Best Yoga Mats Recommended by a Yoga Teacher

Sharing the top yoga mats in different price points and for your different yoga needs.

As a yoga teacher, I have seen and practiced on quite a few yoga mats. Today I’m sharing my top picks for yoga mats based on what I use, whether you want to spend a lot or a little, and based on what your current yoga practice requires.

My favourite yoga mat:

Lululemon “The Mat” 5mm

Price: $108.00 CAN

Best for: all your yoga needs.

This yoga mat is definitely a higher price point, however, I have repurchased this mat after using my first one for about 10 years. That’s ten years of classes, both hot and regular temperature, as well as multiple mat cleanings. These mats hold up wel!! These two sided mats offer a smooth side and textured side, so you’re covered for both Hot and regular temperature yoga classes. I find the smooth rubber side provides enough grip while not allowing you to “stick”, but it would be too slippery in a hot class with all the sweat - which is where the textured side comes in. The 5mm thickness provides adequate cushioning for the joints and points of contact with the floor. I have a beautiful sage green coloured one with the marbled design and besides the functionality, it looks really pretty. The one downside is these mats are a bit heavier to cart around, so if you’re someone who bikes to classes with your mat on your back, this would likely feel cumbersome. Otherwise, for durability, use during classes, and overall appearance, I rate this a 10/10.

Image from Lululemon.com

If you’re looking for something similar with a lesser price tag, this mat from Amazon looks similar and has great reviews. (Here’s the Amazon link for US Residents!)

As an Amazon associate I earn commission on qualifying purchases.

My second favourite mat:

Giaim Premium print yoga mat (Links to Amazon Canada)

(Amazon link for US residents)

Price: $29.98 and up

Best for: all your yoga needs.

Image from Amazon.com

I bought three of these beautiful mats to offer as rentals for my students and ended up using them myself. I found the design so appealing and the texture and thickness was adequate, although compared to the Lululemon rubber mat, not as padded or structured. These mats were easy to roll, light to carry around and held up decently to multiple classes and cleans. This type of mat will defiitely start to show wear and tear sooner than the rubber mats above, but at a fraction of the cost, you can likely replace this one every year or two and not break the bank. For durability, use in class, and overall appearance, I rate this a 8/10.

Best yoga mat for “bad” knees

Amazon Basics 1/2 Inch extra thick exercise mat (Links to Amazon Canada)

(Amazon link for US Residents)

Price: $39.68 CAN

Best for: anyone with sensitive knees or knee concerns, or anyone who likes extra padding under their body when lying on the ground.

I personally haven’t used an extra thick mat, but for my multiple students who need extra padding under the knees or other pressure point areas, these mats are the way to go. The only issue can be with balance since the thickness and extra cushion can cause you to be a bit wobbly. I have recommended thick mats to many students and always receive positive feedback.

Image from Amazon.com

Finding the right mat can make all the difference in your yoga experience, so make sure you take the time to find the one that suits your needs the best.

5 Places to Teach Yoga (besides Yoga studios)

When you are getting close to finishing your yoga teacher training, or perhaps even before you begin, you likely start to consider where you’ll teach yoga. The obvious choice for many teachers is a yoga studio, perhaps one you took your training through or one you frequent, so the transition from student to teacher is fairly natural. However, if you are in a position where you are simply applying for teaching positions at studios, it can be just competitive and difficult to find employment opportunities as any other field. Luckily, there are a variety of places you can teach besides yoga studios that people don’t necessarily consider initially, and some can end up bringing in more income than your typical studio class. Here’s my top 5:

1. Community Centre’s or other rented space - The cost for renting a space in a community centre is usually quite reasonable, and if you go that route you can set up the classes/programming exactly how you want. You will also be in charge of all the back end work in that instance (registrations, marketing etc), which isn’t for everyone, however, some community centre’s also manage their own programs and may just be in need of a teacher! If there is a community centre near you that doesn’t currently run programming, (or even if they do they may want another teacher or class), reach out and see what options are available.

2. Schools & Daycares - If you are passionate about working with kiddos or better yet, certified in children’s yoga, schools and daycares are often looking to provide programming to their students. My tip: figure out which age group you enjoy working with most. Some people love working with teens, and others find it difficult. Some people are incredible at keeping little ones engaged and others find it impossible. Yoga for kids is not the same across all ages/grades.

3. Workplaces - More and more, large companies are realizing the importance of their employees overall wellness and mental health. Yoga programs are typically easy to organize and low cost ways of assisting with this.

4. In Home private classes - Private classes can feel intimidating when you are first starting out, and working one-on-one with someone is a lot different than leading a class of students. Some yoga teachers will thrive in privates, and others will not. You won’t know until you try!

5. Seniors Residences - If you have experience or additional training that qualifies you to work with seniors, reaching out to seniors residences to see if they are interested in a yoga program is a great idea. It may be chair yoga or quite modified, but the benefits for the students will still be great.

Did I miss anywhere? I’d love to know where else you have taught! Leave me a comment below to let me know.

Are you a new or aspiring Yoga teacher or a Yoga teacher looking to start their own business? Check out our Yoga Teacher resources and get my 5 tips for getting started!

New YouTube Channel!!!

The Your Best Yoga Youtube Channel is live!

I just wanted to let you know that there is a new way for you to practice Yoga with me - online! Please visit the Your Best Yoga YouTube channel for weekly yoga videos. I’ll be posting Beginner Yoga videos as well as videos for more experienced Yogi’s. I’d love to hear what kinds of videos you want to see, so please comment below or contact me with your suggestions.

Yoga Myth #3: Yoga is too Easy/Boring

This is part three, of a three part series, debunking some common Yoga Myths. If you have a Myth you would like to share or challenge me to debunk, share it in the comments below. If these Yoga Myth articles inspire you to try your first Yoga class - click here to sign up for Yoga in Winnipeg.

“I just can’t get into Yoga, it’s too boooorrrrinnggg…..”. I'm going to break this Myth into two categories - Those who have tried a Yoga class before, and those who have not.

For those who have taken a Yoga class and ended up finding it very boring or too easy, there could be a couple reasons.

1. Maybe you went to a class that was too easy for you - was it a Restorative or Yin class? Was it mostly floor based stretching? A lot of very athletic people, that are used to more intense exercise, will likely find a more passive form of Yoga very boring (they will benefit GREATLY from it - but that’s another article). But if they went to a more active style class - Flow, Vinyasa, Ashtanga - they may find it a bit more challenging, stimulating, and up to their speed. Those kinds of classes are sometimes referred to as the "gateways" to the other styles of Yoga for those who are coming from a very athletic background. Once you get bit by the Yoga "bug" and want to learn more and keep feeling good, you can venture into some of the other styles.

2. Maybe you didn't jive with the studio/instructor. There are many different styles of Yoga studios and ways teachers approach the practice. No two instructors are the same, so maybe it just wasn't a good fit.

3. Maybe Yoga just isn't for you at this point in your life. I said it. I truly believe Yoga is for Everyone, but that doesn't mean that everyone feels the same way. Fair enough.

Choosing the right style of Yoga can make a big difference!

For those who have never tried Yoga and just have a perception that it is too easy or boring....don’t knock it til you try it! Choose a class that you think is appropriate for your fitness level, understand that going to one Yoga class means you've gone to one Yoga class, and that each class will be different. Leave your ego at the door and really pay attention to how your body feels during and after. I bet it will feel pretty good! Quick story: I used to teach a class at a fitness centre that was attached to an army reserve base. I primarily had military spouses and family members in my classes, while the military personnel were working out in the weight room next door. Every now and then, someone finishing up their heavy lift would walk by our room and get curious. One very athletic looking man decided to come on in and give our Yoga class a try. His exact words after coming out of one of the poses were "I thought Yoga was easy and just stretching - I am sweating!". Too easy? I think not ;)

Myth #2: You Have to "Calm your Mind" to Practice Yoga

This is part two of a three part series debunking some common Yoga Myths. If you have a Myth you would like to share or challenge me to debunk, share it in the comments below. If these Yoga Myth articles inspire you to try your first Yoga class - click here to sign up for classes in Winnipeg.

Yoga Cartoon By Gemma Correll

I've heard people say this many times - "I can't do Yoga because I just can't calm/empty my mind enough to focus".

Um, honestly….me too.

We have all seen the pictures of the calm Yogi sitting in meditation with his or her eyes closed, fingers in a Mudra, looking ever so peaceful.... but I bet at least half of them were thinking about what they were going to eat after that photo-shoot was finished. I'll be honest, sometimes I can totally focus in a Yoga class. I hear the teachers prompts to "be here now" and I am able to focus enough on the sensations in my body as I move through the poses to leave my worries behind for an hour. Other times, I don't even hear that prompt from the teacher because I am ruminating about something that happened the day before. Guess what? I am still getting a lot of benefits from moving through the practice. And take a second to re-read that last sentece - Yoga is a PRACTICE - so just keep practicing! The more you practice being mindful, being still, focusing on your breath, and keeping your attention in the present moment, the easier it may become.

If you are interested in learning more about meditation you may enjoy these Audiobooks (Links to Amazon Canada):

Meditations for Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza

Total Meditation by Deepak Chopra M.D

Click here for the US links for some wonderful Meditation Audiobooks.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases.

In conclusion…. Please, don't let your "monkey mind" keep you from trying Yoga. Just keep showing up with all your worries and practice letting them go, even for a moment. You are still going to benefit from moving your body, taking those deep juicy breaths, and inviting yourself to relax, even if it's difficult some days, I promise.