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.

Yoga Pose Tutorial: Half Pigeon

Half Pigeon Pose - some people love it, some people loathe it, but either way, it’s going to get those hips and glutes stretched out. If you need help or want to know how to do Pigeon pose, this post is for you. Be sure to check out the video to enjoy an entire practice meant to get your body ready for this pose and some great tips on moving in and out of it safely.

Half Pigeon Pose Tutorial:

Difficulty level: Beginner-Intermediate

Contraindications: knee concerns

Step 1: You can begin this pose from a table top position or downward dog. Some people prefer one over the other, so perhaps try both to see how they feel.

From table top, begin by bringing your right knee forward through your hands. The knee should come close to the right wrist. Once the knee is forward, you want to “kick out” the right foot, so it moves toward the left wrist. You should not be resting on the right shin here, but on the outside of the leg.

From Downward dog, begin by stretching your right leg up and back to a three legged dog. From here being the knee forward and through the hands and lower your legs to the mat. Once the knee is forward, you want to “kick out” the right foot, so it moves toward the left wrist. You should not be resting on the right shin here, but on the outside of the leg.

Step two: If you started from table top, slide and stretch the left leg back behind you as much as you can. You want this leg straight, with the knee and top of the foot down on the floor. Ensure the leg is not angled, but pointing straight behind you.

If you started from downward dog, your leg should already be straight, but you should continue to stretch it back and ensure it is not angled, and have the top of the foot on the mat.

Step 3: Check on the hips. You want the hips to be level so the back body isn’t angled. This is where your yoga props will help. Tuck your yoga block (links to Amazon Canada) under the right hip to bring it up and more in line with the left hip if you are finding yourself leaning a lot to the right side (see video for demo on where to place the block). Note: you can use a yoga bolster (links to Amazon Canada) or folded blanket here as well, however my first choice is always the block as it provides the firm support to keep your body aligned.

Step 4: You can either keep your upper body lifted, come down on to elbows/forearms, or all the way down to rest the forehead on hands or a yoga block. Stay in whichever position you enjoy the most (or feel the best stretch in) for at least 5 breaths, but this pose is a good one to stay in for a full minute or more!

The video below from our YouTube page includes all the poses your body needs to warm up and prepare for this amazing pose. If you are all ready for your pigeon pose, jump ahead to 23 mins to get to the demo of it.

Enjoy! And As always, just do your best. Namaste

Pigeon pose tutorial

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Yoga Myth #1 - You Have to be Flexible to do Yoga

This is part one, 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.



Yoga can look different and still be as beneficial

“You have to be flexible to do Yoga” - This is probably the most common misconception and most commonly used "excuse" as to why people haven't tried Yoga. Unfortunately, this myth is reinforced by Social Media accounts of uber flexible Yogi's, and magazine covers showing poses by people who have very advanced practices. You do not have to try and look like those people. There are many, MANY, poses that do not require you to lift your leg over your head, extend your spine into a backbend, or stand on your head. You don't have to be able to touch your toes, we have blocks and belts for that. You simply don't have to DO anything you aren't comfortable doing. All you have to do is show up, be open, feel and move your body, and take some deep lovely breaths. And you know what?? After you've practiced for awhile (no set length of time, it's different for everyone) you will find you have more flexibility! That’s because Yoga is a practice that is meant to help increase flexibility (as well as balance and strength).

Yoga props from Amazon US

As an Amazon associate I earn commissions on eligible sales.

Yoga props are there to help you access and modify poses.

So, let's agree to stop worrying about not being flexible enough to try Yoga. If you go to the right kind of class (maybe a Beginner Class), with a teacher that can assist you with modifications when necessary, and truly listen to your body while you practice (without trying to force yourself into what you think is a "picture perfect" shape), you will safely reap the many benefits from the practice. And as a bonus, you may be able to get closer to reaching your toes after a couple months!