While yoga rugs can be comfortable when performing basic warmup exercises , yoga mats are often needed for other types of yoga, such as vinyasa flow, because yoga mats inherently have more grip. Our range of eco yoga mats are crafted using a selection of sustainable and biodegradable materials including sustainably harvested natural tree rubber, cork, organic cotton and more. Made using non-toxic chemicals and dyes, you can complete your practice with the assurance that our yoga mats have been produced with the environment in mind. Available in different styles, opt for a standard rectangular yoga mat, or switch up your practice with a curve or round mat. And whether you're attending yoga class or want to update your at-home yoga space, our sustainable yoga mats are made in a wide range of elegant patterns and sought-after colourways to suit every taste. Searching for a wider range of props? Discover our full range of yoga equipment at Yogamatters.

These distinguished benefits of a yoga rug are not the same as the benefits of a yoga mat, but nonetheless, should not be overlooked. How to Use Yoga Mats and Yoga Rugs Together And when considering a yoga rug, you may also be keen to find out whether the yoga rug is produced by artisans in another country such as India, as an art form and an vital opportunity towards providing livelihood to underrepresented communities. Yoga mats also come in a wide range of sizes, so you are able to choose a yoga mat that fits your travel needs, whether that is simply from the home to the gym, or traveling on an airplane, or needing a yoga mat in a hotel room to loosen up. Higher Variety of Yoga Mats

The Yogamatters Edit

Yoga props are used for different purposes to aid you in your practice. Generally speaking, they are used to provide stability and support when entering difficult poses but they can also be used to help you get a deeper stretch. Yoga props are a great tool for gradually increasing your flexibility, range of motion, and strength. On the other hand, yoga mats can be made with a wide range of different materials to serve different purposes. Some yoga mats are eco-friendly, using all-natural tree rubber for the base layer. However, there are many yoga mats that are made from cheap, synthetic materials, such as foam or TPE, which are not biodegradable or recyclable either. Oh, and if you have any little ones at home running around at home, why not get them involved in yoga too? If you scroll down to the bottom of the list, you’ll find our choice of the best kids’ yoga mat. Those looking for a more natural and traditional yoga experience will benefit from using a yoga rug. The organic cotton used in yoga rugs has a very different texture than a yoga mat, and many say it feels like you’re closer to nature. In actuality, what’s “better” is relative to your individual needs, as the intensity of your yoga practice, your weight, how much you sweat, and more, should all be factored in when making a decision about what's better to buy. What is a Yoga Mat?

Even though there are distinct advantages to each, a sturdy, well-made yoga mat can offer the quintessential combination of quality and function. While many mats such as the Yogalette are perfectly suitable for little yogis, their limited size means they don’t have much scope for longevity when your child grows up. And if they decide they want to continue practicing yoga into adolescence, we doubt they’ll still want to keep using something branded Kiddomat. On the other hand, yoga mats can be rolled easily and dropped into your bag or used with a Yoga Strong Strap for hassle-free transport.Yoga mats and yoga rugs can also be used together in distinct situations where you may need extra cushion. The yoga rug can give you the natural feel on your hands and feet, while the yoga mat underneath pads and stabilizes your hips and knees. Especially for those engaging a physically demanding routine with inversions and balances, such as those with a yoga swing , a yoga mat will be a superior choice. Benefits of a Yoga Rug Yoga rugs have been shown to offer more durability than traditional yoga mats. Since yoga rugs are made of woven materials, you can wash them in your washing machine without worry, giving it more longevity. The higher variety of yoga mats is also helpful based on the type of yoga you enjoy. For hot yoga, you may need a non-slip yoga mat, while the physical nature of Ashtanga yoga or partner stretches may demand a more supportive yoga mat. Yoga Mats Have More Grip

Another top-quality option from our pals at Les Mills. Unlike the MBX mat above, this one is designed specifically for yoga, with a vegan leather top layer that absorbs moisture (read: sweat) and stops you from sliding around, no matter how clammy your paws are. Sure enough, our resident yogi stayed rooted in their poses during vigorous vinyasa flows, without any distracting slipping around. Music to our ears! Our pros put a number of mats through their paces, seeing how each one performed during yoga, yoga nidra (a form of deep rest), HIIT and even weights sessions (most yoga mats double up as exercise mats). They were scored based on how grippy, comfortable, portable and stable they were (with bonus points for eco credentials), and only their favourite few made it on to this list. For advanced yogis that perform headstands and other inversions, you may want additional support. Using a headstand as an example, your hands and wrists hold a lot of tension, so using a yoga mat and a yoga rug together can enhance your comfort level. Prices can vary, and like with most things in this life, you can be simply paying for the brand. A good rule of thumb to follow is: anything different to your bog standard-sized PVC yoga mat is going to cost a little bit more than your average. And if you’re a new yogi, you may want to start off with a cheaper, more basic mat while you figure out what type is best for you. Finding the best yoga mat to do your stretches on can help make the most of every practice. It doesn’t matter whether you prefer Bikram or Ashtanga, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a total newcomer – a good mat will help you hold your poses wherever you are, so you can perfect your posture and keep your flow without worrying about slipping or sliding.Yoga mats also have the advantage of being more portable than yoga rugs. What makes yoga rugs a good option for durability can make them a poor option for portability, as the dense nature of yoga rugs can make them difficult to roll up, making them bulkier for transport. The materials used by yoga mats and yoga rugs vary considerably. As the eco-friendly option, yoga rugs often are woven, usually with organic cotton. Many yoga rugs are also constructed by hand, woven, stitched, and dyed by artisans, giving them a natural feel similar to a rug you’d find in your living room at home. There’s nothing more irritating than buying a brand new yoga mat only for it to fall apart after a few vinyasa classes. Fortunately, there’s no such problem with this durable offering from the experts at Complete Unity. It’s crafted from sustainably harvested tree rubber and natural jute fibres, which means the surface isn’t the smoothest, but it is resistant to wear and tear and, crucially, it’s uber sturdy – trust us, it won’t budge, whether you’re flowing on carpet, hard wood or tiles.