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There’s an almost overwhelming number of training mats available on the market right now, and most can be split into two categories: yoga mats and exercise mats. 

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An exercise mat will be slightly thicker and more durable, able to take the strain of dropped dumbbells and rugged footwear as users blitz through HIIT and weights sessions. 

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Yoga mats, meanwhile, tend to be slightly thinner, with most mats between 0.4mm and 0.6mm thick. They will usually be made with slightly more delicate materials like rubber or latex, providing a stickier surface for your hands and feet.

 

It is always best to avoid wearing shoes on these mats and complete your practices bare foot so as not to damage them

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        What should I look for when buying a mat?

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Grip: This applies to both the top and underside of the mat. It’s impossible to enjoy a relaxing yoga session when you can’t plant your hands in downward dog without slipping. Consider mats made from sticky materials, such as rubber, or those with a non-slip coating. Your mat should lie flat on any surface, from carpet to tiles, and provide the most stable base possible. 

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Support: Look for a mat that’s thick enough to protect your spine from hard floors but not so cushioned that your limbs will sink into it, throwing you off balance. Mats that are between 4mm and 6mm thick tend to be just right.

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Durability: Your mat won’t have to withstand intense HIIT workouts or dropped dumbbells, but it should emerge unscathed from dynamic practice, without any rips or dents. 

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Portability: A mat with great get-up-and-go credentials can be a great yoga companion if you’re a fan of an al fresco session. Look for thinner mats that roll up easily and have a carry strap if you prefer Pilates in the park.

On our quest to find the best yoga mats, we also considered sustainability, style and any original features before naming our favourites. have alook at what we have to offer in our shop Click here for more info

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