Yoga Mat Guide

A yoga mat is the heart and foundation of your yoga practice. For this reason, it is important to buy a yoga mat that best suits your style of yoga and also takes your individual needs into account. After all, your mat accompanies you in every session, whether at home, in the studio, outdoors, or even when traveling.

Myga yoga mats differ in material, thickness, composition, size, surface finish, grip, design, weight, and price. In our range, you will find a large selection of high-quality yoga mats, all of which have been tested and rated by yoga teachers and experienced yoga practitioners.

Our Yoga Guide will help you choose from a wealth of options so you can find the perfect mat for your practice and goals.

Yoga Mat FAQ

Materials

Myga's yoga mats are designed for diverse needs and preferences, combining the benefits of synthetic and natural materials for a balanced practice. Most feature a dual-sided construction with cork and rubber layers, providing excellent grip and insulation.

  • Cork

    Cork is the bark of oak trees and therefore a light natural product that is particularly suitable for very strenuous practices due to its high moisture absorption capacity. Also consider this property if you live in a place with high humidity.

  • Jute

    Jute is a natural fiber from the jute plant and is therefore completely biodegradable, lightweight, and highly sweat-absorbent. Initially, it may feel a bit rough, but the natural fiber will break in and become softer with use over time.

  • Rubber

    Rubber is very durable, so you won't need to replace your mat as often. Thick rubber provides great cushioning for your joints and, due to its weight, a more stable and secure base for your practice.

  • PVC and HDPVC

    Durable, long-lasting, latex-free, and lightweight.

  • TPE

    TPE is 100% recyclable, comfortable, insulating, extremely durable, and tear-resistant. A TPE yoga mat can be stretched considerably due to the elastic properties of TPE. The best thing about a TPE yoga mat is how lightweight it is.

Size

The mat should be long and wide enough to allow for full-body stretches and provide ample space for feet, arms, shoulders, and head.

Generally, for optimal comfort, a yoga mat should be at least 15 cm longer than your height. This extra length is advisable to prevent slipping off the mat during practice. With the right size, you can also practice deeper relaxation and Savasana without being distracted by a cold studio floor.

Note! - Extra-large yoga mats are ideal for tall people and anyone who prefers more space on and around the mat. Standard yoga mats are easier to roll up, store, and transport.

Thickness of your yoga mat

The preferred thickness you should consider when buying a yoga mat is a matter of personal preference.

Very thin yoga mats roll up quickly and are easy to carry, especially if you get to your yoga studio on foot, by bike or by public transport. Balancing on a thin yoga mat, such as 3mm, is less strenuous than on a 5mm thick yoga mat.

However, if you have sensitive knees, hips, ankles, or wrists, a thicker yoga mat might be a better choice for you. Thicker yoga mats are usually a bit softer and absorb pressure better. A thick Myga yoga mat can also be used for Pilates or other body exercises.

Again, it's up to you to find your individual compromise that best suits your needs and is best for your personal yoga practice.

REMEMBER! - A thick yoga mat gives you more cushioning and support. A thin yoga mat gives you more stability and connection to the ground.

Weight

Myga yoga mats weigh between approximately 1 kg and 5.72 kg. The factors that determine this are the thickness, size, and material of the yoga mat.
Yoga mats at the lighter end of the spectrum are easier to carry and transport. On the other hand, heavier mats can provide more stability, cushioning, and grip during practice.

Open-cell or closed-cell

In general, yoga mats fall into one of two categories - open-cell or closed-cell. The difference between open-cell and closed-cell yoga mats lies in the amount of air in the material.

Open-cell

The material, with an open-cell structure, contains more air, which provides cushioning and allows the mat to absorb water/sweat like a sponge within the mat, keeping it grippy.

  • Pros

    • Absorbs moisture better.
    • Does not get slippery when wet.
    • Ideal for very sweaty practice, hot yoga and Bikram yoga.
    • More cushioning.

  • Cons

    • Can more easily accumulate deposits and bacteria.
    • A little more difficult to clean.

Closed-cell

A closed-cell structure repels water/sweat, preventing it from penetrating the core of the mat. The mat may become slippery when wet, but it is much more durable.

  • Pros

    • More hygienic – does not absorb odors and bacteria as easily.
    • Easier to clean.
    • On average more durable.
    • Firm grip.

  • Cons

    • Can get slippery if you have sweaty hands.
    • Less cushioning.

Longevity

The lifespan of a yoga mat depends heavily on several factors, such as:

  1. Material
  2. Yoga style
  3. Frequency of practice
  4. Intensity of practice
  5. Care of the mat
  6. The environment in which you practice yoga

Travel suitability

A travel yoga mat should primarily be lightweight, compact, and easy to roll up. Ultimately, the ideal weight for your travel mat depends on your personal preferences. If you practice yoga while traveling, you need to be aware that a lighter mat offers less cushioning for your joints.

Slip resistance

The different types of mats offer varying degrees of grip depending on the material and cell structure - an open-cell surface absorbs sweat and thus provides better grip, while a closed-cell surface is less slip-resistant.

For styles such as Yin, Restorative, or Kundalini Yoga, slip resistance does not play a major role, giving you a wider range of yoga mats to choose from.

If you sweat a lot or practice Hot Yoga, a mat with an open-cell surface is essential for optimal grip.

Comfort and Support

The texture of your yoga mat contributes to your feeling of comfort and support.

Thinner mats can increase stability for yoga styles with more active and focused poses. In contrast, thicker yoga mats offer more cushioning to protect your joints.

Your personal yoga style, as well as what your body needs, is crucial for choosing your yoga mat!

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