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Help! I have no idea which Yoga mats I should be looking at

A yoga mat should provide you with, (at the very least) a comfortable and safe (non-slip) surface, which is big enough for you to move around easily and protect you from having to use the floor surface.

Yoga mats come in many varieties of thicknesses, colours and materials. Good Yoga mats are designed to perform very differently to other types of exercise mat like aerobics/fitness mats etc.

When you are practising Yoga, you need to stay relaxed and lightly concentrated.

The type of Yoga mat that’s best for you depends on:-

• your condition, (fitness, suppleness)
• your size (height and weight)
• the type of Yoga you intend practising, (Hatha, Ashtanga etc.)
• your own personal preferences, (e.g. as to mode of manufacture, ecology, colour, texture etc.)

Yoga mat specifications

Most European and North American manufactured mats are about 6ft (that is 183cm) in length (but you can also get extra long (2M + ) mats and also some that are only about 5' 7" (usually made in Asia).

As to width - most (mass-produced) Yoga mats are standardised at 60cm (2 ft width) although 66cm and 80 cm are also commonly available.

Lower volume, "Handcrafted" mats (like alpaca, cork, cotton etc.) can be non-standard dimensions.

Thickness and density - mats vary in thickness from 1.5 to 10mm thickness. The most portable mats are the thinnest and they just offer an anti-slip surface. The thicker the mat the more comfort. Density is important - the weight of a mat is a good indication of the density and therefore how much materialyou are paying for.

Length 72 inches (183cm) is about the standard as this suits almost everyone. Younger children can use a shorter mat but there is no real advantage - unless they need to carry it to school or something. People over about 6' 2" may need a longer or custom mat. Also, Ashtanga practitioners often use extra long mats, (up to 2.5m) for jumps.

Width - the standard width for a yoga mat is 24" (60cm), some people prefer extra width - 2' 6" should be enough to keep most people on the mat.

Yoga mat types

The main difference between all the mats is what they are made from. Many are synthetic (soft Vinyl) and others are natural rubber (latex).

You can also get other materials e.g. cork, cotton, wool etc.

The scrim is the fabric mesh weave that runs across the mat - to stop the mat from being elastic. This can be made from cotton, polyester, jute and some mats don't have any.

The description of each type of mat we sell is featured on our online catalogue.

Sticky PVC does not degrade and is not very environmentally very friendly. It is often the best for grip and durability. The colours are very stable and appealing and PVC is very cheap to produce. There is good quality PVC and bad. See our other support articles on this issue.

Dry Natural Rubber

Latex is biodegradable and a good material for Yoga mats, one company uses a Jute scrim which is far superior to either Polyester or Cotton as a scrim, (from an ecological perspective).

TPE - is a synthetic rubber which degrades and is recyclable. It offers very good grip and cushioning and the material looks very nice.

Other articles related to help!, have, idea, which, yoga, mats, should, looking, at etc.

Despatch service aims

Our online catalogue - price lists and shopping

The life and times of the Sticky Yoga mat

Our priority handling and expediated delivery services (UK only)

Yoga mat and equipment use

Sticky Yoga mats - Ecological issues

Disclaimer: All exercise activity contains an element of risk. The information provided in this article is intended to augment, rather than replace professional guidance from a qualified instructor as may be necessary. The information is provided as is, without any claim, representation or warranty as to its suitability in any circumstances. Specifically, the information provided shall not constitute personal advice or recommendation, and in any case may not necessarily reflect an authoritative or the official view of YOGA NETWORK C.I.C. The entire risk as to the accuracy, completeness and suitability, or otherwise of any of the information provided is accepted by you. YOGA NETWORK C.I.C. does not assert any legal responsibility for accuracy, errors, or omissions etc. in this article.