The yoga mat is one of the most recognizable features in the contemporary yoga landscape. Whether in studios in New York or New Delhi, the mat is everywhere. But how often have we stopped to consider that this “sticky mat,” now ubiquitous in yoga classes around the globe, is in fact a rather new addition to the yoga tradition. For centuries, yogis have practiced on grass, on the hard earth, or on rugs fashioned from the hides of deer or tiger. Not until the 1980s were the first “sticky mats” designed, transforming the very practice of yoga itself. Today, the yoga mat is more than simply a barrier between you and the floor. Rather, it is a technological tour-de-force designed to maximize friction, comfort, and hygiene. Your selection of the correct yoga mat is not simply a matter of style or design. Rather, it is a decision that affects your joints, your balance, and your practice.
The Physics of Thickness: Cushion vs. ProprioceptionOne of the more significant factors to consider in choosing a good yoga mat is its thickness, which affects the level of give in the material, thereby creating a trade-off between comfort and stability.The industry standard for a good yoga mat is about 18\frac{1}{8}81 inch, or about 3mm3 \text{mm}3mm in thickness. This is the Goldilocks zone for most people, as it is enough to prevent bruised knees in Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana) but firm enough to allow you to feel the floor beneath you, so that you do not wobble about in Tree Pose (Vrksasana).Yet, the choices available vary greatly from the norm:
The Plush Mat (6mm6 \text{mm}6mm or 14\frac{1}{4}41 inch): These extra-thick mats are intended for Pilates or for people with sensitive joints. They feel great in Savasana, but they make it difficult to balance in standing poses because of their thickness, making the stabilizer muscles in the ankle work overtime to compensate for the wobble, thereby affecting proprioception, or the ability of the body to detect its position in space relative to the ground.
Travel Mat (1.5mm1.5 \text{mm}1.5mm or 116\frac{1}{16}161 inch): These mats are paper-thin and foldable into a suitcase. Although they provide excellent portability and hygiene (protecting a hotel carpet or a borrowed studio mat), they provide absolutely no impact protection whatsoever. Adjust your landing technique for jump-backs so you can use these mats more safely.
Material Matters: The Chemistry of the MatThe mat you choose affects the grip (traction), lifespan, and ecological impact of your mat. There are three main types of materials currently available for purchase:
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)PVC was the first material created for a yoga mat, and it’s a synthetic plastic that boasts the ability to be very, very durable. A high-density PVC mat can last more than a decade without peeling or flattening.
The Grip: PVC has a sticky feel to it, but it is “closed-cell,” meaning that it doesn’t absorb sweat. If you’re in a heated class, sweat will accumulate on the surface, and you’ll slip if you don’t have a towel handy.
The Eco-Factor: This is the downside. PVC is not biodegradable and cannot be recycled easily, although some high-end manufacturers have developed non-toxic, emissions-free products.
- These mats come from the rubber tree and are the darling of the eco-conscious set.
The Grip: Rubber has the highest friction coefficient. It grips the human body very well, so you won’t slide in Downward Dog. It is usually “open-cell,” meaning that it absorbs sweat to keep you from sliding.
The Downside: Natural rubber is heavy. A standard natural rubber mat weighs 5 to 75 to 75 to 7 lbs (2.5 to 32.5 to 32.5 to 3 kg). Also, being biodegradable, it cannot be left in the sun.
- TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)TPE is the compromise material. It is a synthetic material blend, softer and lighter than PVC, yet more resistant than low-cost foam. It is also recyclable and phthalate-free. It is a great material for beginners who want a good-quality mat without the hefty price tag or the weight of natural rubber.**The Innovation of Texture: Cork and PU**While the “Big Three” dominate the market, other innovations have also entered the market and changed the landscape. For example, Cork mats use a material called suberin, a waxy substance found naturally in cork. Ironically, the more wet the cork is, the better grip it offers. As your hands get wetter with perspiration, the wetness reacts with the suberin material on the mat, offering a favorite among Hot Yoga enthusiasts who do not want to use towels during class.Cork mats also offer the advantage of instant-drying properties. Polyurethane (PU) Leather mats, which are overlaid on a base made of rubber, also offer instant-drying properties. These are the smooth, matte-finish mats you see in the upscale studios. Cork offers a “dry grip” which is secure from the first Sun Salutation to the final Savasana.
Hygiene and LongevityYoga mats, being porous, are exposed to the human microbiome present on the skin. Open-cell yoga mats, such as rubber and PU, behave like a sponge, soaking up the moisture, oils, and dead cells present on the human body. This makes them breeding grounds for bacteria if not properly cleaned. These types of yoga mats need to be occasionally deep cleaned with vinegar-based solutions or enzyme cleaners. However, the yoga mats must not be soaked, as the water weight can cause the internal glue to break apart.Close-cell yoga mats, such as PVC, are easier to clean. As the moisture rests on the surface, a simple wipe-down with antimicrobial sprays after use is all that is needed.
ConclusionYour yoga mat is a sanctuary. It is a designated space that is free from the outside world, a world that is filled with emails, errands, and responsibilities. While the best yoga mat is made of PVC, natural rubber, or cork, the best yoga mat is the one that is free of distractions. Once the yoga mat is out of the way, and there is no longer a worry about slipping and hurting one’s knees, the focus is no longer on the equipment, but rather on the practice of yoga.
