Pick the best kind of yoga mat for the type of exercises you do

You might be sitting, lying down or stretching sideways but you want to be doing your yoga on the right kind of mat to cushion you from the floor or ground.

When you're doing your asanas – the physical postures in yoga – your mat gives you a safe and secure footing. And when you're lying down, it helps you feel warm and relaxed.

But there are many kinds of yoga mat, varying in thicknesses and materials. Some are made from materials such as PVC and TPE or natural rubber, cork or virgin wool. That gives them different properties in terms of slip resistance, cushioning and sustainability.

That leaves many wondering which is best to get. We heard from Kerstin Kopp, a certified yoga instructor who has spent a decade teaching Vini and Hatha yoga. She is also the press officer for BDYoga, the professional association of yoga teachers in Germany.

Which mat is suitable for which level?

KerstinKopp: As a beginner, a standard exercise mat or even a sleeping mat may suffice. But these often have the disadvantage that the material stretches out in certain poses, such as Downward Dog. Furthermore, these mats often have a pronounced curl, which can be a hindrance in some asanas.

By your second class at the latest, you should get a proper yoga mat, so that your practice can take centre stage rather than you having to struggle with the mat.

Which kind of yoga mat is suitable for which style of yoga?

Kopp:For gentler styles of yoga such as Yin Yoga or Yoga Nidra, virgin wool blankets are wonderful as they are soft and warm. For styles involving more physical activity, such as Hatha, Vinyasa or Ashtanga, you should prioritise a non-slip surface so that you can perform asanas such as the Hero Pose – also known as Warrior Pose – safely.

You can find out more about this from the makers. You can also get advice from specialist retailers and you can also test the mats in-store in some places.

A thicker mat is gentler on the joints, while a thinner one is best for balance poses. Depending on the pose, the thinner mat can also be layered on top of another to provide knee soft padding, for instance. Alternatively, you can use a folded towel or a cushion. Sometimes you might need a bit of ingenuity but feel free to use any aid that helps.

How long does the mat last – and what else is important?

Kopp:Generally speaking, the mats last quite a long time with normal use. However, you should take care not to fold the mat, but always roll it up so that the material does not tear. You should also avoid rolling it up against the grain.

Another important point is the issue of harmful substances. Depending on the production method, the manufacture of mats can have an environmental impact and pose a risk to the health of production workers as well as end users.

When you are looking for a yoga mat, you need to check carefully before you buy and, ideally, consider how it is made, too. Some brands have special eco-friendly ranges and spell out their quality guidelines in quite some detail.