When searching for the best yoga mats of 2019, you will come across a variety of options that cater to different needs and preferences. Some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a yoga mat include thickness, material, grip, and durability. Finding the perfect mat can greatly enhance your yoga practice, providing both comfort and support.
Yoga mats have been used for centuries to provide a stable and comfortable surface for practicing yoga. The earliest yoga mats were made of natural materials such as cotton or wool, but today’s mats are made from a variety of materials, including PVC, TPE, and rubber. Each type of material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that is right for you.
Now that you have a good understanding of what to look for in a yoga mat, let’s take a look at some of the best yoga mats of 2019:
- Jade Yoga Harmony Mat
- Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
- Lululemon The Reversible Mat 5mm
- Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat
- CortiStretch Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
Best Yoga Mats 2019
When choosing a yoga mat, there are five key aspects to consider:
- Thickness: The thickness of a yoga mat can range from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch. Thicker mats provide more cushioning and support, while thinner mats are more portable and easier to roll up.
- Material: Yoga mats are made from a variety of materials, including PVC, TPE, and rubber. PVC mats are the most durable and affordable, but they can be slippery and contain harmful chemicals. TPE mats are eco-friendly and provide good grip, but they can be less durable than PVC mats. Rubber mats are the most expensive, but they are also the most durable and provide the best grip.
- Grip: The grip of a yoga mat is important for preventing you from slipping during your practice. Mats with a textured surface provide more grip than mats with a smooth surface.
- Durability: The durability of a yoga mat is important if you plan to use it regularly. Mats made from durable materials, such as PVC and rubber, will last longer than mats made from less durable materials, such as TPE.
- Price: Yoga mats range in price from $20 to $100. The price of a mat will vary depending on the thickness, material, grip, and durability.
When choosing a yoga mat, it is important to consider your individual needs and preferences. If you are new to yoga, you may want to choose a mat that is thicker and provides more cushioning. If you are more experienced, you may prefer a thinner mat that is more portable and easier to roll up. Ultimately, the best yoga mat for you is the one that meets your individual needs and preferences.
Thickness
The thickness of a yoga mat is an important factor to consider when choosing the best mat for your needs. Thicker mats provide more cushioning and support, which can be beneficial for people with joint pain or who are new to yoga. Thinner mats are more portable and easier to roll up, which makes them a good choice for people who travel or who have limited storage space.
When choosing the thickness of your yoga mat, it is important to consider your individual needs and preferences. If you are not sure what thickness is right for you, you can start with a mat that is 1/4 inch thick. This is a good all-purpose thickness that provides a good balance of cushioning and support.
Here are some examples of how the thickness of a yoga mat can affect your practice:
- A thicker mat can provide more cushioning for your joints, which can be beneficial if you have joint pain or are new to yoga.
- A thicker mat can also provide more support, which can be helpful for poses that require you to balance on your hands or feet.
- A thinner mat is more portable and easier to roll up, which makes it a good choice for people who travel or who have limited storage space.
- A thinner mat can also be less expensive than a thicker mat.
Ultimately, the best thickness for your yoga mat is the one that meets your individual needs and preferences.
Material
The material of a yoga mat is an important factor to consider when choosing the best mat for your needs. The three most common materials used in yoga mats are PVC, TPE, and rubber.
PVC mats are the most durable and affordable type of yoga mat. They are also the most slippery, and they can contain harmful chemicals. TPE mats are eco-friendly and provide good grip, but they are less durable than PVC mats. Rubber mats are the most expensive type of yoga mat, but they are also the most durable and provide the best grip.
When choosing the material of your yoga mat, it is important to consider your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a durable and affordable mat, PVC is a good option. If you are looking for an eco-friendly mat with good grip, TPE is a good option. If you are looking for the most durable and grippy mat, rubber is a good option.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between PVC, TPE, and rubber yoga mats:
| Material | Durability | Affordability | Grip | Eco-friendliness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | High | High | Low | Low |
| TPE | Medium | Medium | Good | High |
| Rubber | High | Low | High | Medium |
Ultimately, the best material for your yoga mat is the one that meets your individual needs and preferences.
Grip
Grip is an important factor to consider when choosing a yoga mat, especially if you practice on a slippery surface, such as a hardwood floor. A mat with a textured surface will provide more grip than a mat with a smooth surface, helping you to stay stable and avoid injuries.
Many of the best yoga mats of 2019 have a textured surface to provide good grip. For example, the Jade Yoga Harmony Mat has a natural rubber surface that provides excellent grip, even when wet. The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat also has a textured surface that provides good grip, and it is also very durable.
If you are looking for a yoga mat that provides good grip, be sure to look for a mat with a textured surface. This will help you to stay stable and avoid injuries during your practice.
Durability
When choosing a yoga mat, it is important to consider its durability, especially if you plan to use it regularly. Mats made from durable materials, such as PVC and rubber, will last longer than mats made from less durable materials, such as TPE.
- Materials and Durability: The durability of a yoga mat is largely determined by the materials used in its construction. PVC mats are known for their durability and can withstand regular use without showing signs of wear and tear. Rubber mats are also durable and offer good resistance to wear and tear. TPE mats, on the other hand, are less durable and may not withstand regular use as well as PVC or rubber mats.
- Thickness and Durability: The thickness of a yoga mat can also affect its durability. Thicker mats are more durable and can withstand more wear and tear than thinner mats. If you are looking for a durable yoga mat, choose a mat that is at least 1/4 inch thick.
- Care and Maintenance: The durability of a yoga mat can also be affected by how well it is cared for and maintained. To extend the life of your yoga mat, be sure to clean it regularly and store it in a cool, dry place when not in use.
By considering the durability of a yoga mat before you buy it, you can choose a mat that will last for years to come.
Price
The cost of a yoga mat is an important factor to consider when making a purchase. The price of a yoga mat can vary widely, depending on several factors such as the thickness, material, grip, and durability of the mat. When selecting a yoga mat, it’s important to consider your individual needs and budget to determine the best value for your money.
- Thickness: Thicker yoga mats typically cost more than thinner mats. This is because thicker mats require more material to manufacture. Thicker mats also provide more cushioning and support, which can be beneficial for people with joint pain or who are new to yoga.
- Material: The material of a yoga mat can also affect the price. PVC mats are the most affordable type of yoga mat, but they can be slippery and contain harmful chemicals. TPE mats are more expensive than PVC mats, but they are eco-friendly and provide good grip. Rubber mats are the most expensive type of yoga mat, but they are also the most durable and provide the best grip.
- Grip: Yoga mats with a textured surface provide more grip than mats with a smooth surface. This is because the textured surface helps to prevent the mat from slipping during use. Mats with a good grip are important for preventing injuries, especially during poses that require balancing.
- Durability: The durability of a yoga mat is also an important factor to consider when choosing a mat. Mats made from durable materials, such as PVC and rubber, will last longer than mats made from less durable materials, such as TPE. If you plan on using your yoga mat regularly, it’s important to choose a mat that is durable and can withstand regular use.
When shopping for a yoga mat, it’s important to compare the prices of different mats to find the best value for your money. Consider the factors discussed above to determine which features are most important to you, and then choose a mat that meets your needs and budget.
Tips for Choosing the Best Yoga Mat in 2019
Choosing the right yoga mat can make a big difference in your practice. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best yoga mat for your needs:
Tip 1: Consider your needs. What type of yoga do you practice? How often do you practice? Do you have any injuries or special needs? Once you know your needs, you can start to narrow down your choices.
Tip 2: Choose the right material. Yoga mats are made from a variety of materials, including PVC, TPE, and rubber. PVC mats are the most durable and affordable, but they can be slippery and contain harmful chemicals. TPE mats are eco-friendly and provide good grip, but they are less durable than PVC mats. Rubber mats are the most expensive, but they are also the most durable and provide the best grip.
Tip 3: Get the right thickness. Yoga mats come in a variety of thicknesses, from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch. Thicker mats provide more cushioning and support, while thinner mats are more portable and easier to roll up. Choose the thickness that is right for your needs.
Tip 4: Look for good grip. The grip of a yoga mat is important for preventing you from slipping during your practice. Mats with a textured surface provide more grip than mats with a smooth surface. If you have sweaty hands or feet, you may want to choose a mat with a particularly good grip.
Tip 5: Consider your budget. Yoga mats range in price from $20 to $100. The price of a mat will vary depending on the thickness, material, grip, and durability. Choose a mat that fits your budget and your needs.
By following these tips, you can choose the best yoga mat for your needs and enjoy a safe and comfortable practice.
Key Takeaways:
- Consider your needs when choosing a yoga mat.
- Choose the right material for your needs.
- Get the right thickness for your needs.
- Look for good grip.
- Consider your budget.
Choosing the right yoga mat can make a big difference in your practice. By following these tips, you can choose the best yoga mat for your needs and enjoy a safe and comfortable yoga practice.
Conclusion
Choosing the best yoga mat for your needs is important for a safe and comfortable practice. Consider your individual needs, such as the type of yoga you practice, your frequency of practice, and any injuries or special needs you may have.
The key factors to consider when choosing a yoga mat are the material, thickness, grip, and durability. PVC mats are the most durable and affordable, but they can be slippery and contain harmful chemicals. TPE mats are eco-friendly and provide good grip, but they are less durable than PVC mats. Rubber mats are the most expensive, but they are also the most durable and provide the best grip.
The thickness of a yoga mat can range from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch. Thicker mats provide more cushioning and support, while thinner mats are more portable and easier to roll up. Choose the thickness that is right for your needs.
The grip of a yoga mat is important for preventing you from slipping during your practice. Mats with a textured surface provide more grip than mats with a smooth surface. If you have sweaty hands or feet, you may want to choose a mat with a particularly good grip.
Yoga mats range in price from $20 to $100. The price of a mat will vary depending on the thickness, material, grip, and durability. Choose a mat that fits your budget and your needs.
By following these tips, you can choose the best yoga mat for your needs and enjoy a safe and comfortable yoga practice.
