The motivation to get in a yoga session can elude many, thanks to distractions like Netflix and the ease of ordering McDonalds from your phone. However, sometimes all it takes is a new piece of equipment to make yoga sessions more enjoyableand more likely to happen.

Searching for the best yoga mat brings up an abundant amount of choices. While they may look the same, factors like thickness, material, water resistance, and texture can make one mat a godsend for some and a total reject for others.

If you have joint issues or sensitive knees, you may want to look for a yoga mat with at least a -inch thickness to provide more support. However, a thicker mat can make it more challenging to find stability and is harder to roll up and transport. If you need a soft cushion for your elbows but still want to grip the floor beneath your mat, you may prefer one with -inch of thickness.

Most mats are made of rubber or vinyl. While vinyl is durable and long lasting, rubber is more eco-friendly. However, rubber is not as spongy as vinyl, so if you like to feel your feet and hands sink into your mat, vinyl is the better option. Both materials are available in textured and smooth options. Textured mats provide a better grip, while smooth mats can feel more comfortable on your hands and feet.

All of the factors listed above are based on your personal preferences. Still, they can be helpful to take into consideration when shopping for your next yoga mat.

The best yoga mats provide the right amount of thickness to give you comfort, support, and stability during your practice. While they are available in various colors and materials, top-quality yoga mats can make a huge difference during your workout.

The recommendations below are based on a range of categories to help you find the yoga mat you need to confidently strike a triangle pose wherever you practice yoga.

Photo: amazon.com

Affordable, durable, and made with natural, non-toxic material, the TOPLUS Classic -inch Pro Yoga Mat is the ultimate companion for your yoga practice. The TPE rubber offers more density and resilience than other types, and the double-sided, sticky, textured surface helps you hold your grip while preventing the mat from slipping on the floor. Plus, the surface is waterproof, so its an excellent mat for hot yoga.

The mat is just under -inch thick, which is considered to be a medium level of comfort and support for most yogis. Because of this, its also lightweight for travel. The TOPLUS Classic

-inch Pro Yoga Mat is available in two sizes and four colors and designs, as well as a slightly higher-priced, embossed style with an upgraded anti-skid material.

While many will find this mat comfortable, those with serious joint issues may benefit from a thicker mat.

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The Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat is considered a classic for a reason. At 72 inches long and -inch thick, this mat gives you more space and support for yoga poses than most. Plus, its dual-sided, textured grip will keep both you and your mat in place so you can maintain poses longer and with more stability.

Designed with non-toxic material, this mat is free of chemicals. However, the manufacturer suggests unrolling and letting the mat air out for two to three days before using it. The mat is available in five different colors and has a sling strap, so its easy to carry to the gym or your yoga studio.

Photo: amazon.com

If sore knees and tight wrists and elbows prevent you from practicing yoga, the Ewedoos Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat With Alignment Lines may be your new favorite piece of exercise equipment.

Its non-toxic, TPE material is designed with a line system that indicates where to place hands and feet so your body stays in proper alignment. The lines are actually imprinted into the mat, enabling you to feel them without having to look down to check that youre in the correct place.

This yoga mat is constructed with a waterproof, double-sided, non-slip surface and -inch-thick, high-density padding to prevent sore joints. It comes in five colors and includes a free carrying strap.

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If you need an extra-dense yoga mat for your practice, look no further than the BalanceFrom GoYoga+ All-Purpose mat. Designed with the ultimate level of support in mind, this mat is made with high-density foam to help cushion your spine, hips, knees, and elbows. It also comes with an additional knee pad for poses that require even more support.

This mat is slip-resistant, thanks to its double-sided, non-slip surface. Its moisture-resistant technology makes it great for hot yoga and easy to clean with soap and water. It is available in seven colors and includes a carrying strap.

Photo: amazon.com

Unlike many yoga mats that are made with non-green PVC, NBR, or EVA rubber, this Heathyoga mat is designed with a SGS-certified, non-toxic, rubber material called TPE, which stands for thermoplastic elastomers.

Its non-slip, double-layer design allows for the optimal -inch of thickness and firm grip for challenging poses. Plus, its longer and wider size gives you more space for your practice. This mat also comes with a built-in body alignment system with reverse points and end-to-end lines, so you always know the best place to pose.

The Heathyoga yoga mat comes in six colors and includes a carrying strap.

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You know youre on a low-quality yoga mat when its a constant battle to keep it from moving underneath you. The IUGA yoga mat aims to fix that problem with its TPE material and three-layer design. The strong bottom layer, anti-tear mesh, and non-slip surface, designed with the companys bone pattern, help keep your mat from moving during your workout.

Built with a -inch thick density cushion, this is a great option for those in need of extra joint support. This lightweight mat comes in five, two-sided colors and has a carrying strap.

The one downside is that material isnt waterproof, so it wont be the best option for those who practice hot yoga.

Photo: amazon.com

If you love hot yoga, you need a mat that wont become slippery when you inevitably start to sweat. Thats when the Reetual, The Yoga Mat That Adores Sweat can help.

Designed with eco-friendly tree rubber thats free from BPA, latex, PVC, silicone, and phthalates, this mat has a micro-grip surface that becomes progressively more grippy when it comes into contact with moisture. Compared to other micro-grip mats that need a lot of moisture to be activated, the Reetual starts gripping with just 2.1 percent moisture.

The 3.5mm thickness is perfect for a high-intensity practice such as hot yoga, and the padded rubber base prevents the mat from slipping under your feet. This mat is offered in 13 designs and comes with a carrying strap.

Photo: amazon.com

A yoga mat is usually hard to fit into a carry-on suitcase. However, the Gaiam Yoga Mat Folding Travel Fitness & Exercise Mat is designed to fold into a 10-inch-by-12-inch square, making it easier to pack for a trip than other mats.

Only 2mm thick, this non-toxic PVC yoga mat will easily fit into most carry-on or overnight bags. Plus, its designed with some of the same features as other high-quality yoga mats, like a non-slip, sticky surface to prevent it from moving.

Affordably priced, this mat comes in four different colors and designs. Though its great for travel, this mat is quite thin and not designed to provide much grip, so its probably not the best option to use for your regular practice. Still, if youre looking to do some yoga on your next vacation, this is a great option.

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The Best Yoga Mat Options for Workouts and Stretches - BobVila.com