Best yoga mat for 2021 – CNET [CNET]

March 1, 2021 Thomas Giboney technology

Yoga might be the perfect workout for living during the coronavirus pandemic. It relieves stress and tension, helps get your body moving and calms your mind. To get started, an absolute must is good yoga mat — it can make or break your yoga routine practice. You want something that can support you, even if you have sweaty hands. Some might want a mat with extra grip or cushioning. There are yoga mats for every possible yogi — the hard part is finding the right one for you.

While everyone practices yoga in their own way — and there are a lot of ways to practice — hot yoga, Hatha yoga, Bikram yoga, Iyengar yoga and others — there are some non-negotiables when it comes to choosing a yoga mat. You want something durable with a non slip surface and good grip, because no one wants to slip and slide in sweat, lose their balance and bruise their knees 15 minutes into the yoga class. Then there are comfort factors, like mat thickness. Some people excel with a thinner mat, while others want a thicker mat. Then there are accessories, like a yoga mat towel or yoga socks that a beginner yogi might want to invest in before setting up a home yoga studio or going to a hot yoga class.

The sheer number of options for yoga mats can be overwhelming — there are more than 30,000 results for “yoga mat” on Amazon. You have literally thousands of options whether you’re looking for a cork yoga mat, an eco friendly yoga mat, a rubber mat or a foam mat. Don’t get overwhelmed, though! This tested roundup can guide your next yoga mat purchase, regardless of whether you’re heading off to a class with a yoga instructor or moving through yoga pose after yoga pose on your living room floor. We’ll update it as we review more products.

Best overall yoga mat

4mm B Mat Everyday by B Yoga

$84 at Amazon

Best luxury yoga mat

Manduka Pro 6mm

$120 at Manduka

Best yoga mat for travel

Yogo Ultralight yoga mat

$62 at Yogo

Best yoga mat for doing yoga outside

Gaiam Sol Dry-Grip Yoga Mat

$70 at YogaOutlet

Best yoga mat for tall people

Yoga Direct Extra Long Mat

$22 at Yoga Direct

Best extra-cushioned yoga mat

Crown Sporting Goods Yoga Cloud Ultra-Thick Yoga and Exercise Mat

$40 at Walmart

Best budget yoga mat

BalanceFrom GoYoga mat

$18 at Amazon

What to consider when buying a yoga mat

Depending on your needs, you could just scoop up a standard yoga mat at TJ Maxx for $10, or you might need to spend a little more on something with more features, such as a non-slip yoga mat with an extra grippy surface.

Consider what types of activities you’ll be using your new yoga mat for and where you’ll take your mat. Also take into account your height (do you need a long yoga mat?) and any other bodily considerations (such as pain in your knees or back that may require a yoga mat with more cushioning).

Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself when choosing a good yoga mat:

Will you be using it indoors, outdoors, or both? Pretty much any mat will do for indoor yoga, but if you plan on working out outside, you’ll want something sturdier and more durable.

Will you use it for hot yoga? If you’re using it for hot yoga, look for a mat made from a no-slip grip material so you won’t slide around as you sweat. You’ll want something that’s extra grippy or has a non-slip surface, without making it sticky.

Do you need to take it on an airplane or other small space? Look for a travel yoga mat. These thinner mats roll up or fold into a compact size so you can easily pack them in a small yoga mat bag or luggage.

Do you need extra cushion or length? Standard mats run between an eighth of an inch and a quarter of an inch of cushioning. You may need something thicker, like a half-inch mat if you need cushion for your knees, hands or back. Lengthwise, the standard is 68 inches, so taller people would benefit from a longer mat if they want their whole body including their feet to fit on the mat.

What’s your budget? Cheaper mats are best for a beginner yogi who isn’t sure if they’ll stick to a yoga practice, as well as for people who don’t practice regularly. If you practice several days a week, a high-quality mat will save you more money in the long run, since you won’t have to replace your mat so often.