The benefits of yoga are undeniable. From its ability to relieve stress and anxiety to reducing inflammation and chronic pain, this ancient practice helps many people improve their overall quality of life.
At this time when many of us stay home to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, and our gyms are closed for the same reason, it has become an essential exercise at home and stress reliever for many.
Therefore, it is a good time to invest in a mat or mat of your own to always have at home, or to update the offer that we buy when we start practicing.
This guide, created with the help of yoga teachers, helps you buy the one you need to improve your trip to the best pose of all, the savasana.
The best yoga mats
Gaiam SB 6mm Yoga Mat. ($ 28.97; amazon.com)
When author and yoga teacher Sara DiVello buys a mat, she looks for something that feels extra comfortable. She has been practicing yoga for 20 years and teaching for 12, specializing in super smooth therapeutic flows.
DiVello says that with this non-toxic 6mm cushion mat, you will feel secure in every move, especially if you have sensitive knees. "While we are all at home practicing safe social distancing, it is nice to see it in turquoise and mentally transport you to a tropical beach," he adds.
Manduka eKO Lite 68 ″ Mat ($ 78; amazon.com)
The first time Samantha Attard used this mat, she almost cried how good it was, much better than anything she had ever practiced on before. And that says a lot, since he has been a yogi for 15 years and taught for five of them. Today, she is the founder of the Spiro Collective, and she loves this mat because of its thin top layer that is slip resistant and firm. And as an added benefit, the bottom layer provides some support.
"The combination of these two layers means that there is enough cushioning so you don't feel like you are practicing directly on the ground, while also avoiding the wrist pain that can occur with too thick or soft mats," he adds.
JadeYoga 368BK Harmony Mat ($ 79.95; amazon.com)
For Colleen Quaid, yoga has been a journey of almost 10 years. She started practicing in 2011, earned her teaching certification in 2015, and bought Mirepoix Wellness Studio in Chicago in 2018. When looking for the right yoga mat, she appreciates one like this, which doesn't require any time out. In fact, he says, he has the best grip of any yoga mat he has ever used.
"Many of our students have become JadeYoga fans for their practice at home because of the positive experience they have had with the mats while practicing in our studio," she says. "As an added bonus, JadeYoga mats are made from natural products and for every mat and block sold, another tree is planted in its place."
Manduka eKO Lite 68 ″ Mat ($ 78; amazon.com)
Travis Eliot, who has taught yoga for 15 years and created the online yoga platform Inner Dimension TV, says that his favorite mat is this one from Manduka, because it gives him the grip he needs during power yoga sessions.
“There is nothing worse than slipping when sweat starts to flow. By practicing Yin Yoga and meditation, the eKO Lite also provides just the right amount of cushion without making the mat feel too heavy, making it also travel-friendly, "he says.
Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Yoga Mat ($ 46.41; amazon.com)
When you decide to buy a mat, Laurel Kuzins, a yoga instructor for the past five years, suggests covering these four bases: support, grip, weight, and material. The one that meets all its essential elements is this one from Gaiam.
Not only does it provide traction to keep you in the pose, but it's also great for the environment. "Spend a little more on this mat and you will have a quality product that will last all your workouts for years to come," she says.
Manduka Pro Yoga Mat, Purple ($ 120; amazon.com)
Reiki teacher and yoga teacher Kelsey Patel started practicing yoga 20 years ago, when she was just 19. Eight years ago, she took another level and became a teacher. She likes this mat because it can be carried almost anywhere she goes, and it rolls up easily for storage in a closet.
“I have tried ones that are thinner and too thin to put my knees in certain positions. I have tried ones that are thicker and too bulky and heavy to easily carry or store. ” she explains. “This is by far my favorite mat, and I even roll it up and sit cross-legged for some of my morning meditation practices as well. It is easy and versatile. ”
Manduka eKO Superlite Mat ($ 41.90; amazon.com)
Even if you're not traveling these days, those road trips will come back sometime, and for doing yoga in the hotel gym, this lightweight option is ideal. It only weighs 2.2 pounds, so it won't add much to your carry-on luggage, and it's perfect for strapping onto your backpack and passing the airport security checkpoint.
Gaiam Restore Self-Guided Exercise Mat ($ 28.68; gaiam.com)
This mat is made of a thicker material than the more advanced mats, so it will have additional stability and includes an image guide to some common floor movements that appear in yoga and other exercise routines. These images will help your confidence as you perfect your shape.
Sivan Health Fitness 6-Piece Yoga Kit ($ 44.99; amazon.com)
When you're still getting used to yoga and you're still not practicing balancing one-leg movements, a thick yoga mat is ideal. How? Depth will allow you to stretch comfortably, and challenges you to use your core for stability. This set also features yoga blocks to relax in a pose and towels for extra grip.
Yoga Design Lab 2-in-One ($ 62; amazon.com)
As they progress in their practice, many yogis tend to prefer a thin mat. They provide extra grip for the toes when tackling difficult postures. This one also has yoga towel materials, which means you never have to worry about the slippery beads of sweat interrupting your vinyasa.
Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of article posting.