Tips for Choosing the Right Yoga or Exercise Mat
During the pandemic, working out at home became one of the best options. You can do yoga, bodyweight exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and planks, or more intense routines such as Tabata or HIIT — all without needing complex equipment.
To prevent injury, using a yoga or exercise mat is essential. Beyond just safety, having your own yoga mat is also more hygienic.
Now that many gyms and studios have reopened under relaxed health protocols, most no longer provide shared mats. By bringing your own yoga or workout mat, you minimize the risk of germs, bacteria, and virus transmission from other users.
Regardless of where or how you choose to exercise, the most important thing is choosing the right yoga mat. If you’re looking to buy one for your daily workout routine, here are a few helpful tips:
1. Thickness
Yoga mats cushion your hands, knees, and feet during exercise. But how thick should it be? That depends on your floor surface and type of workout.
If you’re exercising on a hard, cold surface like tile or marble, you’ll need a thicker mat. But if you’re on vinyl or wood floors, thinner may suffice.
Also consider the type of movement. For workouts involving pressure on sharp joints (like elbows), a mat that’s too thick and soft may throw off your balance and stability.
2. Weight
Thicker mats are usually heavier. If portability is important, go for lighter, thinner mats that are easier to carry around.
3. Size
Choose a mat that fits your body — ideally at least 15 cm longer than your height.
4. Texture and Grip
A good yoga mat should grip the floor firmly and stay in place. The top layer, which touches your skin, should also be slightly textured and non-slip to prevent sliding — especially when you sweat.
5. Material
Yoga mats are typically made from TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or PU (polyurethane) rubber. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Material | Characteristics & Benefits |
|---|---|
| TPE | Lightweight and portable, washable, good insulation (great for cold floors), latex-free (safe for latex allergies) |
| PVC | Affordable, great for beginners, durable, easy to clean, antibacterial, but not the most eco-friendly |
| PU Rubber | Premium feel, strong grip, best impact absorption, long-lasting, scratch-resistant, more expensive, may cause reactions for those with latex sensitivity |
Now that you’re more familiar with the key features, it’s time to choose the best mat to support your home workouts! AZKO Indonesia offers a wide range of yoga mats in various materials. Here are some options:
A. PVC Yoga Mats
Alph PVC Single Layer Yoga Mat
- Thickness: 4 mm
- Size: 173 x 61 x 0.4 cm
- Colors: gray, pink, blue, tosca
- Price: IDR 79,900*
- Available at AZKO Online
Alph PVC Yoga Mat 4 mm
- Same specs and price as above
B. TPE Yoga Mats
Alph TPE Single Layer Pattern Weave Yoga Mat
- Thickness: 4 mm
- Size: 183 x 61 x 0.5 cm
- Colors: pink, blue, tosca
- Price: IDR 173,900*
- Available at AZKO Online
Alph TPE Weave Yoga Mat 5 mm
- Thickness: 5 mm
- Size: 183 x 61 x 0.5 cm
- Price: IDR 219,900*
C. Rubber Yoga Mats
Alph PU Rubber Yoga Mat 3 mm
- Thickness: 3 mm
- Size: 173 x 61 x 0.3 cm
- Colors: pink, gray, tosca
- Price: IDR 369,900*
Alph Folding Suede Rubber Yoga Mat (Sea)
- Thickness: 1.5 mm
- Size: 173 x 61 x 0.15 cm
- Color: white
- Price: IDR 314,900*
* Prices are subject to change and may vary by region.
So, what are you waiting for? Shop your yoga mat today — available now at AZKO Online or your nearest AZKO store!
Wina – January 1, 2025
