We can all agree that it’s better to run in your own trainers or play tennis with your own racket, as these are accessories you have chosen that suit your body and needs and, although some people may not consider it important, it’s more hygienic.

These factors should also apply to the mat we use for exercises and practices such as yoga. It’s worth investing in your own mat (and a good-quality one), as your practice will improve considerably.

That said, not everyone knows what to consider when choosing the right one, but that’s what we’re here for. These are the criteria you should look at when buying your mat: 

Thickness

You should consider the thickness of the mat according to how you intend to use it and your needs or preferences. 

Thin mat

Between 1.5mm and 2.5mm. These are usually chosen by frequent travellers, as they take up very little space in a suitcase. They don’t offer much support, especially on impact, so we don’t recommend using them every day. However, if you prefer to feel more contact with the floor for greater stability, this would be the option for you. 

Medium-thickness mat

Between 3mm and 4mm. This is the standard mat, as it is neither very thick nor very thin. It is usually used for gentle exercises such as yoga. This is the one we most recommend for beginners and for anyone without any particular preference or specific needs. Black Limba mats fall within this range. 

Thick mat

Between 4.5mm and 6mm. This mat is designed for more dynamic exercises such as vinyasa or ashtanga yoga, which involve jumps that require cushioning. It is also recommended for people with sensitive joints who need extra padding. It is important to know that with balancing poses, this thickness can compromise stability, so it is advisable to step off the mat. 

Texture

By texture, we mean how the mat’s material feels to the touch. Depending on your preference, you can choose a rougher or smoother feel, but one thing that should never be missing is grip—in other words, it should be non-slip. Lack of grip is not only uncomfortable, because it’s not pleasant at all to perform a pose and feel your hands and feet slipping, but it can also be dangerous, as you apply greater tension to your muscles to hold the position. At Black Limba, we have paid close attention to this factor. 

Size

A standard mat usually measures approximately 175 x 60cm, but its size does not generally affect your practice; it simply makes it more or less comfortable. The most important thing is that you can stretch out on it. One trick to find out whether a mat is the right size for you is to do a plank and make sure your hands and feet stay within its edges. More and more different models are appearing—for example, Black Limba mats measure 185 x 65cm. It’s always better to have too much room than not enough!

Price

In the world of yogis, people always talk about considering the purchase of a mat an investment, as a good-quality mat will last longer. And at least, that used to be true, but nowadays you don’t need to spend €100 on a good mat, as there are countless quality options at affordable prices. For example, at Black Limba we offer one for €35, perfectly in line with the quality of the product. 

Material

When we picture a mat, we tend to imagine the typical plastic one, but there are many better options, such as TPE, raffia, rubber and so on. At Black Limba, we have opted for and recommend mats made from TPE, as it is not only eco-friendly and sustainable, but also offers much better grip. It is important to add that these mats require different care from classic ones: 

Cleaning and care

Some brands promote the fact that their mats can be put in the washing machine as a benefit. From our own experience, this method is useful the first few times, but it eventually wears down the texture and can even cause the mat’s material to peel. To clean and care for Black Limba mats, we recommend using a damp cloth or sponge with mild soap and lukewarm water. Then, leave it to air-dry and do not expose it to direct sunlight. Easy and simple!

Another tip we can offer is that if the exercise you’re going to do is yoga, you should avoid foam mats, as they don’t have enough density. You can identify this by pressing your hand down and seeing whether it leaves an impression on the mat. However, if you want to practice Pilates or gymnastics, a foam mat can be a good option for you, as they’re very comfortable. 

Design

The design of a mat is usually simply the outer layer of the product, so it has never been the most important aspect, but it can include details that make a significant contribution to your practice. For example, Black Limba mats feature guide lines to help you align your body during exercise.

If the design is beautiful too, you’ll love it, and it can match your looks, which is always a plus. We’re delighted to introduce our new accessories collection, which includes some fantastic mats!

Take a look at the three available colors we offer here.