Your Guide to Yoga Mats

So you’re looking for the right mat for you...

This can be tricky. Each yogi has unique opinion of what is important to them; maybe its the grip, the length, the material.... maybe even the colour or design! There are many things to look for when finding a mat that suits your practice; and the process can become quite tedious.

To help you along the way, Ive selected a few "fan favourites" when it comes to yoga mats in South Africa.

Before we get started, here are a few factors to consider when buying a yoga mat:

Thickness: Yoga mats come in a variety of thicknesses and materials that provide cushioning and support for our joints. If you’re someone who suffers from knee or ankle injuries, thicker mats provide more support in kneeling and standing postures.
Weight: Weight is often linked to density or thickness. if you’re traveling yogi or will most likely be carrying your mat around with you a lot, then consider looking at travel mats that are lighter in weight.
Price: Think about how much you are willing to spend on a mat. Yoga mats in a lower price range can typically be found in general sports stores, but it means you probably won’t be investing in a reliable, quality mat. The price tag increases with brand name and materials used. Don’t worry, this also means they are more likely to last longer!
Yoga style : Think about the style of yoga and frequency that you are practicing. For example, comfort and cushion may be a higher priority when practicing yin yoga. Whereas, non-slip surface and density are a focus for vinyasa practitioners. In contrast, for hot yoga, you may look for a mat (or invest in a towel) that absorbs sweat and is easy to clean.
Length & size: Yoga mats usually come in a standard size. However, many brands are now coming out with extra length mats for our tall yogis out there! You’ll want to make sure a yoga mat covers your whole body when lying down so make sure to look at the measurements.