Whether you’re a regular within the yoga world, or you’re just starting out, you’ve probably heard about the benefits of hot yoga. If you haven’t hot yoga is the practice of yoga in a heated room. Think sauna and yoga, combined. Some people may recoil at the thought of doing yoga in a hot room, but others, especially those who have tried hot yoga, can tell you about all the benefits yoga can provide. It’s the same great stretching exercises, but with the added benefit of heat that can help you sweat out the toxins and lose water weight.
If all this seems super great, then you should also know that you’ll need a pretty durable yoga mat in order to execute these sweaty wellness routines. If you’re confused about which mat in the market is the best for practicing hot yoga, no need to worry! We’ve tested some of the best yoga mats in the market and come up with a pretty nifty list as to which mats are the best for a hot yoga routine and why.
Table of Contents
7 Best Yoga Mat for Hot Yoga Comparisons
IMAGE | BRAND | DETAILS | |
---|---|---|---|
Aurorae Yoga Mat |
| Check The Price | |
Gaiam Dry-Grip Yoga Mat |
| Check The Price | |
IUGA Pro Yoga Mat |
| Check The Price | |
Gaiam Yoga Mat |
| Check The Price | |
Clever Yoga Mat |
| Check The Price | |
WeGym Hot Yoga Mat |
| Check The Price | |
KEEP hot yoga mat |
| Check The Price |
What to Look for in a Hot Yoga Mat
- Super absorbent
- Excellent no-slip grips at the bottom
- Easily washable
- Made from breathable materials
- Extra-long and wide
- Versatility in hot yoga to regular yoga
- Lightweight
- Odorless
Why Do I Need a Hot Yoga Mat?
The difference from hot yoga mats from regular yoga mats is that these mats are custom created to hold and absorb moisture. It’s no secret that the longer and harder you work out, the more sweat you’re going to pour. Especially in hot yoga, where the goal is to sweat to release any extra toxins, you’re going to expect to sweat a lot.
With a hot yoga mat, instead of becoming slippery and moving around too much, these mats do even better when wet. They become harder to slip around and continuously absorb all that sweat with their extra porous materials. These mats are also breathable, so you don’t have to worry about embarrassing odors throughout the session or worry about your mat being dirty beyond repair. Simply wash or wipe down these mats and you’re good to go for the next session.
How to Choose a Hot Yoga Mat
If you’ve started scouring the market for a brand-new hot yoga mat to help you on your health journey, you’ve probably noticed that there are a bunch of them out there. Instead of getting bogged down by information, first ask yourself what exactly you want this mat for. Do you need this mat for several, grueling workouts a week or are you a lighter yoga practitioner? Does thickness and cushioning to your joints take precedence? Do you want a mat that is easily washable? These are just a few standard questions that you need to ask yourself to help you narrow down your search criteria.
So Many to Choose From!
While, yes, there are hundreds of hot yoga mats out there that you could potentially buy and have a great experience with, you need to ask yourself which mat would best fit into your lifestyle. Once you figure that out, move on to reading up on reviews from products that interest you and go from there. Since customers are encouraged to provide reviews on all their products, you just might find some of the answers you’re looking for in these write ups.
Also always look at each products customer service availability, return and shipping policies so you aren’t surprised with any hidden fees or regulations. There should be information on all these things for each individual product, but if there’s not, companies like Amazon provide some warranty or shipping information on all their products.
Have Fun with It
The hunt for your new hot yoga mat should be a fun process! Don’t let too many options distract you from the specifications you need. If your look around too much, it may be harder to narrow down your search. Instead, look up your specs, read the reviews and go over all the nitty gritty info like shipping and customer serve. Overall, you need to have fun with the process, as it’s going to help you on your way to a healthier, more active lifestyle! With that being said, the following are our top five best yoga mats you can buy right now!
Top 7 Best Hot Yoga Mats Reviews
From super absorbent materials to easy setup and versatility, these five yoga mats are worthy of Bikram Choudhury’s approval. Most of these mats are so versatile that you can easily use them for hot yoga or regular yoga – entirely up to you! But it’s good to know that you can use your mat in so many different ways and for so many different kinds of workouts.
Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 Yoga Mat
- Dimensions: 72 x 24 inches
- Thickness: 5mm
- Made from: Portuguese Cork and Natural Rubber
- Available colors: 6
The Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 Yoga Mat comes with everything you need for a great hot yoga workout and is probably one of the best non-slip yoga mats you can get. This top-rated mat stops sweat and is non-slip which means there won’t be any bunching up while you’re trying to do a workout. This is the best overall mat for high impact workouts or workouts where you know you’re going to sweat a lot.
This mat only starts to work better the wetter and hotter it gets, so you don’t have to worry at all about this mat quitting on you midway through your workout. This mat also comes in several vibrant colors, so it’s easy to choose an option that you’d feel most comfortable with. These mats are odorless, durable and easy to wash.
Who Should Buy This?
Anyone who needs a good, durable yoga mat that will prevent any sticking or slipping should buy this mat. This is the most ideal mat for a high intensity hot yoga workout, and you won’t be sorry you tried out this brand. There is plenty of cushion and comfort aspects for joint support, and this mat won’t quit on you like other mats might.
Pros:
- Great for hot yoga workouts
- Only starts the work better the harder you exercise
- Comes in a wide variety of colors
- Super absorbent and versatile
- Highly durable
Cons:
- May off gas a bit
- May be a bit too thin for some
Heathyoga Synergy Yoga Mat
- Dimensions: 72 x 26 inches
- Thickness: 5mm
- Made from: SGS Certified TPE with a “Crystal” coated microfiber surface
- Available colors: 4
The Heathyoga Synergy Yoga Mat is a lightweight, no slip hot yoga mat that basically functions as a mat and a hot yoga towel. Don’t think standard beach towel, however, these mats are quick to absorb any moisture and will definitely keep you from slipping around on the floor, no matter how sweaty you may get. This mat is thick and provides optimal cushion for anyone who may need extra support on the joints.
This mat acts as a microfiber towel with textured TPE on the bottom for non-slippage and comfort. Basically, you can easily use this mat to wipe away sweat during your workout, all while actually using the mat for your workout. This Is super great because it covers two of the most important basics to a hot yoga workout: no slip and versatility.
Who Should Buy this?
This mat is ideal for anyone who needs a multifunction mat that can provide plenty of moisture absorbance and no-slip capabilities. This mat is highly functional and can keep up with even the hardest hot yoga practitioner.
Pros:
- Is high functioning
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Super absorbent
- Gets better the wetter it gets
- Can be both a mat and a towel for wiping sweat
- Thin, but has cushioning
Cons:
- May be too thin for some
- Colors may not be versatile enough
TOPLUS Yoga Mat
- Dimensions: 72 x 24 inches
- Thickness: 6mm
- Made from: patent pending new eco friendly material
- Available colors: 14
Sometimes, mats are made extra versatile by being built with a carrying strap. With the TOPLUS yoga mat, they’ve kept in mind that you’re going out to do yoga at any given time, so to make this trip easier, they’ve built in a strap. This yoga mat on the go is a super absorbent mat that has plenty of traction so you won’t go skidding all over the place, no matter how hot and steamy things may get during your workout.
This is a great mat that is thin, but definitely packs in plenty of contouring support. This mat also comes in some really great colors, so you don’t have to worry about having to choose from only one or two colors. The materials used to make the TOPLUS yoga mat are also eco-friendly and not full of harmful chemicals. This means the potential for off gassing is less and you don’t have to worry about absorbing any unwanted toxins from plastic.
Who Should Buy This?
This mat is ideal for anyone who likes to get in a hard workout and needs some extra contouring throughout the workout. This mat does absorb moisture, but it will also keep you a bit cooler during the actual workout due to its highly breathable materials.
Pros:
- Absorbent
- Comes in an array of colors
- Thin, but strong
- One-year warranty
- Has extra traction
- Has carrying strap
Cons:
- May be too thin for some
- May not have enough support
Gaiam Yoga Mat
- Dimensions: 68 x 24 inches
- Thickness: 6mm
- Made from: Phthalates free non-slip rubber
- Available colors: 41
When it comes to versatility, the Gaiam Yoga Mat pretty much has everyone beat. They create highly functional yoga mats that are great for a hot yoga workout, a standard yoga workout and even a general exercise workout. These mats are lightweight and thick, which means it’s extra supportive to your joints and will provide plenty of cushion throughout your workout.
The Gaiam mats are also really gorgeous. The intricate designs and colors make this mat so fascinating to look at and will add that extra level of calmness as you go throughout your workout. A fun added bonus, each mat comes with a free downloadable yoga session, so you can get to using your new mat right away as soon as you download that free yoga session.
Who Should Buy This?
Anyone who does more than yoga; like Pilates, meditating, outdoor exercises, etc. This is the most versatile mat you can get and would work for all sorts of applications. It’s comparable to a Jade yoga mat, which is also another great brand to consider. Check out our Jade yoga mat reviews for more options.
Pros:
- Comes with free yoga video
- Beautiful design and colors
- Extra thick
- Lightweight
- No slip traction
Cons:
- May be too thick for some
- Colors may not be suitable for all
Clever Yoga Mat Non-Slip
- Dimensions: 72 x 25 ¼ inches
- Thickness: 6mm
- Made from: TPE foam
- Available colors: 8
The Clever Yoga no slip yoga mat comes with so much to love. Literally – this mat is extra wide and extra-long to provide plenty of surface coverage for even the most intense workout. This mat is great for a high impact workout, but also is suitable for a basic yoga workout, too. This mat grips the floor so there is no risk of sliding around or moving even if you’re dripping sweat.
This mat is also 100 percent nontoxic and super safe to use. This mat is created to withstand tough workouts, so keep that in mind as you go. Clever Yoga also created a thick, plush mat, so you can make sure your body is cushioned and experience no pain during any workout.
Who Should Buy This?
Anyone who needs an extra wide and extra-long mat for high endurance workouts or normal workouts. These mats are extra plush and provide support, so your body will always have the buffering it needs.
Pros:
- Extra wide
- Extra long
- Thick
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Easy to use
- Easy setup
Cons:
- May be too thick for some
- Colors may seem too limited
Manduka eQua
- Dimensions: 68 x 42 inches
- Thickness: 4 mm
- Made from: natural tree rubber + non-toxic foaming agents
- Available colors: 5
Conveniently priced and with a series of attractive-looking patterns, the Manduka yoga mat is a sight for sore eyes and a support for the sore body. Made from natural tree rubber, this is an eco-friendly yoga accessory that is made without causing any harm to the environment.
This particular mat is part of the eQua series, which is a limited-edition collection of mats, a.k.a if you like it, you’d better grab one for yourself really fast. With 4 mm in thickness, it is not the most cushioning yoga mat we’ve seen, but it’s perfect for those who are having a hard time achieving balance when doing their yoga poses.
Who Should Buy This?
Due to its thickness, the Maduka eQua mat is thin enough to help beginners find their right balance, something that isn’t easily achieved on a thicker mat. They have tons of great options, too. Check out our Manduka yoga mat reviews to see for yourself!
Pros:
- Sustainable company.
- Eco-friendly product.
- Easy to clean (can be washed in machine with cold water).
- Good for balance in complicated poses.
Cons:
- Has some offgassing in the beginning.
Lululemon
- Dimensions: 71 x 26 inches
- Thickness: 5 mm
- Made from: natural and synthetic rubber + polyester + polyurethane
- Available colors: 7
The Lululemon yoga mat looks and feels very expensive. It’s true that it isn’t the most affordable yoga mat out there, but the price tag is decent if you practice yoga several times a well.
The mat is made from a combination of natural and synthetic rubber, but also from a little bit of polyester, nylon, and polyurethane. It does tend to get a little bit dirty, but you can spot clean it with ease. Just make sure that you don’t wash it in the machine or don’t use any bleach to clean it.
Made with rubber, the product provides plenty of cushioning and a durable consistency, plus it comes with a texture that will prevent sweaty hands from slipping off the surface. Because it’s made with an antimicrobial additive, it should be able to repel mold and mildew, provided that you also clean it with soapy water as frequently as possible.
Who Should Buy This?
The Lululemon yoga mat is one for the pros. It is designed to be more than just a cute-looking design: it’s for those who are willing to invest in a more expensive yoga mat because they practice it on a regular basis. Check out our Lululemon yoga mat reviews for more options.
Pros:
- Made with antimicrobial additive.
- Great cushioning.
- Contains natural rubber.
- Polyurethane top for good grip.
Cons:
- Gets dirty fast.
- Has a chemical-like scent.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are so many amazing hot yoga mats available for you to start trying. Whether you need a high impact mat or just a mat to help you along your way, you have some really great options here. Even better, most of these mats come with high customer reviews and most of them come with money back guarantees as well.
If you still can’t decide, just take your time! There’s no rush when it comes to your health, and you want to make sure you are comfortable with a choice, both for your health and for your wallet. Either one you choose, any of these great mats could help you one your journey to health right away! And if you’ve realized that hot yoga isn’t for you, then consider regular yoga. For the best mats, read more here.