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7 best yoga mats, from beginner to professional

From beginner to professional yogis, there's a yoga mat on the market for everyone

Victoria Gagliardo-Silver
New York
Tuesday 31 March 2020 18:13 BST

For many people looking to get healthy, yoga is a great first step. From classes to at-home videos, it can be a healthy, fun form of exercise. One of the first things you need to get started is a yoga mat.

But, with mats on the market ranging from professional-grade luxury to affordable and basic, it can be intimidating to know which to buy.

The Independent consulted experts and real life reviews to find the best yoga mats for every body and every budget.

YOGO Ultralight Travel Yoga Mat: $62

(YOGO

Alex of Ryan and Alex Duo life, a health and wellness website for couples, recommend the YOGO Ultralight Travel Mat. Alex says “As digital nomads and health coaches, we’ve lived out of - and exercised out of - our suitcases for over two years. These yoga mats by YOGO have been our mainstays, and we’ve used them daily across patios, airport carpets, on the beach, and even on gravel. They’re lightweight and durable, and we do all of our cardio and HIIT workouts on them in addition to yoga. YOGO is also a socially and environmentally-conscious company, using natural materials and planting one tree per mat.” Reviewers are just as happy with the mat as Ryan and Alex, claiming that it’s easy to clean and travel with.

Buy now

Manduka PROLite: $92

(Manduka

Kelly Clifton Turner, Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and Director of Education for YogaSix , the nation’s leading boutique yoga brand, recommends the Manduka Pro Lite. Turner says “For the first ten years I practised yoga, I would use cheaper mats purchased at places like Tuesday Morning, Target, or Amazon. They did the trick, but would often fall apart or pill within a year or two. The thought of spending $80-100 for a mat was insane when I could get one for $10-20 in other retailers. Once I made the leap, I finally got why the investment was worth it. I ended up buying a Manduka Pro Lite, which retails for about $80. I've had it now for over 10 years, and it's still in perfect shape. It's also more supportive on my joints if I'm practising somewhere with hardwood or tile floors.”

Buy here

Alentejo Yoga Mat: $175, Corc Yoga

(Corc Yoga)

Made from 100% sustainable materials, this yoga mat is definitely an investment piece. Made from cotton and cork, this is a great option for yogis who wish to avoid plastic or latex in their practice. At 3.6 pounds, this lightweight mat can easily be taken to classes or used at home. This mat is a great gift for the serious yogi in your life or a wonderful investment in yourself.

Buy now

If you’re looking for a more affordable yoga mat, consider these options:

Gaiam Premium Two Color Yoga Mat: $29.98

(Gaiam

At under $30, this yoga mat serves its purpose well. It’s non-slip, lightweight, durable, and latex-free. This is a great mat for a beginner yogi or to give as a gift. Reviewers note that it’s a long mat, so friendly for tall people, and that it has a nice thickness to it. It’s good for both home and studio use.

Buy here

PrAna Melange Yoga Mat: $39.50

(PrAna

This yoga mat is both chic and sustainable, made of non-Amazon harvested rubber, nylon, and polyester. The rubber base functions as a grip, making it great for use anywhere. Reviewers claim that it’s great for hot yoga as it “handles sweat well while keeping grip”, although it is a bit heavy.

Buy now

BalanceFrom GoYoga All Purpose High Density Non-Slip Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap: $12.99

(GoYoga

Despite being the lowest price point on this list, this mat is highly reviewed by Amazon users. It’s definitely not a mat for professional yogis, but for casual yoga practitioners it’s the perfect choice. The mat itself is long, so tall yogis can use it too, and it comes with a complimentary carrying strap. Reviewers say it’s a “solid, affordable mat” with “perfect thickness”.

Buy now

ToPlus Yoga Mat: $35.99

(ToPlus

This is a lightweight, eco-friendly yoga mat at a good price. At 6mm thick, it has a nice cushion, making it a great choice for a beginner who wants to continue and refine their yoga practice. Reviewers note that this is a great mat for practising on tile floors and “softer surfaces” like carpet as well.

Buy now

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