What yoga mat should I buy?

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This is a great question that almost any yogi asks when they very first start their yoga practice. Different types of yoga have different needs and although you could use your standard sticky yoga mat for almost any kind of yoga it is great to know that there are tools that are designed for what you do!

Bikram Yoga or Hot Yoga = Cotton yoga mat/rug or a microfiber yoga towel on top of a regular yoga mat.  Sweat absorption and traction is key.

Therapeutic or Restorative Yoga = Cotton mat or a thick sticky or rubber mat.  Lots of floor work so the more support and the more size the better.  You may choose an extra long and/or an extra wide mat here.

Ashtanga or Power Yoga = Support is key here.  The less thick the mat the more stability you have.  Similar to hot yoga you will likely sweat but not quite as much.  You can go with a sticky mat, a cotton yoga mat or a sticky/rubber mat layered with a yoga towel.

Hatha Yoga or a Broad Range of Yoga = Sticky/rubber mats are most commonly appreciated here.  They are versatile and offer the support and comfort needed for a variety of postures.  Regular size for your height is also best and most versatile.

After you know what style of yoga you are doing and what mat will best fit the style, your next bet is to look into what size of mat works for your body type. Your standard yoga mat size is 68” x 24”. This is likely the size of mat you will find at Target or Wal-Mart and any store that carries a variety of items. Here are some sizing guidelines to help you pick the best possible mat for your body type. In the end of course personal preference comes into play as well.

Under 5 feet – go with a kids mat that is 60” of 5 feet

5 feet to 5 11” – you can use a regular mat of 68” and be comfortable

5 11” to 6 2” – go with an extra long yoga mat at least 72”

6 2” and Up – go with an extra long yoga mat over 72” (mats go up to 85”)

Thick yoga mats of 1/4 should be considered when someone has really bad joints, particularly the knees.  Or if you are doing lots of seated/floor work or restorative work in yoga.  In these situations you may find that your spine or tailbone get sore sitting on the floor.  Over the long run as you build strength and re-lubricate your joints through yoga you will not need as much thickness and may be able to move to 1/8 inch thick mat.  The mild impact that occurs on the joints in yoga helps to build and strengthen bones, so you want the least thickness possible for your body (1/8 of an inch is generally the thinnest) in the long run.

-1/8 of an inch mat is most common and is the norm for a light mat or travel mat

-1/4 of an inch mat is very common as well and quite comfortable

- 1/2 inch is fairly uncommon and very rarely necessary but can be found - you can also double up two mats to achieve this

Be aware of the density of the mat.  If you are buying a ¼ rubber mat it is very dense and supportive, but a ¼ PVC mat is kind of bubble gum like and fluffy, so will not offer as much support.  The very scientific way to estimate this is the squeeze test. Smoosh between your thumb and forefinger to gauge density ;-)

This is all about personal preference unless you are allergic or sensitive to some materials. The sad thing about yoga mats, is that despite yoga being a practice of awareness many yoga mats are made from PVC which is a toxic and non-biodegradable plastic. PVC – polyvinyl chloride has primarily been banned in Europe due to health issues but is still rampant through the US, Canada and other countries. If you are interested in keeping harmful plastics out of your life and the landfills I would recommend some other materials. You will pay a premium for the natural stuff however. Where you typical sticky mat made from PVC will be between $10 and $20 an eco friendly yoga mat will be anywhere from $40 and up with a handful of exceptions I will share with you below. However with more demand for the good stuff we will end up with more supply and lower prices in the long run.

PVC – the worst possible material out there for yoga mats. If it doesn’t say what the mat is made from and it is a plastic mat, it is surely made from PVC.

PER (Polymer Environmental Resin) – a more conscious version of PVC with way less of the toxic chemicals then PVC.

TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomer) – another more conscious version of PVC that will break down in the landfill.

Rubber – good old fashion real rubber. Smells like rubber too. Be aware of latex allergies as latex naturally occurs in most rubbers. The best natural yoga mat material right from mother nature herself.

Jute – a really strong fiber often mixed with rubber to create a really great eco yoga mat.

Cotton – has been used in yoga forever long before plastic mats. If you buy organic this is a great choice for you and the environment.

Cork and Hemp – not common although they are natural alternatives.