Yoga Mat recommendations

KitkatcuteNYC
KitkatcuteNYC Posts: 150 Member
edited November 13 in Fitness and Exercise
What yoga Matt should I get? I want a quality one that's affordable.

Replies

  • yoginimary
    yoginimary Posts: 6,788 Member
    It's all about preference. I prefer manduka mats - they are fairly thick, but firm - and a bit on the expensive side. I also like the cheap $20 plastic mats. They last about 5 years, depending on use, but they are light and usually sticky.
    Some people swear by the jade mats, they are more on the expensive side. I never liked mine.

    The worst mat to get is a thick squishy mat - think something you would find in a gym or for pilates.

    I know that is not that helpful, but you may have to try a few different ones. Maybe at your yoga studio?
  • PurpleYFronts
    PurpleYFronts Posts: 344 Member
    I use a Gaiam mat and it does the job for me. I also have a mat cover to prevent me slipping about when it gets too hot :)
  • dougpconnell219
    dougpconnell219 Posts: 566 Member
    I have a gaiam as well. It's fine. Also get the towel cover thing.
  • eponine1976
    eponine1976 Posts: 143 Member
    I have a Manduka. They aren't cheap but they have a lifetime guarantee so literally the last mat you'll ever need to buy
  • midnight419
    midnight419 Posts: 77 Member
    Manduka.
  • KitkatcuteNYC
    KitkatcuteNYC Posts: 150 Member
    I am thinking about getting this...http://www.gaiam.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-gaiam-Site/default/mProduct-Show?pid=05-61333&start=4&cgid=3010400
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    Seconded the advice to avoid anything too thick or squishy - it'll be useless.
  • KitkatcuteNYC
    KitkatcuteNYC Posts: 150 Member
    The one I might get days it's extra thick...
  • KitkatcuteNYC
    KitkatcuteNYC Posts: 150 Member
    says*
  • KitkatcuteNYC
    KitkatcuteNYC Posts: 150 Member
    Should I opt for a 3mm or 5mm??
  • eponine1976
    eponine1976 Posts: 143 Member
    One that is very thick will be more challenging to keep your balance. Too thin and you don't get enough support on your knees on poses where your knees are on the mat. Some of equal thicknesses might give you better or worse cushioning from another brand. You need a good balance between firmness to do the poses and some cushion for your knees. I think the Manduka meets that criteria well, its firm but even on a hard floor I don't hurt my knees where a cheap mat I got from Walmart which felt squishy didn't feel good on my knees at all.
  • Shy_Yogi
    Shy_Yogi Posts: 101 Member
    edited February 2015
    I want a Manduka (high end) but can afford Giam (which are decent mid range mats). If you're new go with the 5mm. It'll give you a little more cushion on body parts that need it. Just remember, mandukas are heavy - something to think about when having to tote one around.

    The cheap mats at Walmart (Like $8) aren't worth your time if you're serious about yoga. Most of them don't cushion well and most importantly, they are not sticky, which you need.

    I've been teaching yoga several days a week now for about 3 years (and practice it daily). I've been through a few of them lol and am building a nice collection. Soon I'll be adding a Manduka....mainly for the lifetime guaruntee.

    Good luck and have fun!!!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories