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In the last 15 years or so, yoga mats have come a long way. Previously, you could only choose between one or two colours and only one material – a PVC, sticky disaster.
Now, you can choose between rubber foams, high-density foams, cork, and more.
There are a variety of sizes to choose from to suit every body type with a variety of style and feature options to suit every preference and every application. Yoga mats don’t only need to be used for yoga, so there are a number of factors to consider when choosing a yoga mat.
Even though most yoga mats look pretty similar to the next one and the next one after that, there are a number of features to consider when choosing one over the other.
You should note the dimensions, thickness, colour and pattern, stability and non-slip properties, grip, portability and storability, value, and durability.
To help you with your search and purchase decision, we analyzed 21 products over 31 hours and used 967 consumer review to help us narrow down the top choices in all of these categories.
This guide will highlight the best yoga mats in Canada for your perusal.
Following our last update, we recommend the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat for its effective cushioning, lasting quality, and portability.
Our Top Pick Yoga Mat in 2023
Overall, the BalanceFrom All-Purpose yoga mat is an excellent choice both for quality and affordability. It is convenient to travel with, affords great cushioning for ground poses, and will last several years without tears or sagging. In the end, it is a highly-recommended perfectly balanced, high-quality yoga mat.
Pros:
- Excellent cushioning and pressure relief for ground poses and exercises
- Very lightweight for portability
- Long warranty
Cons:
- No accessories included
Our selection of the best models available right now:
Yoga Mat Comparative Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick
|
BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat
|
9,5
|
Check Price on AmazonCheck Price at Walmart |
|
Cork Pick
|
Gaiam 05-63495 Cork Yoga Mat
|
9,3
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Large Pick
|
CAMBIVO SF64 Large Yoga Mat
|
9,3
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Full Kit Pick
|
BalanceFrom GoYoga 7-Piece Set
|
9,7
|
Check Price on AmazonCheck Price at Walmart |
Our Pick for The Best Yoga Mat
Presentation of the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat
The Best Overall
BalanceFrom
For those looking for a new or replacement yoga mat that is both affordable and high-quality, the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat is the best choice. It is very durable and packs excellent value into a very reasonable price.
BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat Video Review
What We Think of the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat
This all-purpose yoga mat from BalanceFrom GoYoga is one of the highest quality options on the market for everyday use. Its high density, anti-tear foam makes it perfect for frequent use and travelling, as it won’t be damaged that easily.
It has a carry strap attached to make portability challenges a thing of the past, and its lightweight 1.8 lb design guarantees that even the weakest beginners can maneuver this mat any which way they need to.
There are 7 distinct color options to choose from, so everyone has their aesthetic taste catered to. This mat is half an inch thick and offers a great balance of stability and cushioning.
If you need some extra pressure relief while working out, this mat will have you taken care of with ease.
The 2-year warranty coverage that comes with your purchase ensures you won’t need to replace the mat with your own money if it wears out faster than it is meant to.
I am so happy I decided to purchase this yoga mat. It feels beautiful on my bare feet and is really supportive. It’s incredibly light and easy to carry to my yoga classes and it fits in my car easily. Whether I wear shoes on it or not, I have great purchase and don’t slip no matter what exercise I’m doing. I’m a big fan of this yoga mat!
Melanie F.
We are a bit disappointed that this mat doesn’t come with even a towel as an accessory since it is such an all around great buy, but its affordability does mean you can purchase accessories on your own or use ones you may already own.
When it comes to a yoga mat that will do everything you need it to, this model from BalanceFrom GoYoga is the epitome of ideal.
BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat Specifications
- Dimensions: 71” x 24”
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- Colour: Blue, green, black, purple, pink, red, and grey
- Thickness: ½”
- Carry Strap: Yes
- Material: Foam
- Accessories: None
- Warranty: 2 years
BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Excellent cushioning and pressure relief for ground poses and exercises
- Very lightweight for portability
- Long warranty
Cons
- No accessories included
Our Final Opinion About the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the BalanceFrom All-Purpose yoga mat is an excellent choice both for quality and affordability. It is convenient to travel with, affords great cushioning for ground poses, and will last several years without tears or sagging. In the end, it is a highly-recommended perfectly balanced, high-quality yoga mat.
Our Cork Pick for a Yoga Mat
Presentation of the Gaiam 05-63495 Cork Yoga Mat
The Natural Choice
Gaiam
Environmental consciousness is a growing trend, and many of us want to be eco-friendly in all of our purchases. If you’re looking for a natural yoga mat that is sustainable and will keep your ecological footprint low, choose the Gaiam 05-63495 cork yoga mat.
What We Think of the Gaiam 05-63495 Cork Yoga Mat
The Gaiam cork yoga mat is one of the most unique and innovative mats we came across during our hours of research. Its stamped cork appearance makes it a statement piece as well as a functional mat, so even though you don’t get to pick your color, this mat is still aesthetically pleasing in any room.
The cork material used to make this mat is all-natural and eco-friendly, so you can feel better knowing when it is eventually time to replace the mat, this one won’t end up stuck in a landfill for years to come.
The cork material offers many other benefits that make it a great option for essentially everybody.
The cork is odour and germ resistant, so you can be confident you are always working on a clean surface and won’t eventually wind up stinking up your home or catching unfavorable attention from your neighbors when attending classes.
The cork is also slip resistant and heat resistant, so it is the ideal choice for people partaking in hot yoga and other sweat-inducing activities.
I never imagined a cork yoga mat could be so supportive and stable! I do hot yoga 4 nights a week and this yoga mat doesn’t get as slippery as my old one. I also love that its all natural because I do my best to look out for the environment when I can. No matter what kind of yoga mat you have already, this one will be an upgrade in my opinion.
Juliette T.
This yoga mat weighs 4.5 lbs, so it does have a little extra weight to it, and its material eliminates the possibility of a carry strap. Instead, you’ll need to put it in a bag or simply carry it in a free form whenever you are on the move with it.
The 6mm thickness makes it ideal for superior balance and stability, and the natural give of the material ensures adequate comfort too. The extra money for a mat of this quality is most certainly a fair trade.
Gaiam 05-63495 Cork Yoga Mat Specifications
- Dimensions: 68” x 24”
- Weight: 4.5 lbs
- Colour: Stamped Cork
- Thickness: 6 mm
- Carry Strap: No
- Material: Cork
- Accessories: None
Gaiam 05-63495 Cork Yoga Mat Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Eco-friendly and all-natural
- Great for hot yoga with better grip in heat
- Thin for stability and balance
Cons
Cons
- Requires a bag for portability
- More expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Gaiam 05-63495 Cork Yoga Mat
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
The Gaiam cork yoga mat is more expensive than the majority of foam options, but for sustainability’s sake alone, it is worth the purchase. This cork mat is a great choice for hot yoga, excellent balance while you practice your crane pose, and for lasting grip and traction.
Our Large Pick for a Yoga Mat
Presentation of the CAMBIVO SF64 Large Yoga Mat
The Spacious Choice
CAMBIVO
Though most yoga mats measure 2’ in width, some of us balance-challenged yoga enthusiasts require a bit more space to land on a cushy surface in case we fall over. If you want a spacious area to prevent bruises, the CAMBIVO SF64 large yoga mat with 4’ width is the perfect choice to protect you from your clumsiness.
What We Think of the CAMBIVO SF64 Large Yoga Mat
The CAMBIVO SF64 large yoga mat has some unique benefits to offer the people who purchase it.
The 4’ width and 6’ length ensures that you’ll be able to fit well on the mat no matter how tall you are, and you won’t find yourself slipping off the edge no matter what exercise/activity you are practicing.
Accidents happen during exercise, so the extra width will keep you safe too in the event you accidentally fall over (we all know it happens).
This mat is designed with balance in mind as its thickness is only 6mm; although this sacrifices a bit of its cushioning and padding, the extra balance that comes as a result may be more of what you are looking for.
The foam construction ensures that it will still be a comfortable surface despite the design emphasis on stability. The larger size does exclude this as an option for taking to classes, so that’s an important thing to take note of to prevent disappointment later on.
I got this CAMBIVO yoga mat as a birthday gift from my boyfriend. It’s exactly what I wanted! It is 6’ long so I can lay down it fully without hanging off one end and it has a carry strap so I can take it places really easily. I got the navy color which is my favorite (such a good boyfriend to know that). I’m also a big sweater when I work out, so the hand towel was a great bonus!
Morgan G.
Despite its large size, this yoga mat does still come with a carry strap for easy portability, and it weighs less than 4 lbs. It is therefore very easy to carry around your house and keep stored if that is a necessity or preference for you.
It even comes with a microfiber hand towel to keep you dry and safe while exercising. It also has a non slip design to maximize the security you feel and keep you confident while exercising no matter what form it takes.
CAMBIVO SF64 Large Yoga Mat Specifications
- Dimensions: 6’ x 4’
- Weight: 3.7 lbs
- Colour: Black, blue, grey, lake blue, pink, navy, and purple
- Thickness: 6mm
- Carry Strap: Yes
- Material: Foam
- Accessories: One microfibre hand towel
CAMBIVO SF64 Large Yoga Mat Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Extra wide
- Thin for excellent balance and stability
- Lightweight
- Space to do any type of exercise
Cons
- Requires significant space to be laid flat so it can’t be used at yoga classes
- Pricier
Our Final Opinion About the CAMBIVO SF64 Large Yoga Mat
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
The CAMBIVO extra-wide yoga mat is great for all types of exercise for one or multiple people. Though it isn’t as useful for yoga classes at the gym, it is the perfect addition to an at-home gym or yoga studio for cushioning and versatility.
Our Full Kit Pick for a Yoga Mat
Presentation of the BalanceFrom GoYoga 7-Piece Set
The Comprehensive Choice
BalanceFrom
Most yoga mats just come with themselves, but sometimes we’d like the opportunity to buy all of our yoga equipment in one shot. If you want a yoga mat that comes with all the accessories you’ll need for all types of yoga, the BalanceFrom GoYoga 7-piece set is our top recommendation.
BalanceFrom GoYoga 7-Piece Set Video Review
What We Think of the BalanceFrom GoYoga 7-Piece Set
When it comes to product sets for yoga, it doesn’t get much better than the BalanceFrom GoYoga 7-piece set. It includes a yoga mat, hand towel, full-size towel, knee pad, and 2 yoga blocks; this is everything you’d need for any type and intensity of yoga training.
Although the kit is more expensive than purchasing an individual yoga mat, it is an incredible value for the number of high-quality items you receive.
The color selection and dual thickness choices ensure that everyone will find the right fit for them no matter their requirement for balance vs cushioning and aesthetic preference.
It is important to keep in mind that the extra weight of the accessories will make this option more difficult to travel with, so frequent class-goers may decide to go another direction simply for convenience’s sake.
If ever there was a yoga kit to buy, its this one! I’m pretty advanced now and was looking to do some different kinds of classes. The accessories that came with this yoga mat help me practice at home and get a great workout in no matter where I am. There are a couple different thicknesses to choose from so you can get the best cushion and balance whatever your preference may be!
Janice B.
We enjoy that this yoga mat comes with a carry strap as it makes portability a much easier feat. Especially if you’ll be taking all or some of the accessories with you, the hands free carry option of the mat itself may save you an extra trip back to your car.
This mat is made of foam to offer a good balance of support and comfort, and the two-year warranty guarantees a long lasting purchase, even if your mat needs replacing at some point.
BalanceFrom GoYoga 7-Piece Set Specifications
- Dimensions: 71” x 24”
- Weight: 5.8 lbs
- Colour: Black, blue, red, grey, green, pink, and purple
- Thickness: ¼” or ½”
- Carry Strap: Yes
- Material: Foam
- Accessories: Two towels, two yoga blocks, one knee pad
- Warranty: 2 years
BalanceFrom GoYoga 7-Piece Set Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Great variety of accessories for all types of yoga and other exercise
- Two thickness options to choose from
- Carry strap for portability
- Affordable with great value
Cons
- Heavier
Our Final Opinion About the BalanceFrom GoYoga 7-Piece Set
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
This yoga mat and accessories is the perfect purchase for novices and seasoned enthusiasts alike. You receive an incredible value from this set and each piece is high-quality for regular use over several years. The functionality of this set cannot be overstated, and we’re impressed with this BalanceFrom 7-piece set.
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the Lole Prima Yoga Mat and Strap
The Travel Alternative
Lole
If you go to weekly yoga classes or must travel regularly and want the option of maintaining your meditative yoga sessions wherever you go, the Lole Prima Yoga mat and strap is the best option since it travels easier than most of the alternatives.
What We Think of the Lole Prima Yoga Mat and Strap
The Lole Prima yoga mat is a blue and yellow double-sided mat. It is reversible and is designed with Ultra Grip materials to grip the floor and provide a more stable grip surface for your feet, which is especially important when you’re doing one-legged balance poses.
The thinness of the mat may offer less padding at only 5mm, but it also provides a more stable surface for standing poses compared to the thicker mats that make it a bit harder to balance.
The mat is the standard 24” wide and is 71” long, which makes it ideal for everyone under 6ft of height when laying flat on your back. For most poses and exercise on the ground, people taller than 6ft will be able to use the mat comfortably as well.
The material of the mat, 100% TPE, gives it effective moisture wicking properties and is both latex and PVC free for better overall health.
I LOVE this yoga mat. I go to yoga class three times a week, and this is the easiest mat to travel with that I’ve ever used. The strap hangs balanced on my shoulder so I can carry water, keys, and a towel without dropping anything and still open doors. It is quite thin, so it weighs next to nothing and rolls up super easily too. I much prefer this over my last cushy mat.
karissa h.
This yoga mat doesn’t come with any accessories such as blocks or a bag, but it does have a very convenient carry strap that you can use to carry the mat from place to place, or to hang up when you’re not using it.
Since the mat is so thin, some people may feel uncomfortable doing ground poses and exercises since there isn’t much padding to protect you from the hard floor, but for a travel yoga mat, there isn’t a single thing wrong with being thin.
Lole Prima Yoga Mat and Strap Specifications
- Dimensions: 24” x 71”
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Colour: Blue and yellow
- Thickness: 5mm
- Carry Strap: Yes
- Material: TPE
- Accessories: None
Lole Prima Yoga Mat and Strap Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Reversible
- Great grip
- Long enough for ground work for people below 6 ft
Cons
Cons
- Very thin, not much padding to protect you from the floor
Our Final Opinion About the Lole Prima Yoga Mat and Strap
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
This very affordable and portable yoga mat is the best choice for people bringing their own mats to the gym. It is thin, lightweight, and comes with a strap to make carrying as easy as can be. Though it doesn’t offer much floor protection, it’s a great choice for stability and travel.
Presentation of the Gaiam Essentials 05-63319 Yoga Mat
The Budget-Friendly Alternative
Gaiam
If you’re looking to purchase new or replace an old and tired yoga mat but are on a strict budget, the Gaiam Essentials 05-63319 yoga mat is a great match. It is affordable for anyone no matter their budget and it provides excellent cushioning and comfort for every pose.
Gaiam Essentials 05-63319 Yoga Mat Video Review
What We Think of the Gaiam Essentials 05-63319 Yoga Mat
The Gaiam Essentials yoga mat is a great option for people shopping on a budget due its combination of affordability and quality.
There are 9 different colors to choose from which guarantees that everyone will find a style that suits their preferences whether they want something simple and understated or something flashy and noticeable.
It weighs 3.1 lbs so is a bit heavier than some other mats, but its carry strap makes it easy to carry around still.
A 2/5” thickness puts it squarely in the middle of the pack when compared to other yoga mats, so it is the ideal combination of balance and stability and pressure relief.
The Nitrile Butadiene rubber foam that composes this mat is also the ideal combination of durability and support, so you can be sure this mat is working for you from every aspect of its design.
I bought this yoga mat to replace one I’d owned for years. I’d used it so much that it was starting to wear thin in some places, so I figured it would be a good time to replace it. I’m putting myself through school right now so I needed something cheap that would also survive the heavy wear and tear I’d put it through. So far, so good!
Jojsephine L.
We would prefer that there were some accessories included with the purchase of this yoga mat, but it is unfortunately a solo item deal.
However, the inexpensive cost of this mat ensures you will have some money left over to purchase accessories separately if you so desire. No matter what you need a yoga for, this budget-friendly option has something to offer everyone.
Gaiam Essentials 05-63319 Yoga Mat Specifications
- Dimensions: 72”x 24”
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
- Colour: Black, green, grey, navy, orange, pink, purple, red, teal
- Thickness: 2/5”
- Carry Strap: Yes
- Material: Nitrile Butadiene rubber foam
- Accessories: None
Gaiam Essentials 05-63319 Yoga Mat Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Variety of colours to choose from
- Lightweight and portable with a carry strap built right in
- Balance of cushioning and balance with 2/5” thickness
Cons
- Doesn’t come with any extra accessories
Our Final Opinion About the Gaiam Essentials 05-63319 Yoga Mat
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
The Gaiam essentials yoga mat is a great pick for affordability and quality. This value-packed yoga mat is simple but effective and will make every user glad they chose to save a few bucks, whether out of necessity or frugality.
Presentation of the AmazonBasics Extra Thick Exercise Mat
The Tall-Person’s Alternative
AmazonBasics
Those who are taller need a longer-than-average yoga mat to be comfortable in a variety of positions during yoga, stretching, working out, meditation, and more. The extra length of the AmazonBasics extra thick exercise mat gives you the few extra inches you need to match your extra height.
AmazonBasics Extra Thick Exercise Mat Video Review
What We Think of the AmazonBasics Extra Thick Exercise Mat
AmazonBasics is the go-to brand for many online shoppers looking for an inexpensive product that doesn’t sacrifice quality entirely.
The AmazonBasics extra thick mat is great for people who need some extra cushioning while they are using the mat. A ½ inch thickness makes it twice as padded than many other yoga mats, so the benefits for pressure relief are certainly noticeable.
The foam construction is also incredibly comfortable and contributes to the superior pressure relief that this mat offers. As well as being extra thick, this mat also has some additional length when compared to other yoga mats.
Taller individuals making use of the entire length of a typical mat (and perhaps overextending them) will greatly appreciate the full body support this mat provides.
This thick exercise mat feels amazing! I have sore feet a lot of the time and working out on this mat instead of my hardwood floor has made a big difference already. If you are a taller person and often use the entire length of a yoga mat, the extra length on this one will be a great benefit to you. Even if you are shopping on a low budget, this mat would be great for you.
Dominique E.
The biggest downfall of this mat is its durability. This was a common complaint we encountered during our investigation and does decrease the value of this mat quite significantly.
However, its affordable price and great color selection allow anyone on any budget to try out this mat. If frequent replacements are required, it may be worth it to some to still have the extra length and thickness that is unique to this AmazonBasics mat.
AmazonBasics Extra Thick Exercise Mat Specifications
- Dimensions: 74” x 24”
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Colour: Black, blue, green, pink, purple, red, and grey
- Thickness: ½”
- Carry Strap: Yes
- Material: Foam
- Accessories: None
AmazonBasics Extra Thick Exercise Mat Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Affordable
- Extra long
- Pressure relief is comfortable on hands and knees
Cons
- Very poor durability
Our Final Opinion About the AmazonBasics Extra Thick Exercise Mat
Quality 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Unfortunately, this extra long AmazonBasics exercise mat is disappointing in terms of durability and longevity.
You’ll most likely see evidence of damage within a few weeks, but it is an easy pick if you’re shopping on a budget and need a few extra inches for your ground poses.
If you can do with a shorter mat, it’s in your best interest to opt in another direction for value’s sake.
Presentation of the FrenzyBird Yoga Mat with Alignment Marks
The Beginner-Friendly Alternative
FrenzyBird
If you’re new to yoga and aren’t practiced in even the simpler poses, a little help goes a long way to ensure you’re in the correct form to build strength and eliminate the risk of injury. The FrenzyBird yoga mat is a great pick for a novice learning yoga.
What We Think of the FrenzyBird Yoga Mat with Alignment Marks
FrenzyBird’s beginner friendly yoga mat comes very highly recommended for everyone new to yoga. Since proper alignment is key to stay safe during yoga and experience full body benefits, the marks laid out on this mat will be very useful.
It is a feature that you won’t find anywhere else and is very much appreciated by yoga newbies and coaches alike.
This mat is quite thin with a 6mm thickness, so while this is beneficial for balance, it is a bit lacking in cushioning support. People who require some extra pressure relief during exercise due to heavier weight or previous injury may find this mat slightly uncomfortable.
The TPE material makes this mat highly durable, so it can withstand some wear and tear if you are a frequent user or will be taking it with you to some unexpected places.
I bought this yoga mat for my mom for Mother’s Day this year because she’d mentioned wanting to try out yoga. I know its important to be balanced and have good form, so thought the alignment marks would help her get started. She has mentioned a couple times that they’ve been really helpful and she’s enjoying learning with this mat.
Halle R.
The mat weighs less than two pounds and comes with a carry strap, so it is a great choice for people that typically travel with their yoga mat, whether its just to the gym or a yoga class or anywhere else.
There aren’t any accessories provided with the purchase of this mat, but you are provided with a one-year warranty to ensure you won’t be replacing yours on your dime any time soon. A few different color options ensure you’ll find the right fit for your style.
FrenzyBird Yoga Mat with Alignment Marks Specifications
- Dimensions: 72” x 24”
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- Colour: Orange, purple, pink, and teal
- Thickness: 6mm
- Carry Strap: Yes
- Material: TPE
- Accessories: None
- Warranty: 1 year
FrenzyBird Yoga Mat with Alignment Marks Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Thin for stability but still comfortable
- Eco-friendly material
- Alignment marks for alignment during yoga poses
Cons
Cons
- Not as much cushioning for heavier individuals needing more pressure relief
- No accessories included
Our Final Opinion About the FrenzyBird Yoga Mat with Alignment Marks
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
The FrenzyBird yoga mat is a wonderful choice for beginners or perfectionists. The alignment marks on the mat ensure you’re in a proper, perfect stance no matter which pose you’re doing, making it a useful tool for people just learning or wishing to perfect their favourite yoga poses.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks.
The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Yoga Mat
Benefits of Doing Yoga
Yoga is one of the most widely practiced types of exercising, and for good reasons. With countless benefits, nearly anyone in any condition can do yoga and experience the positives for themselves. Here are some of the most notable benefits that yoga enthusiasts enjoy!
- Strength, Balance, Flexibility: Yoga is one of the only ways you can improve your strength, balance, and flexibility at once. While not a high intensity type of training, your body is still working to keep you in every pose, and they are designed to push your limits.
- Pain Relief: Whether you experience occasional back pain or suffer from chronic arthritis pains, yoga can help relieve your symptoms. Since yoga helps improve total body blood flow and it is low impact on joints, arthritis pains can be better managed. Certain yoga poses can stretch the spine and lessen both the frequency and intensity of pain in the spine.
- Relaxation: Yoga is perhaps the most relaxing form of exercise there is. With the slow pace, deep breathing, and low impact movements, yoga can reduce your levels of stress, improve heart health, and help you get ready for bed. People who practice yoga regularly report more positive moods, less stress, better sleep patterns, and better self care.
Additional Uses for a Yoga Mat Besides Yoga
Yoga mats aren’t made just for yoga, despite the rigidity in the name. They can also be used for various other types of exercising such as Pilates, strength training, and more.
Since they improve balance and are supportive for your feet, you will receive a benefit no matter how you are exercising.
They don’t have to be used just for exercise either. If you’ve got old yoga mats laying around and you aren’t sure what to do with them, you can follow in the footsteps of some of the reviewers we encountered who used them as covers in their car for their dog, turned them into floor mats for their home, and even used them as extra padding when they went camping. Get creative!
How to Properly Choose Your Yoga Mat
- Price.
A yoga mat isn’t a significant investment even if you’re opting for one of the higher-end or natural options out there, but a few dollars is still worth saving if you can find a high-quality and affordable option. There are many great picks between $30 and $40, making it easy for everyone to access a great yoga mat on a tight budget.
- Size/Dimensions.
Most yoga mats are set within a few inches of length, usually from 68” to 72”, though there are some that measure 74” or longer for people who need a little more room. 90% of yoga mats are 2’ wide, which is great for most uses, but there are also larger mats that are doubly wide for greater versatility and space for exercises that require more movement.
It’s always a good idea to go bigger than absolutely necessary to ensure you can stretch effectively.
- Thickness.
There are pros and cons to thick and thin yoga mats. Thin mats are better for balance since you won’t sink so far, but thicker mats have better cushioning to make ground poses and exercises less strenuous on your joints and hands.
If you plan on doing many sanding poses and balance exercises, a thin mat is a good choice, but those working on the ground or who weigh more may prefer better cushioning.
- Material.
The material of your yoga mat is very important. It shouldn’t feel sticky or slippery and should be durable for years of regular use.
The most popular choice is a variety of rubber foam since it has excellent pressure relief and a slow response to pressure, but natural options such as cork are popular for their grip in heat or moist conditions as well as their sustainability and eco-friendliness.
- Non-Slip.
When performing yoga poses or any other type of exercise, it is incredibly important that your hands and feet won’t sleep out from under you, especially in balance poses like side planks.
A fall during a balance pose can cause injuries, so your mat should afford reliable and effective grip for your skin. It should also have a rubber backing so it won’t slide around on the floor.
- Built-in Carry Strap.
A carry strap is commonly built into yoga mats so you can roll them up, secure them, and sling them over your shoulder for transport back and forth from yoga classes.
The strap comes in handy when storing the mat as well since it stays rolled up nice and neat. The strap doesn’t get in the way of laying the mat out flat, and it is much more convenient than using a bag to keep your mat rolled up.
- Weight.
The weight of your yoga mat isn’t a huge deal if you plan on laying it down on your floor and leaving it there forever, but a heavier mat is a pain to travel with if you attend regular yoga classes from a gym or private yoga instructor. A lightweight mat is often just as effective, but much easier to carry around.
- Accessories.
Extra accessories for your yoga mat include soft microfiber towels for wiping up sweat, yoga blocks for support, a knee pad for extra cushioning, and others. Additional accessories give you a better value for your dollar and improve your yoga experience through versatility and useful tools.
- Warranty.
A warranty is a confidence booster for the quality of your chosen yoga mat. Most yoga mats don’t come with a warranty, but it is possible to find a mat with a 1-year or 2-year coverage period against damage likes tears and permanent sags in the mat. It is always a good idea to choose a product with a warranty over one without since your purchase is protected against defects.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of yoga mats allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
