The Best Yoga Mats
Yoga is more than a recent craze for health-conscious millennials; it’s actually an ancient fitness and flexibility technique that’s been around for thousands of years. Best of all, it’s very accessible to beginners, but even beginners need to start with the basic necessities. Luckily, a yoga mat is the main, if not only, startup cost in beginning yoga training. If you’re looking to start yoga and need a mat, keep reading to see all our top picks for the best of the best.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best yoga mats on the market, we considered product design, price, size, and functionality. For example, if you want a comfortable and practical yoga mat on a budget, the Sunny Health & Fitness non-slip yoga mat could be a great bargain purchase. But if you prefer a professional, high-quality yoga mat that’s big enough for two, the Manduka yoga-and-pilates mat may be more up your alley. Keep reading to see all our best picks and to find the yoga mat that’s right for you.
BalanceFrom All-Purpose Yoga Mat
Get a head start
If you’re new to yoga and want to hit the ground running, this yoga mat is a good place to start. It’s just thick enough to be comfortable, but not so thick that it becomes hard to perform complicated poses. It has double-sided nonslip surfaces, so it has good traction for active exercises. Best of all, it’s moisture-resistant so it’s easy to clean with soap and water. This is a great, well-rounded mat for any beginner.
Pros:
- This mat comes with an option for yoga blocks, making it a perfect starter pack for yoga beginners.
- It comes in several colors, so it’s easy to pick the look that suits your style.
Cons:
- This mat can flake off pieces after the first few uses, but it should hold up well during casual exercise and meditative yoga.
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat
Simple and sweet
Sometimes it’s best to keep things simple. If you want a comfortable yoga mat at a great price without any unnecessary frills, this may be the one for you. This Amazon Basics yoga mat comes at a whopping 1/2 inch thick, thicker than almost any other mat out there. It may not offer much in terms of anti-moisture wicking or high performance, but it makes up for it with comfort and convenience. It’s made of 100% NBR foam and is made to offer soft padded support for your body during exercise. You’d be hard-pressed to find another mat this thick and soft for this low of a price tag.
Pros:
- This mat comes with a shoulder strap for easy transportation to the gym and back.
- It’s longer than most standard yoga mats, so it’s great for tall people that have a hard time laying down on shorter mats.
Cons:
- It can stretch a bit during complicated poses, though it does reform to its original shape after some time.
Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat
More cushion, less stress
When it comes to yoga mats, thicker is often more comfortable. If you’re looking for a softer, more durable way to practice yoga, getting a thicker mat can help make your sessions more comfortable. This extra-thick mat is 2/5 of an inch thick, made with NBR foam for a plush texture. It even comes with an included carrying strap for trips to the gym. For beginners that value comfort more than traction or performance, this mat is definitely a great buy.
Pros:
- This mat comes in plenty of color options, so you can find a mat that fits your aesthetic and your fitness lifestyle.
- Since the mat is so thick and soft, it can double as a sleeping mat for camping trips.
Cons:
- This mat isn’t as slip-proof as other options, but both the price and comfort level makes it ideal for beginners.
Manduka Pro Yoga and Pilates Mat
Practice in pairs
This may be the crown jewel of yoga mats, but if you have the money to invest, it can be a game-changer. Manduka mats are a favorite of yoga instructors around the world and for good reason. This particular pro model is built in a large square with room enough for two people. It’s composed of super dense PVC material for comfortable and durable support even at thinner measurements. Simply put, it’s made to last a lifetime. If you want to be confident in your mat years down the line, this is the one for you.
Pros:
- These mats wick away moisture, so they’re great for staying non-slip even during rigorous exercise.
- The closed-cell material prevents bacteria from absorbing into the mat, so cleaning is simple and efficient.
Cons:
- This mat is expensive compared to other models, so it’s best suited for serious yogis.
Sunny Health & Fitness Non-Slip Yoga Mat
Don't break the bank
If you’re looking to start learning yoga on a budget, you don’t have to splurge on an expensive mat right away. A mat’s main purpose is to provide a comfortable, non-slip surface where you can perform yoga exercises instead of on the ground. They don’t have to be extremely thick or luxurious to get the job done. This mat from Sunny Health and Fitness is a great example of a no-frills mat that gets the job done at a great price. It’s ultra-light, ultra-portable, and ultra-affordable. For a budget buy, this mat is hard to beat.
Pros:
- This is made of high-density foam, so it’s meant to be soft and durable despite its thin design.
- This mat is easy to roll up because it’s thin, so it’s great for taking to yoga class and back.
Cons:
- It’s not very thick, so heavier users may prefer something with greater cushioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean a yoga mat?
The majority of yoga mats can’t be washed in a washing machine. Luckily, they’re easy to clean with a bit of soap, water, and sunshine. We recommend laying out the mat on the floor first. Then, use a couple of drops of dish soap to make a soapy rinse, and use a hand towel to gently scrub the surface. After applying the soap, rinse it with clean water and let it dry.
How do you set up a yoga mat?
Setting up a yoga mat is simple. As long as you have a fairly flat surface, you can unroll the mat and start your posing. First, however, you should clear the area of pebbles and grit, since these can puncture the mat.
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