Why your yoga mat matters

Yoga was practiced for a long, long time without the mats we have now. So why is a mat so important?

For one, yoga is much different now than it was when it started thousands of years ago in India. Practicing yogis emphasized yogic breathing (pranayama) and meditative techniques much more than the calisthenic type of yoga we do now.

And so, as yoga kept evolving, the means to practice it did too. Practitioners in India were known to use dead tiger skins (presumably of those who died from natural causes) and deer skins to practice on. Later, they turned to clothes or towels.

It wasn’t until the 1970s, when a yoga teacher named Angela Farmer brought a piece of carpet backing to a class so she could practice without slipping, that interest in “sticky” yoga mats really picked up. However, these “carpet backing” mats, while they offered traction, didn’t hold up for long under vigorous practice.

In the 1980s, Sarah Chambers of the yoga products manufacturer Hugger Mugger, designed and introduced the first sticky, durable rubber mat specifically meant for yoga.

Today, there’s a yoga mat for every need, body type, yoga style, and aesthetic. So, how do you choose the best mat for you?

Here are our top picks:

1. The Play Mat – Bala $120

Yes, it’s pricy for a mat but I value comfort at my age and my deteriorated knees, absolutely love this mat! It looks as good as it feels so this is definitely a top choice for me.

Not the wafer-thin mat you’ve come to expect. At 8mm thick, The Play Mat is as supportive as it is comfortable. The first-of-its-kind portal shape is a true showstopper. Its antimicrobial, waterproof top layer is moisture-wicking and nonslip. Break a sweat or take a nap, the choice is yours.

2. The Reversible Mat 5mm – Lululemon $78

Definitely a standard go-to option. This one doesn’t disappoint and the quality is pretty amazing at this price point. From hot to hatha, this natural rubber mat has a grippy top layer that helps you find balance. The one drawback I have on this one though it doesn’t clean well no matter what I’ve tried.

3. Wild Paws Natural rubber extreme grip yoga mat – Yogi Bare $99

The guiding lines in this mat helps to keep your body in alignment and the lines across are great for ensuring that your hands and feet are aligned which is a great tool for any yogi. And we love to support the small businesses especially ones that give back – with each mat sold=1 tree planted with Hometree.

4. Chakra Ayurvedic Yoga Mat – Bennd Yoga $190

What’s not to love about this mat?! Except the price. But the benefits of this mat are incredible.

This Bennd Yoga Mat is made of 100% ethically sourced raw cotton that is medicinally dyed and infused with Bennd’s exclusive formula consisting of 22 different Ayurvedic medicines. Their yoga mats are hand-loomed and brushed with natural rubber latex on the underside of the mat for outstanding floor grip.

Each yoga mat comes with a travel bag and 2oz of all-natural, powdered soap nut for the purpose of cleaning your mat. 

5. Warrior Mat – Alo $100

Another great option that you can’t go wrong with is the Alo Warrior Mat. Some people truly LOVE this mat and I see why. This mat is roomy, perfectly cushioned for joint support, anti-odor, dry-wicking and slip-free, wet or dry. It’s also 100% formaldehyde-free, non-toxic and PVC-free, perfect for a clean practice and a peaceful savasana. They also have a rainbow of colors to choose from which is always fun.

If you’re just starting to do yoga, it might seem smart to buy the cheapest mat at the discount store, or maybe just borrow one from the studio or gym. Most of us have done so at one time or another. However, once you’ve committed to your practice, investing in a good mat will become essential for many reasons.

An estimated thirty-six million Americans practice yoga every year, spending more than $16 billion on yoga classes and gear, including mats. While it’s difficult to ascertain how many of those billions go toward mats in particular, it’s safe to say that the best-selling mats are usually the cheapest.

Unfortunately, these mats also have notoriously short lifespans, which is problematic for a few reasons. First, of course, it’s a waste of money. But most importantly, these discarded non-biodegradable mats have a significant and negative ecological impact.

On the other hand, investing in a good mat – one made from biodegradable, non-toxic materials – can not only save you money in the long run but can also keep you safe, in more ways than one.