10 Best Yoga Mats Reviewed for 2022

If you love yoga, you know how vital a yoga mat is for the enjoyment of practicing. In the past, you only had a single choice that came in blue or purple when it came to yoga mats. Today, there seems to be an overwhelming selection of mats.

Picking an excellent mat can be frustrating with too many choices. I suggest looking at only a few factors instead of multiple factors. Two of the most critical features of a yoga mat is the thickness and stickiness.

Thickness provides the user comfort when doing yoga poses. If the mat is too thin, your knees and elbows may make a connection with the floor causing pain and injury. If the thickness is too much, it may cause you to be wobbly in some of your poses.

Yoga mats typically are 1/16, 1/8, and 1/4 inch thickness. Each size has advantages and disadvantages associated with it.You should pick one that is best for your needs.

The stickiness of a mat helps to prevent you from sliding around on the floor. If the mat is too sticky, it does not allow for movement to prevent injuries. Mats made from PVC has the most stickiness. For less, you can purchase a rubber, cotton, or jute mat.

I have provided a list of the top ten yoga mats with a short description to help you chose the best one for your needs and wants.

Product Reviews

10. HemingWeigh 1/2-Inch Extra Thick High

 

This high-density yoga mat is made by Hemingweigh. It is ½ inch thick and measures 71 inches by 24 inches. With these measurements, it can be used by people regardless of size and shape.

WIth the ½ inch thickness of the memory foam inside, this Hemingweigh yoga mat provides a cushion for every pose. The added padding helps protect your knees and elbows from injury. This filling also makes every workout much more comfortable.

The surface that is non-slip sticks to the wood flooring to also help prevent injuries to your elbows, knees, hips, and spine. This mat is universal and can be used as a nap mat, pilates, and other toning workouts.

Pros

• Extra padding for comfort
• Stores in tight places
• Lightweight for easy transportation

Cons

• Thickness might make it hard to do planks
• Some reviews suggest it is hard to balance on this mat

---

9. Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat

 

This Gaiam mat is a little smaller than the Hemingweigh at 68 inches by 24 inches, but it is still an excellent size for most people. This mat was designed to be reversible meaning both sides of the mat has a beautiful print.

When manufactured, the Gaiam yoga mat was made free of harmful phthalates which makes it an excellent choice for the environment and your health. This mat can be used in a home or at the gym studio.

It was created with durable material which allows it to handle wear and tear to ensure a long lasting life. This yoga mat is also stable because of its stickiness which is on both sides because it is reversible.

Pros

• Reversible non-slip sides
• Six phthalates free
• Comes with yoga video

Cons

• Not made for Bikram yoga
• Bad odor when first opened

---

8. Eco-Friendly Two Layer TPE Premium Yoga Mat

 

This mat weighs only 2.4 pounds and is 72 inches long which makes it lightweight and sizable. It is excellent on both soft and hard floors providing fabulous balance and stability. This mat is recommended for most types of yoga which include Yin, Hatha, Ashtanga, and Kundalini.

The Bestshare yoga mat is also perfect for Power Yoga and different forms of pilates. When buying new yoga mats, the odor can be a problem. However, when this mat was designed, it was created to be scent free and hypoallergenic to protect you from allergies.

It is a non-slip mat that is made without any rubber, latex, or PVC. This mat is made from Thermoplastic Elastomer which is a heavy metal and lead-free material. It also comes in a variety of colors to match most preferences.

Pros

• Offers different colors on each side
• Hypoallergenic and odor free
• Made from thermoplastic elastomer

Cons

• Some complain it is not sticky enough about restorative yoga
• May need more padding for comfort

---

7. Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat

 

This Gaiam Premium Print yoga mat is made similar to the Gaiam Premium Print Reversible yoga mat. However, this mat has a variety of colors, but it is not reversible. It is ⅚ mm thick which gives extra padding.

This extra padding offers massive support for your knees when you are in poses similar to cat and cow. It also protects your elbows when you are in a half plank and your hands when in downward dog and full plank position.

This thickness will also provide the needed cushion for lower joints. It is versatile which means it can be used in the home or at the gym studio. With this amazing mat, Gaiam allows you to choose from twenty-three colors and patterns.

The fabulous traction of this yoga mat ensures you are confident when using it. As with most Gaiam mats, the Premium Print is phthalates free and comes with an awesome yoga video to get you started right away.

Pros

• Lightweigh and durable
• Phthtalates free
• Variety of colors

Cons

• No strap or way to carry it
• May become slippery when wet

---

6. BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose 1/2-Inch Extra Thick

 

This Balance Form yoga mat measures 71 inches by 24 inches making it perfect for all sizes of people. It is one of the few mats that is longer than the average 68 inches by shorter than the 72 inches which makes it the ideal size for a variety of people.

It is ½ inch thick which gives a massive amount of support for your knees, elbows, and joints when exercising. This thickness also helps to support your hips and spine to prevent injuries when working on hardwood floors.

The stickiness of this mat is excellent which will also help prevent overextension in muscles and ligaments and other stress injuries. This mat also employs a moisture resistant feature that allows it to be cleaned with soap and water.

Pros

• Non-slip surfaces
• 1/2 inch thickness
• Moisture resistant feature

Cons

• Not for advanced yoga
• Not as durable as other mats

---

5. AmazonBasics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Mat

 

The Amazon Basics yoga/ exercise mat measures 74 inches by 24 inches making it one of the longest mats on this list. This mat is considered versatile and can be used while practicing Pilates, yoga, and a variety of other exercises.

It has a textured surface to ensure you have traction while holding yoga poses. With the durability and size of this mat and a strap that is included, it can be used in the home or at the studio. This Amazon Basic mat was made to last for years.

Pros

• Large- 74 inches by 24 inches
• Durable and lightweight
• Extra thick- 1/2 inches

Cons

• Balancing may be hard due to thickness
• Has an odor when first opened

---

4. QELL Yoga Starter Kit – Durable Yoga Mat With Carry Strap

This QELL is a great starter kit for the yoga enthusiast. It comes in five pieces which include the mat, a strap for carrying, two blocks, and an extension strap. These five items are all you need in regards to yoga equipment.

When ordering a yoga mat, you typically do not get the support blocks which make this set a great deal. The support blocks are provided to ensure you achieve the correct alignment when posing. The mat is ¼ inch thick and high-density. It is made from TPE foam making it durable.

Pros

• Two support blocks included
• No new odor smell
• Great starter kit

Cons

• May be short for taller people
• May be too much for beginners

---

3. Organic Jute Yoga Mat by Ajna

 

The Ajna Wellbeing’s jute yoga mat is ideal for a variety of types of yoga including vinyasa and hot kinds of yoga. This mat was created to be as natural as possible. This fact means that it is safe for the environment.

It is made from jute fiber and polymer environmental resin making it free of a variety of everyday toxins which include BPA and PVC. This mat is unique in that it is 100% biodegradable. It is also reversible, anti-bacterial and non-slip. It is 5 mm thick which is an excellent size for most people.

Pros

• Anti-bacterial and non-slip
• Eco-friendly and natural
• Reversible

Cons

• Must use a towel with excessive moisture
• More expensive

---

2. Manduka Yogitoes Yoga Mat Towel

 

The Manduka Yogitoes offers both mats and towels which are free of toxic chemicals. They also do not contain dyes or phthalates. Manduka provides two types of mats which are PRO and eKo mats. Each type of mat is made from different materials. Either style comes in a variety of colors.

The mat has a non-slip surface to prevent injuries. With the towel in place, the mat will not slip on the floor. The Manduka Company is a unique company because it was created by yoga teachers and students of those teachers.

Pros

• Free of toxic chemicals
• Dye and pthalate free
• Two types with a variety of colors

Cons

• Can not put it in a dryer
• Maybe too thin

---

1. SnapMat Hot Yoga Mat & Towel Combo

With this yoga mat, you get a hot yoga mat and towel. It measures 72 inches by 24 inches, and it is ¼ inch thick. With a surface that is closed-cell, this mat will not allow moisture to become mold or bacteria. This fact makes this mat perfect for hot yoga.

The towel is detachable which makes it easy to throw it in the washer. The ¼ inch thickness helps protect your elbows and knees. It also helps to protect your hips and joints from injury. Having a towel that is detachable makes it easy to clean.

Pros

• Closed-cell exterior
• Ideal for hot yoga
• Firm 1/4 inch thick foam

Cons

• No carry strap
• Mat is shorter than towel

The Benefits Of Having A Quality Yoga Mat

Yoga is one of those exercises that just makes you feel good. It’s not a boot camp workout that has you dripping in sweat, but it still has a way of kicking your butt. You can give your body the care it needs through slow, isolated movements that sculpt you and help you unwind. Here are a few reasons why a quality yoga mat is a necessity:

Comfort 

If you’ve ever done yoga, then you know how essential it is to have a quality mat. You are lying down and pressing your body into the floor, and it’s nice to have good padding as you do so. If you have a thin, poorly made mat, you’re definitely going to feel it. Yoga is a time to relax and recenter, but it’s hard to do that when you’re focused on how uncomfortable you are. Do yourself a favor and invest in a mat that will support you while you exercise, not bother you.

Durability

The last thing you want to do is buy a new yoga mat every six months, especially if you exercise a lot. The good thing about quality mats is that they are built to withstand repeated use. Think about it, you’re always folding it, putting it on different types of floors, and pressing your body weight into—you need something that will hold up. Not to mention, it’s good to have something that’s made with quality materials. It’s a bit annoying to have a mat that leaves bit and pieces on the floor once you’re done with your session.

Cleanliness

Most yoga classes offer mats to the attendees, which is great. However, unless you know how often they are cleaned, it’s best to bring your own. People step on them with their bare feet, their hair and clothing press against them, and it can get pretty unsanitary. Having a personal yoga mat ensures that you don’t get germs from others, and you can clean it as often as needed.

Can Use Anytime 

You might not always have time to go to a yoga class or you maybe you’d like to do it right before bed. Well, if that’s the case, having your own mat allows you to work out whenever you want. It feels good to get up in the morning and do yoga before you start your daily routine or even after a stressful day. No matter when you feel the urge, you can pull out your mat and go for it.

Stretches

Even if you’re not much of a yogi, it still feels nice to stretch your body. Sometimes you just need to breathe and give yourself relief from tension and muscle aches. Having a yoga mat on hand allows you to lay down on a comfortable surface as you let go of aches and pain. If you’re in need of a good stretch, the last thing you want is to be on the floor— it causes more discomfort.

Which Yoga Mat Should You Buy?

Choosing the appropriate yoga mat can seem overwhelming. Hopefully, the list I have provided you can assist you in picking the perfect one for you. I recommend the QELL yoga starter kit for the beginner, intermediate, and expert practitioners because it has the best reviews and it is durable.

You get the most out of your money with this mat. You should check-out the other reviews before purchasing to ensure the perfect fit for you.

Last update on 2024-04-24 at 23:47 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API