Yahoo News The best yoga mats
Owning a yoga mat isn't necessary the preserve of the super serious yogi: easy to compact and lightweight, they're handy to have around the house for at-home workouts, meditation and even taking to the beach.
Aside from this, though, when you think about the ones available at the gym or in fitness classes, it'll make you not want to go at all. Used several times a day by many different people, they can be unhygienic; necessitating the need for a towel, rendering their grip properties useless.
If you're a regular exerciser it might be worth investing in your own. Here, we round up ten of the best.
1. Nike Just Do It Yoga Mat 2.0
This lightweight mat is crafted from dual-textured foam for enhanced traction and a sturdy grip on both sides. Great for after-work meditation classes, it comes in two different colour combinations and is designed with a carrying strap for easy transport.
£21, Nike, Buy it now
2. Gaiam Tree of Life Printed Yoga Mat
Thin and easy to travel with, the Tree of Live mat has a textured non-slip surface to maximise your grip during sessions. It measures at just 3mm, which makes it perfecting for fitting into your daily carry-all. Its green shade aims to promote calmness and relaxation.
£26.50, John Lewis, Buy it now
3. Manduka X Yoga Mat
There’ll be no embarrassing slips during a sweaty downward dog while using this mat. Made from a lightweight, high-density material, this easy to carry gym kit offers excellent grip - whether you intend to use it for a few post-workout stretches or for a full Bikram Yoga workout. The texture is ideal to roll out on any type of surface, with a thick layer of super density cushioning will protect your spine and joints from the floor below. It’s designed with athletes in mind, so you can use it for everything from yoga to running, lifting or swimming. We love the black colour, but it also comes in blue and purple too.
£50, Manduka, Buy it now
4. Adidas Camo Yoga Mat
Here’s one that will not only look good in the studio, but will also last for years to come. The anti-slip grooves of its marbleised texture ensure it will stay firmly in place, while its long length ought to suit various heights.
£24.50, Adidas, Buy it now
5. YogaMatters Sticky Yoga Mat
A popular choice in yoga studios across the globe, this sticky mat is versatile enough to suit all types of yogis. It is suitable for hot yoga, comes in a standard size that offers plenty of space and has a thickness of 4.5mm that’s perfect for those who want some extra cushion.
£17, YogaMatters, Buy it now
6. Sweaty Betty Super Grip Yoga Mat
The eco-friendly Super Grip mat from Sweaty Betty is made from pure latex that has a soft feel as you perform lying or sitting poses. As the name suggests, it has an impressive grip and keeps its shape when you unroll it. Available in two shades.
£55, Sweaty Betty, Buy it now
7. Manduka Liveon Kids Mat
One for the little yogis, this colourful mat is free from chemicals and has a supportive cushion to protect bones and joints. It features a fun animal print and has a closed cell surface that wicks away moisture and keeps bacteria at bay.
£30.40, YogaMatters, Buy it now
8. Everlast Yoga Mat
This great-value option from Everlast is ideal for beginners and provides comfort for everyday meditation. It’s crafted from durable foam, has a wipe-clean finish and can be easily rolled up to a small size.
£9.99, Argos, Buy it now
9. Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat
There are so many beautiful mat designs and colours at Yoga Design Lab that you’ll want them all. This mat/ towel hybrid negates the need to carry both, is super lightweight and easy to fold. A great one to help you avoid the studio mats, which are the perfect playground for breeding bacteria. Why share when you can have your own?
£64, Yoga Design Lab, Buy it now
10. Lululemon 5mm Reversible Mat
Thick cushioning made from polyurethane offers relieve to those with dodgy knees and bony elbows. With one smooth and one textured side, you can flip the map depending on how much grip you need. Made for intense poses such as the handstand and crow, this mat needs a wipe down after each class to keep it in tip- top condition.
£62, Lululemon, Buy it now
VERDICT: It might be super-thin, but the Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat is just the right size for travelling with and provides a sturdy grip for basic yoga workouts. It's also just gorgeous. If you’re looking for one with extra thickness, then the affordable YogaMatters Sticky Yoga Mat is a great all-rounder that will last long and can be used for all sorts of activities.
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