Ok, let’s talk yoga mats
Especially now we are in lockdown and we might just have started a bit of home practise.
Yoga mats have become a bit of a science. There are just so many to choose from and new companies are offering more and more colourful technical ethical (sometimes) and “advanced” mats.
Obviously you don’t actually need a mat. You can happily practise your yoga on the wooden floor (for good grip, or even sliding when that feel appropriate), on the carpet or rug for a bit of cushioning or out in nature to get grounded.
But mats are also helpful. They do offer cushioning, support, grip and stability. Definitely great when you are in a studio too. They also give a sense of focus – being on the mat. And potentially offer an idea of alignment and where you are in space.
When we, at some point, are allowed back in yoga spaces it might be a good idea to have your own mat and props anyway. Hygiene (not just now but in general) is better with your own yoga props as is energetic hygiene.
I’ve gone through a few mats. I can’t find links or remember all of them but here is a little guide.
Liforme
I got my first pink Liforme mat when it was first launched and really loved it. It did eventually wear off but it took a long time. So now I got the new orange on. I don’t know if they changed it but it feels studier, more non-slip and has a great grip.
It’s an investment but if you love a pretty mat and use it a lot then it a good choice. The markers on the mat are also great to quickly not your alignment.
Investment: £100+ (or less for travel mats) (I used to have a link ANJABL15 but not sure if it works anymore)
Manduka Travel mat
This mat is as thin as can be and super light. You can literally fold it up. It doesn’t offer any cushioning at all but has a great grip. I use it for travel or if I go to a studio I will put this mat on top of the studio mat (see photo below).
Investment: around £40
Manduka Pro mat
We have one similar at home. It is really heavy but is super sturdy, has amazing grip and is a good size too. Manduka has a range of different mats
Investment around £100 depending on mat choice
The studio mats
I can no longer find the link for the mats we have in the Streatham Capoeira School. But I have a feeling it might be these ones – or similar
Investment around £20
They also have some great cork yoga blocks as well as bolsters.
TK Maxx
I love a good bargain and here you can get an abundance of them! They generally have a good range of all sorts of yoga stuff: mats, blocks etc.
What NOT to get
Regular exercise mats, camping mats, more foamy mats (some are sometimes advertised as pregnancy mats) and pilates mats just don’t work for yoga. Some of them might be nice and soft but:
- they have no grip
- you will slide on them
- they don’t flatten
- they slide on the floor (we had one person in class where the mat kept sliding back to the person behind them!)
If you can have a look around. There are some beautiful mats out there, amazing designs, patterns and colours if that inspires you. Some are more environmentally friendly (especially if they keep for a long time) than others. And perhaps you’d rather support smaller companies and independents.
You can join my live virtual zoom classes and watch the recordings here.
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