Looking for an exercise mat to start your New Year’s resolution? Yoga mats come in different sizes, styles, and prices. When it comes to getting the best yoga mat on the market, look into the top six manufacturers; Lululemon, Manduka, Gaiam, Alo, and Sugarmat.
Your exercise mat should match your budget and your preferred practice. For instance, you will want more cushion for yin and restorative classes that involve sitting and holding poses for longer periods. Whether you shop Goop yoga mat brands for the best offer or are loyal to a specific company, check out the top products by the most popular manufacturers.
The Reversible Mat 5mm is a popular Lululemon yoga mat since it works for different practices from Hatha to hot. While the Lululemon brand quality comes at a higher price of $88 each, the quality and durability make this mat the best choice for most yogis.
The exercise mat has a natural rubber base for cushioning and a polyurethane top layer for mold and mildew protection. Since the top layer absorbs moisture, you can maintain a great grip and find your balance with new poses.
One side of the Lululemon yoga mat is smooth, while the other is spongy, so you get to switch grips based on your practice. These Lululemon yoga mats are available in Black and eight different color combinations, including:
- Black Graphite Gray and Dark Red.
- Chrome, Delicate Mint, and Lunar Rock.
- True Navy, Blue Linen, and White.
- Tidewater Teal, White, and Springtime.
- Camo and Dark Olive.
- Chalky Rose and White.
- Black and White.
- Midnight Navy, True Navy, and White.
The Reversible Mat 5mm Lululemon yoga mat is 26 by 71 inches and weighs 5.24 pounds. The brand also makes a larger version at 28 by 84 inches and weighing 7.05 pounds. However, the “Big” mat only comes in black and white right now.
The Pro Manduka yoga mat is an ultra-dense 6mm made to last a lifetime, according to the company. This mat is great for vinyasa and flow classes when you need to safeguard your joints during fast movements.
You can buy it online or from Manduka pro yoga mat stores affiliates, like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Apple, or Target, for around $129.
The exercise mat is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – or vinyl – that is STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certified. Manduka uses a proprietary dot pattern that keeps their yoga mats in place.
The Manduka Pro mat comes in the standard size of 26 by 71 inches and weighs 7.5 pounds. The extra-long mat is 26 by 85 inches and weighs 9.5 pounds. Both come in the following colors:
- Black
- Odyssey blue
- Black Sage green
- Midnight blue
- Black Magic purple
- Verve red
- Surf blue
The durable cushion is made from closed-cell material that keeps moisture, like sweat and condensation, on the surface instead of absorbing it. Combined with an absorbent eQua or Yogitoes mat towel, you will feel a controlled grip for balancing poses.
If you are looking for a more affordable exercise mat, check out Gaiam-brand products. Gaiam mats are available at many local retailers, such as Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, and online through Amazon and eBay.
The highest-rated Gaiam yoga mat is the Reversible Reflection Yoga Mat 6mm for less than $35. The manufacturer also offers a lifetime guarantee.
The Gaiam Reversible Reflection Yoga Mat is latex-free and 6P free – which means it does not contain the six restricted phthalate hormones; DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DNOP. Gaiam mats measure a little smaller than other brands at 24 by 68 inches.
If you are a yoga enthusiast, your exercise mat should match your practice. The Gaiam website has a guide so you can pick the best yoga mat for your needs based on the:
- Size; standard, longer/wider, and kids.
- Thickness; 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm.
- Material; latex-free, rubber, and sustainable cork.
- Style; solid, printed, two colors, and reversible.
Gaiam yoga mats are much more affordable than premium brands like Lululemon and Manduka. However, comparatively, they seem more slippery and lower quality than higher-priced mats.
Alo Warrior yoga mats are the perfect addition to your practice if you are already a fan of the luxury brand’s athletic wear. It is ideal for hot yoga and Hatha classes when grip is important in wet or fast-paced practices.
The Warrior mat is available for $100 alone or part of the Essential Set for $175 and the Ultimate Home Studio Set for $350. The Essential Set includes the Warrior mat, two Uplifting Blocks, a Grounded No-Slip Towel, and a Yoga Strap for easy carrying and stretching. The Ultimate Home Studio Set adds the Alo Shopper Tote and the Alo Moves Annual Subscription Gift Box, which includes fitness, yoga, and meditation streaming classes.
The Warrior mat is a little longer than other brands at 26 by 74 inches and weighing 6 pounds. Alo yoga mat cleaning is a breeze with its 100 percent polyurethane leather top layer. The mat is also:
- Anti-odor.
- Moisture-wicking.
- Slip-free, wet or dry.
- Formaldehyde- and PVC-free.
Unfortunately, you may not find Alo yoga mat Amazon even though you can buy clothing from the brand through the online retailer. But you can order the mat from the Alo website.
Sugarmat yoga mats stand out with their eye-catching designs, such as the copies of classical paintings from artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Diego Valázquez, just to name a few. Other yoga mats by the brand have artwork from contemporary artists, like the Dream Catcher series by Julia Contacessi.
The average cost for a Sugarmat is about $100. Some of the top features for yoga mats by this brand include:
- Ultra-absorbent synthetic suede top.
- Natural reversible rubber base.
- Non-toxic and 100 percent PVC-free.
- Emissions-free manufacturing.
Sugarmat yoga mats are a little bigger than average at 27 by 73 inches, and you can find them in thicknesses from 1mm to 5mm. Weight is a little more than 7.25 pounds on 5mm thickness mats.
Depending on the thickness, these gorgeous yoga mats are great for different practices. The ultra-grip suede top keeps you from slipping in hot yoga, and the 5mm cushion protects your joints.