How to choose the perfect yoga mat

There are many styles and types of yoga - from Ashtanga Yoga to Restorative Yoga, each with their own specifications and needs. Follow our guide to choose the best yoga mat that suits your practice!

Looking for a new yoga mat? Yoga mats can be very different so find out which is the right one for you.

At Decathlon, we have an extensive range of yoga mats that highlight varying characteristics: thickness, material, weight and more!

Whatever it is, this guide will run you through some important considerations that will help you select the perfect yoga mat.

Important considerations before purchasing a yoga mat

1. The thickness of your yoga mat determines the comfort of your practice.

If the mat is too thin your joints might really feel it.

Pain in the knees or wrists might distract you from the practice.

If the mat is too thick, you won't be able to feel a strong connection to the floor, which could compromise your stability during balance poses.

2. The material of your yoga mat dictates its texture, grip, and weight.

Weight is a factor to consider if you carry your mat around often.

*Additionally, if you're allergic to latex, avoid yoga mats made of natural rubber.

For dynamic yoga

Dynamic yoga is more fast-paced, and examples of such practices include Ashtanga Yoga, Lyengar Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, and Hot Yoga.

The focus for these types of yoga is to have more stability and grip, as many standing and balancing postures are practiced.

For dynamic yoga:

- You should opt for a mat that has a thickness between 3 - 5 mm. A mat that is too thick will make balancing work more difficult.

- You'll need a mat that provides a good grip as well, to prevent slipping between postures. Good adhesion is essential.

- A sticky yoga mat keeps you from sliding all over the place and helps you maintain your alignment as you move from one pose to another, as well as when you hold poses for several seconds.

For gentle yoga

Examples of gentle yoga include Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Nidra Yoga.

Gentle yoga focuses on comfort above all else, while will allow you to focus on relaxation of the body and mind.

A thicker yoga mat would be recommended.

For gentle yoga:

- A mat between 5 mm and 8 mm helps limit the impact between your body and the ground and thus protects your back and your joints.

- Thickness is especially important when you practice yoga or are required to hold postures longer.

- For a lightweight option, consider the Club Gentle Yoga Mat (5mm), as it's made from TPE (thermoplastic elastomers) that gives a nice foamy texture while still being easy to carry around.

This material boasts a closed-cell foam made under high temperatures, which makes it anti-microbial and easy to clean. It is also eco-friendly with non-PVC, non-toxic, non-heavy-metals and non-irritating odour features.

For yoga-hiit practices

If you're doing HIIT practices incorporated with yoga, it's likely you're looking for something that provides more grip.

You might also want to get our yoga rubber travel mat to place on top of your yoga mat, or get a yoga towel to absorb your sweat!

If you're using shoes or doing workouts that have a lot of movement, we highly recommend the Tonemat 500!

This mat is abrasion-resistant and super grippy - never worry about your mats getting destroyed or slipping during mountain climbers - even with shoes on.

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For travel

Travel yoga mats in our range are 1.5mm thick; they fold easily into a square, making them a cinch to fit in a suitcase.

Alternatively, you might want to consider bringing a yoga towel instead.

These towels are lightweight and washing machine-friendly!

For an eco-friendly option

As yogis and yoginis, we protect and love not just the people around us, but also the environment.

Our environmentally friendly option is made out of a blend of woven jute and 100% natural rubber and is suitable for both dynamic yoga and gentle yoga.

Additional yoga accessories

For those who have weak or painful knees, you might want to consider our yoga pad, which provides cushioning while doing certain poses such as crescent lunges.

Just slip them under during transitions for a much more enjoyable practice.

Lastly, don't leave home without a Decathlon yoga mat bag! Grab a bag with your towel and bottle and head off to your class today!

We hope that you have gained a clearer understanding of how to choose your yoga mat!

Head over to our Yoga Community on Instagram and Facebook, where we would love to share our Yoga journey with you!

Share with us your favourite poses, yoga style, or simply anything!

Till then, namaste~ :)

Written by: Cynthia lau

Yoga city sport leader, Decathlon Singapore

Yoga has taught me how to love myself better, and appreciate my body for the amazing things it can do. My three year journey with yoga has improved my well-being and health tremendously!