The Comprehensive Yoga Mat Guide
No matter where you are in your yogic journey, a great matcan help ease the way. Weve identified the top characteristics every yogineeds to consider before making the all important purchase.
Before we dive deep, a word of caution. We have foundthroughout years of our own practice, that the most important thing to listen towhen purchasing a yoga mat is your own body. It will be the first to tell youwhat it needs to succeed, whether it be more cushion for achy knees or evenless if you cant retain balance during specific asanas.
Seat Cover For Your Pets
Whether youre taking your dog to the vet, groomer, or a quick joy ride, having a place for them to feel comfortable is important. By laying an old yoga mat in the back seat of the car, you can help your furry friend from slipping and scratching the back seat.
Now, your pet can practice their own version of Downward-Facing Dog without scratching the seats or slipping around uncontrollably!
Which Mat Is Right For Me
Always on the go? Meet VOYAGER & TRAVEL, your practice just got a little lighter!
VOYAGER: Our thinnest and most portable mat yet, the VOYAGER is ideal for yogis on the go that have to travel light! Easily folds up to fit into your tote bag, carry on, or backpack, allowing you to take your practice with you everywhere and anywhere.
SPECS: 1/16 thick, 24 wide, is 68 in length, and weighs about 1.5lbs
Available in: Purple, Midnight Blue, Olive Green, and Fire Engine Red
*please note the Voyager is not suited to a vigorous daily practice, it does compromise durability
TRAVEL: The perfect marriage between our best-selling Harmony mat and our most transportable mat Voyager, we introduce you to our Travel Mat! Perfect for yogis on the go- supportive enough for daily use, but light enough to go with you!
SPECS: 1/8 thick, 24 wide, is offered in 68 or 74 lengths, and weighs just under 3lbs
Available in: Purple & Midnight Blue , Olive Green, and Black
Dont know what you need and looking for our go-to suggestion? Meet HARMONY!
HARMONY: Our most popular mat, the HARMONY is our everyday, go-to mat. Great for yoga, Pilates, or mat work in general! If youre undecided, have dual purposes for your mat, or are looking for a multi-purpose mat, Harmony is for you.
SPECS: 3/16 thick, 24 wide, is offered in lengths of 68, 71, & 74, and weighs about 5lbs
All colors are not available in all lengths, see for additional details
Available in: Midnight Blue
What Do We Mean By Buy A Mat We Plant A Tree
While it has always been our goal to make the best performing yoga mat on the market and we are very proud that Harmony is made with natural rubber, a renewable resource, contains no PVC or ozone depleting substances and is made in the United States in compliance with US environmental laws — we felt we could and should do even more. We looked for a partner to help us give back to the earth and found Trees for the Future to be the right choice. What we like about Trees for the Future is that they work with local communities on projects that are environmentally and economically sustainable. They are not about going in and dictating what they are going to do, doing it and walking away. They engage the local community which leads to a project that can continue long after Trees for the Future has left. Trees for the Future works to develop and implement programs to improve living standards for the participants, by the careful management, rather than the exploitation, of our natural resources. Through this partnership with Trees for the Future, we plant a tree for every yoga mat we sell.
Buying A Tatami Mat: The Guide On Purchasing Your First Tatami Mat
First off, what exactly are tatami mats and why should you buy tatami mats for your home?
If you ever walked into a tatami room or a traditional Japanese home, youll notice a delicate sheet of woven grass that encompasses through the living room, kitchen and eventually the bedroom. The lightness in your step is provided by soft traditional grass woven tatami and it even breathes of an earthy fragrance that delights your senses.
Below we provide a short guide on the uses of tatami, how to choose a tatami mat, and a list of the best tatami mats for you to buy online without breaking the bank.
Contents
The Standard Size For Yoga Mats
For those who havent looked into yoga mats yet, lets talk about the standard sizing.
The size of the average yoga mat is 24 inches wide and 68 inches long. In regards to my own practice, Ive only done yoga on a standard size yoga mat.
However, I am 51, which is converted to approximately 61 inches, giving me 7 extra inches of length.
Personally, I feel I could use more width in certain poses, so my feet dont go off the mat when my legs are hip-width apart, but thats my own preference.
If you are my height or shorter and dont mind your hands or feet off the mat when hip width or shoulder width apart, the standard size might be the perfect size for you.
Every yoga brand makes standard sized mats, however, I highly recommend three brands in particular.
is great for the loyal customer that wants a lifetime guarantee and high quality. is another high-quality brand but is specifically targeted towards environmentalist due to its natural rubber.
For a cheaper price point, is good quality for the price and has the most variety in terms of patterns and styles.
That being said, if the standard size does not sound ideal, read onward for more information and different yoga mat options!
Features To Look For In A Yoga Mat
Support Yoga is a wonderful way to strengthen your muscles and your bones. Its 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.
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.
What Is The Best Yoga Mat For Seniors
Many of us experience more joint pain and discomfort as we age, so the best yoga mats for seniors will provide a soft yet stable surface to cushion our pressure points without sliding all about. Weve tracked down the best yoga mats for bad knees, plus several other affordable accessories, such as kneeling pads and yoga gels , that can make all the difference in how you feel while moving and stretching.
With the help of this specific equipment, your knees should feel better in no time. Eventually, you may even be able to move on to a thinner yoga mat ideal for tougher balancing poses! Keep scrolling for Womans Worlds top picks for the best yoga mats and accessories for bad knees.
We write about products we think our readers will like. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the supplier.See more of our best product recommendations.
What Is The Standard Size For A Yoga Mat
I recommend that you purchase a yoga mat that suits your body type and size. As you see in this article, yoga mats come in a wide selection of styles, colors, thicknesses, materials, and lengths.
While there are no fixed measurements set by yoga professionals, the standard size for a yoga mat is 68 inches long and 24 inches wide.
How To Dry Your Yoga Mat
Aqua Yoga has a place, and its in a pool, not on a still-damp mat. If you dont allow your mat to fully dry after washing, it can lead to bacterial growth and the formation of mold and mildew. Fun.
Give your mat adequate time to dry by hanging it on a drying rack, a shower curtain rod, or the back of a chair. Outdoor yoga is great for boosting your mood and becoming one with the elements, but its not the best option for airing out your gear following a strenuous Ashtanga sesh.
Although the suns rays are considered a natural drying agent, they can be harmful to many rubber mats, causing them to decay faster, says Thompson. To prolong the life of your mat, dont leave it outside to dry for an extended period of time. Move your mat indoors at the end of your practice.
Yoga Mat Materials And Durability
When selecting the material for your yoga mat, you can choose anything from inexpensive PVC to environmentally friendly natural rubber. Which material you choose will affect the mats price, weight, grip and durability. Generally, thicker mats last longer than thinner mats. That said, mat durability is also related to the material the mat is made from.
PVC is a plastic-based material that is highly durable, easy to clean and offers excellent floor grip. However, PVC mats are non-absorbent and can become slippery when you sweat heavily. PVC is latex-free, a benefit to those with latex allergies, however, it is not biodegradable or as environmentally friendly as other options.
TPE is a man-made blend, usually of plastic and rubber polymers. TPE mats may be more environmentally friendly than PVC, and some are fully recyclable. TPE mats are generally less durable than PVC mats of the same thickness, but still deliver good traction.
Eco / naturalmats come from a variety of sources, including natural rubber, organic cotton, and jute. Compared to other options, eco mats are slightly less grippy on the floor, but their natural texture provides traction for your body. Eco mats lack the decade-long durability of PVC, yet they top the list if sustainability is your priority.
How To Choose A Tatami Mat
When looking to buy a tatami mat online, look for authentic and traditional tatami mats that come in various sizes and are processed and manufactured under safe guidelines.
Many retailers offer large size tatami mats used for floor covering at a premium price. Cheap tatami mats can be found if youre looking for a smaller size tatami mat for your home. Many modern homes use cheap tatami mats that provide the traditional aesthetic of traditional tatami mats as floor mats, sleeping mats, and tatami mat beds.
Below are reviews of modern tatami mats that offer tatami mats in sizes such as folding and larger sizes that are used for covering a bedroom with tatami mat flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yoga Mats
Q.1 Which are the best yoga mats to buy?
Ans: Here is a list of the five best yoga mats that you can buy:
a) Jade Travel mat
Q.12 How long should a yoga mat last?
Ans: A yoga mat should ideally last for about 6 to 12 months.
Q.13 How can I make my yoga mat sticky again?
Ans: You can make a yoga mat sticky again by using various ready-made solutions that are available online. There are other home-made solutions, but you should read the instructions before using them.
Q.14 What can you do with old yoga mats?
Ans: You can a lot of creative things by using your old yoga mats. Here is a list of five things that you can do with an old yoga mat:
a) Make a mouse pad.
b) Use it as grip pads to open jars and bottles.
c) You can turn it into napkin rings.
d) You can use it as a doormat.
e) You can use it at the beach.
Q.15 Can I use a towel instead of a yoga mat?
Ans: No. A towel will move around and lose its shape. A yoga mat stays flat and offers ample grip which is required for complex postures.
How To Look After Your Liforme Mat
We hope your Liforme mat is serving you well!
We want you to be able to use and get the most out of your Liforme mat for as long as possible. So here is how to take care of it!
1. Clean it rightUse a tiny drop of dish soap diluted very heavily with plenty of water. Wipe your mat gently with a non-abrasive sponge that is damp but not soaking wet. We recommend you clean your mat only about every 5-10 uses. If you regularly practice in sweaty conditions, you may wish to clean your mat more frequently, but remember that whilst our planet-friendly Liforme mat materials are remarkably durable for Yoga practice, over-cleaning or using abrasive products will wear out the materials faster. We do not recommend using any chemical mat cleaner sprays or essential oil sprays, as they can potentially damage the mat.
2. Let it dryAfter any practice, especially a sweaty one, and after cleaning allow your mat to dry fully before you roll it up. Heading straight home from your class? No problem, just roll it up, take it home, and unroll to dry as soon as you get a chance.
3. Avoid keeping your mat out in the sun for long periodsYour mat is, very importantly, biodegradable and so prolonged exposure to the sun can degrade it more quickly. But dont worry, our mats are not vampires and theyre OK with the odd bit of sun, so no need to be too worried about this.
Still have questions? Get in touch with us and we would be more than happy to help!
Now go and practice some serious asanas!
What Size Of Yoga Mat Do I Need
The size and weight are something that you must consider when buying your yoga mat. As I mentioned above, you must think in advance where you will use your yoga mat. At home or in your yoga class?
As for the size, if you are very tall, there are mats that adapt to you. There is also who looks for it a little wider.
For example, the one I bought, it has measures of 61 cm x 173 cm x 1.5 to 2 mm and weighs 0.9 kg. Total light! It is super easy to store and fits anywhere, even in my backpack!
#2 Yoga Mat Starts To Tear Apart
If you’re practicing yoga in a studio, then you know the importance of cleaning the space after the session. Noticing small pieces of your yoga mat around is a sign that it’s time for changing to a new mat. This will usually happen after 6 months of heavy practicing and it’s totally normal.
Never continue working out on that yoga mat since the level of thickness won’t be even and it can cause various wrist injuries. Also, you probably don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning the studio after you’re done with your session, right?
Does It Come With A Warranty
As far as I can tell, theres no official warranty on these mats.
On Liformes website, under Shipping & Returns, they mention that you can return a mat within 14 days if youre not happy with it.
But when it comes to wear and tear over time, its not clear if they offer a guarantee of the products longevity.
However, Ive heard really good things about Liforme customer service, so if you have an issue with your mat, Id reach out and Im sure theyll help however they can.
Choosing The Right Yoga Mat Thickness
While Yoga Mats are meant to support, cushion and protect your body, many factors such as where you practice and what kind of practice you do can help you choose the right yoga mat thickness for your specific needs.
Yoga Mats vary in length, material and thickness. Although there is not a specific rule on deciding which thickness you should use, there are a few things to consider.
Common Uses Of Tatami Mats
Tatami mats are most notably used as a type of flooring in homes and innsa tradition that has existed since the Edo period in Japan.
Ryokans, a traditional Japanese inn that served travelers that traveled on roads and highways, features tatami mat rooms that lead into a small entranceway where guests can take off their shoes before stepping onto the tatami floor.
Guest rooms at a ryokan are designed with traditional Japanese methods: tatami flooring, sliding doors, a porch or balcony, and a futon spread out as bedding. The pattern of tatami has a distinct woven design, respectfully because of the way the mat is constructed. While the texture of a tatami mat feels a bit hard on the surface but once stepped on, the cushion of the mat is soft and delicate.
When Should You Replace Your Yoga Mat
The lifespan of a yoga mat is highly dependent on the quality of the mat and how often you use it. In general, you can expect a mat to last about one year.
Of course, this depends on the mat type, practice cadence, and style of the individual using it, says CorePower Yoga‘s Pacific Northwest senior area leader, Molly Dilg.
The Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started With Yoga
What Happens If You Dont Replace Your Yoga Mat
Simply put, things can get gross and even dangerous if you use a yoga mat longer than you should. It wont cushion as well, and you could develop aches that werent present before. You could slip, Dr. Nghi told POPSUGAR. It can also cause infection from the bacteria, fungi, and viruses that the mat harbors.
The germs may be the worst part of all, because theyre not as obvious as signs of wear and tear. What you wont be able to see quite so easily are germs, dirt, and debris buildup accumulating as a yoga mat ages, Fawkes explained. Yoga mats are basically the perfect breeding ground for bacteria contained in our sweat. Thats especially true if you rarely clean your yoga mat and roll it up immediately after each use, trapping the bacteria and leaving it to party. Um, ew.
Related: I Feel So Much Better Knowing This Yoga Mat Bag Keeps My Mat Germ-Free
Recycling Your Old Mat
There’s no need to toss your old mat when you change to a new one. Gaiam Life recommends 50 different ways to reuse old mats, including as placemats for dog and cat dishes, drawer liners and mouse pads. A square of a yoga mat also makes an effective jar opener — just lay it over the lid and twist. Strips of an old, lightweight mat can stand in for packing peanuts or find new life as non-slip grips.
References
What Is The Lifespan Of A B Mat
This is dependent on a number of things. 1) How often you practice. 2) Your style of practice. 3) How you care for your mat. Our mats are made of high quality ingredients and constructed to withstand heat, sweat, and the most butt-kicking vinyasa flow of your life, several times a week for several years. If you clean your mat gently after each class are store it away from sunlight between practices you will be able to extend the life of your mat for 3+ years.
What Are Yogitoes Yoga Mat Towels Made Of
What about your Yogitoes yoga mat towels? As the no.1 hot yoga towel, they are a must-have for every yogi out there, with their stunning prints and patented technology preventing you from slipping no matter how much you move or sweat in those Bikram classes. Each towel is made from at least eight discarded plastic bottles, preventing them from entering landfills or polluting the ocean. All the dyes are also certified as eco-friendly
How Clean Is Your Yoga Mat Really
If youre the only one flowing through poses, its safe to say your yoga mat is just about as clean as the body that practices on it, according to Dilg. But, if the mat has multiple users, the cleanliness factor gets a little dicey. Where you practice also determines the germ-factor of your mat.
If you only use your yoga mat at home, it is probably a lot cleaner than when you take it to a yoga studio, walk around there on your bare feet, and then get on your mat, says Paternotte.
Regardless, whether youre a solo yogi or share a mat, exercises surfaces such as a yoga mat are home to dirt, germs, viruses, bacteria, fungus, and more. Thats why you need to be diligent about cleaning it after each use.
The 11 Best Yoga Mat Bags of 2021, According to a Personal Trainer
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. Thats 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.
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.
Bald Spots Are Forming
In addition to losing cushioning in certain parts, old mats can contain visible bald spots where the surfaces texture has rubbed away over time.
This can cause the same problems mentioned in the previous two sections, of slippage and balance issues, but because the bald spots are visible, theyre easier to spot than the other two signs. Make sure to look over your mat from time to time to ensure the surface texture isnt wearing away.
Once bald spots start wearing away and turning into holes, the problem is obvious. But that doesnt happen overnight, and its ideal to catch balding way before it gets to that point if you want to make sure youre getting the most out of your mat.
