Competition: Different Approaches To The Same Problem
Manduka GRP Yoga Mat: At around $100, Mandukas GRP mat delivers slip resistance, but this time with responsibility. Like Gaiams Dry-Grip mat, the GRPs surface gets stickier the damper it gets. Additionally, the charcoal-infused rubber core absorbs sweat and eliminates odors. But the big bonus is the fact that the GRPs core and bottom layers are made from sustainably harvested rubber plus, the production practices have eliminated toxic emissions. That should be important to the sweaty and the bone-dry alike.
Aurorae Synergy Hot Yoga Mat:If youre sensitive to slick textures or prefer the grip of fabric to rubber, the Synergy Hot Yoga Mat from Aurorae stops the slide by bonding a non-slip microfiber towel permanently to a plush, 5-millimeter mat. I know what youre thinking, and dont worryits all machine-washable.
Yogitoes Yoga Towel: For the ultimate solution in portability, convenience, and, lets face it, hygiene, nothing can really beat a yoga towel. The Yogitoes Yoga Towel from Manduka is basically yoga canon, with silicone nubs on the underside to grip your yoga matand a soft, absorbent, low-pile towel surface to absorb sweat and keep you from slipping around. Folding down to purse-friendly dimensions and weighing in at just 1.25 pounds, its way more transportable than a traditional yoga mat, but the best part is you can just throw it into the wash as often as you like.
Design: A Bit Limited
At the time of this review, I could only find the longer and wider version of the Dry-Grip mat in black, with a large, glossy peony surface print. The option to go sans peony would be nice since flowers arent everyones cup of tea, but the design isnt really a deal-breaker. I just like options.
The mat is made of PVC , which is great news for people who have a latex allergy. Unfortunately, thats not so great for the planet, since PVC isnt a sustainable material and is difficult and costly to recycle. If you prioritize eco-friendliness, there are responsibly and sustainably made rubber, cotton, and jute mats available that may be more your speed.
What Is The Best Thickness For A Yoga Mat
Yoga mat thickness is measured in millimeters2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm being the most commonand what youll like will, again, depend on a number of things. First, you have to think about how close to the floor you want to be when practicing, says Ezra Shipin, creator of Common Cause Movement and a Y7 instructor. Shipin says she personally prefers thin, nonslip mats when teaching hot yogasweaty palms on a slick surface are a recipe for slippingbut says that people with wrist problems or joint issues may prefer something thicker and softer to relieve pressure.
Next up, Shipin says you should consider where youre practicing most often. Thicker mats tend to be heavier and denserand depending on how far you have to travel with your mat, you may prefer a foldable, lightweight option over, say, a thick cork or rubber mat that you can simply drag-and-drop beside your bed or couch.
Between the key features, varying price points, and sheer number of yoga mats on the market, theres a lot to take in, which is why we took things to the next level and combed through hundreds of reviews to help you find the mats most suitable for your needs. Ahead, 11 of the best yoga mats to shop now.
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Cambivo Extra Long Yoga Mat
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 84 Inches x 30 Inches x 0.25 inches inches
- Weight: 5 Pounds
CAMBIVO mat is extra wide, extra thick, and extra-large in size. This mat can accommodate two people and is ideal for a couples yoga and Acro Yoga.
6mm or0.25 inch thick mat provides ideal cushioning to your spine, hips, knee, ankle, and elbow. It reduces pressure on your joints by absorbing all shocks.
This is a waterproof mat and makes it easy to clean and maintain. It can be cleaned with soap water after use.
Its durable and tear-resistant. It has a honeycomb padded structure at back for better grip. This prevents the mat from slipping.
Pros
- Suitable for all kinds of light exercises and yoga postures.
- Large enough to fit in two people.
- Easy to clean.
- Extra thick for better protection and cushioning.
Cons
- Only for Barefoot Exercises, No Shoes.
- Not recommended for high-intensity workouts
- Heavy and not travel friendly.
- Can not practice under direct sunlight.
Manduka Yoga Mat Cons
While Manduka offers phenomenal products, they come at a cost. Manduka mats range from $45-$240 or more. Pricing depends on size, material, thickness and availability. Another con for Manduka mats is how long it takes to break them in. This tends to be the case for most of their products so much so that they created a video to show people how to season their mats.
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What Features Should You Consider When Shopping For A Yoga Mat
Everyones soul mat needs differ depending on what they crave in their everyday yoga practice, Liza Colpa, certified yoga instructor at YogaToday, tells Glamour. But certain features worth keeping an eye out for include grip and thickness. For beginners, she recommends styles with great grip to avoid slipping, and a medium thickness to prevent putting too much pressure on the knees and wrists.
Those with a consistent yoga practice may want to experiment with length and material, which will determine the overall texture, stickiness, durability, and eco-friendliness of the mat. For instance, says Colpa, tall people may want to swap their existing mat for a longer one that provides extra legroom, while others may want designs specifically made of sustainable materials in lieu of the standard PVC options.
Price can also be deciding factorand if youre just starting out, you can find great options under $60 . If you want to level up your routine and invest in something more durable, youre looking at prices between $100 and $200.
The 5 Best Large Yoga Mats For Every Body According To An Instructor
Some things are just better when they’re super-sized. Take yoga mats. Sure, standard mats can do the job, but extra-large yoga mats offer more space to spread out while you savasana.
Video of the Day
Having a few extra inches can be especially helpful for yogis with tall or bigger bodies. Upgrading to a large yoga mat ensures you don’t have to shrink your poses just to stay on your mat. And when you’re free to move, your yoga practice will only get better.
So, if small yoga mats just aren’t doing the trick, make room for one of these best large yoga mats.
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Extra Wide And Extra Long Deluxe Yoga Mat By Yoga Accessories
Based purely on width, this is the best wide yoga mat on the market. This yoga mat is an enormous 36 inches wide, providing plenty of room for users to stretch out their arms and legs without touching the floor.
It is also a full seven feet, or 84 inches, long, which is long enough for even the tallest individuals. This mat is a comfortable 0.25 inches thick, which is standard for traditional yoga mats. This mat is a solid black color, and it is made without latex, rubber, or dangerous phthalates.
PROS
- This is the widest yoga mat on the list, coming in at an enormous 3ft, or 36 inches, wide.
- At seven feet long, or 84 inches, It is also the longest yoga mat on the market.
- The mat is 0.25 inch thick and has a non-skid surface for safety.
CONS
Yoga Direct Extra Wide Yoga Mat
This large yoga mat comes in a bright blue color that looks great in any setting. It is a sturdy 72 long, 36 wide, and .25 thick, which provides reasonable support and comfort. This mat is larger than the standard size but is not unwieldy.
It has one textured slide, which minimizes slipping, and it is the standard thickness that is found in professional yoga studios. This latex-free yoga mat is very affordable, and each mat is individually wrapped, so this choice may be the best option for supplying classes and large yoga groups.
PROS
- The cheerful blue color looks great and promotes optimism.
- This mat is affordable for all budgets.
- A non-slip texture keeps this mat from slipping or sliding on wooden floors.
CONS
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Grip: It Must Be Magic
At first sight, I wasnt sure if I could take the claims of the Dry-Grip mats extra tackiness seriously. The finish is luminous and smoothmuch smoother than the nubby texture on mats you usually find in a standard yoga studio or gym. When dry, it feels like a normal mat. Once the Dry-Grip is damp, though, your hands and feet just stick. Gaiam says this is due to a special topcoat that wicks away moisture and gives you a better grip when wet, but it works so well, Im pretty sure its sorcery.
When dry, it feels like a normal mat. Once the Dry-Grip is damp, though, your hands and feet just stick.
Manduka Pro Yoga And Pilates Mat
Manduka makes some high-end Yoga mats. These make for fine investments given the lifetime warranty. The closed cell construction keeps the sweat out, which is great in a hot Yoga class. The material is supposed to be quite durable. And while its supposed to have good grip even when wet, there is an extra long Yoga towel you can get that is specifically designed for it.
- Length: 85
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Manduka Pro Lite Yoga Mat
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 79 Inches x 24 Inches x 0.18 inches inches
- Weight: 4.5 Pounds
- 6 color options and 2 size varieties
Manduka is a globally reputed yoga mat manufacturer. Prolite mat is ideal for all yoga practices. It is solid, firm, and cushioned to give a perfect surface to practice different yoga postures.
It has a strong grip and your hands and feet stay at one place where they should be. In other mats, you have to continuously adjust your hand and feet position.
It comfortably cushions your spine, hips, knees, ankles, and elbows on hard surfaces.
Manduka Prolite mats provide super grip to sweaty hands. Some sweat a lot while practicing, this is an ideal mat for them.
Its closed-cell structure doesnt absorb any sweat or water at all. This helps in maintenance as cleaning this mat with soap and water is effective and it does not absorb any water and dries very fast.
Due to its closed-cell structure, it does not absorb sweat and keeps it clean and odor-free.
Pros
- Helps prevent pain and discomfort.
- This mat is a lighter version of Manduka Yoga mats. It is travel friendly.
- Does not absorb sweat and water.
- It offers a good and strong grip.
- It comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Cons
- It may take a long time to break-in
- Can be slippery
- It is heavy and weighs around 4.5 pounds.
- It is expensive.
Are Manduka Yoga Mats Or Gaiam Yoga Mats Best
Whether youre new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, finding the best yoga mat can feel overwhelming. However, Manduka and Gaiam are trusted brands that cater to all levels of yoga.
Each brand offers high-quality mats in a variety of colors and designs, so there are plenty of options to choose from. But theres more to picking a yoga mat than just appearance. Deciding which mat works for you will likely come down to cost, durability and even environmental impact.
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Pogamat Large Yoga Mat
The Pogamat Large Yoga Mat is larger than most, at 7.5 feet long and 27 inches wide. But its most appealing feature is its unique two-sided surface, making this the best yoga mat at providing both comfort and security at the same time.
One side is made with a plush memory foam that measures 6.5 millimeters thick. The other side has a honeycomb pattern anti-slip pad that stops the mat from slipping on any surface. This solid black colored mat is environmentally friendly and made of non-toxic, synthetic materials.
PROS
- With its honeycomb textured side, this yoga mat can be used on all surfaces, including wood, glass, tile, carpet, and sand.
- This mat is twice as thick as the average yoga mat.
- The Pogamat Large Yoga Mat is both wider and longer than average.
CONS
Best For Great Durability: Cittanomad Extra Cushion Yoga Mat
Next on the list, weve got yet another mat that manages to win our hearts. Its the Cittanomad Extra Cushion Yoga Mat and its widely considered as the mat that has the most suitable features. Moreover, the cittanomad extra cushion yoga mat is very happy, It looks nice and has a good design. Not too soft, not too hard, enough rebounding to support your joints balance. And, it is good for good quality material, is free of latex, it is free of PVC and has a nice design. Most importantly, the cittanomad extra cushion yoga mat is available in black, purple and light green colors.
Almost all customers quickly discovered that the mat design is really pretty and it comes with some extra stuff to keep it rolled up. And, they strongly agree that the mat provides great cushion and support. And, they also found that this is a tpe mat and has no PVC or latex. In conclusion, most customers call the mat is functionally comfort, and no one questions it.
Top Customer Quotes:
- Make it fit for the extra wide yoga mat.
- This is easy to shift around as needed.
- It is easy to clean with wet clothes.
- This is made for great durability, It feels soft and has a durable design.
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How To Choose The Best Yoga Mat For You
When shopping for the best yoga mats, there are a number of factors to consider, before buying:
Size and thickness: Most standard yoga mats are about ¼ inch thick, but you may want a thicker mat if you require more cushioning for your wrists and knees. If you’re a taller yogi and dont want to go off mat while you practice, look for a longer yoga mat.
Grip: Will the texture and surface provide grip and traction during your class or workout? The last thing you want is an injury because the mat slipped mid-practice. Look for mats that are designed to be grippy without the need for a yoga towel if this is important.
Sustainability: If making sustainable choices is important to you, you should look into the materials of the mat and how and where its made.
Odor: As for odor and visual appeal, those vary by the mats manufacturer. Some of the best yoga mats have an initial unpleasant smell, which can dissipate after cleaning.
Cost: The best yoga mats come in a wide range of prices, from affordable, sub-$20 options to higher-end, brand-name selections. When it comes to cost, you may want to think about how often and how heavily youll use the mat. If youre a dedicated yogi or you want to use a mat for HIIT workouts, you may want to splurge for a tougher mat that can hold up under the conditions.
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How To Choose The Right Yoga Mat
Finding a good mat isnt tough , but when youre shopping, keep in mind all of your specific needs. Maybe you find thicker mats more comfortable for joint pain. Maybe perfect alignment is your goal, and you want a mat that provides you with ample space to stretch your legs out in Warrior II pose. And if you sweat a lot during your practice, a mat that reduces slipping might be top of mind.
Next, consider the mats portability. If youre looking for a mat you can carry with youeven if its just into the backyard for some outdoor yogaor a mat compact enough to stow under your bed, you may want to choose one that fits in a yoga strap or rolls up easily to fit inside your yoga mat carrier.
And especially in these stressful times, it can be helpful to think outside the mats functionality for a minute and choose one that just brings a smile to your face with its design and feel. Need some inspiration? Below, yoga instructors and fitness pros walk us through what they consider the best yoga mats for all types of practices and bodies.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Why Do You Need A Yoga Mat
So why do we need a yoga mat? Why and how has it becomes a global practice? Lets jump into it.
The first reason for using a Yoga mat is that it defines a space for your practice. You start the session by stepping onto the mat and end it by stepping out of the mat.
Yoga is a practice of mindfulness and awareness. So when you step onto a yoga mat it changes the quality of our practice and state of our mind.
Yoga is about practicing Asanas , Pranayam , and movements. These regulate and generate energy. It is a practice from the Vedic ages to use an insulated barrier to not let the energy dissipate the ground.
So the second reason is that the yoga mat acts as an insulated barrier that does not allow energy to get to the ground.
In older times, yogis use to practice yoga on animal skins, grass mats, straws, or bamboo mats. It helps move the energy from the ground in an upward direction.
Apart from these two main reasons, there are a few other benefits of a Yoga Mat.
- It acts as a cushioning agent and a shock absorber.
- It helps hands and feet from sliding while doing different postures.
- Yoga mats also protect weaker joints like knees, ankles, and elbows from getting injured.
