10 Best Yoga Mat of 2023 That Won’t Break the Bank
Yoga mats are generally not the most exciting item in your closet. Some people buy them at a store, while others scour Etsy for the perfect mat. But it’s worth it to find the right one. A good yoga mat will keep you comfortable throughout your practice and protect you from injury when things get sweaty (or hot).
When I started practicing yoga, I had no idea what kind of mat to buy. My neighbor had recommended a sturdy but thin-looking purple one, but I was skeptical that it would be thick enough to protect me from any fall or spill during class. It wasn’t long before my skepticism became a reality: After three classes with this brand-new purple mat, I was lying flat on my back on an outdoor patio during lunch break with my face planted firmly into the cement below me!
The Best Yoga Mat of 2023
The best yoga mat is the one that works with your practice and makes you feel good during and after. It’s also important to consider how much you want to spend on this piece of equipment and how often it will be used.
Yoga mats come in two main types: microfiber or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The former tend to be more popular among yogis because they allow for a better grip on the mat’s surface, but PVC can be cheaper–especially if you’re looking at a bulk purchase from an online retailer.
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The benefits of using an eco-friendly yoga mat include:
- improved traction during poses or when moving quickly between positions;
- reduced slippage due to sweat;
- increased comfort through cushioning;
- decreased odor over time due to natural antibacterial properties found in plant fibers like hemp;
- reduced risk of injury from slipping due to friction burns caused by poor traction against hardwood floors (this was especially common before manufacturers started using sticky materials);
- Reduced risk of rashes caused by prolonged contact between bare skin and synthetic materials such as PVC plastic, which may contain phthalates–a chemical linked with endocrine disruption when ingested orally over long periods.
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If you need extra support
Go for a more cushioned option. A more cushioned option is best if you have sensitive joints or need extra support. The extra padding helps prevent injury and joint pain. It also absorbs shock, which can be especially helpful if you do hot yoga (or any other vigorous exercise).
Cushioned mats are generally more expensive than non-cushioned ones, but they’re worth the investment if they help keep your body feeling healthy and strong.
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Yoga Mat Texture
Look for a non-slip texture, so you don’t end up on your rear end during those inversions.
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The best yoga mats have a non-slip texture, so you don’t end up on your rear end during those inversions. If you can’t find a non-slip mat, use a towel or yoga towel instead. Ensure it’s clean and dry before class starts so it doesn’t get slippery when wet with sweat!
Choose A thicker mat.
A thicker mat will be more stable than a thinner one. This is because the thicker yoga mat will have more cushioning, improving your comfort and making it easier to relax during your practice. A thicker yoga mat might suit you if you have joint problems or are just looking for something that provides more cushioning.
Thicker mats also tend to be more durable than their thinner counterparts because they have more material protecting them from wear and tear over time. If you sweat a lot during practice or enjoy hot yoga classes (where temperatures can get up into the hundreds), having an extra layer between yourself and the floor will help keep things dryer inside your clothes!
If you like to practice hot yoga
Get a sticky mat that won’t absorb moisture and bacteria during class. If you’re looking for extra grip during your practice, check out our range of sticky yoga mats. These mats are specially designed to offer high traction to stay grounded during challenging poses. They’re also great for other types of exercise because they won’t absorb moisture or bacteria from sweat.
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Sticky mats are also good for other types of yoga. They come in all different colors, shapes, sizes and thicknesses! Sticky yoga mats can be expensive but will last you for years, so it’s worth it.
If you’re new to yoga, try an essential black or purple mat.
If you are a beginner, especially if you’re new to yoga, it’s best to wear an essential black or purple mat. These two colors are considered safe bets for beginners because they don’t stand out and catch your eye as much as other options.
Patterns and flashy colors may be tempting, but they can distract from your practice, especially if they’re not in line with how comfortable you feel on your mat (and don’t forget: different cultures have different perceptions of what is appropriate).
A great mat can make all the difference in your yoga practice
You’ll be more comfortable, stay focused on your practice, avoid injuries and slip-ups, and feel less tired at the end of class. Here are some tips for choosing the best yoga mat for you:
- Stick with natural rubber or rubber-like materials that won’t absorb sweat or bacteria from other people’s mats (and then transfer those smells back onto yours). Some synthetic mats also use antimicrobial products like silver ions to keep them fresh-smelling for extended periods; just be sure not to let these chemicals touch your skin!
- Look for thicknesses between 1/16th and 3/8th inches thick–anything thinner than that will likely bend under pressure from heavyweights like books or water bottles (which may come in handy during hot summer months). If possible, try out different thicknesses before buying one; having extra cushioning underfoot is excellent, but sometimes too much padding can make balancing poses difficult because there isn’t enough traction between your feet/legs and the floor surface underneath them!
Best Yoga Mat of 2023 – Conclusion
With so many mats, knowing which one is right for you can be challenging. But we hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options. If you’re new to yoga and want something simple, try our top pick: the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat. If money isn’t an issue, or you’re looking for something extra cushioned, go with one of our other recommendations from Manduka or Prana!
