THE GUIDE TO 7 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN CHOOSING A yoga mat
You're not sure which yoga mat to choose, or you're already using it but don't get all the benefits?
Discover the 7 most common mistakes made by practitioners, from beginners to advanced yogis.
An essential guide to improving your practice... and extending the life of your yoga mat.
Written by TINA - July 2025
Reducible content
Reading time
Approx. 10 minutes
WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO DISCOVER
- Choosing a yoga mat solely for its looks (without taking technical features into account)
- Neglecting the thickness and comfort of the yoga mat (poorly protected back or joints)
- Ignoring the materials used to manufacture the yoga mat (cheap plastics, pollution, allergens)
- Not maintaining your yoga mat regularly (bacteria, odours, premature wear)
- Using a yoga mat that is not adapted to your yoga style (Power Yoga ≠ Yin Yoga)
- Storing or folding it in the wrong way (distortion, marks, peeling)
- Underestimating the ecological impact of yoga mat (unsustainable materials, polluting production)
"Let's take a look!
CHOOSE A yoga mat ONLY FOR THE LOOK
It's tempting: we come across a sublimely patterned rug on Instagram, with a zen atmosphere and colors that match our gourd or leggings perfectly. The result? We add it to the shopping basket... without asking ourselves the slightest question about its technical specifications. And yet, choosing a rug solely for its design is one of the most frequent - and frustrating!
Example n°1 Clara takes up yoga for the first time and falls for a floral mat she spotted in a lifestyle boutique. Light, thin and nicely rolled up in its macramé net... Except that in her first Hatha class, she felt her knees scraping the floor. Too thin. Too stiff. And impossible to concentrate on the posture.
Example 2 Mathieu practices dynamic yoga. He chooses a black and gold mat, visually very "studio". But with every transition from downward dog to plank, his hands slip slightly. By the 4th slip, he loses confidence... and ends up putting his sneakers back on a more stable fitness mat.
Example no. 3 Sarah wanted an Instagrammable mat for her morning routine videos. She chose an ultra-soft microfiber... but with no grip. At the slightest moisture, the surface becomes slippery, and she can no longer do Warrior II without adjusting her feet.
The right reflex? Start by asking yourself the right questions:
- Do I sweat a lot?
- Am I looking for cushioning for my joints?
- Do I want to go barefoot or in sneakers?
- Will I be carrying it around a lot?
Once you've identified your needs, you can choose a mat that appeals to you visually AND supports you technically. Today's yoga mat are aesthetically pleasing, durable and high-performance.
At Yogaterrae, all our yoga mat are designed with this dual requirement in mind: function and emotion. So that every practice is a pleasure, with no compromise between beauty and efficiency.
NEGULATING THE THICKNESS OF A yoga mat AND ITS RELATIVE COMFORT
If you've ever had sore knees during a prolonged posture, or felt every bump of the floor in Savasana... it's probably because your mat wasn't the right thickness for you. The thickness of a yoga mat is not a detail: it's an essential comfort criterion, which varies according to your practice, your morphology, your floor... and your sensitivity!
Example no. 1 Camille practices Yin Yoga in her tiled living room. She chooses a 3 mm design mat, recommended for Vinyasa. The result? After 5 minutes in swan pose, her hips are begging her to change position. Too hard, not enough support to stay deeply still
Example no. 2 Alex, an Ashtanga Yoga enthusiast, invests in a very soft 8 mm "special comfort" mat. But from the very first balancing postures, he feels that his support is unstable. He wobbles in Warrior III and can't hold the tree. The excessive thickness is detrimental to his stability.
Example no. 3 Léa is new to yoga and thinks that a thin mat is always more "professional". But she feels pain in her wrists with every downward dog. In reality, she would have needed a 5 mm mat to absorb the pressure while maintaining a good connection to the floor.
There is no universal ideal thickness. It all depends on:
- your style of yoga (gentle or dynamic),
- your floor support (tiles, parquet, studio, natural),
- your need for joint comfort (knees, wrists, hips...),
- how often you practice and carry your mat (light or stable?).
In general :
- 1 to 2 mm : for travel mats (outdoor yoga or to take everywhere),
- 3 to 4 mm: for fluid, dynamic practices such as Vinyasa and Power Yoga,
- 5 to 6 mm: perfect balance between comfort and stability (very popular)
- 7 mm and +: ideal for gentle yogas, meditation, Yin Yoga or sensitive joints.
At Yogaterrae, every yoga mat is designed to offer targeted comfort according to your practice, without compromising on quality. Because your mat is the living support of your sessions, summer and winter alike.
IGNORE THE MATERIALS USED TO MANUFACTURE A yoga mat
We're seduced by a pretty picture or an attractive price, without really looking at the material of the yoga mat. And yet, materials are at the heart of the practice experience: they influencegrip, durability, comfort,smell... and evenenvironmental impact.
Example n°1: Julie buys a PVC carpet in a supermarket, attracted by its low price and lilac color. After two sessions, she notices that the surface is crumbling, that thechemical smell persists despite aeration, and that her head-down dog slips with every breath. She realized that the cheap material wouldn't last... or stand up.
Example n°2: Nicolas, concerned about the environment, orders a so-called "ecological" carpet spotted on an online advertisement. In reality, it's a mixture of synthetic foam and very fine cork, heat-glued together. The cork peels off in the first few weeks, and the carpet warps in the summer heat. The greenwashing leaves a bitter taste.
Example n°3: Manon chooses a suede microfiber mat for its softness. She practices gentle yoga and loves the velvety feel under her feet. But during a Yin class, she finds it hard to hold certain postures still: the mat lacks grip when she's not sweating. On the contrary, it's during dynamic sessions - when she starts sweating - that the grip becomes optimal. As a result, she reserves this mat for her more active flows, and sometimes adds a little water to the spray to boost grip at first.
The right reflex? Understand the specifics of the main yoga mat materials:
- PVC is often inexpensive, but slippery and not very environmentally friendly.
- TPE is lightweight, latex-free, but may lack density for certain practices.
- Cork and natural rubber are durable, non-slip, but heavier.
- PU + rubber offers maximum grip, ideal for demanding yogis.
- Microfiber is soft, aesthetically pleasing, but less stable without perspiration.
At Yogaterrae, we've selected high-performance, environmentally-friendly materials, tested in real-life conditions. You can practice with a clear conscience, on an ecologicalyoga mat that respects your body and the planet.
don't maintain your yoga mat regularly
It's a mistake we all make at least once: putting down your yoga mat and leave it there for days, even weeks, without cleaning it. And yet, like all sports equipment, a mat collects perspiration, dust, bacteria and even residues of cream or body oil. The result? The grip can deteriorate, stains appear and odors set in.
Example n°1: Julie practices Vinyasa Yoga every morning. She loves doing sun salutations on her natural rubber mat. But if you roll it up after each session without letting it dry, you start to get a few rings... and a slight, persistent odor. A simple mistake: not letting the mat breathe flat for a few minutes after the session.
Example 2: Kevin alternates between yoga and strength training. He uses his non-slipyoga mat for both. But between sneakers, sweaty abs and dusty floors, his mat is gradually losing its original texture. When he tries to do an upside-down dog, his hands slip. He realizes that a gentle cleaning spray would have been enough to prolong the life of his carpet.
Example 3: Lila uses a cork mat for her Yin Yoga sessions. Highly absorbent, cork can turn black if not properly wiped. After a few weeks without maintenance, she noticed dark marks in certain areas. It's a pity, because this type of mat requires little maintenance... as long as you do it regularly.
The right thing to do? Clean your yoga mat once or twice a week, with a soft cloth and a natural spray (based on water, white vinegar and essential oils, for example). And always let it air flat before rolling. Some materials, such as PU or cork, have their own maintenance rules: find out more depending on the type of carpet you've chosen.
At Yogaterrae, we advise you to take good care of your mat in order to prolong its durability, but also to honor your practice. A clean mat means a smoother, more pleasant practice... and greater peace of mind.
USING A yoga mat NOT ADAPTED TO YOUR YOGA STYLE
It's often forgotten, but not all styles of yoga have the same requirements. A yoga mat adapted to Yin will not necessarily be suitable for a Power Yoga class. And vice versa. And yet, for the sake of simplicity or aesthetics, many people use the same mat for all their practices... at the risk of feeling uncomfortable, or even injuring themselves.
Example n°1: Léa loves Yin Yoga sessions. She likes to curl up in the postures for several minutes on the floor. Her thin, dense mat, designed for stability, quickly becomes uncomfortable. Her hips and elbows call her to order: without cushioning, she can't let go. What she needed was a thick, soft mat, ideal for static practice.
Example 2: Thierry practices Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga. He links dynamic postures with great fluidity. He uses a thick foam mat... which sinks under his hands with each upside-down dog. As a result, he loses his balance and footing, and tires more quickly. A thinner mat, with a stable, non-slip base, would have been much better suited to his practice.
Example 3: Emma starts prenatal yoga classes. She's been advised to use a standard mat, but she slips slightly and feels insecure in the opening postures. What does she need? A natural mat with a good grip and gentle support for her sensitive joints.
The right reflex? Adapt your choice of yoga mat to your practice:
- For gentle yogas (Yin, Nidra, Restorative): choose thick, soft mats.
- For dynamic yogas (Vinyasa, Power, Ashtanga): opt for thin, dense, non-slip mats.
- For specialized yogas (prenatal, children, yoga with sneakers): choose a stable, comfortable mat that's easy to clean.
At Yogaterrae, each mat range is designed to meet specific needs: softness, fluidity, stability or performance. Because a well-chosen mat is the assurance of a serene, free and safe practice.
MISPACKING YOUR yoga mat OR FOLDING IT THE WRONG WAY
A yoga matis a practice companion. And like any good companion, it deserves a minimum of attention - especially when it's not in use. Yet many practitioners rush to put it away after their session, without a second thought. As a result, the mat becomes deformed, marked and damaged... and loses both comfort and efficiency.
Example n°1: Thomas has a natural rubber mat, ultra high-performance and eco-responsible. After each session, he folds it into quarters and slips it into a tote bag. After a few weeks, white wrinkles appear and the surface begins to crack. Repeated folding has weakened the material, which is so durable when well cared for.
Example n°2: Julie rolls her mat, but always in the same direction, surface side out. Result: the edges bounce back at the start of each session. She spends 5 minutes flattening it with her hands or feet... which disturbs her anchoring and concentration. A simple reversal of the rolling direction every two or three days would have avoided this problem.
Example n°3: Maxime leaves his carpet in his car, rolled up and stuck on the rear parcel shelf. In summer, between UV rays and heat, the material becomes porous, the prints fade and the grip gradually disappears. Even a sturdy yoga mat remains sensitive to heat, humidity and direct light.
The right reflexes?
- Always roll your mat, surface inwards, unless otherwise instructed by the manufacturer.
- Alternate the direction of rolling to avoid shape memory.
- Avoid hot, humid or sunny areas for storage.
- Use a strap, bag or net to protect your mat when you're on the move.
At Yogaterrae, our mats are designed to last, but their longevity also depends on your daily care. Properly storing your mat means prolonging its life... and keeping the pleasure of practicing intact.
UNDERESTIMATE THE ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF yoga mat
We don't always think about it, but our yoga mat can have a real impact on the planet. Synthetic materials, chemical processes, non-recycled end-of-life... Behind some cheap or overly "fashionable" mats lie heavy ecological footprints. And in a practice geared towards harmony, balance and awareness... it's a bit of a shame, isn't it?
Example n°1: Léa orders a flashy PVC carpet, spotted in a sports department store. Barely 2 months later, the covering begins to crumble, and she changes it. But it can't be recycled, and ends up in the garbage can. This type of plastic takes several hundred years to degrade.
Example n°2: Hugo is taking a yoga course. He wants a lightweight mat to take with him wherever he goes, so he chooses a low-cost model made from very fine foam. Problem: it doesn't last, and he discovers afterwards that it's made with petrochemical derivatives. Not exactly in line with his approach to responsible consumption...
Example n°3: Sophie, on the other hand, is looking for an alternative. She discovers natural rubber mats, cork-based blends and TPE models without latex or glue. She chooses an eco-designed, sustainable and recyclable mat... and simply feels more in tune with her yoga.
The right reflexes?
- Read the technical data sheets: a 100% PVC or EVA mat may be inexpensive, but it is rarely eco-responsible.
- Choose materials such as natural rubbernatural corkor recyclable TPE.
- Check the origin of materials, labels and even manufacturing conditions.
- Invest in a durable carpet, to avoid frequent replacement.
At Yogaterrae, we've chosen to offer only yoga mat that respect the planet: no compromise between ethics, performance and design. Because every gesture counts - and ecological awareness often begins... underfoot.
Thank you TINA for this post
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide - because a good yoga mat is much more than an accessory: it's a companion on the road, an anchor, and sometimes... the starting point for real change.
TINA's bio
-
TINA
1994, Reunion Island & Mauritius, a Life inspired by the Indian Ocean and Yoga
Since childhood, this intrepid traveler has criss-crossed the globe, leaving her footprints on beaches the world over.Passionate about surfing, scuba diving and sailing, she has made the ocean her playground and source of inspiration.
The freedom of the waves, the serenity of the ocean depths and the wind in his sails have punctuated his journey, always guided by a quest for connection with nature.
Through her explorations, yoga has become more than a practice for her - it's a way of life.
Between morning surf sessions and meditative sunsets, she has found in yoga a perfect balance of strength, fluidity and self-awareness.
Today, she combines her passion for water sports with teaching yoga and is part of the Yogaterrae team, here in France, in the South-West and often remotely :)
This adventuress is a true source of inspiration for anyone who aspires to live in harmony with their body and nature.
Through her stories of incredible experiences, she invites everyone to open up to a world where every wave, every breath and every posture is a celebration of life.
