Don’t let your mat keep you from maxing your moves
Yoga not only does it build strength and flexibility, but it boosts energy, enhances balance and breathing, improves posture, and increases blood flow, reports the American Osteopathic Association. (It can also help you age.) “These benefits will help you become not only more athletic and capable in terms of your fitness, but more adept at avoiding illness and injury,” says Jamie Bacharach, medical acupuncturist and yoga practitioner. “Yoga is also beneficial for your mental health, helping relieve stress, among other benefits.” (Also, did you know yoga is Meghan Markle’s go-to workout?)
The key to gaining the most out of your practice, whether you do yoga once a day or once a month, is investing in a quality mat. Not only does it provide cushioning and protection, but it helps prevent injury, notes Bacharach. “Repeated yoga movements on a mat that does not offer proper support can cause serious injury to the exact bodily areas you are attempting to strengthen,” she says. Here are 15 of the best yoga mats on Amazon to make a part of your practice.
AmazonBasics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Mat
You can’t beat the price of this yoga mat—or the impressive 4.5-star reviews from over 2,500 ratings. This mat is extra thick, which Bacharach says is ideal for yogis who want a forgiving surface. “Thanks to the extra cushioning this mat makes an excellent choice for anyone whose ankles and wrists require more support when performing yoga moves that put stress on those areas,” she says.
$26, amazon.com
(Need more yoga gear aside from the mat? Check out Canada’s best yoga wear brands.)
WWWW PIDO TPE Yoga Mat
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly yoga mat, this is a great pick. It’s made from eco-smart thermoplastic elastomers and is certified to be easy on the environment, so you can practice yoga with a clean conscience. “The non-slip design is also practical, particularly for yogis who are not necessarily the most advanced,” adds Bacharach.
$26, amazon.com
Heathyoga Eco-Friendly Non-Slip Yoga Mat, Body Alignment System
No doubt thanks to its design, materials, and extra-large size (it’s 72 inches long!), this versatile mat has more than 1,500 Amazon reviews and an average 4.5-star rating to boot. “It’s available in six vibrant colors, so there’s something for everyone, and you can rest assured as Healthyoga boasts a 10-plus year track record of yoga mat manufacturing,” Bacharach says.
$33, amazon.com
(Still on the fence about practicing yoga? Here’s how your body wants you to.)
Liforme Original Yoga Mat
This yoga mat has a revolutionary grip made from biodegradable natural rubber. It also has alignment markers that help find symmetric body placement, a feature that comes in handy during any practice, notes certified Yoga Tune Up instructor, Tiffany Caronia.
$150, amazon.com
Yoga Direct Deluxe Extra Thick Yoga Sticky Mat
Yes, this yoga mat costs a mere fraction of the price of most on the market, yet it’s a favorite of Chicago-based weight loss coach and corporate wellness trainer, Stephanie Mansour. “It’s not slippery, it can easily be rolled or folded and stored away, and it comes in a variety of colors—21 to be exact!”
$11, amazon.com
(Psst: These yoga moves will help you sleep better!)
BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat
This functional, affordable mat is ideal for someone who’s looking for a lot of padding. “It provides more support for the joints and bones, so especially if you struggle to get into a low lunge position, or if it’s painful for you to lie flat on your bag, this is for you,” says Mansour. “However, it’s not as good for standing poses, so if you’re looking for a mat that will work well with lots of movement, this one is not for you.”
$18, amazon.com
TOPLUS Yoga Mat
This yoga mat is great for pretty much any yogi from beginner to instructor, as well as for any type of practice, from restorative to hot yoga. It’s upgraded, anti-skid design prevents it from sliding all over, even in a sweaty, humid room. That’s likely why it has garnered an impressive 800-plus reviews and a 4.5-star rating.
$28, amazon.com
(Have you tried hot yoga? It has many benefits, too.)
Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat
This mat is on the thinner side so that it’s easy to roll up and take with you, but it doesn’t compromise on its grip. That’s why it’s a must-have for Nealy Fischer, certified yoga teacher, founder of The Flexible Chef, and author of Food You Want. “If I’m out of town and sign up for a yoga class, I actually bring my Manduka travel mat and lay it on top of the studio’s mat,” she says.
$30, amazon.com
Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
This yoga mat might look simple and basic, but it’s anything but—and it’s 2,300-plus 4.5-star ratings prove that. In fact, Fischer believes it’s the best anti-slip mat on the market. “The traction is so superior: When you’re in downward dog, your hands don’t even budge!” she says.
$174, amazon.ca
(Here’s how Meghan Markle uses yoga to fight jet lag.)
Combo Mat — Gypsy Maze, by Yoga Design Lab
This eclectic mat was created to be the ultimate yoga companion. Buyers love it not only for its stylish design but also for the unique, non-slip material it’s made of, which acts like a towel. That means you won’t be slipping and sliding. It’s also machine washable and made with eco-friendly materials.
$64, amazon.com
Sivan Health and Fitness 1/2-InchExtra Thick 71-Inch Long NBR Comfort Foam Yoga Mat
If you’re a yogi who likes to incorporate other exercises into your fitness regimen, this is a great mat for you. It is made for more than just yoga—pilates and other mat-based exercises. With an impressive 5,300-plus 4.5-star ratings, this mat is certain to make most yogis happy.
$61, amazon.ca
(These strength-training moves will improve your posture.)
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
This is another great mat by Manduka. With standard thickness but extra length, it’s ideal for someone who anticipates a lot of movement on the mat. It also grips well and is easy to roll up and store, which makes it great for city dwellers.
$130, amazon.ca
ProsourceFit Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat
This yoga mat is close to being rated 5 stars by more than 1,300 people on Amazon, thanks to its impressive features. It’s water-resistant, making it great for hot yoga classes; a non-slip surface that adheres to just about any floor; plus ultra foam comfort for those with painful joints.
$34, amazon.ca
(Psst: Here’s how to stay motivated practicing yoga at home.)
JadeYoga Voyager Yoga Mat
Matthew Milèo, yoga teacher and founder of Milèo New York, has been using this yoga mat since 2011 and it’s still holding up well. “It’s grip is exceptionally supportive, so you’ll never fall or slip in any yoga pose while using this mat,” he says. “As nonslip as it is, it’s also quite thin, which means it makes your body do the yoga work so you’ll advance quicker.” Best of all, it’s comes in many size variations suitable for any body size.
$150, amazon.ca
Gaiam Yoga Mat Premium Print Reversible Extra Thick Exercise & Fitness Mat
Ideal for all types of yoga, this Gaiam mat still has an average of 4.5 stars after more than 1,300 ratings. The main reason for its clout is that it’s made from a lightweight material that’s thick and durable, so you get maximum cushion for your joints. It’s also reversible and comes in over 38 different prints, so the chances of you practicing on the same mat as your neighbor are slim.
$39, amazon.ca
Next, see the yoga moves that’ll help you lose weight.