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yoga mats
We offer a wide yoga mat range to suit all styles, types budgets and tastes and we stock some of the very best yoga mats from around the world. Every person will make different demands of their mat and therefore have different requirements, so you can choose from sticky, eco friendly, cork, travel, extra long, extra wide and Pilates mats. Some further considerations...
- The type of material the mat is constructed from. Many mats nowadays will be made from PVC as this provides a good durable suface on which to practice. These mats are generally inexpensive and can provide excellent grip. If you prefer something more eco friendly we have a large selection to choose from. This includes eco-friendly mats made from natural ingredients such as natural rubber, jute or cork. Rest assured, we do not sell mats containing products which we consider are harmful to either the environment or people. We are proud to stock great products such as the EcoYoga mat which is a fabulous choice when choosing a mat that is kind to our environment and manufactured in the UK.
- Durability can be important as some styles of yoga and some people’s techniques will make different demands upon their yoga mat. The material used will have an impact on durability. For example, PVC mats will generally last longer than those made from natural rubber. A more dense construction usually means it will also be more durable. Certain mats will be more suitable for certain styles of yoga. Ashtanga Vinyasa, for example, is a vigorous style of yoga and so is likely to require a more durable mat. For other more 'gentle' styles such as Hatha, all mats we stock will be suitable. All mats will eventually wear with regular use but choosing a more durable one should make it last longer.
- Grip Some styles of yoga require the student / practitioner to be in a pose for a prolonged period of time, making grip important. It is essential that your hands and feet remain in place to ensure that you are able to support each pose with a good, solid foundation, without slipping. Styles such as Bikram or Hot yoga can also make you very hot and sweaty, so a mat that is as non slip as possible is important. Some mats are called ‘sticky mats’, and this refers to the surface having a 'sticky' feel which helps create a non-stick surface. Typically this type yoga mat is made from PVC. Ridged or patterned surfaces can also help improve grip.
- The thickness of a yoga matt usually defines the amount of impact it will take. The thicker the mat the more cushioning it will provide. Not everyone will choose a thicker mat however, as there can be a pay off between cushioning and how well you can feel or sense the surface on which you're practising. A standard yoga mat will generally be around 4-6mm thick. Though thicker mats are frequently used in more athletic forms of yoga, it shouldn’t be forgotten that a thick yoga mat will also provide more comfort, as well as insulation from that cold studio floor! A thick mat can often be used for most types of yoga. Really thick mats are popular for Pilates and these can be anything up to 15mm. Don't forget that a thicker mat takes up more space when rolled which could impact the size of mat bag you require.
- Size and weight are important for two reasons: Firstly, some people will require an extra long or extra wide mat because they’re particularly tall and so risk stepping off their mat in certain situations; the weight of the mat can also become an important consideration when you need to transport your mat to and from your yoga class! Whilst a 3kg mat may give you great support, it may not be fun getting it to class. Some students have two or more mats so they don’t have to carry one around. Don’t forget that a thicker mat is generally heavier. If you’re travelling you may also wish to consider a travel mat.
- The visual appearance or design can be important too. Many people will also make their selection because they enjoy how it looks. Some enjoy a vibrant colour or design whilst others might find bright colours or designs to be distracting and may prefer something more calming and subtle. Often though, even a subtle pattern or design can actually work as a useful reference or guide when positioning or aligning yourself. We have a wide range of colours, plain, texture and printed designs to choose from to suit all tastes.
- The style of yoga you practice can have a bearing on your choice of mat. For example, with more gentle forms such as Hatha yoga you can use pretty much any of our mats whilst other types of yoga such as Ashtanga Vinyasa may require a mat that can take more impact from the yoga poses you will be practicing.
- Advice We understand that the choice can seem overwhelming! We want you to find your perfect yoga mat so if you’re in any doubt, please just contact us and we’ll be happy to offer advice on which will be most suitable for you.
- We cater for all styles of yoga including Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar, Kundalini, Hatha, Restorative, Hot, Jivamukti, Yin, Anusara, Sivananda, Vinyasa, Mysore, Power and many more. If you would like to learn more about these styles there is an excellent article here.
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