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Like finding a pair of yoga pants with the right amount of stretch or a sports bra with enough support, yoga mats need to check off a few boxes as well. "When buying a yoga mat, budget, thickness, material, and texture are few factors you need to consider," Alyssa Snow, founder of MindBodySoul Yoga says. If you're a beginner, you should grab a softer mat over a firmer option. Soft mats, commonly made from PVC, give you a bit more cushion as compared to firm mats that are made from rubber which help more advanced yoga students with the tougher poses. If you're going to be balancing on your head, you're going to need some cushion. And if you're just beginning, you need something to soft on your inexperienced hands.
The right mat can also prevent you from slipping, provide cushion to sensitive joints, and avoid sweat absorption—so there isn't odor following you out the door post-workout.
To narrow down your search, here are some of the best yoga mats to invest in, including a few of Snow most reliable staples.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below 1 For the ClassPass Fanatic PRO® Yoga Mat 6mm Manduka manduka.com $120.00 SHOP NOW
The instructors at MindBodySoul have been using Manduka's mat for over 10 years for its durability. "The price point is on the high side, but for someone with a frequent practice, this mat is a great investment," Snow says. "Perhaps more suitable for those practicing hatha or more gentle styles."
2 For the Yoga Newbie Classic Solid Color Yoga Mats Gaiam gaiam.com $29.98 SHOP NOW
If you're embarking on your yoga journey and you're not too concerned about thickness, Gaiam's cult-favorite mat is the best place to start. It's thick enough for everyday use and affordable so you can save more money for classes. Plus, Snow loves the brand for its collection of unique mat designs.
3 Best for Strength Training eKO® Lite Yoga Mat 4mm manduka manduka.com $78.00 SHOP NOW
Snow suggests the Manduka yoga mat is perfect "for someone who likes less cushion and perhaps is practicing Ashtanga or strong and quick vinyasa practices."
4 For Extra Cushion The Reversible Mat 5mm Lululemon lululemon.com $68.00 SHOP NOW
Lululemon's mat will give your body just enough padding and support to take you from a plank to downward dog, and absorbs sweat easily so your next hot yoga session will be a breeze.
5 For Environmentalists Moon Phases Cork Yoga Mat Scoria etsy.com $91.89 SHOP NOW
No toxins or no chemicals, just an eco-friendly mat that brings you closer to the earth.
6 For The Perfect Balance 2-Color Yoga Mat (4mm) Gaiam gaiam.com $21.98 SHOP NOW
To perfect your posture, try buying a thinner mat (3 or 4mm). "Thinner mats are ideal for practicing standing postures and balancing postures as it gives you a more concrete connection to the earth," Snow adds.
7 For A Futuristic Find Fit Smart Yoga Mat Backslash amazon.com $89.95 SHOP NOW
Not only does this mat roll up all on its own, it also comes with a Amazon Alexa command that will guide you through a yoga routine. Bonus points for the bright coral color.
Nerisha Penrose Assistant Editor Nerisha is the assistant editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty and fashion. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below Don't Feel Bad About Doing Nothing How to Take Care of Your Mental Health Right Now Advertisement – Continue Reading Below 9 Ways To Take Care of Yourself in Self-Isolation 7 Things You Need to Know About a Brazilian Wax Are Candles the Next Celebrity Beauty Frontier? So, What Exactly Is an Ayurvedic Massage? 11 Fitness Influencers That Break The #Fitspo Mold WW Released a Weight Loss App for Children Frida Mom Knows What New Moms Need, For Real Allyson Felix Is Athleta's First Sponsored Athlete
