How to choose the right yoga mat for you

Were you aware that classic yoga was only practiced by men? 

Yes, yoga originated as a male-only practice, though it has grown into a worldwide practice for anyone and everyone. Yet, nowadays, yoga can be somewhat off-putting for many males. The energy around male exercise typically has to do with lifting weights and running long distances – ‘feeling the burn’ and ‘crushing it’.

However, more and more men are getting started with yoga and truly enjoying its many benefits. 

Whether you’re looking into starting yoga or you’ve been practicing for a while, having the right yoga mat is very important. But choosing one can be a daunting task, with so many different styles, sizes, and types on the market. 

Ensuring that you find the right yoga mat for you may involve some trial and error, as well as a lot of shopping around. But trust us, it’s worth it. When practicing yoga, there are several positions that will require either sitting, lying, or being on all fours. You will spend a lot of time on your mat, and if your mat is not big enough or comfortable enough for you, it can make the whole experience a negative one. So doing your research, trying some different mats out, and choosing the right one for you is imperative. 

So how can you choose the right yoga mat for you? Well, there are certain things to consider when deciding on a yoga mat. 

This post can serve as a guideline on how to choose the right yoga mat for you. From size to type of material, we will go through each step to ensure that you find the perfect yoga mat. Let’s get started…

How to choose the right yoga mat for you

1. Size Matters

The perfect yoga mat must be long enough and wide enough. Many people don’t realise that yoga mats even come in different sizes, but they do! For men, especially, finding a mat that is big enough for them is imperative. It means the difference between a limited practice and a comfortable, fully enveloped practice. 

The average yoga mat is 68 inches long. However, they come in a variety of sizes up to 84 inches. The idea is that when you lie down, your head and feet should still be on the mat. As far as width goes, you want your whole body to be within the width of the mat when lying. The average mat is 24 inches wide, but there are a variety of sizes up to 36 inches wide to ensure that everyone can find a yoga mat to fit them. 

2. Thickness Counts

When searching for the best mat for you, you need to consider the thickness. Some people go with the standard thickness, which is usually ⅛ inches. However, if you need more support and cushion – for example if you get sore knees – there are other options such as ¼ inches.

While this will provide more cushion, it can make it a bit more difficult to hold certain poses, so keep this in mind. Also, the thicker the mat, the harder it is to tote around or travel with. These are all things to keep in mind when searching for your mat.

3. Price Point

Yoga mat prices can vary a lot. Beginning at around €7 and ending up over €100. Finding your perfect mat depends a lot on your budget. Obviously, you get what you pay for, but if you are just starting out you may not want to splurge on a €100 mat right away. Considering your budget when shopping around can help you narrow down the choices. 

4. Portability

If you are going to be taking your mat to and from yoga classes and perhaps even traveling with it, then you’ll want to seriously consider a mat that is small enough and lightweight enough to be very portable.

Certain yoga mats are made specifically for travel. Some people invest in more than one mat so that they can have one that they practice on regularly and one for travel. Of course, that’s up to you and the amount of traveling and commuting you will be doing with your mat.

5. Material

What your yoga mat is made of is one of the most important features to focus on when searching for your mat. There are so many sustainable yoga mats available today, including natural rubber, cork, bamboo, and even cotton. Of course, there are other materials, such as PVC, that are not natural or sustainable but are much more affordable.

However, if you are looking for an eco-friendly option, then we suggest one of the materials listed above. Most of them are non-slip, so you don’t have to worry about sliding around throughout your practice, and they are made from renewable resources, meaning you are doing the environment a favour. Here are some of the benefits of each type of material listed above:

a. Natural Rubber: Not only is it eco-friendly, but it has excellent grip and antimicrobial properties, meaning that bacteria do not cling to the surface.

b. Cork: It has excellent grip, ensuring no slips during practice. When it gets wet, it becomes more anti-slip, meaning the more you sweat, the less you slip.

c. Bamboo: It’s very durable and a renewable resource that grows quickly, meaning that when the mats are made, the bamboo grows back quickly and no harm is done to the environment.

d. Cotton: These are traditionally what was used before modern yoga mats were invented. They are made by hand and many companies choose to produce them with zero waste and organic, meaning that nothing is gone to waste!

Each of these materials is an excellent choice when it comes to yoga mats. They are all eco-friendly, sustainable, and made from renewable resources. 

The only difference between them is typically the price. Some yoga mat materials, such as cork, are a bit more expensive than others. Again, this depends on what you are willing to spend. However, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to find a nice yoga mat. You can find reasonably priced mats that are just as good as others.

Final Thoughts

Once you have gone through the five points above you will have narrowed your search down quite a bit. Choosing a yoga mat can be as daunting as choosing the right online yoga platform for men. But it is certainly possible to choose a great one. 

Yoga is a wonderful way to connect mind, body, and spirit and you wouldn’t want to be distracted by using a yoga mat that isn’t right for you. Be sure to find the perfect one and see how much your practice benefits. 

If you continue to use a yoga mat that isn’t the right size, thickness or material, then your practice can be affected in negative ways. You will be distracted by worrying about whether or not you are in the right position. Sometimes certain asanas – or poses – will hurt if your mat is not thick enough for you. 

These are things to take into careful consideration when looking to buy a mat. Especially for men. Why? Because men tend to be bigger than women, and yoga mats are oftentimes made smaller for women who practice yoga. That being said, there are some great yoga mats out there that are well suited for male yogis. 

You should never have to miss out on or jeopardise your practice in any way because of your mat. Take the time to find the right yoga mat for you and it will do wonders for your practice and you. 

Namaste!

Additional Yoga Resources

Elsewhere on ManBodySpirit.com we’ve created a range of yoga resources covering pretty much every question you might have. Take a look at:

• 11 tips for men getting started with Yoga.
• 10 of the best yoga for men online platforms
• Yoga Clothes for Men (UK): A comprehensive guide to yoga essentials for men
• A Guide to Men’s Yoga Pants (UK)
• 13 best partner yoga poses for beginners
• How yoga can help improve your sex life