Yoga has long been praised for its beneficial effects on the mind and body. It aids in developing strength and flexibility, stress relief, and general mental and physical fitness. Yoga takes very little equipment to get started compared to other fitness routines. While most studios supply everything a beginner requires, purchasing your yoga mat, yoga-specific clothing, and a few other items can enhance your yoga experience. In this article, our experts will give you their opinion on choosing the best yoga mat in India, which are the best yoga mats on decathlon, best yoga mat under 500, and more. So, keep scrolling to know more.

Introduction

Yoga mats are flexible pieces of exercise equipment that are used in a variety of home training programs. Having a good yoga mat that gives the correct grip and support is essential whether you're going to a local class or practicing at home. Injury and dissatisfaction might result from working on a slick mat, a slick towel, or an excessively soft gym cushion. Although most studios and gyms provide mats for public use, having your own might be a more sanitary option.

There was just one basic style of yoga mat fifteen years ago — made of PVC and known for its stickiness — and your only option was to buy purple or blue. There is now a yoga mat to meet every need and inclination. Your yoga mat should be able to keep you steady in your postures, as well as being storable and portable while yet being comfortable and soft. You could want your mat to be eco-friendly as well. The thickness of your mat, the material it's composed of, and the roughness of its surface all have an impact on these facets of its personality.


While there are several variations, the great majority of yoga mats are suitable for all types of yoga. Choosing between the two options is frequently a matter of personal preference. On the other hand, understanding the distinctions can help you choose the right mat for you.


Table Of Contents

  1. Why do you need the best yoga mat?
  2. Types of yoga mat
  3. Best yoga mats Decathlon
  4. How can you choose the best yoga mat in India?
  5. Frequently asked questions
  6. The bottom line

Decathlon is on a mission to make sports available to as many people as possible in India. We are the largest sports retailer in the world. Decathlon was founded in 1976 in Lille, France, and now has 1535 outlets throughout the globe (60 in India since 2009). However, they aren't the only features that distinguish Decathlon. Decathlon's distinctive athletic culture (Decathlon wants everyone to be able to participate in sports), innovation (Decathlon files patents every year for cutting-edge items developed in its R&D lab), and work culture are what set us apart (Decathlon offers growth and intrapreneurial opportunities to its employees).


Why Do You Need The Best Yoga Mat?

  • A yoga mat allows you to create your yoga environment. If you're doing yoga in a public park, using a mat to define your space eliminates public intrusion and enables you to practice yoga without interruption.
  • Anti-skid material has been used to create it. As a result, it will save you from sliding and injuring yourself while executing yoga asanas.
  • On a wet morning, a yoga mat will always be your best buddy. If it has been raining all night and your lawn grass is wet, yoga on special yoga mats will allow you to continue your practice without getting wet.

Types Of Yoga Mats


1. Natural Rubber Yoga Mat

Natural rubber mats are created using natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, a sustainable resource, and contain no EVA or other synthetic rubber, unlike other mats. In some ways, a natural rubber mat is everything a yogi could desire in a yoga mat: it's eco-friendly, has excellent traction, and is comfortable. This mat also contains antibacterial characteristics, making it easier to maintain cleanliness.


2. TPE Yoga Mat

Polymers, a type of plastic with thermic and elastic qualities, make TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers) yoga mats. Moulded, extruded, and reused TPE materials are simple to work with. They are not, however, recyclable. TPE is less reactive and polluting than PVC since it does not require reinforcing agents, stabilisers, or even cure systems. As a result, it's a better option than PVC.


3. PVC Yoga Mat

PVC yoga mats are constructed from powdered PVC resin. PVC mats are typically made with substandard quality to save money. On the other hand, yoga mats made of PVC provide various advantages if the PVC is of high density and quality. They deliver on comfort and usefulness while also being surprisingly simple to clean. Furthermore, they are quite durable.


4. NBR Yoga Mat

NBR is a synthetic rubber that is widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries. Because it provides good insulation and cushioning, it has become popular among yoga mats. The production of NBR is not ecologically friendly. NBR mats are constructed of synthetic rubber that is not collected naturally and is instead manufactured. NBR can deteriorate if some chemicals are applied to speed up the degradation process.


5. Jute Yoga Mat

Jute is a natural fibre derived from the Corchorus genus of plants. It is second only to cotton in terms of quantity produced and range of uses. In contrast to cotton, jute is a rain-fed crop that requires very little fertilizer or pesticide. PER is more environmentally friendly than PVC and has a lower carbon footprint.


6. Cork Yoga Mat

Cork is a natural product manufactured from the oak tree's cortex. It's a renewable resource that doesn't harm trees in the process of harvesting. To make them non-slippery on the floor surface, cork yoga mats usually have one side made of cork and the other made of a different substance. TPE or natural rubber is commonly used for the bottom layer.


7. EVA Yoga Mat

The EVA yoga mat is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate. It's made of a synthetic material that's both lightweight and crack-resistant. EVA yoga mats are moisture-resistant and simple to clean after your practice. On the other hand, Thinner versions may stretch a little when you exercise. EVA is commonly found in flip flops, but it's also found in various floor mats, including those used in gyms and schools.


8. Cotton Yoga Mat

Cotton cultivation has a significant environmental effect due to insecticides, fertilisers, and large volumes of water. Cotton crops have been genetically engineered in some cases. These crops necessitate the use of the herbicide glyphosate, which carries health and environmental dangers. We may also use organic cotton as an option.


9. Wool Yoga Mat

Wool is a renewable resource that does not cause harm to sheep. If the wool is organic, it aids small farmers and has a low environmental effect. Wool yoga mats are suggested for calming yoga styles, including Yin, Kundalini, Mantra, Meditation, and Relaxation.


Best Yoga Mats Decathlon


1. Comfort Yoga Mat 8 mm - Blue Jungle

The Comfort Yoga Mat is a thick, cushy mat and gives you maximum comfort. It is perfect for gentle yoga exercises because of its excellent grip on the floor and traction designed for it. This thick (8 mm), comfy yoga mat comes in plain and print options and is quite budget-friendly. It is also easy to clean simply using a soft cloth and soapy water. The mat comes with a strap, so you can take it wherever you go simply and easily.


2. Essential Beginner Yoga Mat 4mm - Blue

This mat is the best yoga mat under 500. It has a solid grip of optimal stability for practising yoga in complete safety. It is easy to transport and carry around since it has two elastic bands to keep the mat rolled up. The beginners' mat is also lightweight and made of 100% polyurethane foam.


3. Gentle Yoga Mat 8 mm - Bordeaux

The Gentle Yoga Mat is the best yoga mat Decathlon has created with this soft mat to help you ease into learning yoga. Nature is present every time you step on the mat. The comfortable thickness of 8mm lets you reconnect to your senses. It has an excellent grip on the floor, and the traction is designed for gentle yoga. The thickness cushions all high-pressure poses and encourages relaxation. It is easy to carry around with the soft strap that is great for carrying this mat to all your classes.


4. Kids' Yoga Mat 5 mm - Blue Bear

This Blue Bear mat is the best yoga mat online and is designed so that your child can have fun learning about the benefits of yoga and accessing calm and concentration. You can do yoga with your child guided by the poses of an animal printed on our mat, and your child can have fun and relax in a class (studio or school) or at home. The animal motifs provide ease of learning. The mat is made of a soft, warm fabric and is 5 mm of cushioning to insulate from the ground. The straps on the mat keep it rolled up and easy to store and carry.


5. 8 mm Comfort Yoga Mat - Yellow

This thick, cushy mat is designed for maximum comfort. It is perfect for gentle yoga. This thick (8 mm), comfy yoga mat comes in plain and print blue, yellow, and black options. It is perfect for gentle yoga because of its steady grip and traction to the ground. Being 8mm, it is thick and perfect for difficult poses and yoga exercises. It is easy to maintain and carry around with the straps.


6. Gentle Yoga Cotton Mat / Over-Mat 4 mm - Mottled Grey

Taking its inspiration from the Indian tradition and the roots of yoga, this mat is designed as an over-mat for gentle yoga and meditation. Seeking authenticity, simplicity, and softness, this mat will take you to the origins of yoga. It is made of organically grown cotton in India. Put it over a mat or a non-slip surface, and it lets you connect with the ground. It is easily foldable into a square or rolled up, and you can take it everywhere. It is also machine washable at 40°C making it easy to maintain.


7. Travel Yoga Mat 1.5 mm - Grey

The Travel Yoga mat folds up so you can take it with you to all your yoga retreats and festivals. This environmentally-friendly natural rubber mat is foldable to travel with you to your most beautiful retreats. In the studio, over a mat, it provides extra hygiene and comfort during your session. It is 100% environmentally friendly and made of natural rubber. It can easily be folded into a square to fit in a bag or rolled up. The mat is machine washable at 30°C.


8. Rubber & Jute Yoga Mat 4 mm

This mat is the best yoga mat in India and is designed for yogis looking for a mat made from a natural material. A mat with a raw look, with jute fabric visible on the surface. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly yoga mat that's also grippy, this mat is perfect for every pose. The natural materials help you to unwind. It is made from eco-friendly natural rubber and jute. The textured jute fabric keeps you from slipping, and the rubber helps you get a good grip so you can stay balanced. The 4 mm thickness is for a good balance of comfort and stability. It comes with a strap so you can take the mat anywhere.


How Can You Choose The Best Yoga Mat In India?


1. Thickness

Why it’s important: The thickness of your yoga mat has a lot to do with how pleasant it is - if it's too thin, a crescent lunge may cause your knee to sprain. Thick yoga mats (some as thick as 1/4 inch) might make it difficult to maintain a solid connection to the floor, making you unsteady in Tree Pose, for example.


Options: The thinnest yoga mats are 1/8 inches thick, while the thickest is 1/4 inches thick. Wafer-thin yoga mats, also called "travel yoga mats," are only 1/16 inch thick. They fold effortlessly and are light in weight, making them easy to pack in luggage.


Basic buying guide: Consider how much space you have to store your yoga mat, how essential portability is to you, and where your sweet comfort spot is in terms of feeling a direct connection to the floor. Choose a standard-depth mat in the 1/8 inch range if you're low on storage space, have a long commute to the studio, and want the sensation of just a little cushioning. Consider a quality yoga mat that is around 1/4 inch thick if you don't mind carrying and storing a bit extra weight for the benefit of additional cushioning. If you really must be able to pack your yoga mat in a bag or carry-on, invest in a 1/16-inch folding travel yoga mat.


2. Material

Why it’s important: The texture, stickiness, eco-friendliness, and sponginess (how much it submits to pressure) of your yoga mat, as well as how it wears over time, are all determined by the material it's composed of.


Options: PVC, sometimes known as vinyl, is the most common material used in yoga mats. Natural and recycled rubber, jute, and organic or natural cotton are some of the newer, more environmentally friendly possibilities (which means the fabric is not treated with synthetic finishes during manufacturing).


Basic buying guidelines: If you're allergic to latex, stay away from natural rubber yoga mats. Choose a yoga mat made of PVC if you want to remain with the tried and tested sticky mat, which can withstand your usage and abuse for more than a decade. Sponginess varies greatly depending on the materials used; however, PVC has the greatest "give" of any yoga mat material, while jute and cotton have the least. Continue reading and let your other goals lead you: texture, stickiness, and environmental friendliness.


3. Texture

Why it’s important: The traction provided by your yoga mat is determined by its texture. The amount of slipping and sliding you do is affected by texture, much like stickiness. It acts as a physical barrier against slipping (whereas stickiness relies on suction). Because texture impacts how a yoga mat feels, it's also a factor in overall comfort. Any lumpy texture can bother you in savasana if you're a Princess-and-the-Pea type. Texture can be man-made (a pattern of raised bumps, for example) or determined by the materials – jute yoga mats have an inherent roughness to them, but PVC yoga mats have a gentler feel, although being slightly textured.


Options: From totally smooth to brutally rough, there's a yoga mat texture to fit every desire.


Basic buying guidelines: If you want to avoid using PVC mats (the usual sticky yoga mats), seek rubber, jute, or cotton yoga mat with a raised, tactile design. The extra traction provided by the raised texture might help you stay put no matter how sweaty or strenuous your workout becomes. If you value smoothness above all else, a PVC yoga mat is the way to go. Test drive a few before you buy if you enjoy stickiness but are interested in the newer, more environmentally friendly ones. Even though they don't have the conventional "sticky" sensation, certain eco-friendly yoga mats may surprise you with how much traction they give.


4. Stickiness

Why it’s important: A sticky yoga mat prevents you from sliding around and aids in maintaining your alignment as you transition from one posture to the next and hold poses for several seconds.


Options: The adhesive factor of PVC yoga mats is the highest.


Basic buying guide: A PVC yoga mat is probably your best choice if you need aid remaining put in your postures but don't like the idea of practising on a raised texture yoga mat. Remember that these yoga mats are only sticky when they are clean, so take great care of yourself. If you get a PVC yoga mat, be sure to wash it before using it, and use a handy yoga wash cleanser anytime your hands slide forward in downward dog.


5. Eco-friendliness

Why it’s important: Ahimsa, or non-violence, is a yogic concept that we hold dear. This makes using a yoga mat that may eventually wind up cluttering a landfill for decades problematic.


Options: Yoga mats that are good for the environment are usually constructed of natural or recycled rubber. Natural materials, such as jute or organic cotton may be used in these yoga mats.


Basic buying guide: Avoid yoga mats made of PVC (the typical sticky mat) if you care about the environment. PVC does not decompose in landfills and is difficult and expensive to recycle. While PVC yoga mats come in various thicknesses, rubber, jute, and cotton yoga mats are thicker and slicker. You may buy an eco-friendly yoga mat with a thickness that matches your demands for comfort and portability, as well as a texture that resists slipping (such as a raised geometric design).


6. Price range

A simple 1/8 inch thick, plain solid-colour PVC sticky yoga mat will often be on the lower end of the pricing spectrum. Patterns, graphics, or logos may cost extra, premium thickness, antimicrobial treatments, and cool textures, particularly raised tactile patterns. Eco-friendly yoga mats are often on the more expensive side of the spectrum.


7. Style

After you've whittled down your options based on thickness, substance, texture, stickiness, eco-friendliness, and price, all that's left is style! So choose your favourite colour, pattern, or print now.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most effective method for cleaning a yoga mat?

When it comes to cleaning your yoga mat, the simpler your process, the better you get. Warm water and a few drops of your favourite dish soap should be mixed and sprayed liberally over the surface of your yoga mat. Scrub it thoroughly (but not forcefully) with a microfiber cloth. Repeat on the other side. Finally, clean your yoga mat on both sides with warm water and hang it to dry.


2. What makes a yoga mat different from an exercise mat? 

Yoga mats are usually thinner than fitness mats, have a textured surface for better grip, and are medium-firm for support, comfort, and grounding. On the other hand, an exercise mat is often considerably thicker and either quite hard to support heavy gym equipment or very cushioned to make you comfortable during bodyweight exercises.


3. What is the ideal thickness of a yoga mat?

Most typical Yoga Mats are just 18 inches thick, which is insufficient for an apprentice. On the other hand, Yoga mats can be as thick as 1/4 inch. You’ll probably need a thick yoga mat if you practice sitting regularly.


4. Is it worthwhile to invest in a high-priced yoga mat?

It does not imply that a costly mat will provide excellent specifications. In India, you may obtain a good mat at a reasonable price. However, some more expensive yoga mats have high-quality features that can help you get more out of your yoga practice.


5. Is it preferable to use a 4mm or 6mm yoga mat?

A 6mm yoga mat is far more practical than a 4mm yoga mat. It provides dependable stability and comfort while remaining lightweight enough to be readily transported.


The Bottom Line

You may receive the comfort you need, whether it's a rubber mat or a PVC mat, to get on with your everyday yoga activities with ease. The only information you require is understanding the lengths to which you practice yoga. There’s no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a yoga mat if you’re a beginner, as it won't help you. People who are just getting started with yoga might start with something basic and work their way up, learning about yoga and how yoga mats impact the whole experience. A strong rubber mat with a good grip is one of the greatest things to practice advanced yoga for experts. The Best Yoga Mat in India is listed above.


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