Best Fitness Mat

Last Updated: December, 2024

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Finding The Best Yoga Mat - A Buyer's Guide

What to consider when buying a yoga mat

Depending on your needs, you could just scoop up any cheap yoga mat. Or, you might need to spend a little more on a mat with more features, such as an extra grippy surface.

Consider what types of activities you'll be using your new yoga mat for and where you'll take your mat. Also, take into account your height and any other bodily considerations (such as pain in your knees or back). With that in mind, you will be on your way to choosing the best yoga mat.

 

Yoga Mats

 

Here are 5 helpful questions to ask yourself when choosing a yoga mat:

1. Will you be using it indoors, outdoors, or both? Pretty much any mat will do for indoor yoga, but if you plan on working out outside, you'll want something sturdier and more durable.
2. Will you use it for hot yoga? If so, look for a mat with an extra grippy or non-slip surface.
3. Do you need to take it on an airplane or other small space? Look for thinner mats that roll up or fold into a compact size so you can easily pack them.
4. Do you need extra cushion or length? Standard mats run between an eighth of an inch and a quarter of an inch. You may need something thicker, like a half-inch mat if you need cushioning for your knees, hands or back. Lengthwise, the standard is 68 inches, so taller people would benefit from a longer mat.
5. What's your budget? Cheaper mats are best for beginners who aren't sure if they'll stick to their yoga practice and people who don't practice regularly. If you practice several days a week, a high-quality mat will save you more money in the long run, since you won't have to replace your mat so often.

 

Yoga Mat Materials

There are 4 popular materials that yoga mats are typically made from:

1. 1. Rubber Rubber is a popular, high-end yoga mat material, and it’s considered an eco-friendly alternative to PVC. Rubber mats are as durable and supportive as PVC styles, but they’re a better option for environmentally minded practitioners.
2. 2. TPE Eco-Friendly Material – Higher price, but best value for the money. TPE is the latest technological improvement to traditional yoga mats.  These mats are made from naturally harmless TPE material. It is made without latex, PVC toxins, plasticizers, or harmful dyes. It is 100% safe and environmentally friendly.
3. 3. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) PVC is one of the most popular materials for exercise mats. PVC mats tend to be inexpensive, and mats of this material are often a great choice for beginners because they’re reasonably durable, comfortable, and provide good grip. However, PVC yoga mats do contain phthalates and dangerous toxins, and they aren’t recyclable, so this isn’t an Eco-friendly option.
4. 4. Foam Like rubber, foam exercise mats are an environmentally friendly alternative to PVC mats. They provide the same performance but are recyclable and toxin-free. Foam mats can also contain latex, however, so they don’t work for practitioners with latex allergies.

Yoga Mat Review Conclusion

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned yoga practitioner or just starting out. An exercise mat is an essential part of yoga, just as running shoes are vital for cardio workouts. If you want to have a better experience while you’re performing your next yoga move, it’s best to have a mat that can help keep you stable.

Every yogi master will tell you that the key to their success is using a yoga mat that they prefer. Just as you have preferences when it comes to the food you like or the clothes you wear, yoga mats are similar. One mat may be perfect for one person while another may not like it at all.

Know what your plans are for your practice and choose the best mat for you based on the criteria above.

 

Fitness Mat Availability

RiptGear Fitness Mats come in the following colors blue, green, and purple. We found the unisex design of these Yoga Mats complements both men and women.