and the excess padding may cause you to lose your balance. If you practice mainly on a hard surface, you can opt for a thicker and denser yoga mat. It will provide better comfort to your knees and wrists during practice.

Which material to choose for your yoga mat?

Yoga mats come in all kinds of materials. The most common are cork, rubber or PVC. Natural rubber mats are made from natural latex. They are flexible, dense and durable. They are textured to provide good traction and are very comfortable to use.

Synthetic rubber mats also have great flexibility. They are more durable than natural rubber mats and provide excellent traction. However, they are less good for the environment. Cork mats consist of a thin layer of natural cork placed on rubber or PVC. They are sturdy and durable.

To optimize grip on the ground, yoga mats come in different textures. The texture of the carpet directly influences its adhesion. A good mat should prevent you from slipping when changing postures. If you do hot yoga or if you sweat a lot during your practice, you should opt for a yoga mat with a non-slip coating. This will absorb sweat and prevent slipping.

You can also add a soft cotton or microfiber yoga towel to your mat. Your need for grip will mostly depend on the style of yoga you practice.

There are eco-friendly options for your yoga mat. Many yogis use natural rubber, jute, cork, natural cotton, hemp or even wool mats. Some are made from recyclable materials and can be recycled themselves. To be eco-responsible, carpets must not only be durable, but also be free of toxins. Thus, they are healthier for the body as well as for the planet.

What budget for your yoga mat?

The price of a yoga mat can vary from around 20 to 150 euros. Eco-friendly, extra wide, extra long and thicker mats tend to be more expensive.

The price of carpets from famous brands can quickly reach peaks and greatly exceed 100 euros. It is important to note that you don’t have to invest in an expensive yoga mat to practice yoga well.

Just because a yoga mat is more expensive doesn’t mean it will suit your needs better. If you’re just starting out, avoid wasting money on expensive hardware. You can absolutely start your practice with a standard and versatile yoga mat.

Wait until you find a yoga practice you really enjoy before spending the money on a high-end mat model.

And the style in all this?

Aesthetics are the last factor to consider once you have narrowed down your choice in terms of thickness, material, texture, grip, environmental friendliness and price.

Although the style, design and color do not affect the functionality of the rug, it is important to choose a rug that you find attractive and that inspires you. Your yoga mat is a sanctuary, it’s a space of well-being dedicated to you.

Materials, colors, textures, sizes or thicknesses… There are many different types of yoga mats on the market. To make the right choice, you need to think about the type of surface you will be practicing on, your storage and transportation needs, your material preference, and the type of support and grip you need.

Take your time and do not hesitate to test several carpets before making your choice. Also, over the course of your practice, your needs may change. It will then be time to invest in a new carpet!