Table of Contents
Yoga mat FAQ
What to look for in a yoga mat
You want a good grip, a thick base and high-quality material like natural rubber for support, and a light enough weight that it can be carried to and from a gym. Visual alignment markers, to help with the placing of hands and feet are also useful. Of course, the final thing is a fun colour that will help you to enjoy your yoga sessions.
There are other factors to consider, too: texture and size. “I like a big, heavy mat for home practice, but when you’re travelling you need it to be lighter,” says Emma Henry, yoga teacher at Triyoga, who uses a Liforme travel mat or Lululemon ‘(Un)mat’ when she’s on the move. She also considers the ethics of a company: “what they’re doing to support yoga teachers and what they’re doing environmentally.”
Consider too the style of yoga you practice – hot yoga, in which you’re likely to sweat a lot, will require a mat that offers plenty of grip and is easy to clean, whereas a slower restorative or yin yoga class might require a mat that’s thicker and more supportive.
How to clean a yoga mat
To stay on top of keeping your yoga mat clean, you should try to disinfect it before and after each session with equal parts water and white vinegar, and a dash of tea tree oil. For bigger cleans, every couple of weeks, or more or less depending on your usage, put your yoga mat in a bath or shower and give it a good scrub with water and dish soap, leave it to dry, then roll it up. Most yoga mats cannot be put in the washing machine, but check the individual instructions.
How thick should a yoga mat be?
As a general rule of thumb, stick to yoga mats between 4mm and 6mm. Bear in mind a thinner mat will be more portable, while a thicker mat will be easier on the joints. If you’re doing more floorwork yoga, you might choose a thicker mat as well for the extra cushioning. That said, too much thickness can affect the flow of movement so it’s all about finding the balance.
How long does a yoga mat typically last?
A yoga mat typically lasts between 6 months and 2 years, but it can depend on how often you use it and care for it.
What is the best material for a yoga mat?
Most standard yoga mats are made of Polyvinyl chloride. Newer, more eco-friendly options include natural and recycled rubber, jute, and cotton.
Can yoga mats be recycled?
Polyvinyl chloride mats are the most difficult to recycle as they may contain plasticisers, UV retarders, dyes, and dirt. Rubber yoga mats and biodegradable mats are much easier to recycle. It is always worth checking with the manufacturer to be sure.
