Joybuy Insights

Buying a yoga mat: how to choose the right mat for yoga, Pilates and home workouts

A yoga mat may seem simple, but small differences in size, material and thickness can affect how comfortable it feels to move on. A mat that’s too narrow leaves little room for wide poses. A slippery surface can feel unsafe during dynamic exercises. And a thick fitness mat isn’t always suitable for balance work.

If you focus only on colour or a low price, you may run into three common pitfalls:

  1. A size that doesn’t suit your body or exercises
    A standard mat is large enough for many people, but taller users and those who move around a lot may benefit from an extra-wide or XXL yoga mat.

  2. Non-slip claims without clear details about the surface
    Don’t just look for the words ‘non-slip yoga mat’. Check whether the mat has a pattern or texture, or different surfaces on each side, and whether its underside is suitable for your floor.

  3. A thickness that doesn’t suit how you’ll use it
    A thin mat gives you more contact with the floor and can feel comfortable for balance work. A thick yoga mat offers more cushioning for kneeling, abdominal exercises and floor workouts, but may feel less stable for some yoga poses.

Which features should you check?

1. Size: length and width

First, measure the space where you work out. A length of around 173 to 183 cm suits many standard workouts. A 190 cm mat gives you more room to stretch out fully. Width is just as important: 61 cm is common, while 80 or 100 cm gives you extra room to move.

An extra-wide yoga mat is useful for Pilates, gymnastics, stretching and exercises where your arms or legs might extend beyond a narrow mat. Bear in mind that a larger mat takes up more floor space and may be harder to store in a small space.

2. Thickness and cushioning

Thickness is usually given in millimetres or centimetres. A 6 mm mat, such as the Narwhal mat, offers a balance between cushioning and stability. A 7 mm model provides a little more comfort without being as bulky as a heavy exercise mat. At 1.2 cm thick, the Capelli Sport mat is noticeably thicker, making it better suited to floor workouts, fitness and exercises where extra padding is useful.

Thickness is not a medical feature and won’t prevent injuries. Choose a mat based on your exercises, the surface you’ll use it on and your personal preference. Extra cushioning can feel comfortable on a hard floor, while a less yielding mat may give you more control in standing balance poses.

3. Material and care

  • TPE yoga mat: TPE is flexible and lightweight. According to the product description, the Narwhal mat is made from dense, elastic TPE and has a textured surface on both sides.
  • PVC yoga mat: PVC is often used for sturdy exercise mats. The Reebok models have a PVC construction. According to the product information, the closed-cell structure of the RAMT-12236MN doesn’t absorb sweat, making it easy to wipe clean.
  • NBR foam: NBR is soft and comes in thicker designs. The Capelli Sport exercise mat uses NBR foam, making it suitable for comfortable support during fitness and floor exercises.

Check the care instructions too. The models mentioned are designed to be cleaned with a damp cloth. Leave your mat to air fully before rolling it up, and don’t use harsh abrasive cleaners. Store it somewhere cool and dry, away from prolonged direct sunlight.

Recommended yoga mats for different users

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Reebok RAMT-12236MN fitness and yoga mat, 173x61x0,7cm, maroon

Reebok RAMT-12236MN fitness and yoga mat, 173x61x0,7cm, maroon

Why it suits this user: Measuring 173 x 61 cm, this mat is practical for yoga, stretching and general floor exercises at home or on the go. The included carry strap makes it easier to store and take with you.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information mentions a ribbed underside and a closed-cell structure. According to the description, this makes the surface easy to wipe clean and gives it more grip on the floor than a completely smooth mat.

Key benefits and features

PVC, 0.7 cm thick, closed-cell structure, wipe-clean surface and carry strap.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Reebok double-sided yoga mat, black/desert dust

Reebok double-sided yoga mat, black/desert dust

Why it suits this user: The reversible design gives you two different surfaces to practise on. That’s useful when you switch between balance poses and gentle stretching.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Rather than having one all-purpose surface, you can choose between a grippier side for balance work and a softer side for stretching, according to the product description.

Key benefits and features

PVC, two surfaces, water-repellent according to the product description, and supplied with a carry strap.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent users
Narwhal large extra-large yoga mat

Narwhal large extra-large yoga mat, 190 x 80 x 0.6 cm

Why it suits this user: At 190 x 80 cm, this XXL yoga mat offers more room for taller users, Pilates, gymnastics, strength training and wide movements.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its generous size helps solve the problem of having too little room to practise. According to the product information, the leaf-like texture on the top and wave pattern on the underside are designed to provide grip.

Key benefits and features

TPE, 190 x 80 cm, 6 mm thick, textured on both sides and supplied with two carry straps.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about yoga mats

How do you clean a yoga mat?

Wipe the mat down with a damp cloth after use. Only use a mild cleaning product if the product information says it’s suitable. Let the mat dry fully before rolling it up. According to the product description, a PVC mat with a closed-cell structure is easy to wipe clean, but that doesn’t automatically mean it’s machine washable.

How long does a yoga mat last?

Its lifespan depends on how often you use it, the surface you use it on, your body weight, how you clean it and how you store it. Look out for permanent distortion, tears, smooth patches or peeling textures. Use your mat on a flat, clean floor and don’t drag it over rough surfaces.

Which yoga mat is suitable for Pilates and fitness?

For Pilates and fitness, a fitness mat, sports mat, exercise mat or workout mat with enough room and cushioning is often a practical choice. A thicker NBR model suits many floor exercises. For standing yoga poses and balance work, a less yielding TPE or PVC yoga mat with a textured surface may give you more control.