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Our Favorite Yoga Mats

Here are the best yoga mats to bend you in the right direction
Stretch out and limber up with these yoga mats. Pixabay

Taking the time to stretch and do yoga is an important investment in yourself. Aside from increased flexibility and muscle tone, according to Osteopathic.org, yoga also helps keep your metabolism balanced and improves your overall athletic performance. Although yoga has been practiced in India since before it’s first mentioned in the Rig Veda about 5,000 years ago, yoga is one of the most popular exercises in the world.

Balance From GoYoga All-Purpose 1/4-Inch High Density Anti-Tear Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap

Strong and slip-resistant

It’s made from TPE, a recyclable rubber polymer that’s easy to clean. BalanceFrom

At 68-inches long and two-feet wide, this mat features high-density ¼-inch thick material. ProSourceFit says TPE yoga mats are great because they are slip-resistant and easy to clean. Yoga mats have come a long way since Londoner Angela Farmer first made and sold the first yoga mats in the late 1980s. Her first designs were basically towel-size carpet padding with some slightly sticky spray on top. These anti-tear mats are non-slip on both sides to help you hold poses and avoid injury. Just roll up your mat, wrap the included strap around it, and head out to your favorite time of the day – yoga time.

Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat

Workout buddy

Perfect for planks, pushups, and pilates, this bright blue exercise mat is great for yoga and the gym. AmazonBasics

Holding those poses and stretching postures is more comfortable on a ½-inch thick mat. Crafted from NBR, this non-toxic rubber-like material is recyclable and biodegradable. According to Yogakali.com, all that elasticity and cushioning can make holding some standing poses more difficult. But if you’re caring for old injuries or just love extra padding under your hips and shoulders, this mat might just be for you. Available in pink, purple, red, grey, black, and green, each 74-inch by 24-inch mat has a convenient shoulder strap.

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Gaiam Yoga Mat - Premium 6mm Print Extra Thick Non Slip Exercise & Fitness Mat for All Types of Yoga, Pilates & Floor Workouts (68"L x 24"W x 6mm Thick)

Fantastic traction

The textured surface is tacky to the touch to help you hold positions longer for a more fulfilling yoga session. Gaiam

The printed mountain pattern on this 68-inch long by 24-inch wide yoga mat is peaceful and interesting, but there are over 40 other patterns and designs. Made from PVC, this lightweight mat is about ¼-inch thick or 6 mm. TheGoodBody.com says there are more than 100 types of yoga in the world, and that in the U.S. about 36 million people practice yoga. From vinyasa to power, Bikram to Hatha, this mat will help you keep your dog downward and your warrior poses long and balanced. A nice extra: included is a free downloadable yoga class to get you started on the right foot, or pose.

HemingWeigh 1 inch Thick Yoga Mat, Extra Thick, Non Slip Exercise Mat for Indoor and Outdoor Use, Black

Long-lasting

This extra-thick, extra-durable one-inch-thick exercise mat is appropriate for most types of yoga forms. HemingWeigh

Weighing a little over three pounds, this plush one-inch-thick yoga mat will provide you with a sturdy sticky surface for your next class. The high-density NBR foam is the most comfortable for yoga mats. This sizable 71-inch long by 23-inches wide mat is long enough for complete stretching and keeping all the poses on the mat. It’s also strong enough to stand up for rigorous yoga sessions, even outdoors. This NBR mat is eco-friendly and non-toxic, and it also comes with a carrying strap.

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat – Premium 6mm Thick Mat, High Performance Grip, Ultra Dense Cushioning for Support and Stability in Yoga, Pilates, Gym and Any General Fitness

Professional quality

This seriously high-performance model provides the best support and texture for all yoga types. Manduka

This luxurious yoga mat is crafted from quality PVC materials and that makes it extremely durable. Plus it cleans up with some gentle soap and water. Designed and handmade in Germany, this premium yoga mat has a dense 6mm material giving this large, 71-inch by 26-inches home gym or studio athlete long-lasting support. The closed-cell material pulls moisture away from the surface so you can hold poses better. The thick mat offers that extra cushion that makes recovering injuries and sore joints more comfortable. These mats are far more forgiving than the bare earth, grass, or animal skin rugs the ancient yogis used.

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Cyndi Mathews is a contributing writer to Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. Cyndi recently published her first book and enjoys traveling to Florida in her sailboat.

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