How Should I Choose a Yoga Mat?

How Should I Choose A Yoga Mat? Asked someone in Quora.  Glad she (or he) did.  For me the the real question is not so much what mat to chose but rather do I really want to practice yoga?   

But I get it, there is still the question of the mat, so here is what I think, just like with everything in life: IT DEPENDS.  

Ask yourself these questions and the see the bottom for things to avoid:

Are you going to just be dipping your toes into the yoga world? Taking a class here and there? 

Then get any 20 dollar mat at the Whole Foods or your local studio.  

Do not spend a lot of money, instead see first if you have it in you and if you like it.  For example when I travel for business and I need one for just a few days I usually get a mat at a local shop and leave it in the house I rent (through AirBnb, see this post for more on that). 

Are you going to be practicing every day? 

Then get a good mat that will be resistant and last through time like a Manduka or a Jade mat.  I own both and they work well.  Consider that these mats tend to be a bit heavier.

Are you a traveler that must travel with your mat at all times and you also practice every day?  

Get a Manduka light.  But do not think they are that much lighter, they are actually still pretty heavy.

Are you going to be practicing Ashtanga Yoga? 

Get one that has good traction, meaning that is sticky enough that you won't slip.  Many astangis swear by the black Manduka, and investment but 

oh so worth it.

Also, think about the Mysore rug that goes on top as well, especially as the spring is coming around and we are all more likely to sweat more on the mat.

  

For Mysore rugs (which is the cloth mat that goes on top of the sticky one during Ashtanga practice)  I recently bought the one that yogitoes offers (photo with link above).  I like it, it has good traction, does not move too much and absorbs sweat.  But my favorite is the Mysore rug I got in Mysore itself, also great traction.

Are you worried about the environment? 

If this is a concern then do research.  Most yoga mat companies put some thought on this but some companies do so more than others.

ONE THING TO AVOID:  Never buy that round mat that is advertised on some magazines, you will not have enough room for it (unless you live in a mansion) and it is completely unnecessary, not to mention you might not be able to roll it out in your local studio.

None of that!

ANOTHER THING TO AVOID:  The travel mat from Gaiam.  I find it way too light and not really that comfy (soft surface) nor does it stick to the floor enough.

Enjoy yoga practice and I would LOVE to hear how you do, what happens, etc.