What should I pay attention to when buying a yoga mat?

What to look for when buying a yoga mat?

At the Yoga-Pilatesshop, we have yoga mats in all sorts of styles, colors, thicknesses, and materials. So there's definitely a suitable yoga mat for you. But because we have so many, it can be difficult to choose. That's why we've created this buying guide especially for you: what's important when buying your mat? We'll explain why later in this article. 

• The form of yoga you practice
• The length and width of your yoga mat
• The thickness of your mat
• The weight of your mat
• The material of your yoga mat
• The style and color of your yoga mat
• Besides yoga, do you also do fitness or pilates?

The history of the yoga mat

Traditionally, yoga was practiced on grass, sheepskin, or other animal hides. In the West, however, we usually sit on a hard or abrasive surface like tiles or carpet. You need a bit more cushioning to cushion your movements and prevent slipping on a smooth surface. This is why the 1960s saw the light of day sticky mat Designed. As the number of yoga practitioners grew, demand increased, and yoga and sports brands began specializing in yoga mats.

Why you need your own yoga mat

Before you buy a yoga mat, consider carefully what you primarily want to use it for. Will you take the mat to the studio or gym, or do you want a yoga corner at home? Setting up? While mats are available in every gym and yoga studio, there are still many advantages to having your own yoga mat:

• Your own mat is more hygienic. On the public mat, you'll find hair, dander, and sweat from the person before you, not to mention invisible germs. Don't have your own yoga mat yet? Order one now hygienic and pleasant-smelling mat cleaner.
• Choose a yoga mat that suits your styleYou'll get into the flow faster on a yoga mat you like.
• Buy a mat that meets your needsWhat kind of exercises do you do? Some yoga styles prefer a thicker yoga mat, while others prefer a thinner mat.
• A yoga mat for home and away. With your own yoga mat, you can do your exercises at home in peace and quiet. 

What should I pay attention to?

Length and width of your yoga mat

The standard size of a yoga mat is 180 x 60 centimeters. If you're tall, you can buy an extra-long mat. The same goes for an extra-wide mat. The dimensions of each yoga mat are listed in the description. 

Choose from these sizes for your yoga mat:

• standard mat: 180 x 60 cm
• wider mat with more space: 180 x 66 cm
• extra wide mat: 180 x 80 cm
• extra long mat: 200 x 60 cm
• Both the length and width are extra spacious, giving you more space: 215 x 66 cm

How thick should my yoga mat be?

The thickness of a yoga mat varies between 1 and 10 mm. If you're looking for an even thicker mat, you might want to check out Pilates mats. Depending on your yoga style, a thinner or thicker mat is more suitable.

Thin yoga mats 1 – 3 mm

A thin mat provides optimal contact with the ground. This makes a thin yoga mat ideal for yoga styles that involve a lot of balance exercises. A thin mat is also easy to take with you to the studio or when traveling super thin travel mat from Yoga-Mad fold up very small so that it fits in the bottom of your suitcase.

Standard yoga mats 4 – 5 mm

A standard yoga mat is suitable for all forms of yoga. Consider placing a non-slip towel or sheepskin on top for longer sitting and reclining asanas and meditations.

Thick yoga mats

Choose a thick yoga mat If you practice a style of yoga that requires you to lie in certain poses for extended periods to stretch or relax. Yin yoga is one example. Also, consider buying a thick mat if you have sensitive or protruding joints. It's often painful to lie on a thin mat. A thick mat provides enough soft support to sit and lie comfortably.

Materials for your yoga mat

PVC is a commonly used material for yoga mats. It's very elastic and provides excellent cushioning. It's also very strong and doesn't wear out easily. A PVC yoga mat will last at least 10 years.

Eco-friendly materials

A eco-friendly yoga mat Lasts slightly less long than a PVC mat. These mats are made of rubber, TPE, or a natural rubber base with a cork top layer. TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) consists of rubber mixed with plastic. TPE is 100 percent biodegradable and recyclable. 

 

A mat made entirely of rubber is generally heavier than a PVC mat, making it stable and non-slip. Mats with a cork top layer are a bit more fragile, but still very beautiful. They're perfect for the yoga lifestyle.

Bring your yoga mat

The yoga mat's weight is listed in the description. A mat weighing 1 kg or less is easy to carry on your bike. Roll up the mat with elastic bands and put it in your bike bag. Alternatively, you can also use a carrying strap buy or a practical and beautiful yoga bag, to bring your yoga mat to the studio.

The best brands for your yoga mat

In the Yoga-Pilates shop we sell only the best brands: Yoga-Mad, Merrithew, Stott, Samarali, Yogi & Yogini and Fitness-Mad. All these brands are free from harmful substances. In our online store, you can filter yoga mats by brand for a good overview of their product range.

• Yoga-Mad. The name says it all. Yoga-Mad is crazy about yoga and specializes in yoga mats and accessories. For example, choose this delicious thick yoga mat with carrying strap.
• Merrithew. Is this 6mm mat with print your style?
• StottThis antibacterial Stott yoga mat has been specially developed for hot yoga. Check it out!
• Samarali. This brand fits well with a trendy eco lifestyle. Choose here for a cork mat with print with a matching yoga bag.
• Yogi & Yogini. A hip brand with a spiritual mission and image. Besides yoga mats, they also have anti-slip towels.
• Fitness-MadHere you will find, among other things, a professional foldable yoga mat, which also weighs little.

Exercises for your yoga mat

A thin yoga mat is used for difficult exercises like Warrior, where you slowly find your balance and then move into a different pose. Such exercises require a lot of concentration, but above all, good grounding and a stable, non-slip mat. A thicker mat is less suitable for this. As soon as your foot sinks into the mat, you'll wobble and quickly lose your balance.

 

 A thicker mat, on the other hand, is wonderful for Savasana (corpse pose) or the long relaxation, as this asana is called in Kundalini Yoga. Because Kundalini Yoga consists mainly of dynamic exercises, it is best to choose a standard yoga mat, where you can use a thicker mat for the long relaxation and meditations non-slip towel Traditionally, sheepskins are used in Kundalini yoga, but they are less animal-friendly than a non-slip towel from Yoga-Mad or Yogi & Yogini.

Multifunctional yoga mats

Choose a yoga mat from 5 mm thick if you also want to do fitness and Pilates exercises on it. Pay close attention to the weight if you plan to take this mat to the gym. There are thick mats that still weigh very little.

Order a yoga mat from the Yoga-Pilatesshop

At Yoga-Pilatesshop you can order safely and quickly. Just take a look at the independent reviews of Yoga-Pilatesshop. Customers give us an average rating of 9 for quality, service, and speed. Need advice on buying your new yoga mat? Email us at [email protected] or call us during office hours at 06 30 44 34 85 or 06 21 96 14 17. We are all crazy about yoga here, so we can help you very well with your question.

Have you decided which mat suits you best? Check out here is our collection of yoga mats!

view all yoga mats

Having trouble? Or are you a studio and need to order multiple mats at once? Feel free to contact us, and we'll tell you what we can do for you as a business customer.