Yoga is a perfect exercise for the physical health and inner peace. Yoga has been practicing several years ago. A perfect yoga mat is an essential accessory for yoga lovers or practitioners. Yoga mat material matters a lot for convenience that’s why this is the most important thing to know about Natural Rubber vs Cork Yoga Mat – which is Better?

Each yoga mat material has its own characteristics. So, choosing the right material is to maintain the comfort level necessary.

Let’s go a little deeper about Rubber vs Cork Yoga Mat

Cork Yoga Workout / Exercise Mat

These mats are made of a sustainable material named Cork. Cork is a material, we get from the oak trees normally found in Italy and Spain.

Pros and Cons of Cork Yoga Mats

Cork yoga mats have a lot of advantages that’s why a huge amount of yogis prefer cork exercise mats.

Pros of Cork Exercise Mats

Lightweight – most importantly the cork yoga mats are light in weight.

Eco-Friendly – the cork material has anti-microbial characteristics so the mats built with this material are eco-friendly. Apart from this, yoga practitioners feel a natural and enjoyable comfort level Which is most important for our mental health.

Non-Slippery Surface: It has a non-slippery surface that provides an injury-free environment. Most of the yoga poses require more grip so due to the non-slippery surface, we feel comfort during such poses.

Biodegradable: Cork material is easily biodegradable and recyclable. The waste of cork is easily used to make other cork items.

Easy to Clean: As the cork yoga mats are lightweight, they are easy to clean. You can use your homemade remedies to clean it instead of buying a proper yoga mat cleaner. I have already written an article on yoga mat cleaning remedies, you can read it here.

Cons of Cork Yoga Mat

Costly – As compared to other yoga mat materials, cork yoga mats are a bit costly.

Thickness – Cork mats are up to 5-6mm maximum available in the market whereas, you can find up to 12-15mm thick mats in other materials which helps those who are suffering from joint pain.

Space: As the cork mats are not easily foldable, if you are concerned with storing space you should choose another material for a yoga mat. I have already discussed all the other yoga mat materials, you can read them here in detail.

Natural Rubber Yoga Mat

Rubber is a synthetic, long-lasting and durable yoga mat material. We get this material from the sap of rubber trees.

Pros and Cons of Natural Rubber Yoga Mats

Pros of Rubber Yoga Mat Material

Eco-Friendly & Sustainable: Like cork mat material, rubber material is also eco-friendly and sustainable. A few mats are built with a natural rubber material that makes them more environmental-friendly and a few of the mats are built with synthetic rubber that is also not bad for the environment.

Comfort Level: Rubber material offers a non-slippery and good grippy surface that increases the comfort level while performing different yoga poses. With a non-slippery surface, we remain safe from injuries.

Anti-microbial: Like cork material, rubber material also has anti-microbial characteristics. That’s why natural rubber mats are easy to clean. After the hot yoga poses, the mat may be sweatier than usual but can be cleaned easily with homemade remedies.

Cons of Rubber Yoga Mat

Odor: The bad thing about rubber is, that it has a strong smell as new which reduces after the usage of a couple of days. Another option is to leave it in natural air for a few hours to reduce its odor.

Not Easy to Carry: As the rubber material is not lightweight, the yoga mat can be a bit heavier than the other material yoga mats.

Allergy: Rubber material is not recommended for those who have any kind of allergy to latex.

Are cork yoga mats better?

If I compare it with all other yoga mat materials, the cork is a better option than the all. As the cork mats do not absorb water or sweat they will not become too dusty and dirty and are easy to clean. The last thing is that you should read the pros and cons of all yoga mat materials and choose only the one that fulfills your requirements.

Yoga Mats with Cork and Rubber Materials

A few yoga mats combined with both materials are available in the market. They are made up, with the bonding of natural rubber over the cork material. In this way, a mat with a combination of both materials has the characteristics of both. So, that can be the best option, the only bad thing is that they are costly. But the combined cork & rubber yoga mat material offers a high level of grip and stability due to a non-slippery surface.

Anyway, I have shared all the details regarding the materials so now you can easily get the answer to the question of Natural Rubber vs Cork Yoga Mat – which is Better? Share your thoughts in our comments section.

We normally get confused while buying a yoga mat that is an Exercise Mat the same as a Yoga Mat. Usually, mats look the same to a new person or beginner but in reality, a fitness or workout exercise mat has huge differences from a yoga mat in functionality and usage.

As per studies, a normal human (who is not suffering from diseases) requires at least half an hour of exercise daily to remain in shape and healthy. A healthy body has a healthy mind are crucial for success.

Various exercises are normally practiced for different purposes like yoga for mental and physical health along with inner peace. To achieve the goals, we require some equipment and the mats are one of them.

Is the mat necessary for exercise?

No matter which type of exercises you are performing like yoga, pilates, weight loss, etc the reality is the mats help us a lot with grip and protection which is required to perform well. Especially, if you are performing yoga, you need a non-slippery surface with a proper thickness level for cushioning and joint protection.

Secondly, the type of material through which the mat is built also matters a lot for a healthy environment. Apart from that, mats save us from direct contact with the floor which is necessary to stay safe from heat, coldness, or harsh weather. So, that’s why mats are necessary during exercises.

Workout / Exercise Mat vs Yoga Mat

Yoga Mat

A yoga mat is specially designed for yoga exercises with extra support and cushioning. Non-slip with a good level of grip to stay safe while performing yoga. Apart from this, a specific level of thickness for different purposes is crucial such as a high thickness level for those who are suffering from joint or knee pains and a low thickness level for travelers. So, thickness level provides a comfort level with yoga exercises.

Workout / Exercise Mat

Whereas, exercise mats are designed to support and protect the body during exercises. Exercise mats are built with thin material with a low thickness level which is why they are usually flat as compared to yoga mats. Because in a normal exercise, we don’t require much cushioning. On the other hand, yoga mats have a higher density level whereas normal workout/exercise mats are not much dense.

Can You Use An Exercise Mat for Yoga?

This is not preferable to use an exercise mat for yoga because both have a huge amount of differences. So, you should use the different mats for both.i

Is a Pilates mat the same as a Yoga Mat?

Pilates mat and yoga mat both have a lot of similarities but still, they are different.

Pilates Mat vs Yoga mat

First of all, if I talk about mat’s thickness level, pilates mats are thicker than yoga mats because we require extra protection to our joints during high-impact movements. Usually, a pilates mat is thicker between 10mm to 15mm.

Material: In the same way, If I talk about the material, the pilates mat is built with softer and more padded material whereas a yoga mat is usually built with more grippy material for better traction during performance.

Texture: yoga mats have different textures that increase the griping level whereas pilates mats have bit smooth surfaces.

Size: Both mats are different in size concerning the poses or exercises. A pilates mat size between 185cm x 60cm whereas a normal yoga mat comes in 180cm x 60cm.

Hot Yoga Mat vs Regular Yoga Mat

The main differences between a Hot Yoga Mat vs Regular Yoga Mat are:

Support & Thickness: A hot yoga mat is thicker as in hot yoga we need more support and cushioning. Normally a hot Yoga mat is around 5mm to 6mm thick and a normal recommended mat that can easily carry during transport is around 3mm to 4mm.

Grip: a regular yoga mat is less grippy as compared to a hot yoga mat.

Material: A hot yoga mat is usually built with material that has quick-drying properties to manage moisture during exercise.

Final Words

This is not recommended to use the same mat for different exercises. Always use the mat as per your exercise means if you are doing hot yoga, you should buy a mat built for hot yoga and the same for other exercises i.e pilates, etc.

Finalize your requirements before buying any mat then you have to choose a perfect one that fulfills your needs.

Anyway, I have tried to explain today’s question Is an Exercise Mat the same as a Yoga Mat? Share your thoughts in our comments section.

Which Brand is Best for Yoga Mat & gear? It is crucial to choose the right gear for practice.

Yoga has enhanced people’s lives for thousands of years by reducing stress & depression and providing inner peace & strength through exercises. It is not a new way to strengthen yourself (physically & mentally) but yoga has been practiced for the past 5000 years.

When we say a perfect yoga mat that means the yoga mat should not be too hard and soft, in the same way, not too heavy and slippery. But provide enough cushion, grip and comfort. Whether you practice yoga at home or in a studio, a perfect yoga mat is necessary to perform well.

All the yoga mats are not equally same in quality, material, durability, etc. So, it is harder to choose a perfect one. In the same way, prices are also not the same. It varies from brand to brand due to the features of a yoga mat.

Most beginners choose a cheap one first, and after a couple of days, they discard it due to slippery and poor cushioning. Because they don’t have the proper information to choose the right one from the right brand.

Various brands are available in the market that offer yoga essentials. So, we will try to discuss a few of them.

Few Best Yoga Mat Brands

Lululemon

JadeYoga

Manduka

Gaiam

Alo

Liforme

Lululemon Yoga Mats

Lululemon yoga mats are among those brands that people love to use due to their quality and durability. Plain and simple with high cushioning and grip. Lululemon offers yoga mats built with eco-friendly material and excellent grip. Only the bad thing is that Lululemon yoga mats are too expensive, and well-known among people due to its expensiveness.

The people who practice hot yoga, usually use Lululemon yoga mats. If I talk about the price, you can find yoga mats between £50 to £100 depending on the model.

Which Lululemon Yoga Mat is Best?

I think it will depend on your requirements. The perfect yoga mat is the only one that fulfills your needs. So, that’s why you can decide more precisely about it.

As per my experience, people feel comfortable with Lululemon Reversible Mat 5mm. Because it is good concerning its material and thickness level. Better grip and cushioning for joints.

Jade Yoga Mats

Jade is also a big name in yoga mats due to its eco-friendly rubber-based mats. The rubber material is perfect with good gripping and cushioning as compared to other materials which normally used to design yoga mats. Comparatively, it’s not as expensive as Lululemon. The good thing is Jade yoga mats are perfect for all yoga styles. The bad thing only is the odor of rubber and requires more cleaning.

Which Jade Yoga Mat is Best?

I recommend the Jade Yoga Harmony Mat as it is good for balancing and grip. Eco-friendly due to rubber and best for cushioning.

Manduka Yoga Mats

Manduka is also a well-known brand in the yoga mat industry and the company offers its mats in different qualities. However, manduka yoga mats are not too expensive and easy to carry.

Manduka PRO

Manduka PRO is the choice of most yoga teachers. It is known due to its durability, high-level cushioning and lifetime warranty. But keep in mind, it’s a perfect option only for those who practice yoga at home as the mats are super thick so it is difficult to travel with the mat.

Manduka PROLite

It’s a portable version of a yoga mat that is easy to carry and travel with it along with high-level cushioning and durability. So, it’s a perfect choice for those who have to travel with a yoga mat.

Manduka eKo Lite

This version of Manduka yoga mats is made of natural rubber which means it will be an eco-friendly mat. Manduka eKo Lite offers great grip while exercising with a normal level of cushioning for our knees and joints. Lightweight and perfect for balancing.

Gaiam Yoga Mats

Gaiam is known due to its mat affordability, style and variety. Gaiam Yoga Mats come in different thicknesses and sizes along with non-slippery surfaces. Due to its affordability, I think we should not compare its durability with the top one. They are less durable and you can also face grip loss after a specific time. But the best option for beginners who are seeking budget-friendly.

Alo Yoga Mats

Alo is also a well-renowned company for yoga mats. Alo Yoga Mats come in different styles and designs with high level of cushioning and grip. Alo yoga Mats are built with non-toxic material, and eco-friendly with non-slippery surfaces. It is a good option for those who are searching for both performance and aesthetics.

Liforme Yoga Mat

Liforme Yoga Mats are made with rubber material. That’s why the mats are eco-friendly, durable good in grip and the best alignment guide. Easy to clean with excellent cushioning. But make sure, don’t go for a high-thickness otherwise you may face trouble carrying it.

Final Words

Different brands offer different qualities and prices but the simplest recommendation is that you should choose a mat concerning your requirements instead of a top brand. It may be possible, that you will not be happy with a top yoga mat brand because it will not be fulfilling your requirements. Just see which are the things important such as its material, durability, thickness and cushioning. Based on these things, you can choose the perfect one for you.

Hopefully, I have given the answer in full to the question Which Brand is Best for Yoga Mat? Share your thoughts in our comments section.