How to Find the Right Yoga Mat for You

When shopping for a yoga mat, one of the first steps to take is to stop worrying about picking the wrong one. Some mats are nicer than others, some are more comfortable, but it's very hard to find one that will prove truly uncomfortable or detrimental to your yoga practice. If you've found a yoga mat that feels nice to sit, lay and stretch on, then you've found a nice yoga mat.

With that in mind, here are some tips to finding one that you'll really like.

The Ideal Thickness

The ideal yoga mat is typically around 1/8" to 1/4" thick. This is just about the right thickness to give your knees some protection without affecting your balance adversely. Thicker mats can leave you wobbly in standing positions while thinner mats provide inadequate protection from the hard floor. There are 1/16" travel mats, but for home use and class you probably want to go with the standard 1/8" size or a slightly thicker mat if you have trouble with banging your knees on the floor.

Choose the Right Material

The material you choose has more to do with personal preference than anything. There's nothing wrong with a standard issue PVC mat or an organic cotton if that's what you prefer. The trick is to find one you like and that feels comfortable against your bare skin. Keep allergies in mind, as some people can't use mats made of certain artificial and natural materials.

Texture Matters

Texture is important. A mat that's too smooth will lead to a lot of slipping and sliding and a mat that is too heavily textured will be less comfortable against your skin. If you like a good grip, look for a pattern that provides more depth and complex shapes. If you have more sensitive skin, look for a smoother texture such as raised bumps. There's a texture to match your needs no matter what your preference.

Stickiness

Stickiness helps as it keeps a mat from sliding around on the floor. The easiest mat to keep in place is PVC, but because it's the stickiest, it also requires regular cleaning, so there's always a tradeoff. Cotton mats on the other hand are a little less tricky about cleaning but may slide around.

Pricing

Finally, you have price to consider. There are mats in every price range no matter your budget. Organic mats tend to be priciest, but if you can find a deal, don't hesitate.