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How to choose your yoga mat?

A short guide to making the right choice

Yoga is a discipline that requires little equipment, but choosing the right yoga mat is essential because it will be your best ally over time!

Indeed, a good mattress must above all allow you to carry out the exercises in full safety, to have a good anchoring and to protect your articulations during your sessions. It must be adapted to your needs, offer you enough ease in your practice and accompany you in your evolution.

On the other hand, many yoga mats exist today and it is sometimes difficult to make a decision among the hundreds of models and brands that exist. Should I focus on comfort, convenience, size, material, feel or grip? So what criteria should you take into account when you want to buy equipment, whether you are a beginner or already initiated? We will help you identify the major criteria specific to your needs and answer all the questions you may have in your quest for the ideal yoga companion!

How to choose your yoga mat?
Discover all Yogom yoga mats
Jamini Yogom meditation cushion worn by Marion OM in yoga posture

SUMMARY

  1. The thickness
  2. The dimensions
  3. The weight
  4. The grip and the type of yoga
  5. Maintenance
  6. The ecological impact
  7. The alignment system
  8. Where to buy your carpet ?

Which thickness to select?

The thickness of the carpet is one of the first criteria to look at closely when buying a carpet. However, it is essential to link this criterion to that of the density of the material used and we will explain why! So do you need a thick yoga mat ?

The thickness of the majority of the mats varies between 1,5mm and 6mm (beyond 6mm, it will be more adapted to the fitness, because in yoga it is important to be well anchored and stable). This criterion often rhymes with comfort and we tend to think that the thicker the mat, the cozier it will be! In reality, it also depends on the density of the material used! A thick mat with low density will cause you to lose your balance because you may sink.

  • THE QUESTION OF DENSITY

    A yoga mat can be just as soft and pleasant with a lesser thickness. The 4mm rubber ones are more comfortable than the 6mm PVC mats because the density is stronger with the rubber. Therefore, density is very important to take into account if you do a lot of balance positions (moon, tree) because you will be much more stable. On a 6mm PVC mattress, you will tend to sink and lose stability, whereas with rubber, the thickness will remain the same regardless of your support points. For guidance, you can compare a yoga mat 6 mm thermoplastic elastomer foam (TPE) with a 6mm PVC mat (elastomer is denser) and a 4mm rubber mat with a 6mm elastomer or 6mm PVC mat (similar feeling because the rubber, although thinner, is denser).

  • fragile joints

    Are your joints fragile? Do you have a tendency for your knees to hurt when you stand? In this case, we advise you to select a thick yoga mat (4mm rubber or 6mm elastomer or PVC) and to avoid travel mat (very convenient and light but less suitable for you!). You can however buy a 1.5mm to 2mm mat if you use it as a topper on a mat at your weekly indoor class for example.

  • A carpet that does not stretch

    Have you ever noticed your mast stretching under your movements and almost injuring yourself? This may come as a surprise and is not very pleasant. PVC mattresses are often associated with this problem. The density is low and they will tend to stretch which can be dangerous. On the other hand, if you choose an elastomeric foam mat or even better a rubber mat, you will have a sufficiently strong density that will provide great stability on the ground and better solidity under the weight of your movements.

  • So what thickness for what needs?

    Travel matte is usually between 1mm and 2mm and has the advantage of being light to carry, so it is perfect for globetrotters. If you are looking for a good compromise between balance and softness, choose a 4mm rubber or 6mm elastomer mat. We do not recommend PVC mattresses (toxic, non-recyclable, lack of stability), but if you decide to do so, take the thickest mattress possible (not less than 6 mm) because its density is low.

Overall, it is important to be aware of the material used when looking at models and to make your selection based on your needs (lightweight for transport, sufficient cushioning for joints, balance exercises or not).

Discover the Yogom Yoga mats comparison guide
Tableau comparatif des tapis de yoga Yogom

What size yoga mat should I choose?

The size of the mat is also an important decision criterion so that you can practice with the greatest of ease! Your yoga companion must be adapted to your size as well as to the discipline you have chosen!

How to choose your yoga mat?

Most yoga mats are 170×60 cm (too small for yoga). As soon as you start to climb in quality, you will see mats with dimensions 183x61cm (standard), but the discipline becomes really pleasant when you opt for a product with dimensions 183×68 cm. It is more rare to find larger mattresses but for example Yogom offers the Natural Model which is 200×75 cm (ultra cozy). It is necessary above all to check that the dimensions correspond to your size (indeed, if you make more than 1m83, attention not to take a carpet too small, this criterion will be particularly to take into account in your case!) The cork mat Yogom measures 188 cm.

  • Choose a size adapted to your type of practice

    For example, if you do more gentle yoga (Nidra, Yin), meditation, or Kundalini, choose a longer and wider mat for more ease. The Yogom models (Performance, Travel and Star) are 183 cm long and 68 cm wide for a pleasant and easier performance of asanas, and the woolen one measures 200×75 cm for the soft disciplines.

To summarize, the dimensions are important to consider, both to match your body type and your type of practice. If you are tall, pay attention to the length of the mat and if you do gentle yogas, favor the width of the mat for a practice in the right conditions.

I find my new matte among the best!

How much does a yoga mat weigh?

When comparing sports mats, it is imperative that you consider the weight, so that it is suitable for your exercise habits and locations.

  • Select a mat with a weight adapted to your habits

    The weight can vary generally from 0.5 kg to 4 kg. Depending on your habits, if you are always on the go, if you go to the gym, to your home, or both, if you move around a lot, by bike, in this case your decision will be different and you will probably look for a light and/or foldable companion!

  • Do you transport your carpet often?

    If you move often, choose a travel mat, thinner but lighter and easier to carry (around 1kg and usually foldable). The Travel mat and the Foldable Performance Mats fold easily and are therefore very convenient to carry in a bag or suitcase.

  • Are you looking for a carpet that is AMORTIZING but not too heavy?

    If you go to a center and carry your mat around a lot (biking, walking, transportation), you will need a lightweight mat. For maximum convenience, you can either equip yourself with a Travel mat to use as an overlay, or select a more cushioning but light enough mat like the Yomad ecological yoga mat of Yogom. The Yomad is ultra cozy yet light thanks to the technicality of elastomer, a recyclable and non-toxic synthetic foam. You can also opt for the Recycled Cork Carpet which weighs 1.4kg for 4mm: a record!

  • Do you practice at home?

    If, on the other hand, you’re more likely to stay at home or take online courses, then lightweight is not a major consideration. You can therefore favour cushioning with a heavier and therefore much more stable mat. There is no secret, the heavier a carpet is, the more stable it is!

Discover the Yomad: recyclable and ultra light
Discover the best of the market: The Star
How to choose your yoga mat?

How to choose the composition of a Yoga Mat ?

It is important to study the composition of a mat before purchasing, it affects the adhesion to the floor, the stability of your asanas and the longevity of your mat. A good mattress will also be adapted to your health and ecological considerations.

The impact of composition on practice

Firstly, all mattresses are composed of a surface that can be made of cork, wool or synthetic materials and an adhering rubber cover. It is therefore necessary to avoid plastic materials that slide and on which you risk sinking after a while. Choose a cork mattress for a good grip. A TPE mattress if you are looking for softness for your knees and a wool mattress for soft yoga, may require grip to gain comfort.

I discover the recycled cork model!

  • Composition and health

    If you need a hypoallergenic product, we advise you to choose a Yomad. Its coating is a good alternative to plastic.

  • Ecological yoga mats

    We must begin by defining what an ecological yoga mat is. Today there is no organic carpet because of the need for grip obtained by the rubber coating. However, mattresses can be ecological by using natural materials such as wool, cotton, cork or recycled synthetic materials such as thermoplastic elastomer and therefore respect the environment.

  • Discover our range of yoga mats made in Europe from recycled materials and in particular our recycled rubber yoga mat .

What type of covering to choose when buying a carpet?

Think you absolutely need a non-slip mat? You are mistaken! Some types of yoga require the ability to glide on the mat in order to make transitions between postures in a fluid manner (example with Vinyasa).

On the other hand, if you are a beginner or not very muscular, it will be more pleasant for you to practice on a non-slip mat.

Last point about the coating: the texture. Is the touch pleasant? It is very important to enjoy touching your mat because your feet and hands will be in contact with it every session!

Finally, the sense of smell, like the sense of touch, is important because your nose, like your hands, will be in contact with the mattress.

The composition of the mattress will therefore play on these criteria: grip, touch and smell can change depending on the composition of the product.

The type of yoga will also influence the mat chosen as well as the frequency. You will not make the same investment if you practice occasionally or daily.

Find out more about the question of covering in our article dedicated to the yoga mat for beginners in which we talk in more detail about the type of mat to select according to your way of apprehending the discipline.

See all Yogom products
How to choose your yoga mat?

Is it worth buying a mat with alignment?

There are many designs to choose from and you may be wondering what the purpose of body alignment mats ?

  • What is the alignment system and what does it do?

    The Bodyline system that you can find on all models Yogom is used to help you with your body positioning and alignment. It is very useful for certain types of yoga such as Iyengar and Ashtanga, which require great precision in the placement of the body. These are simply markings on the pavement (lines, dots and markers) that guide you on the placement of the body (of your arms, hands and feet). Bodyline is also highly recommended for Hatha and Vinyasa, whether for beginners to acquire a good foundation or for more experienced yogis to perfect their asana and balance. Conversely, for gentle yogas such as Kundalini, Nidra, Restorative or Meditation, the Bodyline system is not necessary. Natural carpet of Yogom.

  • Why is alignment important?

Know that yoga adapts to the person and not the other way around (this is why teachers often propose variations in class, so that yoga adapts to you, your flexibility, your aches and your energy! ). The bodyline system does just that and does not force you to position your limbs in a specific location, but instead helps you to see where you are placed and not hurt yourself while practicing. If you would like to learn more about alignment, you can read our article on yin yoga and the functional approach which emphasizes the feeling in the posture rather than the aestheticism.

The washing and maintenance of its carpet

Also ask about mattress care. Indeed, some mattresses are for example machine washable, which can make it easier for you but it is quite rare!

  • How to maintain your carpet?

    Regular and proper maintenance of your equipment will help it last over time. Is it machine washable, can it be washed with water or with soap and essential oils? This should not be overlooked if you are counting on your mast to last! At Yogom, the Travel mat can be washed as much as you like, which is very convenient! (be sure to use a short, cold or delicate program).

  • Maintenance tips

    Most of the products can be washed with a cloth soaked in water or with alcohol-free perfumed waters. You can sometimes put a few drops of essential oils but this should be checked according to the product and its composition.

Young woman wearing the folded Yogom travel yoga mat

In the end, check the care instructions carefully and choose a product that you can easily maintain, this is essential to make it last over time.

Discover our article Cleaning your Carpet and take care of it according to its composition.

Discover the Travel collection: the machine washable carpet!

What is the price of a quality environmentally friendly carpet?

To be able to rely on your carpet you might wonder how much to invest, whether there will be a return on investment and how long it will remain passable.

  • How long does a yoga mat last

    If you invest in a good quality carpet, then you will not be disappointed, it will last you many years! On the other hand, if you neglect its quality, it may crumble after a few weeks and lose its grip, so it is better to invest more to make your mast profitable and respect the environment. For example, you can choose the Performance of Yogom, they are very resistant and durable in time. The Performances are designed with a rubber base and a microfiber coating.

  • What budget for a quality carpet?

    You will find mattresses from about 20 euros to 120 euros. First prizes are not eco-friendly and will not last long. To enjoy a good product that you can control the origin and that will last you, put at least 50 euros. You can also invest a little less and get a studio mattress with a topper. As such, the Travel Mat by Yogom is made of the same materials as the Performance (however, it is 1.5mm against 4mm for the Performance, and will be perfect as a topper or extra mattress when you travel).

In conclusion, be careful when it comes to the prices advertised and what they mean, for small prices we also recommend you to consult the old brand collections. At Yogom, we do not have sales but we do have a Bargain Corner with a selection of products cheap all year round, made up of end-of-stock or non-renewed products, so that small wallets can also benefit, all year round!

Yogom's Bargain Corner
How to choose your yoga mat?

Where to buy your carpet ?

You are now ready to buy your mattress, but where to buy it? In a store, in a studio, in a supermarket, on the internet, in a store specialized in sports? There are many options and you are bound to find an offer that suits you. Visit this article to find out where to buy a mattress (on the internet, in stores, in studios and gyms) and which accessories are useful to complete your equipment.

A presentation of Yogom is also available if you want to discover our commitments!

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