If you’re reading this, it's likely that you know that a mat is not just something to place between your body and the floor when you work out. But because it’s made from natural rubber, instead of being too foamy, this mat has a “harder” surface. While it won't be suitable for some, it's ideal for balancing poses like headstands and other strength training exercises.

Adidas 8mm Yoga Exercise Mat ADIDAS - Decathlon

This mat feels a bit thinner than other mats we tested, so it would be better for faster-paced classes rather than restorative yoga. It would not be well suited for practices or exercises that require you to rest on your joints for a long period of time. We like the chic design of this mat with a curved top end and five color options. The surface of the mat is smooth, which makes it very comfortable, but it also offers good grip. We noted in testing that there was no sliding around even when sweaty, and poses felt secure, stable, and safe. To store, keep yoga mats away from direct sunlight to prevent its colour from fading. You can either roll it up or use a yoga mat hanger or holder . The mat offers adequate cushioning and comes with a net carrying bag for portability. Made with durable PVC material, this makes a value-for money investment for the long run. For most mats, it is not recommended to wash them with soap or put them in a washing machine. However, each yoga mat is uniquely designed, so look out for specific instructions on how to maintain them.

Design: Not only did we look at the designs and colourways on offer, but we also evaluated the materials. We tested mats that were made from everything from natural rubber and man-made rubber to PVC. This type of yoga mat is perfect for anyone who doesn’t have sensitive joints and is great for all types of yoga. The mat rolls up tightly, but at a heavy 6.7 pounds, we found it difficult to carry—earning a low portability score. It's one of the more expensive options on our list. However, we always recommend investing in high-quality fitness equipment that will last for dozens of Downward Facing Dogs to come. For more fitness, fashion and technology releases delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our GQ Recommends newsletter. Shop GQ’s edit of the best yoga mats you can buy… One other point to note about the Lululemon Reversible mat is that it may release quite a strong odor when you first unwrap it. This is very common with yoga mats and the smell will slowly fade away. To get the odor to leave, try unrolling it and airing it out for a few days before practicing on it. 4. Travel yoga mats (1-2mm)

Yoga Mat Malaysia - 8 Best Picks for Yoga Lovers (October 2023) Yoga Mat Malaysia - 8 Best Picks for Yoga Lovers (October 2023)

However, this one is much denser than the previous mats. And so this means that this is a yoga mat for bad knees only if you also use a knee pad or a blanket on top to allow for a softer surface for your knees. Features to love about the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat: If you will be practicing on a hard floor (e.g. concrete, tiles, or wood) a travel yoga mat may make your practice slightly uncomfortable. This is quite a heavy yoga mat, and so this may not be your best option if you have to carry it to your local yoga studio, or if you are planning on traveling with it. If you're concerned about how eco-friendly your yoga mat is then this is also one to go for as the material is sourced from rubber trees, and there's no PVC, EVA or other synthetic rubber in this mat.Weight: A weighty mat will feel luxe and durable, and it could help with stability, but for those who want a yoga mat for on-the-go, a lightweight option is best.We considered a range of weights to highlight the best ones in each category. For the eco-warriors who bring your own reusables , nothing beats doing sun salutations on a sustainably made yoga mat. The Manduka Eko Superlite Mat is made of ethically harvested tree rubber, and is free of any toxic chemicals. Its surface prevents moisture from seeping in, and a good wipe down after your sweat sesh is all you need to keep the mat looking good as new. When choosing between materials, there are 3 main types to consider: budget-friendly PVC , TPE and eco-friendly natural rubber . While PVC is highly durable, it is relatively less sweat-absorbent and more slippery. TPE, on the other hand, is a blend of plastic and rubber that offers more grip but less durable. Rubber mats are biodegradable and more earth-friendly – they also provide a pretty good grip! Although we loved the portability of Gaiam's Yoga Folding Travel Mat, we didn't appreciate how thin the mat was—it didn't offer much cushioning at all. And although it's budget-friendly, we found it to be pretty unstable and slippery while practicing. Yoga mats are made from a variety of materials, both eco-friendly and synthetic. The most common materials used are PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), and natural rubber. PVC mats are easy to clean, durable, and long-lasting, but they aren’t considered eco-friendly. TPE mats feel more like rubber and can be recycled after use, whereas natural rubber mats like IUGA's Pro Non Slip Yoga Matare favored for their traction and slip resistance.

Best thick yoga mats: stay comfy and protect your joints Best thick yoga mats: stay comfy and protect your joints

Measuring 190cm long, it's a great mat for taller yogis who need a little extra space. However, it's worth noting it's slightly narrower than some of the other options on our list.We think SISYAMA's Circle Round Yoga Matcould be good for certain practices and for people who need a mat with extra surface area. But overall we think its odd, round shape, and the fact that it felt quite slippery during practice doesn't make it worth the higher price. By the time you’ve finished reading this post you’ll know all the options available to you, have a few myths debunked and be ready to choose the ideal mat according to your practice and personal needs. The Manduka PRO is known for requiring a bit of a break-in period before it becomes the non-slip mat people rave about. Compared to some of the other mats we tested, like Manduka's EKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat, we were impressed by its out-of-the-box grip. We didn’t need to use a yoga towel to prevent slipping, like the brand recommended.