Yoga Mat or Rug? What Should I Buy?

When I first started practicing yoga back in 2001, I had no mat, no teacher except a book I found at my friend’s mom’s house, and no social media influencers, workshops, Zoom or the like. It was simply my hardwood floor, me and my curiosity.

Which brings me to the topic of yoga gear. What do you need to practice yoga?

•Truthfully, you only need yourself•

That said, from my experience, the hardwood floor or itchy grass if you’re outside, can be uncomfortable. If you have knee issues, hard or uneven surfaces can even make practice unbearable. In these cases, a mat or rug can be helpful.

YOGA MATS

• Mats are generally made with rubber or a synthetic material and while there are varying degrees of quality & effectiveness, they tend to create a less slippery foundation for your practice.

• That said, most of these are not biodegradable and end up in landfills when they are worn out.

• They must be cleaned often to prevent bacterial and fungal buildup, even when they say they are resistant to these.

• There are varying thickness options you can get in a yoga mat, but please know that more thickness doesn't mean it’s better for your knees. A mat that is really thick can cause instability in the foot & ankle and this create instability in the knee, which can exacerbate problems.

MY RECOMMENDATIONS

• Consider how you practice. Mats can vary, not only in thickness, but weight. Keep this in mind if you’re going from location to location.

• Invest in the best you can afford. My favorite mats are made by Manduka. They are pricier, but worth the investment. Even their thicker mats are firm enough to create a good foundation and they have natural materials that are biodegradable.

If Manduka Is out of your price range, check out Gaiam for their premium mats.

NOTE: If you need a thicker foundation for your practice, I recommend using blankets more so than I recommend getting a super thick mat. A folded yoga blanket creates a firmer foundation than a squishy rubber mat and will help ensure a safe and comfortable practice.

Hot Yoga: I always recommend a mat for hot yoga classes. Be sure to find a high quality mat for these classes that will not get slippery when you're sweating.

YOGA RUGS

• These are often hand-woven & are super lightweight.

• Unlike mats, that have to be sprayed and wiped down, and can still appear dirty or dingy after cleaning, most rugs can be tossed in the washing machine and laid out to dry. This ensures a clean and sanitary foundation for your practice.

NOTE: If you need a thicker surface, folded blankets are your best bet.

MY RECOMMENDATIONS

• Invest in a rug that is washable and dries easily.

• Consider your use: will you be outside more, or inside more? Do you yoga on-the-go more, or do you practice in one location?

• My favorite yoga rugs are made by MA Wovens. They are made from recycled foam and handwoven with bamboo. They are Machine-washable and dry quickly. Not only that, but they have a nice thickness and are super lightweight.

Hot Yoga: I do not recommend rugs for hot yoga or situations where you will be super sweaty. Invest in a grippy mat for this.

If you have questions, or want to try out a mat or a rug, sign up for one of my classes and ask to borrow one. I’m happy to let you try for yourself!

🤎