Is a good yoga mat really necessary?

Over the years, I have been asked this question many times. I usually reply with “if you were going to run, what one item would you invest in?” to which people reply, “shoes”. For yoga, the most indispensable item is a yoga mat. Fancy yoga outfits might be your thing (as a huge athleisure fan, trust me, I understand the allure!), but they have little effect on your practice. 

Your yoga mat is an essential part of your yoga practice. It is a decision that is deeply personal, and it is the foundation upon which you will (literally) build your yoga practice. 

I remember it like it was yesterday…the afternoon during yoga teacher training when we were work-shopping downward-facing dog. My hands kept slipping off the mat, making it virtually impossible to work on activating the proper muscles and fully engaging in the pose. While the mat I was on was a decent mat, it wasn’t the one for me, and my (sweaty) hands kept slipping and sliding, which was beyond frustrating. I was ready to walk out of the room, quit teacher training, give up on yoga, and never look back. While this may sound a bit dramatic, this experience started my own journey to find the right yoga mat for me. 

I realized that if I were going to remain committed to yoga and finish my teacher training, I needed a mat that could support me on the journey. I began to explore different mats in the hopes of finding the right one for me.

Here are some key considerations:

• Most budget-friendly yoga mats on the market are made with PVC or TPE, and contain synthetic and often toxic ingredients. When shopping for your yoga mat, you may want to look for eco-friendly mats that do not emit any toxins. If the material is not mentioned on the brand’s packaging label, do some research and find out where you can buy mats with eco-credentials, such as PVC-free or made from natural plant-based materials (like jute or rubber).

  
  

• The thickness of your mat is also an important aspect to consider. A standard mat that is typically 1/8 inch (3-4mm) in thickness. Assess your body’s requirements before deciding on the thickness of your mat. Some of you may have joint pains which could benefit from a thicker mat, for more comfort. On the other hand, thicker mats may inhibit your body’s ability to balance during poses such as the vrksasana (tree pose). Test out a few mats (ask a friend or see if your studio will let you try one) to determine your optimum foot hold, and which thickness works best for you.

  
  

• Like most things, those made of quality ingredients often cost more. Yoga mats are no different, but an upfront initial investment (~$100) could save you both money and frustration, in the long run.

You may find that you have to go through a process of trial and error before finding the perfect mat, but knowing what to look for, and looking in the right places will make that process much easier.

Your yoga mat, quite honestly, can make or break your yoga experience. A bit of research and a few extra dollars might save you heaps of agony and frustration. 

PS - if you’re still reading and are curious to know which type of mat helped save my practice, I am unusually excited (remember, I almost quit yoga altogether because of my mat issues!) to share that my mat of choice over the last decade plus is the b, now mat. Whether I am in a regular studio, a hot and humid one, at home, or travelling, these eco-friendly mats provide the best grip for me. In addition to being a solid mat, this Canadian company is proudly connected to and supportive of the yoga community.

If you're ready to invest, use the discount code YOGA_FOR_GRACEFUL_LIVING and save 15% off your b, now purchase!