comparison of ecological rugs and my advice

0

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, choosing a yoga mat is essential for comfortable, pain-free practice adapted to your sessions. Material, thickness, dimensions, price: the criteria for choosing your yoga mat are numerous, and the different brands are far from easy to decide … Passionate about yoga, I tested these 5 brands of ecological and renowned mats : here is the comparison in detail and my advice.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, choosing a yoga mat is the essential accessory to buy to offer you a comfortable and painless practice.
Material, thickness, elegance, dimensions, total weight, price : The criteria for a suitable yoga mat depends on each person and the desired use.

To help you choose a yoga mat, I have chosen to select several models from the most committed and popular reference brands among yoga practitioners and teachers. Every body and every practice is different, and so are our expectations. Whether you are looking for a nomadic and lightweight model for studio lessons or a thick carpet for the home, the final choice will not be the same, not to mention that the types of practices are very varied!

These models were tested for several weeks for various practices. From the most dynamic to the softest, I was able to experience each of them over the sessions and thus see their advantages all the more.

Baya, the engaged and colorful yoga brand

About the brand:

Appreciated for the elegance of its rugs and the finesse of the patterns offered, the Baya brand, whose models of rugs I did not yet know, was a real crush. I chose to test two models dedicated to separate use.
All Baya products are imagined and developed by a team based between Bordeaux and Paris. The collections offered are regularly updated and the patterns absolutely splendid. Clean, harmonious lines, in reference to cities of the world, astrology or oriental spirituality. The rugs and all other items are made from environmentally friendly and sustainable materials, and the brand is in a process of continuous improvement called Small Steps.

The advantages of Baya:
– The possibility of personalizing your carpet: 3 ranges for 3 different practices, and 6 different patterns, with the possibility of entering a word or first name (> see the carpet customization)
– The super practical questionnaire to find the most suitable mat

I tested the Power and Soft & Conscious models.

Soft & Conscious carpet Cassiopée model – BAYA

Carpets from the Soft & Conscious range are lighter, yet thicker! An ideal combo if you plan to take it with you. I chose the Cassopiée model, with delicate and harmonious patterns, imagined by contemporary artist Koralie. Designed for gentle practices, Soft rugs are in my opinion compatible with all practices: non-slip, durable, thick and light, they can be used everywhere!

>> See the Cassiopée pattern Soft yoga mat – Baya

Features of the Soft mat:

  • Model: Cassiopée (exists in customizable version + 5 other patterns)
  • Composition: PVC and acrylic inks
  • Certifications: OEKO TEX certified materials, without toxic substances
  • Thickness: 5.5mm
  • Dimensions: 180 cm x 60 cm
  • Weight: 1.15 kg
  • Place of manufacture: Germany
  • Price: 85 €

In practice : all practices, even static and soft given its thickness …

The price offers are listed in ascending order of price. The prices displayed are inclusive of all taxes (all taxes included). The displayed postage price corresponds to the cheapest home delivery offered by the merchant.
aufeminin.com references in its price tables the merchants who wish to be present there on condition that they display prices with VAT (including all taxes – all taxes) and present
an excellent level of service quality and customer satisfaction. This referencing is paying.
Our price tables are therefore not exhaustive on all the offers and merchants present on the market.
The offers in the price tables are updated daily and several times a day for certain stores.

My advice and advice:
This carpet is A real favorite, because it is adapted to my size and my practices. It is thicker than the other models, while being very light, which makes it suitable for nomadic practices. (studio lessons) and at home sessions. Space-saving, pleasant and soft: I used it as much for Yin classes as it did for Vinyasa sequences (dynamic yoga), especially because I don't sweat a lot. A microfiber towel will be useful if you have an easy sweat …
For which practices:
All practices, focus on comfort! Yin, pre natal, pilates, ashtanga, iyengar, vinyasa, hatha, stretching, restorative. Perfect for short people, it is one of the shorter models.

>> Discover the Soft range on Baya

Power carpet Luna model – BAYA

The rugs in the Power range are designed for special comfort practices: thicker than other models, I opted for the Luna pattern, blue in color with patterns inspired by the cycles of the moon.

>> See the Luna – Baya Power yoga mat

Features of the Power Mat:

In practice : the power mat is compatible with all practices, both soft and dynamic!

The price offers are listed in ascending order of price. The prices displayed are inclusive of all taxes (all taxes included). The displayed postage price corresponds to the cheapest home delivery offered by the merchant.
aufeminin.com references in its price tables the merchants who wish to be present there on condition that they display prices with VAT (including all taxes – all taxes) and present
an excellent level of service quality and customer satisfaction. This referencing is paying.
Our price tables are therefore not exhaustive on all the offers and merchants present on the market.
The offers in the price tables are updated daily and several times a day for certain stores.

My advice and advice:
The Baya Power rug is soft and pleasant to the touch, and really big. No risk of injury or painful pressure, the thickness allows you to benefit from all postures on the floor, especially inversions (postures on the head, fish or long held positions). It’s sturdy and will not budge an inch, regardless of the practice floor. If you have tiles, the thickness will not let the cold pass, a real plus! Be careful, however, if you tend to sweat easily, you may need to place a microfiber towel to avoid slipping. The dimensions will be suitable for tall people, but it is quite heavy, to be avoided if you want a nomadic model.
For which practices:
All dynamic and static practices, yin, prenatal, pilates, ashtanga, iyengar, vinyasa, hatha, stretching, restorative.

>> Discover the Power range on the Baya website

Our favorites on Baya

The commitments of the Baya brand:

From the outset, the Baya team has been committed to an eco-responsible production process. The factories producing items on the site are visited each year to ensure companies' compliance with current regulations.
The choice of all products from the Baya store is based on rigorously verified eco-responsible criteria. The straps and carrying cases are made in China, the cork bricks are made in Romania, the cushions and bolsters filled with vegetable fibers in Poland, and the clothes in Portugal from recycled and ecological fabrics. The 2 carpets I tested are designed in Germany, and the choice of China for certain ranges is justified by the lack of a European factory compatible with the necessary manufacturing process.
Transparent from A to Z, the Baya brand is committed to a “Small Steps’ ’, with the wish to improve the existing and make the range of its products even more responsible. The packaging is minimalist: a simple sheet of kraft paper and no plastic overwrap. I loved seeing the description on a paper seeded with flower seeds for sowing!
Find out more on the Baya website

Manduka: carpets guaranteed for life

About the brand:
Developed by yoga teachers, Manduka brand mats are guaranteed for life. Unsurprisingly, several reputable yoga studios have chosen to equip their classes with these products which are particularly resistant to wear and eco-friendly composition. These are the mats on which I have been used to practicing at the Modo Yoga Paris studio, which since its opening, has only used these models in hot rooms (yoga at 37 ° C). The good news: they haven't budged in 4 years, despite heavy use every day by hundreds of students.

Pro-lite yoga mat – MANDUKA

I chose the PRO-Lite model, the lighter version of the Manduka Pro line of mats. Particularly stable and non-slip, the surface of the mat is designed in closed cells, which gives stability and impeccable hygiene. The strong point that testifies to its durability: it is guaranteed for life, like the entire Manduka range for sale on the Tayrona Yoga website. Probably one of my favorites.

>> Discover the Manduka ProLite mat

Features of the Manduka rug:

In practice : a light and practical model highly resistant to wear. The Prolite model by Manduka is one of the best performing mats on the market, highly regarded by teachers from Ashtanga and Hot. The closed cell surface wicks moisture and bacteria away from the carpet, increasing its longevity and making cleaning easier.

Manduka – Prolite

The price offers are listed in ascending order of price. The prices displayed are inclusive of all taxes (all taxes included). The displayed postage price corresponds to the cheapest home delivery offered by the merchant.
aufeminin.com references in its price tables the merchants who wish to be present there on condition that they display prices with VAT (including all taxes – all taxes) and present
an excellent level of service quality and customer satisfaction. This referencing is paying.
Our price tables are therefore not exhaustive on all the offers and merchants present on the market.
The offers in the price tables are updated daily and several times a day for certain stores.

My advice and advice:
Already knowing this series of mats, the concrete test at home only confirmed what I already thought of the Manduka brand. This professional mat will suit all regular practitioners, a sure value and guaranteed for LIFE.
What practices :
I will use it primarily for dynamic and hot practices (heated rooms), but it will be equally suitable for gentle sessions. Like all the other rugs in the range, this model is made to repel moisture and thus prevent the absorption of bacteria!

>> See the Manduka range on the Tayrona Yoga website

Our favorites at Manduka

The Manduka brand commitment:

Manduka brand products are designed with an objective of zero carbon emissions. The durability of the products reduces purchases and therefore the process of destruction and replacement of items. Guaranteed for life, the mats will be replaced by Manduka in case of wear (subject to proper use and regular maintenance). Finally, they are free of toxins (phthalates and chemicals), and OEKO-TEX certified. The M model will suffice for people of average height!
Discover the Manduka range on the Tayrona Yoga website

Yogamatata: ecological cork mats

About the brand:
Committed to an eco-responsible and sustainable approach, the Yogamata brand offers a range of ecological cork yoga mats, suitable for all practices and all bodies. Yogamatata also offers yoga articles and accessories, all designed in an eco-responsible way (yoga blocks, straps, outfits, meditation cushions).

Lines model cork yoga mat – YOGAMATATA

I chose to test the classic “lines” pattern model that recalls the grooves of trees.

>> See the Yogamatata lines yoga mat

Features of the Yogamatata cork mat:

In practice : suitable for all yoga practices and in hot rooms (bikram, hot yoga)

Yogamatata – Lines Yoga Mat

The price offers are listed in ascending order of price. The prices displayed are inclusive of all taxes (all taxes included). The displayed postage price corresponds to the cheapest home delivery offered by the merchant.
aufeminin.com references in its price tables the merchants who wish to be present there on condition that they display prices with VAT (including all taxes – all taxes) and present
an excellent level of service quality and customer satisfaction. This referencing is paying.
Our price tables are therefore not exhaustive on all the offers and merchants present on the market.
The offers in the price tables are updated daily and several times a day for certain stores.

My advice and advice :
A very elegant rug with the typical smell of cork, like an air of nature at home. It makes you want to lie down, especially since cork is a natural thermal insulator: if you have cold floors, there is no risk of getting cold! However, the smoothness of the mat makes it rather suited to dynamic sequences. If you have sharp bones or musculo-articular tenderness, lying down may be less comfortable. The whole point of the cork mat lies in its natural, antibacterial and naturally non-slip appearance. These mats are ideal for intense sessions, in hot rooms and / or for people who sweat quickly.
For which practices:
Ashtanga, Bikram yoga, Modo yoga, vinyasa, Iyengar-type sequences, muscle strengthening with little long press and any dynamic practice according to your desires.

>> Discover the Yogamatata cork mat

Other yoga articles on Yogamatata

Yogamatata's commitment:

The mat was delivered to me without a carrying strap or plastic packaging: carefully wrapped in seeded paper made up of flower seeds! The fabric tie is upcylated and the container is re-used cardboard. For each carpet purchased, Yogamatata donates € 2 to the Mécènes et Parrains d'Abeilles association, in order to sow 4m2 of honey flowers on French wasteland. The brand is involved in the most virtuous approach possible: strong values, total transparency and a quest for continuous improvement.
The central idea: to progress towards ever more eco-responsibility. The cork for the rugs comes from sustainably managed forests in Portugal. The bark from which it is made comes from the cork oak tree, the harvest of which does not involve cutting down trees. This tree is a real lung for the planet: the cork oaks of Portugal alone absorb nearly 5 million tonnes of CO2 each year!
As for the manufacture of carpets, China was the only option because it is the only country able to make these articles based on cork and natural rubber. The production plant is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. An independent ethics audit company is responsible for monitoring the production unit on many criteria (health, safety and hygiene, waste management, working hours, remuneration, etc.). The report is available here

Jade Harmony on Tayrona Yoga: Responsible mats

About the brand:
With its varied offer dedicated to the world of yoga, the Tayrona site is a nice discovery that I recommend if you are looking for quality accessories, outfits and mats. Patricia Nagelmackers, founder of the site, chose to devote her daily life to yoga, after 15 years in marketing. The various products on the Tayrona site are all selected according to demanding criteria: eco-responsible, elegant, comfortable and sustainable. We find in particular the brands Manduka, Yogadesignlab, EQ Love, Kurma, and Yogafeelgreen.

Harmony yoga mat on Tayrona – JADE

I chose to try the Harmony model from Jade (in size M or 173 cm). Made of 100% ecological natural rubber, this mat is in line with the eco-responsible approach of the Tayrona Yoga site.

>> See the Jade Harmony yoga mat

Features of the Jade Harmony rug:

In practice : a resistant, non-slip and technical mat that will appeal to yogis and teachers who tend to sweat quickly. Rather thick, it is very comfortable for lying down postures and will be equally suitable for dynamic practices.

Jade – Harmony rug

The price offers are listed in ascending order of price. The prices displayed are inclusive of all taxes (all taxes included). The displayed postage price corresponds to the cheapest home delivery offered by the merchant.
aufeminin.com references in its price tables the merchants who wish to be present there on condition that they display prices with VAT (including all taxes – all taxes) and present
an excellent level of service quality and customer satisfaction. This referencing is paying.
Our price tables are therefore not exhaustive on all the offers and merchants present on the market.
The offers in the price tables are updated daily and several times a day for certain stores.

My opinion and my advice:
The smell of natural gum is quite surprising at first, but it quickly passes after a few uses! The thickness is pleasant, and the non-slip surface prevents any risk of slipping (in case of sweaty hands for example). Jade Yoga mats are sustainably made from natural rubber from the rubber tree, a resource that is quickly renewed. They do not contain PVC, EVA, synthetic rubber or latex. The brand is committed to planting a tree for each rug sold.
For which practices:
Any type of dynamic or static activity (hatha, yin, reestorative, yoga vinyasa, Jivamukti, kundalini, ashtanga, etc.)

>> See the Jade Harmony rug

Our favorites on Tayrona Yoga

The commitment of the Tayrona Yoga site:

The name Tayrona Yoga derives from the name of the Tayrona Indians, who have lived for 1800 years in total harmony with nature, in the massifs of Colombia. It is their name that inspired the founder, whose desire is to share values ​​dear to yoga: balance with oneself, with others, with the world and with nature. The team is engaged in an awareness-raising process to protect the biodiversity of Kogis lands: a tree is planted for each order placed thanks to the Tchenduka association. A strong symbol when we know that the posture of the tree is one of the most famous asanas: Vrksâsana is a position of balance aimed at taking root in the present moment and developing calm and anchoring capacity . The founder rigorously selects the site's products based on demanding criteria in terms of ethics, composition and quality.
More information on Tayrona Yoga

Methodology: how the carpets were evaluated

As with our other guides, the products are selected with regard to several criteria in order to be able to compare them in a complete and informed way. The aim is to help you choose the one that will suit your expectations, knowing that all have been appreciated for their unique characteristics.

Advice: choose your carpet according to the material, its practice and its expectations

Our advice and answers: material, choice of thickness, size, cleaning …

Which yoga mat according to your practice?

The best yoga mat is above all the one that matches your practice and your specific needs:
A gentle yoga practice or muscle building will require a model with sufficient thickness to avoid lower back pain or uncomfortable support.
The density of matter also guarantees good thermal insulation: enough to avoid feeling the cold of the floor through the carpet.
A more dynamic practice or a nomadic travel use? In this case, a lighter and thinner model will be perfect.
The criteria obviously depend on each person, but here are the elements that we recommend that you check before making your choice:

Yoga mat: which thickness to choose?

The thickness of a yoga mat generally varies between 0.5 cm and 5.5 cm. From very thin to thick, the use is not the same!
For a gentle yoga practice with postures held for several seconds or positions on the ground (Hatha, Yin, Restorative), but also physical activities or gentle relaxation (pilates, stretching, relaxation, sophrology, meditations):
> A thickness of at least 5 mm will work best, especially if you like dense and comfortable rugs.
For a nomadic practice, and take the rug everywhere with you (when traveling and in yoga studios where the mat is not provided)
> A medium to fine thickness to avoid too heavy a total weight. Thinner rugs can be 3-5mm thick. Be careful though if the ground is very hard or cold!
For dynamic practice and fluid movements
> A thin to medium thickness may be sufficient (<3 mm) or even more if you are looking for comfort for lying down and soft.

Yoga mats: which material to choose?

Depending on your expectations in terms of comfort and your requirements in terms of quality, the composition will be decisive because it has a direct impact on the feelings of the practice.
> Cork: this material is perfect for people who tend to sweat quickly as well as for practices in heated rooms (hot yoga, power yoga, hot regions, etc.). Cork is a natural, antimicrobial and insulating material. No risk of catching cold during floor practice. The typical smell of cork is very pleasant. This material is however a little more expensive than the others, but very easy to maintain (a little essential oil diluted in a mixture of water and white vinegar, to be kept in a spray).
> PVC: it is a plastic material known to be polluting. Sold at a low price, PVC yoga mats lack cushioning and grip (unless PVC is combined with other materials, as is the case with Manduka). Low-end, non-Oeko Tex certified PVC mats are cheaper but wear out quickly.
> The TPE: it is an artificial material obtained from petrochemicals, the exact composition of which is rarely specified. Very light, a TPE carpet is also the type to rebick once on the ground. The kind of rug that is absolutely not practical or comfortable.
> Rubber or gum : this material results from the transformation of latex from rubber trees (especially in Brazil). Depending on the process, the rubber can be natural or synthetic. Synthetic rubber is obtained using polluting hydrocarbons, which means that it is essential to choose natural rubber from responsible and / or organic sources.
The cultivation of natural rubber also helps to recreate eco-systemic environments and capture carbon emissions. The FSC label will make it possible to guarantee the good management of the forests from which the rubber comes.

Yoga, pilates, strengthening or stretching: sweat and dust quickly dirty the surface of our mat. To avoid the development of microbes and unpleasant odors, regular cleaning is essential. The correct cleaning depends on the material of the carpet.
For a rubber mat:
After each session, simply spray the mat with a mixture of alcohol or white vinegar, and essential oils. It will be disinfected and will smell good! My advice : in a spray bottle, mix half water, half white vinegar and 10 drops of Tea Tree essential oil for its natural antiseptic properties.
Every 6 months or so, it is possible to wash the carpet in hot soapy water, before letting it dry flat (especially not in the sun!)
For a cork-based carpet :
All it takes is a shot of spray (the same mixture of white vinegar, water and essential oils). Be careful, the cork does not support the machine.
For a carpet made of PVC and polyethuertane:
After each practice during which you sweat, or after 5 uses, use a soft sponge soaked in soapy water (do not use the stiff side of the sponge to avoid wearing out the mat). You should avoid essential oils, hot water and alcohol.

Tips for making your carpet last over time:
> Do not leave the carpet in the sun or in damp places
> Clean after each practice if necessary (sweating, hot room, yoga studio room)
> Keep it away from the claws and hair of our animal friends!
> Use it: a yoga mat loves when you practice …

Yoga Nidra: an inner journey to sleep better

Video by Clara Poudevigne