However, please be mindful of your own particular requirements and health condition – if you have an injury, joint sensitivity or are pregnant it may be best to consult with your yoga teacher or a medical professional before you invest in your next mat.

yoga mats 2023 | Live Science Best yoga mats 2023 | Live Science

It’s wider than many of the mats we tested, making it a top choice for all shapes and sizes, and it looked and smelt as good as new after a quick wipe down with a wet cloth. But, for me, that’s no dealbreaker – I thought it had a great surface feeling, and it more than delivers on its promise of “extreme grip”. millimeters | Material: Naturally-sourced tree rubber | Size: 68 x 24 inches and 74 x 24 inches | Weight: 4.Travel yoga mats tend to be mostly paper thin – somewhere around 2mm in thickness for the majority of them. A thicker mat will offer more comfort for your wrists and knees, but a mat that’s too thick may make it difficult to stay grounded and stable during standing asanas and inversions,” says Hargett. It’s a good size for taller people who need a bit more mat space, and has great cushioning to support joints and bones. Positive reviews complimented the thickness of the mat while others praised how much grip it offers even in hot yoga classes. Before the second test on each mat, we sprayed our hands and feet with water to see how the mats would hold up to moisture from external factors like sweat and humidity.

The best yoga mats of 2023 - tested by our experts

At the other end of the spectrum, one that is just too thick for you can slow down your movement and keep you from feeling 100% supported – you’ll just hopelessly sink into it. They also have the ethical credentials: they're non-toxic and 100pc latex free, with an emissions-free manufacturing process.

An exercise mat will be slightly thicker and more durable, able to take the strain of dropped dumbbells and rugged footwear as users blitz through HIIT and weights sessions. It’s slightly lighter than the average rubber mat, there’s a longer option for taller yogis and its subtle pattern helps guide your body into alignment (while also looking great). Those seeking a lightweight design should consider others in our round-up, and the Take Form looked noticeably heftier than its Jade Harmony yoga mat counterpart. We noticed scuff marks and paw prints (yes, our dog also enjoys downward dog) after the first use, but the mat is easy to clean (warm water and diluted lemon juice at the ready), and we did test the black design – a notoriously tough color for hiding wear and tear. Our team of 18 testers—including a certified yoga instructor, a certified personal trainer, a certified barre instructor, and other experienced exercisers—spent four weeks using the mats for over 230 exercise sessions.

Best yoga mats for the home or gym UK 2023: Expert-tested Best yoga mats for the home or gym UK 2023: Expert-tested

TPE mats feel more like rubber and can be recycled after use, whereas natural rubber mats like IUGA's Pro Non Slip Yoga Matare favored for their traction and slip resistance.These products are designed with care and attention to high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and durable construction.