What Type of Yoga Mat Should I Buy?

May 22, 2010

I shall be taking a course in Yoga next semester, where I shall practice it for about two hours a week for 14 weeks (at least). I did some research, and heard that natural rubber yoga mats are the best, and to make sure they were easily cleanable. But I couldn’t find any more than that.

I am 5′11" and 150 lbs.

Are natural rubber mats really the best?
How thick should the mat be?
How long/wide should the mat be?
Is there anything else I should know about yoga mats?

Thanks

Hey there,

Purchasing a yoga mat is based a lot on your own personal preference and needs.
Things to consider are how often you will be using it, where, for what type of class and any other special needs/preferences eg. extra long mat. If you are going to be transporting it a lot, go for a lighter mat and find a basic strap to carry it with.

Most mats are about 3-4 mm in thickness, which tends to be ideal. Thicker than this is great if you have an injury and require additional cushioning. However, with more cushioning you lose stability, so there is a playoff between the two. There are mats that have extra length for taller yogis. Most mats average about 6 feet however there are some that are 7 feet in length.

Personally, I haven’t found that natural rubber mats are better than mats made of synthetic polymers, but is more of a personal preference and how you like the feel of them. Some synthetic ones do have advantages with special technology used to create more grip with for example.

Cleaning your mat is easy and you can even create your own yoga mat cleaner using a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of tea tree oil. Give your mat a light spray and a rub down with a towel, then let dry before rolling up. The tea tree oil, besides having a nice scent, is naturally antibacterial.

Hope this helps,
Jenna
GEC Online Community
lululemon athletica

3 Responses to “What Type of Yoga Mat Should I Buy?”

  1. Nikki Fabulous Says:
    May 22nd, 2010 at 7:20 am

    Hi Stercus,

    Mat sizes are pretty standard but you simply want to make sure that is made of a natural and easily cleaned material and that it offers enough padding so that you do not damage your body on hard floor. There are several poses that require you to be on your knees and elbows so you want to be sure that your mat is think enough.

    Go to the store and try a few to see which works best for you. I don’t know where you live but Lululemon carries a wide array and all are pretty great.

    Enjoy your Yoga class!

    Namaste :o )
    References :

  2. Matt Says:
    May 22nd, 2010 at 8:09 am

    Yes, natural rubber is best. Most yoga mats are about a haf inch thick. More is definitely not better. My mat is about 5 ft. long and a uyard wide, not long enough for my whole body. I haven’t seen any that are more than that, although I’m sure they exist. Hope this helps.
    References :

  3. lululemon athletica Says:
    May 22nd, 2010 at 8:49 am

    Hey there,

    Purchasing a yoga mat is based a lot on your own personal preference and needs.
    Things to consider are how often you will be using it, where, for what type of class and any other special needs/preferences eg. extra long mat. If you are going to be transporting it a lot, go for a lighter mat and find a basic strap to carry it with.

    Most mats are about 3-4 mm in thickness, which tends to be ideal. Thicker than this is great if you have an injury and require additional cushioning. However, with more cushioning you lose stability, so there is a playoff between the two. There are mats that have extra length for taller yogis. Most mats average about 6 feet however there are some that are 7 feet in length.

    Personally, I haven’t found that natural rubber mats are better than mats made of synthetic polymers, but is more of a personal preference and how you like the feel of them. Some synthetic ones do have advantages with special technology used to create more grip with for example.

    Cleaning your mat is easy and you can even create your own yoga mat cleaner using a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of tea tree oil. Give your mat a light spray and a rub down with a towel, then let dry before rolling up. The tea tree oil, besides having a nice scent, is naturally antibacterial.

    Hope this helps,
    Jenna
    GEC Online Community
    lululemon athletica
    References :

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