The 5 Best Yoga Mats of 2022
The Right Yoga Mat is Important!
Yoga mats are important for a number of reasons. First, you will spend a lot of time on the mat, so it is something you will want to feel comfortable on. Make sure the smell, look and feel are all the right fit for you.
There are so many styles and brands of yoga mats out there, but this is a list of the yoga mats with the best reviews overall.
A yoga mat provides a space for you to do yoga that is softer than the floor, and it prevents slipping. It is one of the keys to a great yoga practice
Below are five of the best quality mats available today!
1.) The Hugger Mugger Tapas Ultra
PVC mats come in many thicknesses and styles. Some may be purchased at big box stores and even at discount and dollar stores! The cheaper version of these mats offer very little cushioning and can sometimes smell strongly of rubber or plastic.
However, the Hugger Mugger brand is known for quality overall, and is very popular in the yoga community. This is currently my favorite mat. The Tapas Ultra is a bit thicker than many of the less expensive PVC mats, and it is phalate free, latex free, made without heavy metals and anti-microbial. It is 1/4'' thick and very soft! It is very light at 2.5lbs and is a long-lasting and sturdy mat that does not have any smell to it, which I really appreciate!
The mat is so soft and comfortable, I love it!
Hugger Mugger Tapas Ultra Yoga Mat
2.) The Manduka Black Mat PRO
The Manduka Black Mat PRO is an absolute luxury mat! It feels almost like fabric, and is non-slip. There are two downsides to this mat: First, it weighs 7 lbs which is heavier than many other mats. Second, as with all Manduka mats, this mat has a rubbery smell at first, which can last for up to a few months! Cleaning your mat after each use and allowing it to "air out" outdoors in the sun for a few hours may help as well.
However, the benefits outweigh this one negative with this mat! This yoga mat is also thick at 1/4'', and is extremely soft! Also, most reviews state that the mat lasts for a very long time, and that the texture actually gets better with use! This mat is more expensive than most mats, but for the wear and tear that it is able to take and the quality of the mat overall, the consensus is that it is worth it!
The Manduka Black Mat PRO Yoga Mat
3.) The Jade Harmony Professional 3/16"
The Jade Harmony is another amazing yoga mat! This PVC-free mat is 3/16" and is very thick and soft without compromising stability. A fun fact: the Jade Yoga company plants a tree for every yoga mat sold!
The main downside to this mat is that it does have somewhat of a rubber smell at first, which does go away with time, and is because the mats are made with natural rubber. This yoga mat comes in at about five pounds, and is ecologically friendly as well! This mat also offers a great number of color choices!
The Jade Harmony Professional 3/16" Yoga Mat
4.) The prAna Eco
There is something intriguing about the rounded edges of this sleek yoga mat, which is well-cushioned and about three pounds. The one issue that some have with this mat is that it is not as sticky as many others, but this is offset by how long-lasting and comfortable this yoga mat is! It comes in many great color blends, and it is recyclable!
The prAna Eco Yoga Mat
5.) For Travel: Lole I Glow Travel Yoga Mat
The Lole I Glow Travel Yoga mat has an amazing design- it folds up into a square!!! The mat is PVC-free and eco-friendly, and it comes in fabulous colors!
This is also a sticky mat that will prevent slipping and will keep you balanced throughout your entire practice! This mat is available in bright colors and is perfect for travel or for someone who takes many classes at a studio and doesn't want to lug a heavy mat around.
