Finding the Perfect Yoga Mat: A Comprehensive Guide

July 5, 2024

One of the main benefits of yoga is just how little ‘equipment’ you need to practice. In fact, you’re good to go with little more than a mat, enough space to roll it out, and comfortable clothes. But here’s the thing – choosing the right mat for you can really make a difference. It may not seem to matter much when you’re starting out. However, the more time you spend on your mat, the more you’ll appreciate having a yoga mat that suits your needs. Read on to learn more about choosing a mat that matches you.

Why Your Yoga Mat Matters

Ask any number of novice yoga practitioners what they’re most concerned about, and some of the most frequent answers include concerns about flexibility, having difficulty following the teacher’s instructions, or simply keeping up with other practitioners during a class.

We rarely hear new practitioners thinking or even worrying about their yoga mats. It just seems to be such a simple thing, but your choice of mat matters more than you might think. Picking a great quality mat that fits your style of practice is about more than comfort.

Comfort plays a role, but a great yoga mat provides just the right amount of cushioning and support. You want a surface that is soft but also stable enough to support you. Good quality yoga mats provide enough cushioning to avoid aggravating pressure points unnecessarily. As a result, you can concentrate on your breath as you’re moving deeper into your asana.

Leading yoga mats also prevent slipping and give you the confidence to fully move through a range of warrior poses or reach for a little more lift in your downward-facing dog pose.

Creating a Space For Your Energy

Once you practice yoga regularly, your mat becomes an integral part of your experience. And while this may sound strange if you’re a complete beginner, it’s true that you leave a bit of your energy on your mat every time you practice.

Think about another person using your mat as someone suddenly stepping onto the pavement you’re walking on. You now have to detour or ask them to move. When someone else leaves their energetic traces on your mat, your practice may be thrown off course.

When you roll out your own mat, it’s a little like coming home and picking up where you left off.

Choosing the Right Mat for You

There is no right or wrong mat to fit everyone. However, there are a few different factors to consider when you’re choosing a mat to suit you. Here are three of the main aspects to consider.

Rubber or Foam?

Rubber and foam are two of the most common materials yoga mats are made of, but you can also find mats made from cork.

Rubber mats tend to lie flatter and often have a denser, more stable feel. They tend to offer excellent non-slip capabilities, giving you the stability you want when you’re moving into more challenging poses.

Because of the material’s density, most rubber mats are heavier than comparable foam mats. They also tend to be a little more expensive to purchase but might last longer, so your cost over time can be offset.

Foam mats are often lighter and feel a little more plush when you move on them. However, they’re generally not as durable and might curl when you first roll them out on the floor. Over time, you may also find that your foam mat starts to compress.

Foam yoga mats also tend to leave you more susceptible to slipping or sliding during your practice. If you’re susceptible to smells and odors, you may prefer a foam mat over rubber as many rubber mats have a distinct smell when they’re new. The odor fades over time, though.

Aside from these considerations, you may also want to check on your mat’s eco-friendliness. Many manufacturers are using sustainable materials, and it’s often worth paying a little more for natural materials.

Picking the Right Thickness

Yoga mats come in a range of different thicknesses. The most common thicknesses you’ll find lie between 1/8” and 1/2”. Which one is right for you depends on how much stability matters to you.

A soft mat will give you less support. A hard mat provides less cushioning for pressure points. If you’re not sure yet which aspect to prioritize, consider choosing a medium thickness that gives you the best of both worlds.

Do You Need a Travel Mat?

You’ll benefit most from your yoga practice if you spend time on your mat regularly. That can be difficult if your schedule changes often or involves a lot of traveling or you’re interested in yoga retreats. Of course, some practice options work well in hotel rooms such as chair yoga. You could even practice without a mat.

Still, the best option would be to make space for a travel mat in your luggage. This could either be a dedicated travel mat that’s lightweight and designed to fold easily. Alternatively, you may want to opt for a lightweight foam mat and make sure it fits into your luggage.

When is the Right Time to Buy Your Own Mat?

There is certainly no wrong time to buy your mat. You could even purchase one right here at Uptown Yoga when you sign up for your first class. We stock a wide selection of two of our favorite brands, Manduka and Liforme, and our team is always happy to talk about the differences and help you find a mat that suits you. In a nutshell, Manduka has been making some of the world’s most renowned mats for years. Liforme prides itself on offering the grippiest yoga mats currently on the market.

Having said that, you’re very welcome to rent a mat every time you come to class at Uptown Yoga. Our rental mats are of great quality and are thoroughly cleaned after every use.

Aside from having the perfect mat when you come to class, there is another big benefit in owning your yoga mat. It will encourage you to practice at home between classes. Even a few minutes every day or every other day will let you feel the benefits of yoga in no time.