Picking the perfect yoga mat color for YOU is a practice-changer! It can be a mindful expression of your personality, an act of creating harmony, and powerful support for your intentions. Think about it: how often are your eyes on your mat? Every Down Dog, each sweaty Sun Salutation, all through challenging Chaturanga. You need illuminating inspiration! A drishti hue to help keep your asana stars aligned. Many tales are told by the color of your yoga mat.
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You’ve come to just the right place. With color psychology + yogini wisdom, we’ll discover your best yoga mat color, which one you should buy, and the meaning of this crazily colorful microcosm that will suit YOU, most supremely.
Questions to ask yourself:
RED – You are energetic, vibrant, and passionate. You feel things intensely. Like a red Ferrari, you stand out from the crowd…and someone (the cops? damned car color profiling!) is always chasing you. You like to chase back.
Niyama: Tapas — Heat/Cleansing.
Poses: Utkatasana (Chair Pose), Virabhadrasana 2 (Warrior 2), and Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations).
Chakra: Root – Survival + Grounding.
Add more RED to your yoga practice + life with these YIFY-approved goodies:
red yoga mat (Tip: wash thoroughly before using; this mat brand is slippery before washing, but great grip after.) / red yoga mat bag (The one I happily use. 27″ long, 100% cotton, easy zip, can’t-beat $20!) / red yoga towel (Grippy + soaks like a sponge. Made with 50% recycled materials.) / red yoga block + strap set / red yoga leggings (Gorgeous garnet color + hidden pocket + thick and opaque!) / women’s red yoga tank (Love this — I have 7 different colors! Wear a sports bra underneath; breezy with the bits covered.) / men’s red yoga tank (Under Armour HeatGear + lightweight + wicking + stretch mesh.) / red eco-friendly water bottle (My fave. BPA-free, made in the US, foldable/rollable!)
ORANGE – Orange mat people are balanced, warm, and enthusiastic. They have brought along Sweet Chili Yogi Tea to class to share with everyone. A little (or maybe a lot) flamboyant, they have oodles of friends.
Yama: Asteya — Non-Stealing; Oranges have plenty to give and love to do so.
Poses: Cat/Cow with Lion’s Breath, Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow/Wheel), and Pincha Mayurasana (Peacock).
Chakra: Sacral – Relationships + Sexuality.
Add more ORANGE to your yoga practice + life with these YIFY-approved goodies:
orange yoga mat (Thick, cushiony, Manduka Pro. Ahh.) / orange yoga mat bag (The one I happily use. 27″ long, 100% cotton, easy zip, can’t-beat $20!) / orange yoga towel (Grippy + soaks like a sponge. Made with 50% recycled materials.) / orange yoga block / orange yoga strap / orange yoga leggings (These are called Goddess leggings for a reason. So uniquely cool, like you, Orange.) / women’s orange yoga tank (Beautiful cut-out racerback + built-in shelf bra.) / men’s orange yoga tank (Under Armour HeatGear + lightweight + wicking + stretch mesh.) / orange eco-friendly water bottle (My fave. BPA-free, made in the US, foldable/rollable!)
YELLOW – You are joyous, happy, and hopeful. When you walk into a room, you fill the space with sunshine + lightness. Yellow people inspire and instill optimism in others.
Niyama: Santosha — Contentment.
Poses: Happy Baby, Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe), and Trikonasana (Triangle).
Chakra: Solar Plexus – Personal Power + Growth.
Add more YELLOW to your yoga practice + life with these YIFY-approved goodies:
yellow yoga mat (Lightweight, long-lasting Manduka ProLite.) / yellow yoga mat bag (The one I happily use. 27″ long, 100% cotton, easy zip, can’t-beat $20!) / yellow yoga towel (Grippy + soaks like a sponge. Made with 50% recycled materials.) / yellow yoga block / yellow yoga strap / yellow yoga leggings (So soft + pretty shirred legs.) / women’s yellow yoga tank (Love this — I have 7 different colors! Wear a sports bra underneath; breezy with the bits covered.) / men’s yellow yoga tank (Lightweight + breathable mesh knit.) / yellow eco-friendly water bottle (Complete with crazy straw! Fun, just like you, Yellow. BPA-free.)
GREEN – Green mat yogi/nis are natural, youthful, and intelligent. They love to learn, draw money and prosperity to them with ease, and are often healers of some sort. Greens are the people you want to know; they have an aura of ethereality + quirk.
Traditional Niyama: Mati — Spiritual Will + Intellect.
Poses: Vrksasana (Tree), Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Forward Bend), and Camatkarasana (Wild Thing).
Chakra: Heart – Unconditional Love for the Self + Others.
Add more GREEN to your yoga practice + life with these YIFY-approved goodies:
green yoga mat (Lightweight, long-lasting Manduka ProLite.) / green yoga mat bag (The one I happily use. 27″ long, 100% cotton, easy zip, can’t-beat $20!) / green yoga towel (Grippy + soaks like a sponge. Made with 50% recycled materials. Earth-loving, just like a Green!) / green yoga block + strap set / green yoga leggings (Seafoam, sleek, with clean lines.) / women’s green yoga tank (Ruched prettily at the bust, shelf-bra, + the loveliest strappy back detail.) / men’s green yoga t-shirt (This tee is so cool. Combat Green with subtly patterned mesh.) / green eco-friendly water bottle (My fave. BPA-free, made in the US, foldable/rollable!)
BLUE – You are tranquil, calm, and steady. You cannot tell a lie. Satya is your modus operandus. What you aren’t is loud, flashy, or inappropriate. Blues are welcome anywhere; they flow like water, making their way purposefully, yet elegantly.
Traditional Yama: Kshama — Patience + Presence.
Poses: Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), and Sukhasana (Easy Pose).
Chakra: Throat – Communication.
Add more BLUE to your yoga practice + life with these YIFY-approved goodies:
blue yoga mat (Lightweight, long-lasting Manduka ProLite.) / blue yoga mat bag (The one I happily use. 27″ long, 100% cotton, easy zip, can’t-beat $20!) / blue yoga towel (Grippy + soaks like a sponge. Made with 50% recycled materials.) / blue yoga block + strap set / blue yoga leggings (Deep, sleek, and cool, just like you, Blue.) / women’s blue yoga tank (Love this — I have 7 different colors! Wear a sports bra underneath; breezy with the bits covered.) / men’s blue yoga t-shirt (Under Armour HeatGear + lightweight + wicking + stretch mesh.) / blue eco-friendly water bottle (My fave. BPA-free, made in the US, foldable/rollable!)
PURPLE – People mat people are sophisticated, mysterious, and wise. They embody the grace of royalty. Purples are creative, artistic, + spiritual. Their color is the hue of meditation.
Niyama: Svadhyaya — Self-Study.
Poses: Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance/King Dancer), Eka Pada Koundinyasana 2, and Padmasana (Lotus).
Chakra: Third Eye/Brow – Intuition, Clarity, + Consciousness.
Add more PURPLE to your yoga practice + life with these YIFY-approved goodies:
purple yoga mat (Lightweight, long-lasting Manduka ProLite.) / purple yoga mat bag (The one I happily use. 27″ long, 100% cotton, easy zip, can’t-beat $20!) / purple yoga towel (Grippy + soaks like a sponge. Made with 50% recycled materials.) / purple yoga block + strap set / purple yoga leggings (Gorgeous plummy purple + pretty shirred legs.) / women’s purple yoga tank (Love this — I have 7 different colors! Wear a sports bra underneath; breezy with the bits covered.) / men’s purple yoga t-shirt (Under Armour HeatGear + lightweight + wicking + stretch mesh.) / purple eco-friendly water bottle (My fave. BPA-free, made in the US, foldable/rollable!)
PINK – Pink mat practitioners are sweet, romantic, and idealistic. They are closely in touch with and celebrate their inner child. These are caring, tender people who want to love and be loved. Hugging a Pink is like being wrapped in a fuzzy, snuggly, flowery blanket.
Traditional Yama: Daya — Compassion.
Poses: Hanumanasana (Monkey), Purvottanasana (Upward Plank), and Balasana (Child’s).
Add more PINK to your yoga practice + life with these YIFY-approved goodies:
pink yoga mat (Tip: wash thoroughly before using; this mat brand is slippery before washing, but great grip after.) / pink yoga mat bag (The one I happily use. 27″ long, 100% cotton, easy zip, can’t-beat $20!) / pink yoga towel (Grippy + soaks like a sponge. Made with 50% recycled materials.) / pink yoga block + strap set / pink yoga leggings (Happy bright pink + pretty shirred legs.) / women’s pink yoga tank (Love this — I have 7 different colors! Wear a sports bra underneath; breezy with the bits covered.) / men’s pink yoga t-shirt (Under Armour HeatGear + lightweight + wicking + stretch mesh.) / pink eco-friendly water bottle (My fave. BPA-free, made in the US, foldable/rollable!)
WHITE – You are pure, peaceful, and innocent. Soft, quiet, and gentle like winter snow.
Niyama: Sauca — Cleanliness. White has the presence of all colors and represents the energy of light. You have the ability to cleanse others and make them feel balanced and at ease.
Poses: Sirsasana (Headstand), Marichyasana 1, and Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall).
Chakra: Crown – Pure Consciousness.
Add more WHITE to your yoga practice + life with these YIFY-approved goodies:
white yoga mat (Tip: wash thoroughly before using; this mat brand is slippery before washing, but great grip after.) / white yoga mat bag (Color is ivory/natural. The one I happily use. 27″ long, 100% cotton, easy zip, can’t-beat $20!) / white yoga towel (Grippy + soaks like a sponge. Made with 50% recycled materials.) / white yoga block (White yoga blocks are very hard to find! This one is natural cork; as close as YIFY could come to white.) / white yoga strap (Color is more ivory/natural.) / white yoga leggings (White. Python-print. Yoga leggings. These are AMAZING.) / women’s white yoga tank (Love this — I have 7 different colors! Wear a sports bra underneath; breezy with the bits covered.) / men’s white yoga tank (Under Armour HeatGear + lightweight + wicking + stretch mesh.) / white eco-friendly water bottle (Clean, pristine, + BPA-free.)
BLACK – Black mat yogi/nis are powerful, effortlessly stylish, and deep. Where white is all colors, black is the absence of light, no color.
Yama: Aparigraha — Non-Attachment. As black is indicative of the unseen, these yogi/nis have faith, solid as black soil. They are at peace with what may come. They are resilient.
Poses: Virasana (Hero), Virabhadrasana 3 (Warrior 3), and Bhujangasana (Cobra).
Add more BLACK to your yoga practice + life with these YIFY-approved goodies:
black yoga mat (Thick, cushiony, Manduka Pro. Ahh.) / black yoga mat bag (The one I happily use. 27″ long, 100% cotton, easy zip, can’t-beat $20!) / black yoga towel (Grippy + soaks like a sponge. Made with 50% recycled materials.) / black yoga block / black yoga strap / black yoga leggings (These fit like a glove. Waist is high for me, but the thickly opaque material + durability are paramount. Read notes on fit before buying.) / women’s black yoga tank (Love this — I have 7 different colors! Wear a sports bra underneath; breezy with the bits covered.) / men’s black yoga t-shirt (Under Armour HeatGear + lightweight + wicking + stretch mesh.) / black eco-friendly water bottle (My fave. BPA-free, made in the US, foldable/rollable!)
GRAY – You are subtle, sleek, and dignified. Gray is the color of winter skies and the water along rugged coastlines. You value security, minimalism, and independence. Perhaps you are a lone wolf, happily at peace in solitude, but able to enjoy the company of others on occasion.
Yama: Brahmacharya — Moderation.
Poses: Paschimottanasana (Forward Bend), Dolphin, and Garudasana (Eagle).
Add more GRAY to your yoga practice + life with these YIFY-approved goodies:
gray yoga mat (Earth-kind, lightweight, toxin-free Manduka eko.) / gray yoga mat bag (28″ long, holds a ton, zippered compartments, + ventilation eyelets.) / gray yoga towel (Grippy + soaks like a sponge. Made with 50% recycled materials.) / gray yoga block + strap set / gray yoga leggings (Space-dye can be very cool when done right. These are subtle yet uniquely interesting, just like you, Gray.) / women’s gray yoga tank (Love this — I have 7 different colors! Wear a sports bra underneath; breezy with the bits covered.) / men’s gray yoga t-shirt (Under Armour HeatGear + lightweight + wicking + stretch mesh.) / gray eco-friendly water bottle (My fave. BPA-free, made in the US, foldable/rollable!)
BROWN – Brown mat practitioners are earthy, stable, and comfortable in their mind, body, and spirit. They are masters of home and hearth, often good cooks and hosts/hostesses. Browns are unflappable; steady, strong, + genuine.
Yama: Ahimsa — No Harm.
Poses: Tadasana (Mountain), Malasana (Garland), and Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog).
Add more BROWN to your yoga practice + life with these YIFY-approved goodies:
brown yoga mat (Tip: wash thoroughly before using; this mat brand is slippery before washing, but great grip after.) / brown yoga mat bag (The one I happily use. 27″ long, 100% cotton, easy zip, can’t-beat $20!) / brown yoga towel (Grippy + soaks like a sponge. Made with 50% recycled materials.) / brown yoga block set (2 blocks for under $10! Yowza.) / brown yoga strap / brown yoga pants (Soft + streamlined harem pants. Perfect for flowy, earthy Browns.) / women’s brown yoga tank (Love this — I have 7 different colors! Wear a sports bra underneath; breezy with the bits covered.) / men’s brown yoga t-shirt (Under Armour HeatGear + lightweight + wicking.) / brown eco-friendly water bottle (Double-insulated, stainless steel, + BPA-free.)
Your special color helps align you with the Self. Surrounding your being with the hues that elevate your mind and yoga practice is very wise, indeed.
Tell me, do you and your yoga mat match? What color do you have? If not, based on the personality profiles above, which color sounds most like you?
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August and has been updated with more verve, fabtastic content, + fun sharable infographics!
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The search for the best yoga mat thickness can take you from the extra thick yoga mats that give you more protection for your joints to the ultra thin travel mats made for convenience on the go. With so many options, it's easy to get confused on which is just right for your daily practice.
If you’re reading this, it's likely that you know that a mat is not just something to place between your body and the floor when you work out.
It’s way more than that: your mat is that one essential piece of workout equipment that helps you feel grounded, supported and gives you the right protection for your joints - in addition to being beautiful and inspiring for your practice.
The mat in the photo above is available here.
The ideal mat should match your needs in such a way that you are able to get better and better at your yoga or Pilates practice in the 1+ years of using it – so committing to choose the right one now will most definitely help upgrade your practice in the long term.
Pick a mat that's too thin and you may experience a lot of discomfort in your knees, wrists and ankles when you hold poses for a long time. At the other end of the spectrum, one that is just too thick for you can slow down your movement and keep you from feeling 100% supported – you’ll just hopelessly sink into it.
By the time you’ve finished reading this post you’ll know all the options available to you, have a few myths debunked and be ready to choose the ideal mat according to your practice and personal needs.
If you are looking for an extra thick yoga mat, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Most mats that are very thick are made from materials such as PVC or foam, which are the most common materials being used to make exercise mats out there.
Many such mats range from 6mm to as much as 10 or 12 cm in thickness, which is about as thick as a woolen blanket and may well be *too much* for your regular practice. One of the downsides to these mats is that the materials they are made out of are not eco-friendly and therefore may contain toxins that get released into the environment long after the mat has been discarded. Simply put, this may not be the kind of material you’d wish your skin to rub against every day or with every workout, so the best advice for taking care of yourself and our planet would be to avoid mats made out of synthetic materials.
In terms of the comfort you’ll get with a 6mm yoga mat (or thicker), any such mat may tend to become too cushion-y with time. Much like a bed that’s way too soft, you’ll have a hard time feeling comfortable, especially when it comes to holding balancing poses or staying in the same pose for a long time. Your hands and feet are likely to simply sink into the mat, making it a chore to fight through so much thickness when you try to go from one pose to the next. At the end of the day, yoga is there to make us feel grounded, which may prove quite hard to achieve when you have too much of a barrier between your body and the ground itself.
There are more limited options when it comes to mats made of materials that are kinder to your body and the environment. Luckily, mats that are made from natural materials like natural rubber or cork cannot be too thick, and will therefore keep you more in control of your balance while you practice as well as give you the right grip for not slipping. For instance, DIYogi mats are made from natural rubber, which is a dense natural material extracted from rubber trees. This makes the absolute best material for grip. However, having more than 5mm thickness in natural rubber simply can’t be for a yoga mat – rubber is a heavy, dense material so a thicker natural rubber mat will be way too heavy. Natural rubber provides enough cushioning at 3.5 – 4.5mm and has more density than more common mats so there is no need to go for a thicker mat than that. If travelling with your mat to or from the studio or taking it with you on holiday is important to you, make sure you find a mat that is not too heavy and also comes with a carrying strap to help you take it anywhere.
Travel yoga mats tend to be mostly paper thin – somewhere around 2mm in thickness for the majority of them.
You’ll tell a travel mat apart from all the others by the fact that you can fold it easily, so you can take it anywhere with you. The downside? There’s only so much cushioning it can provide; so if you use this mat straight on the floor you are likely to feel it in your wrists after a few yoga sequences or planks, especially when transitioning from downward dog to chaturanga. The reason they are so thin and light is because they do exactly what it says on the tin – their only purpose is to make it easy for you to travel with them. Fold your mat to fit it into your suitcase if you want to stay fit on holiday, or take it from home, to your office, then to your local studio and back home without any hassle. But, while you practice, make sure you have something underneath it such as a carpet or another workout mat to take some of the hardness of the floor away.
Your joint health also determines the yoga or Pilates mat you need to choose.
The above should cover you perfectly unless you have a health condition, are working out with an injury or are pregnant. Ask your yoga teacher or even your physician to make sure, especially if you are practicing with swollen ankles, sensitive joints or have certain pain points that you are trying to protect while working out. It’s always best to practice extra care as there is not a one-size-fits-all in terms of yoga or Pilates gear; so make sure you pick what’s best for yourself.
If you are an advanced Yogi then you are likely to be comfortable with holding poses in most environments (yes, I’m talking about all those breath-taking Instagram photos of Yogis doing splits on cliffs!). But for most of us who are either beginners, intermediate or accustomed to a certain standard of comfort when practicing, a yoga mat that’s too thick is just not acceptable; neither is one that is too thin. When your hands and feet start to sink into the surface of your mat you’ll know it’s too thick for sure. Also, most likely a 4mm mat, which is just the optimal thickness for most of us, can give you the support you need to enjoy your practice and progress to the next level or workout goal.
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