Looking for the Best Yoga Mat. Consider These 15 Key Factors

Thickness – Finding the Right Amount of Cushioning

As an avid yogi, I’ve gone through my fair share of yoga mats over the years. One of the most important factors for me is cushioning – how much padding does the mat provide? Too thin, and my knees and joints ache against the hard floor. Too thick, and I feel unstable in poses. It took some trial and error before I found the Goldilocks amount of mat thickness that provides my joints with relief without compromising my balance. My sweet spot is a 1/4 inch mat, like the Gaiam Studio Select yoga mat. It offers just enough cushion to protect my joints during long yoga sessions.

I’d recommend beginners opt for a thicker 3/16 or 1/4 inch mat. You’ll appreciate the extra padding as you build strength and flexibility. Advanced yogis often prefer thinner 1/8 inch mats to improve grounding and stability during balancing poses. No matter your level, make sure to test out the thickness before buying. Borrow a friend’s mat or try out samples at your local yoga studio. The right amount of cushion will help keep you comfortable and stable during every practice.

Considerations for Mat Thickness

Thicker mats around 1/4 inch provide more knee and joint padding
Thinner mats around 1/8 inch improve grounding during balances
Try before you buy to test what thickness works for your body
Ask fellow yogis for thickness recommendations based on your experience level

Texture – Getting a Good Grip on Your Yoga Poses

Slipping out of Downward Facing Dog is no fun for anyone – trust me, I’ve been there! That’s why I always look for yoga mats with a decent amount of texture and grip. I like to feel secure that my hands and feet won’t slide out from under me during sweaty practices. At the same time, I don’t want so much texture that my skin gets irritated. It’s a tricky balance!

The Gaiam Studio Select yoga mat hits the sweet spot for me. It has a smooth, cotton-like top layer that feels gentle on my skin. But the underside has a ridged rubber texture to grab onto wood floors and prevent sliding. I can flow through my Vinyasas without having to worry about my mat sliding all over the place.

Try swatching different mat textures at the store. Run your hands along the top and bottom surfaces. You want something with a smooth feel on top and a grippier underside. And don’t forget to wash your new mat before that first sweaty practice! A clean, dry mat will help keep you stable in poses.

Texture Considerations

Avoid very coarse or rubbery textures that may irritate skin
Test top and bottom textures – smooth on top, grippy on bottom
Wash mats before use to increase traction, especially when new
Bring a towel for very sweaty practices to soak up moisture

Size – Ensuring the Mat Fits Your Body and Space

Between downward dog and warrior poses, yoga has you moving through a wide range of motions. You want a mat large enough to accommodate your whole body without feeling crammed. But not so massive that it won’t fit in your apartment or yoga bag! For me, a standard 68-72 inch mat does the trick. I can fully extend my limbs without going out of bounds.

I’d suggest taller yogis look for extra long 74-84 inch mats to avoid hanging off the edges in poses. And if you need to tote your mat around town, go for a thinner, more portable size around 62-68 inches. Consider your height, weight, yoga style and storage space when selecting a properly sized mat like the Gaiam Studio Select.

Mat Size Considerations

Standard mats are 68-72 inches long for most bodies
Tall yogis should size up to 74-84 inch long mats
More portable mats are 62-68 inches for easier transport
Make sure mat fits in your storage space when not in use

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Texture – Getting a Good Grip on Your Yoga Poses

As a yoga instructor, I’ve tried just about every type of yoga mat texture out there. From super smooth to ultra grippy, it’s been an adventure testing them all out during sweaty Vinyasa flows! What I’ve learned is that texture and grip really come down to personal preference and yoga style.

For hot yoga, I need something ultra grippy to keep me steady in standing balances. The Gaiam Studio Select yoga mat has been my go-to with its ridged rubber bottom that grabs onto the floor. I never slip in Tree Pose or Warriors on this bad boy! The cotton-like top layer also absorbs sweat beautifully while being smooth on my skin.

However, some of my students prefer less grippy mats that allow them to slide into poses more fluidly. Expect to go through some trial-and-error to find the ideal texture for your practice. Test out mats at your local yoga studio or borrow friends’ mats. And keep in mind moisture – a brand new grippy mat can turn slippery when saturated in sweat! I always recommend washing mats before the first use to maximize traction.

Texture and Grip Tips

Try out different mat textures to find your personal preference
Consider your yoga style – hot yoga needs more grip, fluid styles may want less
Wash new mats to remove manufacturing oils that reduce traction
Bring a towel to soak up sweat if your mat becomes too slippery

Size – Ensuring the Mat Fits Your Body and Space

As a taller yogi at 6’2″, I’ve spent years struggling to find a yoga mat long enough for my frame. Standard sizes just don’t cut it – my hands and feet always end up hanging off the edges! It’s such a relief to finally find extra long mats like the 84-inch Gaiam Studio Select. I can fully extend into Warrior II without going out of bounds.

For yogis under 5’8″, a standard 68-72 inch mat should suffice. But us tall folks need that extra length for proper alignment. Don’t be afraid to size up for your body! You can also consider more compact mats around 62 inches if you need to regularly transport your mat. Just ensure it accommodates your height when rolled out.

In addition to length, pay attention to mat width. Wider mats give you more space to spread out, while narrower widths encourage better alignment. Consider your body proportions, yoga style and storage space when selecting a properly sized mat.

Mat Size Tips

Standard mats are 68-72 inches long for average heights
Tall yogis should size up to 74-84 inch long mats
More compact mats are 62-68 inches for easy transport
Wider mats give more space, narrow builds alignment

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Size – Ensuring the Mat Fits Your Body and Space

After years of practicing yoga on too-small mats, I finally invested in a longer 84-inch Gaiam Studio Select mat. What a difference the right size makes! I no longer have to scrunch my 6’1″ frame onto a tiny mat. I can fully extend into Warrior II and downward dog without worrying about toppling over the edges.

For taller yogis like myself, an extra long mat is a must-have for proper alignment. Don’t settle for cramped limbs hanging off your mat! You need enough length to accommodate your whole body. I’d recommend 74-84 inches if you’re over 6 feet tall. It gives you room to move through all poses with stability.

More petite yogis can opt for a standard 68-72 inch mat. But even if you’re on the shorter side, consider sizing up for extra space. I see many students shy away from wider mats, fearing they can’t reach the edges. But a bit of extra width gives you more flexibility to find your ideal stance.

Mat Size Tips

Standard mats are 68-72 inches – size up if you need more length
Tall yogis should opt for 74-84 inch long mats
Petite yogis can consider more compact 62-68 inch mats
Extra width allows more space to find optimal alignment

Material – Choosing Between Natural and Synthetic Options

With so many yoga mat materials out there, it can be tricky to select the right one for your practice. Should you go for a natural rubber mat for sustainability? Or a synthetic mat for more cushioning? It often comes down to personal priorities and yoga style.

As a hot yogi, I prefer absorbent cotton mats like the Gaiam Studio Select. The fabric top soaks up sweat and provides a nice grip. The natural rubber base gives me just enough cushion without feeling squishy. For high-intensity practices, natural materials stand up to sweat and offer decent support.

However, some yogis prefer the plush feel of PVC or other synthetic mats. If joint comfort is your main concern, synthetic materials provide more padding. Just keep in mind they may not absorb moisture as well. Test out some mat samples to see which material suits your practice best!

Mat Material Considerations

Natural rubber offers decent grip and sustainability
PVC and synthetic mats provide more cushioning
Cotton or jute absorb sweat if heat is a concern
Try out samples to test padding, grip and moisture absorption

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Material – Choosing Between Natural and Synthetic Options

With endless yoga mat materials to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to select the right one. As an eco-conscious yogi, I used to automatically reach for natural rubber mats. But after trying a wide range, I’ve learned synthetic materials have some advantages too.

For hot yoga and intense practices, I now use a cotton/natural rubber blend mat like the Gaiam Studio Select. The cotton fabric top layer absorbs sweat beautifully while the rubber base provides decent grip and cushioning without feeling squishy.

However, for restorative and Yin practices, I prefer the plush feel of a PVC or other synthetic mat. The increased padding is easier on my joints during long holds. The trade-off is that synthetic materials tend to absorb moisture rather than wicking it away.

Test out different mat samples to choose the right blend of materials for your practice. Look for natural, eco-friendly components along with adequate grip, cushioning and sweat absorption. It’s totally okay to use different mats for different styles of yoga!

Mat Material Tips

Natural rubber offers decent grip and sustainability
Cotton or jute absorb moisture for hot yoga
PVC and synthetic mats provide plush cushioning
Find the right blend for your sweat level and joint needs

Eco-Friendliness – Selecting an Environmentally Sustainable Mat

As yogis, it’s important we make eco-conscious choices whenever possible – including our mats! While teaching yoga teacher training, I always recommend my students opt for sustainable mat materials.

One excellent option is the Gaiam Studio Select mat made of natural tree rubber and cotton. Sourced responsibly, it contains no toxic chemicals and is biodegradable at end of life. I feel good flowing through vinyasa knowing my practice aligns with yogic principles.

There are also great recycled mat options made from remnants or upcycled yoga wear. And PVC mats can be recycled too, though take more energy to break down. Do your research to select the most sustainable mat for your needs.

Eco-Friendly Mat Tips

Choose natural materials like cotton, jute and sustainably sourced rubber
Look for recycled or upcycled mats to reduce waste
Ensure any synthetic mats are recyclable at end of life
Support eco-conscious yoga companies and mat brands

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Eco-Friendliness – Selecting an Environmentally Sustainable Mat

As yogis, it’s important we make mindful choices that align with our practice – including how we outfit our mats! When I decided to “green” my yoga gear, I was pleased to discover many sustainable mat options like the Gaiam Studio Select.

I love that the Studio Select is made of natural tree rubber and cotton, sourced responsibly without toxic chemicals. At the end of its life, it’s completely biodegradable and compostable. My old PVC mat will live on in a landfill for centuries!

In addition to natural materials, I’d recommend looking for recyclable mats made from yoga apparel scraps or remnants. It’s amazing how upcycling extends the life of waste materials. There are also great options made from recycled water bottles if you prefer synthetic mats.

Do some research to understand the manufacturing and lifecycle of any mat you purchase. We vote with our dollars, so try to support the most eco-conscious companies possible. Our planet will thank you!

Eco-Friendly Mat Tips

Choose natural biodegradable materials: cotton, rubber, jute, cork
Look for recycled or upcycled mats to reduce waste
If buying synthetic, ensure it’s recyclable after use
Research mat manufacturing and lifecycles

Absorbency – Preventing Slips with a Non-Slip Surface

As a hot yogi who sweats…a lot, having a grippy, moisture-wicking mat is essential. Few things throw off my groove more than slippery hands and feet sliding around my mat!

The Gaiam Studio Select yoga mat ticks all my absorbency boxes. The soft cotton top layer soaks up sweat like a towel, while still offering traction. And the natural tree rubber bottom grips my hardwood floors even when damp.

Look for natural absorbent materials if sweat is a concern for you. Synthetic mats tend to get more slippery when wet. Bringing a small towel can help dab away moisture too. With the right absorbent mat, you can flow from Warrior to Downward Dog without losing your grip.

Absorbency Tips

Natural cotton, jute and rubber absorb sweat and moisture
Synthetic materials tend to get slippery when damp
Carry a small towel to wipe away excess sweat
Wash mats regularly to prevent odor and bacteria

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