Doesn’t exist. Okay, actually it does. It’s just not the same one for every person.
In all seriousness, I get asked all the time – which yoga mat should I use?
Yoga mats – like your purse – can be an extension of your personality. It can say something about you. You can buy a perfectly good yoga mat on sale for $10 at Marshall’s or you can buy a fancy shmancy organic rubber one for $60. At the end of the day, neither one is going to help you with that headstand or make you practice when you don’t feel like it.
That being said, an issue with cheaper mats is that they wear out more quickly and I have found that they are a little slippery. Traction is incredibly important for a safe yoga practice. Does that mean buy the most expensive one? I don’t know about you but doing that would severely throw off my qi. Like most things, the answer is probably somewhere in the middle.
So when looking for a mat, consider how “sticky” it is, the thickness and its length. For some it’s harder to balance on a thicker mat. For extremely tall people, you might want to buy an extra long mat.
Either way, don’t spend a lot on a mat. It’s not a purchase that requires high-involvement. If you’d prefer a more earth-concious mat, you could purchase one at Go Green Yoga Mats website. Just remember to follow the use and care instructions so that your mat will last as long as possible.
Currently, I am using the Gaiam Tree of Life Yoga Mat. It provides the grip that I need and honestly I love the design.
Happy Yoga!
Yogitastic 
Love the tree mat!
I have such difficulty finding the perfect mat. I have a very thin one from Prana that is great in stickiness but totally rips up the bottoms of my toes. I got a Gaiam from Target that has lines running vertically (perfect for alignment!) but my hands slide all over the place. The third one I had was sitting in the back seat of my car when the back window shattered, became covered in tiny glass shards, so I threw it out. š¦ I wish you could “try on” yoga mats before buying. I hate when they’re wrapped in plastic without any way of feeling them.
I saw a girl in yoga class yesterday who had a customized photograph mat!
Wow! You have quite the mat saga! š
I agree with you… I wish we could try mats before purchasing. If I run into a mat that might be the perfect solution for you I’ll definitely let you know… But if you find one before I do please let me know here so I can pass it on to everyone else.
In a completely different direction I hear you can do yoga in Vibram Five Fingers. Maybe that’s where you’re headed?
Sam
I’d love to hear reviews of yoga mats! The price tag of Mandukas is a shock, but I bet they’re some of the best out there.
I hear you on the VFFs. I have several runner friends who swear by them, but I just wonder how they would work in conjunction with a mat (rubber on rubber–eek!).
LOL… I was thinking more of removing the need for a mat if you were the VFFs! š I’ll keep an eye out, Jennifer!
P.S. Did I tell you that I love the picture of you hula hooping?!?
I Love the Tree Mat also. š
I like your site too. I have seen the information I needed.
Thanks for it. š
Thanks for taking the time to check it out! Your site has some pretty cool-looking yoga mats as well!
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I bought a yoga mat many years ago, when yoga was a hobby. Later on when I got serious on my practice I realize that my mat did not have enough grip..I was torn in spending a fortune on a brand mat, which advertise good grip, etc…This X-mas my daughter gave me a Manduka mat, which I love the way it holds me…I lay a regular mat on the floor for extra cushion and place my Manduka mat on top. Now my new mat is heavy to carry on a regular basis…Well perfection does not exists. I love my mat, it reminds me of my daughter care every time I use. Solution enjoy a gift from your loved ones…Namaste
You are so right, Megan, perfection doesn’t exist! But Manduka comes pretty close, yes? How sweet of your daughter to buy you one! Maybe I should put it on my Amazon wishlist…
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