Choosing a yoga mat

It's easy to be overwhelmed by the huge selection of yoga mats available. The best place to start is to decide what you want out of your yoga mat and how you plan to use it. Yogis who want a highly durable mat that will hold up to daily use may want to start by looking at plastic mats, as long as they aren't concerned about the health and environmental implications of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and phthalates. Eco-friendly yoga mats made of alternatives like thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or natural ingredients like rubber and dried grass are also widely available. However, while they are much kinder to the environment, these products are not as durable as traditional plastic yoga mats.

Most yoga mats will work for a variety of yoga styles, but hot yoga practitioners may need to invest in a separate yoga towel. Yoga towels absorb sweat and some have a sticky underside that grips the yoga mat to prevent slipping and bunching. Most yogis will find yoga towels too thin to use on their own, so they must be layered over an existing yoga mat. However, reviews indicate that the best yoga towels are well worth the extra cost.

Experts also recommend keeping the following in mind when shopping for a yoga mat:

  • Choose the right size. The most common size is 68 inches long by 24 inches wide, although bigger yoga mats are available. Most people will do fine on mats of this size, although individuals over 5 feet 8 inches tall will want to look for longer mats. Many popular yoga mats, including the top-rated Manduka Black Mat Pro, come in extended lengths of up to 85 inches. Those who like to stretch out can find wider yoga mats up to 30 inches, including the Prana Revolution yoga mat.
  • Thicknesses range from 1/8 to 1/4 inches. Most yoga mats have thicknesses around 1/5 inch -- which is recommended if practicing on a hard surface -- but premium mats closer to 1/4 inch and super-thin yoga mats and towels around 1/20 inch thick are also offered. Some practitioners prefer thinner mats, which allow them to feel more stable on the ground.
  • Yoga style matters. For instance, people who practice vigorous Ashtanga or Bikram yoga -- more intensive styles that generate a good amount of sweat -- should look for mats with a solid non-slip surface or invest in a yoga towel. Some heavy sweaters prefer open-celled yoga mats, which absorb sweat and prevent slips, but they can be less hygienic and much harder to clean than closed-cell mats.
  • Some mats smell. Rubber and plastic mats, in particular, are notorious for their strong odors, which can take several weeks to subside. To combat this problem, experts recommend washing your yoga mat with warm water and mild soap or vinegar and letting it air out for several days. If you're extra sensitive to smells, consider a mat made with more mild materials like dried grass, cork or jute.
  • Steer clear of direct sunlight. Yoga mats, especially eco-friendly ones, can break down and weaken faster when exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. To extend the life of your mat, take care and store it appropriately. You should also avoid storing your yoga mat in a hot car.
  • Some mats can pull double duty. Many yoga mats can also be used for mat Pilates. For this purpose, experts suggest a firm and supportive yoga mat that has a thickness of at least 1/4 inch. This extra support is important since this form of exercise requires a good deal of hip and spine work. However, experts warn against using a Pilates mat for yoga, since Pilates mats usually don't have surfaces that grip to prevent injury.

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