Thanks to the rise in online fitness classes, more of us then ever are turning our front rooms into mini workout studios.
Yoga in particular has seen a dramatic rise in popularity with many seeking out its positive effects on the mind and body.
In comparison to other workout activities, yoga requires minimal gear, so it’s ideal for those who are short on space.
But you do need a yoga mat, and with the huge variety on offer with such a range of prices, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
From supporting your savasana to helping balance you during bakasana, a yoga mat can make or break your practice.
So we spoke with several yoga teachers to gather their top tips for choosing a mat that is right for you.
1. Get one with grip
Texture is hugely important when picking a yoga mat.
Avoid completely smooth PVC mats if you’re worried about slipping and sliding when attempting your yoga flow.
Instead, think about choosing a yoga mat with an extra firm perforated rubber surface that stops sweaty hands and feet from slipping.
Sarah Grogan, head of yoga at Another Space and Digme Fitness, tells MailOnline: ‘Constantly sliding forward can be so distracting and frustrating – it takes you out of the flow!
I would say finding a sticky mat, that’s eco friendly is a winner. YogiBare is my go to mat and has been for the past three years.’
Unlike a foam mat, the <a style="font-weight: bold;" class="class" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" website yoga mat has been made with a natural rubber surface.
This provides maximum friction so you can spend time concentrating on your positions rather than on how far your hands or feet are slipping.
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2.
Consider the type of yoga you’ll be doing
Sarah Grogan also points out that you need to consider the type of yoga you will be doing when picking a mat.
She says: ‘There’s nothing worse than your hands slipping in downward dog when doing yoga.
It’s the posture that we spend more time in that any other when practicing vinyasa.’
Vinyasa, bikram and ashtanga yoga can be fairly vigorous so it pays to choose a mat with plenty of grip to support the more physical moves.
Grip does often come at the expense of thickness so you might not get a huge amount of padding.
If you are looking to practice more soothing yoga styles like restorative or Iyengar the <a style="font-weight: bold;" class="class" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" website Reversible Mat 5mm is a good choice.
Designed with a little extra cushion, it is great for hips, knees, and floor poses. The polyurethane top layer also absorbs moisture to help you get a grip during sweaty practices.
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3. Choose the right material
While PVC yoga mats may be some of the cheapest, they are not the Best Yoga Poses For Lower Back Pain To Reduce for the environment. Thankfully there has been a move to eco-friendly yoga mats that are made without latex, rubber or PVC.
If you are after an ethically made yoga mat then the <a style="font-weight: bold;" class="class" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" website eKO Lite Yoga and Pilates Mat is a great option.
Made from biodegradable, non-Amazon harvested, natural tree rubber, it is a widely popular choice amongst eco-friendly yogis.
Being 99 per cent latex free, it is safe to use for most people with latex sensitivities too.
At 180cm by 66cm it is also one of the longer models, which ideal if you like extra room to spread out during savasana.
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