Finding the right yoga mat isn’t just about the “brand name” or most expensive product—it’s about finding the right fit for you. The mat you choose directly impacts your confidence, balance and overall performance. The three biggest factors to consider when searching for a mat are grip, thickness and material. These fluctuate between brands and companies.
“Since I go to hot yoga about four times a week, having a super grippy mat is really important to me and something I had to consider when I bought mine. I ended up with a lululemon mat, and I love it,” Zofia Zak, a Brighton High School senior and hot yoga instructor at the Space, said.
Lululemon mats range in price from $98-$118. Compared to others, lululemon mats are in the median of cost. Lululemon is an established brand in the yoga world, also selling a variety of apparel and other accessories. In a survey of local yoga instructors, 44% of users said they owned a lululemon mat and would recommend it to others.
Along with grip, many consider thickness when buying a mat, as it is a major factor in determining support.
“I have bad ankles, so when I thought about buying a mat, I had to see which one was thickest and had good support,” Jessie Roy, a local yoga instructor, said.
With a surge in popularity, ALO has taken over the fitness and yoga world. Along with having good grip and being on the thicker side (5mm), many users like it for the sleek, aesthetic finish it has. The mats average a cost of 150 dollars, which places them on the high end of price. While one of the features is the thickness, which is beneficial to those with joint issues, some users complain it’s too heavy.
“Rolling it up and carrying it when it’s dry is a hassle, so after hot yoga when it’s wet, it’s extremely heavy and sometimes an inconvenience to carry around,” senior Ella Persyn said.
Liforme mats have been around for roughly 18 years, originating in 2008. Since then, the company has perfected their mats, improving the quality and listening to user feedback. On the more expensive side, the mats range from 130-190 dollars. First-time buyers have the option to sign up for emails to get 10% off.
“I’ve been an instructor for about 3 years and have had my Liforme mat throughout it all. I absolutely love it and would recommend it to everyone. I really like it when I’m teaching since it’s very grippy. Other mats I’ve used have slid all over the floor, and that’s just kind of awkward when you’re in front of people and slipping,” one yoga instructor said.
There are several different types of mats they offer, including travel mats, kids’ mats and XL mats. All boast high reviews, and the brand offers a lifetime guarantee of quality.
Purchasing non-name brand mats is also an option. Stores like Target, Marshall’s, Walmart and Meijer sell cheap mats in a variety of styles and colors. The obvious pros are that they’re easy to access and cheaper. However, these options aren’t always the best if you want a higher-quality mat. If you’re just trying out yoga and aren’t sure you want to invest over 100 dollars in a mat, this can be a good starting point to see what style of class you like and what mat best fits your needs.
