How to choose a yoga or fitness mat: all types and a complete breakdown of prices. Choosing the Right Yoga Mat Thermoplastic elastomer fitness mat

Svetlana Markova

Beauty is like a precious stone: the simpler it is, the more precious it is!

Sports equipment such as a yoga mat is suitable not only for performing asanas, meditation, but also for fitness classes. The choice of mat depends on many factors, such as the location of the activity, as well as the type and level of difficulty of the physical activity. You need to choose a yoga mat that suits all your criteria and serves as additional motivation during your workout.

Why do you need a yoga mat?

Many people believe that ordinary travel mats, a blanket or a towel will do for yoga, but this is a misconception. Only special sports equipment will provide comfortable, safe exercise, because it has good grip on almost any surface, which prevents slipping while performing complex asanas. This foamed polymer bedding will reduce pressure on the knee joints, and during relaxation it will prevent you from freezing from the cold floor.

Types of yoga mats

Today there is a wide selection of products from this group; they can be divided into two large categories: synthetic and natural. The separation is due to the nature of the materials used. Sports equipment in its category differs according to this principle, as well as in color, texture, and dimensions. Through trial and error, choose the best option, and additional information will help you make the right choice the first time.

Synthetic

The synthetic group includes products made from PVC. TPE (TPE), PES (PER) and synthetic rubber. A distinctive feature of this category is the presence of a synthetic odor. Over time, its intensity decreases, but does not disappear completely. PVC products are not strong enough, can tear during exercise, and are not subject to secondary processing, i.e. pollute the environment. And those made using TPE, PTR technology, using synthetic rubber are environmentally friendly and can be recycled.

Natural

When people talk about natural yoga mats, they mean rubber, jute and cotton varieties. Models made of rubber and jute fibers have good adhesion to the surface, which guarantees safety while performing complex asanas, while cotton ones are more suitable for relaxation and meditation. Natural equipment “breathes” well and does not absorb moisture or odors, but they require special care.

How to choose the right yoga mat

To choose the right special mat for yoga, you need to take into account several basic selection criteria: size, quality of adhesion (degree of stickiness), moisture absorption, thickness, strength. Taking into account all these criteria, you can choose the ideal option, thereby ensuring comfortable, safe, effective classes in any yoga practice, Pilates and fitness.

Size

Standard yoga mats are 60-61 cm wide, which is enough for most practitioners. There are also 80 cm wide, they provide greater comfort and space for practitioners. When purchasing equipment, it is worth considering the difficulties of storage and transportation, since its dimensions and weight are larger than standard products. The length depends on the type of activity and the height of the person: add about 5-10 cm to the height for calm practices, and 20-40 cm for dynamic practices.

Grip quality

The more intense your classes, the more emphasis you need to place on this point. In order not to get injured while performing asanas due to the “leaving” of the mat from under your feet, you need to choose equipment with a good level of stickiness. It is worth emphasizing that this parameter is inversely proportional to the durability of the product, because the soft coating wears out quickly.

Moisture Absorption

If your palms or whole body sweat a lot during classes, then you should give preference to breathable natural yoga mats. In this case, you should discard the option of purchasing synthetic products, because they will only provoke sweat production. If your budget does not allow you to purchase a model made from natural raw materials, then it is better to buy semi-synthetic equipment.

Thickness

Thin products are light and compact, but they are rigid and do not retain heat well. The ideal thickness here is 4.5-6 mm; it will provide sufficient comfort during training and will not allow you to freeze. Thick products significantly lose stability, which can affect during balance poses. If you constantly transport equipment, then give preference to products with a maximum thickness of 4 mm.

Strength

The equipment should not stretch, so almost all products inside or outside have a frame mesh. It increases the service life of the product and prevents the carpet from stretching. There are lightweight models, without a frame, they are lighter in weight, but lose in stability and strength. Suitable only for quiet practices or meditations.

Which yoga mat is best to choose?

Sports equipment must be selected based on the type of activity, physiological characteristics and parameters of a particular person. For static and relaxation practices, the Shakti model is suitable; for more dynamic types, use the Rishikesh and Kailash yoga mats. The choice is also made based on cost, because there is a budget segment, and there is also luxury.

Latex

Models made of latex or rubber have the highest level of strength, they are wear-resistant, non-toxic, recyclable, and do not pollute the environment. The mat is sticky, holds its shape perfectly, breathes, repels water, and is suitable for yoga and intense fitness classes. Manduka, for example, gives a lifetime guarantee on rubber yoga mats. Popular models include Mat La Reina from Manduka and Ecopro Travel from Bodhi.

Cotton sports mat

Linen or cotton mats are often used as a second mat (base), because they are soft and pleasant to the touch; yoga mats have poor adhesion to the surface. As a separate mat, a linen or cotton carpet is suitable for light exercise, meditation or Shavasana. Popular cotton mats: Shavasana, Ecru from the Bodhi brand.

Jute yoga mat

Jute carpets can be classified as semi-synthetic products. Jute models are based on natural fibers and some synthetic compounds. Overall, the product has good characteristics, it is very durable, sticky, but not completely natural. Jute yoga mats are produced by the popular company Bodhi - Jute Pro, Samurai.

Thermoplastic elastomer meditation mat

TEP (thermoplastic elastomer) is a class of materials designed to replace silicone, rubber, and vulcanized plastic. Rugs are soft, pleasant to the touch, and often consist of two layers: the top layer is sticky, the bottom layer is made of reinforced mesh, which increases the service life of the product. Different models of TPR yoga mats have varying degrees of stickiness. The disadvantage is the presence of a synthetic smell. Popular models: Lotus Pro from Bodhi, Pro Vasuda from the manufacturer Manduka. Such famous brands of sporting goods as Adidas, Reebok, Nike make yoga mats from TPR.

PVC yoga mat

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a colorless transparent plastic; PVC carpets are low cost. The product is pleasant to the touch, quite sticky, weight varies between 1-1.5 kg depending on the size and thickness. The mat is suitable for beginner yogis who have not yet decided whether they will continue their classes. The main disadvantage of PVC models is the strong synthetic smell. PVC products are not biodegradable and emit carcinogenic substances when burned. PVC Rugs: Rishikesh by Yin-Yang Studio, Bodhi.

Buy yoga mats

The answer to the question of where to buy a yoga mat with delivery to Moscow, St. Petersburg and other regions of Russia is very simple. As a rule, you can buy a yoga mat inexpensively in specialized sports stores or order mats in an online store, for example, on the popular Aliexpress resource. New products are coated with a special lubricant, which must be washed off with soap before first use. Some materials can be safely machine washed, preferably separately from clothes and other items. So the attribute will provide comfortable, reliable practice at home.

Salamander

This brand's Carbon Travel is made from natural rubber, which ensures reliable grip during intense practice. Experienced craftsmen prefer rubber products:

Model name: Carbon Travel;
price: 3915 rubles;
product characteristics: material – rubber (natural rubber), dimensions (LxWxD) – 185x66x0.2 cm, weight – 1200 g;
advantages: super-stickiness, increased strength, lightness, small dimensions, environmental friendliness;
Cons: Light marks may remain after intense practice.

The Slim yoga mat is the thinnest, made of environmentally friendly materials, well suited for yoga lovers, convenient to take on trips, can be rolled up or folded into an envelope:

model name: Slim;
price: 3638 rub.;
product characteristics: material – rubber, dimensions – 185(200)x60x0.2 cm, weight – 950 g;
pros: lightweight, hypoallergenic, foldable, high-quality material;
Cons: not soft enough, heavy load on the knees.

Wunderlich

The strength of the Expert model is that it increases grip with dry and wet hands, because... has a bumpy coating. It is characterized by a low price due to the budget material of manufacture, suitable for beginners:

model name: Expert;
price: 2500 rub.;
product characteristics: material – PVC, dimensions – 200(220)x60x0.5 cm, weight – 1.5 kg;
pros: good grip, ability to choose length;
cons: short service life.

Kurma Pro is a professional carpet of the highest quality, approved by experienced trainers. It is made of rubber, of great thickness, bags-covers are specially sewn to it, and is intended for regular activities:

Model name: Kurma Pro;
price: 9070 rub.;
product characteristics: material – rubber, dimensions – 200x100x0.65 cm, weight – 5.5 kg;
pros: ideally compensates for the load on joints, made from natural materials;
cons: heavy weight of the product.

AeroFit

Eco-mat from Aerofit has metal holes for hanging storage. The product is soft, it has an optimal thickness for people who practice yoga in various varieties - 6 mm:

Model name: FT-YGM-TPE-6-V-P;
price: 3720 rub.;
product characteristics: material – TPE, dimensions – 180x60x0.6 cm;
pluses: non-slip surface (ribbed), holes for storage;
Cons: There is a synthetic smell.

The Aerofit folding mat is designed for yoga and aerobics. It is durable, of standard width, short in length, but sufficient for individual lessons, and provides comfortable conditions:

Model name: EM-RK-307E;
price: 2040 rub.;
product characteristics: material – EVA, dimensions – 135x52x0.8 cm;
pros: non-slip ribbed surface, soft, foldable;
cons: short length.

Hawk

One of the cheapest PVC options. The material is certified, does not contain harmful substances, is hypoallergenic, and can be used as a children's play rug. With a weight of less than 1 kg it provides good grip:

Model name: HKEM212;
price: 720 rub.;
product characteristics: material – PVC, dimensions – 173x61x0.6 cm;
advantages: low cost, light weight, optimal dimensions;
Cons: wears out quickly.

The model is suitable for practitioners who practice moderate intensity yoga. Eco-friendly PVC is free of unpleasant synthetic odor and has good performance properties. The carpet is printed with:

Model name: HKEM113;
price: 590 rub.;
product characteristics: material – ECO PVC, dimensions – 173x61x0.5 cm;
pros: budget price, original print;
cons: not suitable for intensive practices.

Nike

The textured surface of the product prevents slipping even when performing difficult poses. The presence of a carrying cord ensures comfortable carrying of the mat. Breathable, open-cell mat:

Model name: Fundamental Yoga Mat;
price: 2460 rub.;
product characteristics: material – EVA, TPE, dimensions – 168x61x0.3 cm, weight – 0.46 kg;
pros: slightly larger than standard width, lightweight, lanyard for carrying;
Cons: not soft enough.

Just Do It Yoga Mat 2.0 is designed for yoga and Pilates. The special bottom layer provides reliable adhesion to the surface. The carrying cord makes it easier to transport, and folding the mat is more convenient. The top layer is decorated with the branded inscription “JUST DO IT”:

name: Just Do It Yoga Mat 2.0;
price: 3330 rub.;
product characteristics: material – TPE, dimensions – 173x61x0.3 cm, weight – 0.55 kg;
pros: good grip, light weight;
cons: insufficient depreciation.

O.J.A.S.

A dense, eco-friendly, absolutely hypoallergenic carpet of increased thickness provides comfortable yoga classes. One side of the mat is lighter than the other, they have different surface relief, based on the degree of intensity of practice:

name: Shakti Pro;
price: 3225 rub.;
pros: two working surfaces, environmentally friendly material;
cons: bulky, has an impressive specific gravity.

A universal mat of optimal size and thickness. Made from natural rubber without impurities, absolutely hypoallergenic, does not contain toxic substances, provides reliable, comfortable practice:

name: Optimum;
price: 4490 rub.;
product characteristics: material – rubber, dimensions – 185(200)x60x0.4 cm;
advantages: optimal dimensions;
cons: poor color palette.

Reebok

Original yoga mat with printed logo. A model with increased thickness, it will not allow you to freeze on a cold floor, and it perfectly compensates for the load on the joints during practices on a hard surface:

name: Fitness Mat Blue Lo;
price: 4693 RUR;
product characteristics: material – polyurethane, dimensions – 183x61x0.8 cm; weight – 0.3 kg;
pros: very soft, absorbs well;
Cons: wears out quickly.

The texture of this mat is very sticky, making it possible to perform complex balances without the risk of injury. The rug is lightweight, easy to care for, has medium length and increased width. It features the original Reebok logo:

Model name: RAYG-11022BL;
price: 1790 rub.;
product characteristics: material – polyurethane foam, dimensions – 173x61x0.4 cm;
advantages: optimal thickness;
cons: may tear during intense training.

High quality equipment, the “little brother” of the legendary Black Mat PRO from Manduka. Both mats are manufactured at the same factory from the same material (closed cell), but differ in dimensions:

model name: Comfort Pro;
price: 5535 rub.;
product characteristics: material – PVC (high density), dimensions – 200x60x0.6 cm, weight – 3.3 kg;
pros: lifetime guarantee, very soft, hygienic;
cons: high specific gravity;

This rug will be appreciated by people who attach great importance to the appearance of their products. The mat has an original color palette and an openwork pattern on top. Bottom and top layers of different shades:

model name: Lotus Pro;
price: 3399 rub.;
product characteristics: material – TPE, dimensions – 183x60x0.6 cm, weight – 1.2 kg;
pros: large selection of colors, good stickiness;
cons: gets dirty quickly.

Ashtanga Master

The mat is designed for the most intense, severe practices. It has an extended length and width to provide maximum usable space for yoga. The coffer is thin and perfectly absorbs:

model name: Ashtanga Color;
price: 3299 rub.;
product characteristics: material - PVC, dimensions - 185(215)x66x5.5 cm, weight at 185 cm - 3.2 kg, weight at 215 cm - 3.7 kg;
pros: choice of two lengths, good level of stickiness;
cons: heavy weight of products.

The mat is strong and durable, suitable for daily training. Optimal sizes will ensure comfortable, safe yoga, fitness and other types of physical activity, does not contain toxic substances:

model name: Ashtanga;
price: 4200 rub.;
product characteristics: material – PVC, dimensions – 183x60x0.55 cm, weight – 3.2 kg;
pluses: hygienic, with good shock absorption;
cons: poor selection of colors.

Video

In this text, we provide a breakdown of common symbols that you find on yoga mat labels. Very often the label does not make it clear what is included in the mat and how this material will behave during exercise.

European quality certificate- this is a guarantee that the rug does not emit toxic substances upon contact with skin, is safe for children and, when decomposed, will not poison the air in your home. When buying a rug, be sure to make sure that you have such a certificate. Hanuman.ru has made it a rule to sell only products that have passed European quality control. Of course, the most environmentally friendly of all yoga mats are natural mats made of rubber, cotton and jute. They are more pleasant to use, retain the warmth of the earth and create a mood.

What is included in natural yoga mats?

Natural rubber- environmentally friendly material. Rubber is not as durable as high-quality synthetics, but it does not electrify at all, does not slip and does not store unpleasant odors.
Jute— fiber of the plant of the same name (subshrub of the malvaceae family). Jute fibers are famous for their strength and elasticity.
Cotton, I think, is well known to everyone. The rugs are reinforced with cotton threads for durability.

Natural rugs are the choice of experienced practitioners, teachers and those who strive to create a harmonious atmosphere around themselves.

Hanuman website. Ru you will find rugs made from natural materials:

Samurai (rubber stitched on one side with cotton threads);
Samurai Ultra (rubber reinforced with cotton threads on the inside);
Jute (rubber reinforced with jute threads).

What are synthetic yoga mats made of?

PVC or Polyvinylchloride (PVC, Polyvinilchlorid) - elastic, durable synthetic material. Not only are most yoga mats made from it, but also most plastic manufactured goods in general - from dishes to plastic windows. Typically, the production of yoga mats is only a small offshoot of the activities of large factories for the production of polymer materials. The properties of the polymer vary greatly depending on the percentage composition of the components. Also, different PVC mats differ greatly in quality and service life. Therefore, the methods for preparing polymers at each plant - know-how, they are usually kept secret. For example, the German mats that we sell in the Hanuman.ru store are manufactured by a plant specializing in non-slip coatings for airplane stairs and escalators.

PVC mats are good for beginners and active yoga practitioners. They have different hardness and thickness, and are reinforced with cotton threads.

Hanuman.ru's assortment of PVC mats includes:

Tapas Ultra, Ashtanga and others.

TPE or Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE, Thermal Plastic Elastomer) is a more complex polymer. It belongs to biodegradable materials. This rug is very pleasant to the touch, elastic, and retains its shape well in both heat and cold. It does not fade in the sun, does not interact with sweat during practice or with soap during washing. Resistant to the spread of bacteria and fungi. TPE mats are softer and much lighter than those made from simple polymer.

Review of universal models made of PVC, carpet and thermoplastic.

PVC mats (Russia)

In 2015, the Avtoprofi Trading House offered drivers at very affordable prices. This was achieved by opening our own production in the Kaluga region. Durable, soft material without an unpleasant odor was developed in Russia and is made from domestic raw materials.

Elastic, soft, durable mats Autoprofi Rus-105 are resistant to aggressive liquids (oil, fuel) and road reagents. The universal shape is compatible with most modern car interiors.

Thermoplastic mats

The mats are made of thermoplastic elastomer with high friction properties. The rugs do not slip underfoot and lie tightly on the floor surface, protecting it from dirt and moisture.

Thermoplastic elastomer is characterized by its low weight, absence of the characteristic rubber odor and high wear resistance. The material retains its elasticity even at extremely low temperatures down to -50 °C. Resistant to aggressive substances (oil, fuel, road reagents).

What I liked most was the quality of the rubber itself, its elasticity, pattern, does not stink one bit and is also frost-resistant! There are no sides, otherwise it would be problematic to roll up when you need to get to all the necessary shelves.

The set of floor mats fits most modern passenger cars. Wide versatility is due to the special design of the “transform” rugs. On their surface there is an extensive network of notches for cutting, which allows you to give the mats a shape that exactly matches the bottom of the cabin.

Bath mats

Rugs in this series are made of transparent PVC, carpet and thermoplastic elastomer.

Notches for cutting on the surface of the mats help to adjust the size and shape of the products, adapting them to the bottom profile. Thanks to this and the high frictional properties of the thermoplastic elastomer, they do not slip underfoot and lie tightly on the floor surface, protecting it from dirt and moisture.

What are yoga mats made of?

We choose, we are chosen.

How often this doesn’t match...

Have you decided to take up yoga? Congratulations, this truly is the best health and spiritual choice you can make. But if you want to exercise not only the mind, but also the body, the next question you have to ask after the questions “Where” and “With whom” are resolved will be: “On what?” PVC, TPE, PER, natural rubber? In the article we have collected reliable information about the differences between these materials, their pros and cons, and individual characteristics.

Choosing a yoga mat is a complex, multi-step task, and we will try to make it easier by giving an overview of the materials from which yoga mats are made. At the end of the review, recommendations will be given on choosing a rug to suit your requirements.

Just recently, literally 40 years ago, this issue was not raised at all. Those yogis who did not have the traditional tiger skin practiced simply on cotton bedspreads and woolen floor carpets.Then, with the light hand of the legendary yoga teacher Victor Van Kooten, only bath mats that appeared in everyday life were used (it was then that the “Standard” of a yoga mat width of 60 cm appeared; it was this width that bath mats were produced).Since that time, a boom in yoga began all over the world and a rush of demand arose for a comfortable, transportable, durable yoga attribute - a yoga mat.

Now you can find rugs with widths of 60, 61, 66, 72, 80 cm and lengths from 168 to 240 cm. Thicknesses vary from 1.5 mm to 6.5 mm. The greater thickness of the mat automatically transfers the mat to another category - for example, a mat for Pilates or fitness in the broad sense of the word. It is believed that a mat that is too thick is inconvenient for yoga practice, since it becomes difficult to perform balance poses on it; the mat becomes unpredictable due to the possibility of internal shifts in the material.

Interestingly, the requirements for a yoga mat grow in inverse proportion to the level of physical and mental fitness of yoga lovers, and therefore the main requirement remains good grip. Now the most important question that is asked when buying a rug is “ And he's sticky"? The most common complaint about the rug is that it slips.

Of course, the “stickiness” of the mat is very important. But the higher the level of your yoga practice, the more you become able to hold the asana as it should be - with your body, without transferring this important work to the yoga mat.Along with the level of practice, the understanding of the importance of environmentally friendly behavior and consumption grows, it becomes not indifferent to how natural the objects we use, it becomes indifferent whether the production and disposal of the things we purchase harms nature.

And we see this trend in yoga mat sales. Just 3-4 years ago, the vast majority of yoga lovers chose a PVC mat. A year or two ago, rugs from TPE. Today, more and more practitioners are purchasing mats made of natural rubber. And it is right.

So, the first rugs were made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). This is a budget-friendly, hygienic material that is successfully used to this day. It can be of different densities, which determines its strength, elasticity, weight and cost.

Modern production and the requirements for compliance with environmental pollution standards and safety of use are very high and fears that PVC mats are toxic are completely groundless.PVC yoga mats are typically made using “closed cell” technology, where the top layer of material is baked to form a waterproof, continuous surface. This makes the mat easy to care for and hygienic, but helps sweaty palms and feet slip.

There are models of rugs that are made using the “open time” technology, i.e. capable of absorbing and releasing moisture. This is a more expensive material, but it provides better grip. Unfortunately, such rugs are less hygienic.

Advantages: availability (if you don’t take rugs from global brands, where a significant part of the cost is inevitably paid for the brand), ease of caring for the rug, hypoallergenic.

Disadvantages: not the highest strength (except for high-density PVC mats), faded colors, low friction (slippery).

PVC mats closed time: Practika, Ganesh, Shanti, Graffity, Asana, Ganges

PVC mats closed pore (high density): Rishikesh, Kailash, Comfort Pro, Universal, Ashtanga Pro

Yoga mats open time: Yogin Special, Yogin Extra

Recently, advances in the chemical industry and the growing popularity of yoga have led to the emergence of yoga mats made from new materials.

Yoga mats fromTPE (ThermoPlastElastomer). These mats are easy to spot against the background of other yoga mats - they have bright, rich colors. The next stage of recognition is weight. Taking it in your hands, you will be pleasantly surprised by the light weight of the rug. The rug is made using “closed cell” technology, i.e. it is quite wear-resistant and hygienic.

Unlike PVC, it slides TPE the rug under the sweaty palms slightly, the hands seem to slowly float under the load. The PVC mat is less predictable in this regard; wet palms can suddenly fall from the correct position, which is more dangerous.

Advantages: light weight, elasticity, hygiene, good friction (as long as you don't sweat).

Disadvantages: become slippery when palms are sweaty, expensive.

Rugs from TPE: Shakti, Shakti Pro, Lotos Pro, Lotos Light

Yoga mats fromPER (Polymer Environmental Resin). This polymer material is becoming increasingly popular, displacing PVC. It is positioned as Eco-Friendly , i.e. has no characteristic chemical odor, is pleasant to the touch, and does not cause allergies.

PE R rug looks similar to a PVC yoga mat, but is more elastic, durable, and can withstand washing better. And most importantly, it provides better friction. The cost of a rug from PER is between the price of PVC and TPE yoga mat. PER rugs can be of different densities, which determines their strength and cost. Manufactured using closed cell technology.

PER rugs: Namaskar, Jute Pro

The hegemony of PVC mats was interrupted about 10 years ago, when manufacturers learned to produce yoga mats from natural rubber. These mats provide excellent traction, but are very expensive, not recommended for people with latex allergies, and are quite heavy. Yoga lovers are also attracted to these mats because they are made entirely of natural material.

There is a wide variety of yoga mats made of natural rubber, having different surface textures, thicknesses, structures, but they are all made using technology "open time", i.e. capable of absorbing and releasing moisture. This is what provides excellent friction even with wet palms.

Of course, the quality of such rugs can vary greatly from model to model and does not always correlate with price. Choosing an expensive rubber yoga mat is not an easy task, and it is better to consult with the seller before purchasing or test a sample in the store yourself.All rubber yoga mats are made in China or Taiwan.

Literally revolutionized the production of yoga mats a year ago Spanish company Zahonero» , releasing a yoga mat "Salamander" This is the first among rubber yoga mats that is absolutely hypoallergenic, has antibacterial impregnation, is lightweight and does not have the characteristic smell of raw rubber, and has rich colors. And this is the only European factory that produces yoga mats made of natural rubber!

Advantages: excellent grip, 100% natural material, biodegradable base (i.e. the mat does not pollute the environment when disposed of).

Disadvantages: expensive, can be heavy (depending on the model), has a strong odor (which dissipates over time).

Natural rubber mats:Ojas Salamander, Salamander Carbon, Samurai, Samurai Ultra, Samurai Marbled