We all come to a point when we just need to commit. As in a good relationship, the more we invest in setting a good foundation, the better it is in the long run. During the first months of practice, you may get away with a roll-out yoga mat offered by your local studio or a mat you borrowed from someone who started but stopped practicing. Regardless, a yoga mat for me is like shoes for a runner. The better the basis, the more time I can spend on it. And believe me, over time, it does pay off. I had a foam yoga mat that wore out after one year of use, which meant I would spend 50 Euros per year. Over time, I decided to invest 200 Euros in a yoga mat that has lasted incredibly long (over a decade so far and still looks new).

Apart from price, here are some vital points to consider:

• Length – For taller individuals, I recommend buying a longer yoga mat. There are yoga mats ranging from 200 to 280 cm.
• Material – Natural rubber is the best alternative for home practice.
• Durability – You may want to stay away from typical gym mats made of foam, as they wear out and start peeling with regular use and washing/cleaning.
• Wrist Support – If there is a chance to “try” the yoga mat, check how much it gives in. If it is too soft, it may be good for stretching for athletes but not suitable for those who practice yoga regularly. It should provide solid support to your wrists in a downward-facing dog pose.
• How Slippery Is It? – Check both how slippery and non-scratchy the material is.
• Weight – Yoga mats can range from a bit over 1 kg to 3-4-5 kg. Consider what you are going to use it for. I keep my light yoga mats for business trips and travel, while heavier mats stay at home.
• Thickness – Thin yoga mats take up little space and are versatile. However, thicker mats offer more comfort by supporting your knees and back in various poses.
• Color – Finally, consider how pleasant it is to look at. Bright colors are fun at first, but ask yourself if you would enjoy looking at it after several years. I love subtle green yoga mats as it is the most favorable color for the eyes. For fun, I also own a yoga mat in my favorite purple. It’s important to think about which color inspires you and helps you focus at the same time.

Yoga is all about awareness! I am skipping mentioning any brands, but if you see my videos, you may spot the logo of my favorite brand.

Questions? Do not hesitate to contact me.