A yoga mat is a yogi's most trusted companion. It helps you practice your asanas safely, provides a soft cushion for meditation or relaxation, and is also wonderfully suitable for other sports. When choosing the right mat, price isn't the only important factor. There's much more to the purchase, after all, you'll be spending many hours with yoga equipment . With the flood of products from various manufacturers, yoga beginners in particular are faced with the question of what to look for when buying the right yoga mat.
We have compiled 10 important tips to help you choose your new yoga mat .
1. The right material
A yoga mat made of PVC , natural rubber , or perhaps virgin wool ? If you choose a PVC mat, certification is essential, such as the strict OEKO-TEX standard. This will tell you, among other things, whether the yoga mat is free of harmful plasticizers or pollutants. A good way to find a good yoga mat of this kind is to conduct tests by Öko-Test, for example. Yoga mats made of cork, natural rubber, or TPE (thermoplastic elastomers) have the advantage of being 100% recyclable. Of course, personal preference also plays a role when it comes to the material.
2. The optimal slip resistance
To ensure you have a good grip on your yoga mat, it's crucial that it's sufficiently non-slip. Non-slip properties are especially important if you prefer a dynamic yoga practice or tend to sweat easily. This can quickly make the surface slippery and no longer provide a good grip. Therefore, make sure your mat is non-slip so it can provide you with sufficient grip.
3. The right size
A simple tip, but incredibly important: the right size yoga mat. You should definitely fit on the mat at least stretched out from head to toe. Who likes to lie in Shavasana with half their head on the floor? Suitable mats are available in sizes from child-sized to 200 cm long.
4.Easy cleaning
A yoga mat has to endure a lot. You sweat and stand on it regularly, and it acts as a buffer between you and the floor. It's obvious that it needs to be regularly cleaned of your sweat and dirt. That's why it's so important that the mat is easy to clean. Many models can be easily washed in the washing machine. But it should at least be able to be quickly wiped down with a damp cloth.
5. Your yoga style
What style of yoga do you practice? For dynamic yoga, a firm, non-slip mat is definitely recommended. Yoga mats made of PVC or natural rubber , for example, are suitable. If you prefer a more relaxed style of yoga, a mat made of particularly cozy new wool is a good choice.
6. The topic of sustainability
Sustainability also plays a major role for many yogis when it comes to yoga mats. If sustainability is important to you, you should definitely choose a good mat that is recyclable. This applies, for example, to environmentally friendly mats made from popular materials such as natural rubber, cork, or TPE yoga mats . You can practice yoga on them with a clear conscience.
7. The right thickness
Ultra-thin or a thicker mat? Deciding on the right thickness is often difficult, especially for beginners. You'll probably feel more comfortable on a thicker mat at first. This is also recommended if you have sensitive knees or neck problems, for example. If you enjoy practicing outdoor yoga , a thin mat might be more suitable for you. This allows you to feel the surface well and feels particularly connected to nature.
8. The perfect weight
Another important consideration is the weight of the mat. Do you only practice yoga at home? Then it can weigh a little more. Do you go to yoga classes at a studio, to a friend's house, or like to go to the park? Then it should ideally be very light. Mats made of PVC or natural rubber are often available as handy travel yoga mats with a particularly low weight.
9. A reasonable price
Yoga mats can be had for just a few euros. But the low price usually comes with a catch. The mats are often treated with toxic plasticizers or other pollutants and smell unpleasantly of plastic. The surface also wears out quickly and doesn't offer good grip. Instead of saving money, you'll soon have to buy a new mat. We therefore strongly recommend that you pay attention to good value for money. Of course, it doesn't have to be the most expensive mat to get good quality. But at an extremely low price, the
Alarm bells are ringing.
10. Suitable for allergy sufferers
Do you suffer from allergies? Then it's very important to make sure the mat is safe for allergy sufferers. If you're sensitive to plasticizers, for example, be sure to check for OEKO-TEX certification. If you're unsure whether the mat's material is actually safe for you, feel free to ask the online shop or the manufacturer directly.
Checklist: 10 tips for buying a yoga mat
We have summarized all the important tips for you here.
You are optimally prepared when purchasing your yoga mat .
• Material: What material should my yoga mat be made of?
• Slip resistance: Is the mat suitable for my yoga exercises and is it not slippery?
• Size: Does the yoga mat fit my height?
• Cleaning: Is the mat easy to clean?
• Yoga style: Do the properties of the yoga mat suit my yoga style?
• Sustainability: Is the mat sustainable?
• Thickness: How thick does my yoga mat need to be for me to feel comfortable on it?
• Weight: Do I need to take the mat with me often and therefore need it to be lightweight?
• Reasonable price: How much do I want to spend on a yoga mat?
• For allergy sufferers: Is the material safe for me?
Do you already have your new mat in mind? Do you like a model made of virgin wool,
Rubber or PVC is best? We hope our tips will help you choose the
right yoga mat and wish you lots of joy with your purchase!
