10 Best Yoga Mats in the Philippines 2022 | Lotus, Lululemon, Manduka, and More

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

To give you a rundown, here are our top 3 picks for the best yoga mats you can buy online:

1. Lotus Activewear Anya Pro Yoga Mat
2. Lululemon Professional Yoga Mat
3. Manduka Prolite Premium Yoga Mat

Check out the table below to further compare the characteristics of these three yoga mats as well as the other seven that made it to our list.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Get a mat that is a few inches longer than your height.
2. Check if the thickness is appropriate for your purposes.
3. Consider the properties of the material.
4. Look for textured patterns or raised dots and a non-slip bottom if you want more traction.
5. Colorful, patterned or minimalist: choose the design depending on your preference.
6. Choose foldable mats or those with a case if you prefer a travel-friendly option. 

For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.

Aside from the length and width, thickness is another point to look closely at. This can greatly affect your comfort and stability when doing yoga poses. Keep these things in mind when choosing a mat that will work for you.

Thin mats that are only around 2 mm thick are great for people who want lightweight mats that they can carry around for travelling. They are easy to roll up and stash in luggage, too. Aside from that, thin yoga mats offer a more stable foundation for balancing poses and a stronger connection to the earth. That's why experienced and advanced yoga practitioners prefer this type. 

The average mat has a standard thickness of 3 to 4 mm, which is quite agreeable for users of different levels. They strike the sweet spot between thick and thin mats and can offer adequate cushioning and sufficient stability for balancing at the same time. 

If you have some back or joint problems, a thick mat of 5 to 10mm would be the right option for you. Thicker mats offer ample cushioning so that it would be less painful on your joints, especially on poses when you have to get down on the floor. This is why thick mats are often used in rehabilitation therapy settings. 

Keep in mind, though, that when you’re doing yoga, a thicker mat might make it harder to balance and do some standing poses. Thicker mats might also make you feel less connected to the floor. They are not ideal for traveling, too, as they are heavier and harder to roll up.

Before you purchase a mat, make sure to check out the material it is made of. Manufacturers are required to disclose whatever material they use, so you can check the labels to find out. Read on to know more about the pros and cons of the most common materials used in making yoga mats.

PVC or polyvinyl chloride is one of the most commonly used and affordable materials to make yoga mats. This type has a sticky surface, which helps hugely when it comes to balance and stability when doing poses. However, PVC yoga mats are non-biodegradable, which means that they might last longer, but they’re not environmentally friendly.

A plus, though, is that PVC is latex-free, so it’s safe for those with latex allergies. PVC yoga mats may also come cheaper, so they’re good as a starter yoga mat- perfect for beginners who want to dip their toes into the meditative art of yoga, but aren't ready yet to spend a huge amount of money

Natural rubber yoga mats are very durable, provide excellent cushioning, and have good slip-resistant features. However, they can also come with a smell that is noticeable at first and is not recommended for people with latex allergies. 

Cork and hemp are some other examples of natural materials used in mats, although they are less widely used and may be difficult to find in the Philippines. Cork has an antibacterial surface, which is a huge advantage for people who engage in hot yoga. Meanwhile, hemp absorbs moisture well but is not as grippy as the other types and may slide on smooth surfaces. 

Ethylene-vinyl acetate or EVA is a synthetic material that is very lightweight and has good resistance to cracking. This might be the lightest yoga mat out there, so if you always travel and practice yoga during your journey, EVA yoga mats are your best bet.

They have a high moisture resistance and are relatively easy to clean after your yoga sessions. However, these mats tend to stretch as you work out, and they may contain noticeable chemical odors that can be undesirable.

NBR (nitrile butadience rubber) is a type of synthetic rubber that is non-toxic. This material is thick and dense, usually measuring about 10mm or more, which makes it a good choice for people with joint issues. Despite this thickness, it's lightweight and easy to transport. 

More importantly, NBR foam repels sweat and dirt. This makes it one of the best materials for strenuous exercises and Bikram yoga, and it's easy to clean as well. The downside, though, is that it loses a little of its grip when wet. 

If you want to get as close as you can to the earth, fabric mats are worth a try. This type consists of a fabric usually stitched on top of another layer, although some are also available as simple yoga towels. Common fabrics used are cotton, microfiber, polyester yarn, and linen. They are soft, absorbent, and washable. Best of all, they are foldable, so they are great for carrying along on trips!

It goes without saying that a good yoga mat should be able to provide some traction to keep you steady as you go about your poses. With that in mind, keep an eye out for mats with textured patterns or raised lines. The rough and bumpy surface will help keep you from slipping and getting injured. However, keep in mind that the more intricate the texture is, the harder it will be to clean, too.

Another thing to check is the bottom of the mat. Non-slip bottoms are essential if you're a beginner or an injured person using a yoga mat for physical therapy. The sticky and grippy side will keep your mat from sliding around on the floor as you go through different movements.

Don't skip your yoga practice or exercise routine even when you're on a trip. Get a foldable mat that you can stash in your luggage or purchase one with its own casing so that you can easily maintain your fitness routine no matter where you are. 

Start your day right with a calming and grounding yoga session. Here are a few of the go-to standing poses for beginners, according to Ventuno Yoga.

Basic Standing Poses: 

• Tadasana (Mountain Pose) - A basic standing pose that creates space in the spine and puts the body in proper alignment. Stand with your feet together and pull your abdomen in and up to engage your core. Breathe several times through this pose, balancing on your toes and raising your arms to extend your body.
• Vrikshasana (Tree Pose) - Stand with your feet together, then raise one foot and rest it on the inner thigh of the other leg. Place the heel as close to the groin as possible and fold your hands in front of your chest. Try to maintain balance as long as you can. Repeat on the other side.
• Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) - Starting on your hands and knees down on the mat, tuck your toes in and slowly lift your hips up and lengthen your spine. Send your hips up to the sky as high as you can while engaging your core and pressing your heels down on the floor.
• Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) - Begin with your feet about 3 to 4 feet apart. Turn your left foot out and face that direction. Then bend your left leg slightly and raise your arms out on the side, like a "T" shape. Straighten your leg, then reach on your side to your left foot, creating a triangle. Repeat on the other side.
• Virabhadrasana I (Warrior 1 Pose) - Step your right foot forward, bending your knee like in a lunge. Keep the left leg straight behind you and turn the left foot at a 45°angle. Then raise your arms straight over your head and press your shoulders down.  Slowly lift your chin to gaze at your hands above. Repeat on the other side. 

Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.

No. The difference between the two lies in their thickness and firmness. Yoga mats are generally thinner in order to provide stability and connectedness to the ground for the user. They are also designed only for low-impact movements. 

On the other hand, exercise mats are thicker and denser in order to withstand high-impact and high-intensity exercises and to help prevent injuries in case of falls. They usually measure around 1 to 3 inches in thickness. 

Whatever the material of your mat is, it's a good habit to wipe it down after each session to avoid bacteria and pathogens from building up. In addition to that, it's recommended to deep-clean your mat at least once a month. This usually involves soaking the mat in warm water and a few drops of dish soap and then lightly scrubbing it with a soft cloth. 

However, cleaning instructions vary depending on the type of material. Some materials may be sensitive to regular soap and may need a special solution. So, make sure to check the label first before using any cleaning solutions on your mat to make sure you don't damage it. 

There's no specific time period for when you should replace your mat. But there are telltale signs that would tell you when it's definitely time to ditch it and get a new one. Watch out for uneven padding, bald spots, disintegration or tearing, loss of grip, and a weird smell. These are pretty reliable markers that your mat is showing significant wear and tear and may no longer be safe for use.

If you want to delve into other sports or activities, here are some more products to help you in your fitness journey!

Now you know that when choosing a yoga mat, there are a number of things to consider. Each person has different needs and preferences, so we hope that this guide and recommendation list helped you find the perfect yoga mat for you. Namaste!

Author: Rie N.

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