The yoga mat is a piece of equipment to be purchased in the first place, no matter where you intend to practice – individually at home or in a group at the gym. Let’s look at how to choose the right yoga mat so it doesn’t disappoint and how much it will cost approximately.

Yoga mat: how to choose?

For yoga beginners, not yet quite sure of the seriousness of the intention to do yoga for a long time, it can be recommended first to choose an inexpensive mat.

The main requirements for such a mat are:

• no slipping on the floor and in places of contact with the body;
• sufficient softness for comfort;
• пood elasticity and fast recovery;
• compactness in a rolled-up form;
• low weight;
• easy to wash.

Mat sizes

The mat for yoga classes usually has standard dimensions: length 170-180 cm, width 60 cm. You can also find mats with a greater length for taller yogis, and those who came to yoga to lose weight – wider, usually 80 cm. They have more weight and dimensions when rolled up, but also the wearer is larger.

The most convenient for beginners is the thickness of the yoga mat of 4-6 mm. Ultra-thin mats with a thickness of only 1.5-3 mm are designed for yoga professionals.

Types of materials for the mat

Eva material mats. The cheapest choice. The disadvantages are poor antifriction properties and low wear resistance.

Mats made of PVC material. Less slippery than EVA, last longer, less wear and tear.

Rugs made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Enjoy great popularity because of durability and convenience.

Mats made of natural rubber. Do not slip, high elasticity. Easily absorb moisture. Not very resistant to wear and tear.

Rugs made of PVC (PVC)

PVC – a very common material for yoga and fitness mats. The most familiar texture for them is a knurled texture.

The thickness of these mats is from 3 to 15 mm. For yoga classes, you should choose a thickness of no more than 6 mm, otherwise it will be difficult to perform balance exercises.

If, more recently, the vast majority of PVC mats were made in China, which have received good reviews from buyers.

They are more durable, have a comfortable texture of orange peel.

The only drawback – their thickness is only 3 mm.

German mats are not cheap, but they have a longer life due to their caprone frame. It also helps to restore the form quickly after curling or crumpling.

Their thickness is usually 3 or 4,5 mm. Service life is 3 years.

Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) mats

TPE mats are made of thermoplastic.

These mats are especially easy to transport and can be taken on business trips, to seminars, or to the outdoors. Suitable for beginners and professionals. Lots of different bright colors that are pleasing to the eye, even in photos of yoga mats.

Advantages:

• do not slip;
• quickly regain their shape;
• easy to clean;
• do not burn out in the sun.

Disadvantages:

• begin to slip when sweating;
• become electrified;
• a rather high price.

Rugs made of natural rubber

Advantages:

• stand out with excellent anti-slip properties;
• Excellent moisture absorption;
• do not get electrified;
• pleasant tactile.

Disadvantages:

• high weight;
• a rather high price.

Yoga mats made of rubber with latex

The addition of latex to rubber made it possible to reduce the weight by 1/5th.

The texture of the mat is closed pores, making it much easier to clean. The manufacturer claims that the latex gives the mat an antimicrobial effect.

Natural rubber yoga mats with NON Slip coating

Covering the rubber base in this mat is a thin layer of polyurethane.

Their main disadvantage is that they are quite heavy, weighing up to 3 kg.

Natural rubber yoga mats with microfiber

The coating of the rubber base in this case is a layer of microfiber. Microfiber is suitable for people with sensitive skin, it is not slippery, tactile pleasant, gives a feeling of warmth.

It easily absorbs moisture, including sweat, and is easy to clean.

Cork-covered rubber yoga mats

These are some of the best yoga mats out there. The natural cork on the floor is almost non-slippery. It is excellent at absorbing any moisture, a property that is important when there is increased sweat production.

Yoga mats made of cotton

Such mats, most often made in India, are not suitable for moving asanas, as they slip heavily and bunch up on the floor. It is suitable for meditation.

The most inexpensive, but unimportant quality is a mat made of EVA. Professionals are better off using rubber thin yoga mats. And medium quality and price PVC and TPE mats are quite comfortable and will satisfy not too demanding taste.