When you’re practicing yoga, where you practice isn’t even half as important as the mat you practice on. There’s a definite difference between the $10 Target rubber mat and the $80 mat from a trusted yoga company. Once you get past the introductory phase and into your habitual yogi flow, it’s worth it to invest in a good mat.

Mats are more than just something to cover your practice space – they actually help you maintain balance and correct posture during your poses, and they can make or break your workout hygiene.

Look for something with… 

Durability

When you know this is an activity you’re going to stick with, it’s time to upgrade to something you can keep for a long time. Look for material that’s not going to wear down within a year of regular practice – or even a few years. Materials like natural rubber will last about 2 to 3 years when taken care of well, although some people use them up to 10 years. Plus, since cleanliness and sanitation are a big reason why people swap out their mats, natural rubber is a great choice because of its antimicrobial properties that help keep it clean.

A good grip

Nothing can derail a perfectly good pose like a slippery mat. Cheap plastic mats may have you slipping and sliding all over the place, but high-quality and durable mats help grip the floor to keep your mat in place, provide traction so your hands and feet don’t slip and absorb moisture so that a good sweat doesn’t get in the way of your balance. 

High-quality PVC mats made from PVC resin are known for their thick cushioning and stable, non-slip coatings. Just be careful – this is a material that’s easy to mass produce, and their low-quality cousins won’t have the same benefits. If going PVC, it’s important to do the research instead of automatically going with the cheapest option.

Environmental sustainability

Just like all products, the yoga mat industry has manufacturers that aren’t doing great things for the environment. Especially in a practice that promotes peace, harmony and respect (for yourself, those around you and the space you’re in), many yogis find it important to transfer those ideals onto the products they practice with.

Materials like NBR – a synthetic rubber – use toxic substances that are banned in many parts of the world, whereas materials like jute – a natural plant fiber that needs very little to no pesticides to grow – are more environmentally friendly and may help support local farmers around the world, depending on the manufacturer.

Do your research to make sure the brands you’re buying from are produced ethically and sustainably.

At the end of the day, the mat you practice on is a very personal decision. From the way it feels under your feet to the way it smells in a downward dog, your mat plays a significant part in your yoga experience. Taking the time to research what works best for you – as well as the yoga industry and the planet – is well worth the time spent to make sure you have a mat you’ll love for years to come.