Getting older certainly has its benefits, but flexibility isn’t one of them. As we age, our flexibility decreases, which can lead to injuries if we give up stretching before a workout or reduce our physical activity to compensate. The good news is that this doesn’t have to be the case—and finding the best yoga mat for you is a great way to start.
Yoga is a fantastic way to maintain that youthful flexibility, but the benefits go much further. Some of the additional benefits of yoga include managing stress, improving strength and balance, relaxing you for a better night’s sleep, helping with back pain and easing arthritis symptoms.
And while there are advantages to going to a class regularly, the convenience of doing yoga at home can be alluring as well. There are numerous online video classes that you can stream to your television and do at your leisure. With that said, aside from comfortable clothing and a small space, the only thing needed to begin your journey is a good yoga mat.
Here are seven of the best yoga mats to find your Zen and begin your transition to a healthier lifestyle.
Young practicing at home on her mat, doing push-ups Credit: Getty Images / SrdjanPav
The 7 Best Yoga Mats for Every Budget
Gaiam Premium Reversible Yoga Mat
Channel your inner peace with this water-inspired yoga mat design. This premium yoga mat is 6 millimeters thick and is made of latex-free PVC to provide a stable and comfortable platform. It also has a “sticky” texture to help your grip. The best part? Gaiam has a lifetime yoga mat guarantee.
gaiam peaceful waters reversible yoga mat Gaiam Premium Reversible Peaceful Waters Yoga Mat (6mm) $34.98 shop it Gaiam
B Yoga B Mat Strong 6mm
This 100% rubber mat provides 6 mm of cushion for those looking for extra comfort and support. It also features an antimicrobial surface and comes in nine colors, so you can choose the shade that appeals most to you.
The B MAT Strong 6mm B Mat Strong $96.00 shop it Banider
BalanceFrom All-Purpose Yoga Mat
Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat
At 4.7 mm thick, this mat is slightly thinner than others on the list, but its ultra-dense construction still provides superior joint protection. It’s available in two lengths—standard (71 inches) and extra long (79 inches)—and comes in 12 fun colors.
Manduka Prolite yoga mat Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat (4.7mm) $99.00 shop it Manduka
JadeYoga Harmony Mat
This eco-friendly mat features a 4.5-mm-thick natural rubber construction. It boasts a grippy texture for extra support and comes in an array of colors to choose from. In keeping with the ecological approach, Jade also plants a tree for every mat sold.
Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat $79.95 shop it Backcountry
This half-inch-thick foam mat is ideal for yoga or any at-home exercise where you need a little extra cushion or support. This bargain pick comes with a shoulder strap for easy transport, and you can choose from seven bright colors to match your aesthetic.
Liforme Original Yoga Mat
Featuring the brand’s proprietary GripForMe material, this mat is wider and longer than many other mats, providing an ample platform for all. It is also the thinnest mat at 4.2 mm. It also features their AlignForMe system of alignment markers for ease of use and is made of eco-friendly, biodegradable materials.
liforme yoga mat Liforme Yoga Mat $140.00 shop it Liforme
Young practicing at home on her mat, doing push-ups Credit: Getty Images / SrdjanPav
Young practicing at home on her mat, doing push-ups
Credit: Getty Images / SrdjanPav
gaiam peaceful waters reversible yoga mat
Gaiam Premium Reversible Peaceful Waters Yoga Mat (6mm) $34.98 shop it Gaiam
gaiam peaceful waters reversible yoga mat
$34.98
shop it Gaiam
Gaiam
The B MAT Strong 6mm
B Mat Strong $96.00 shop it Banider
The B MAT Strong 6mm
$96.00
shop it Banider
Banider
amazon yoga mat
amazon yoga mat
$19.80($49.95 save 60%)
Manduka Prolite yoga mat
Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat (4.7mm) $99.00 shop it Manduka
Manduka Prolite yoga mat
$99.00
shop it Manduka
Manduka
Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat
Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat $79.95 shop it Backcountry
Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat
$79.95
shop it Backcountry
Backcountry
$21.98
liforme yoga mat
Liforme Yoga Mat $140.00 shop it Liforme
liforme yoga mat
$140.00
shop it Liforme
Liforme
