The Best Non-Slip Yoga Mats: Tried and Tested Yoga Experts

As a yoga instructor with over 15 years of experience, I've seen countless students struggle with slipping and sliding during their practice. Let me tell you - nothing disrupts your zen quite like feeling unstable in Downward Dog or worrying about face-planting during Warrior II.

Picture this: You're flowing through your Sun Salutations, fully present in the moment, when suddenly your hands start sliding forward in Plank. Your concentration breaks, your alignment suffers, and that mind-body connection we're all seeking? Gone in an instant.

I've tested hundreds of yoga mats throughout my teaching career, from budget-friendly basics to premium options, and I can tell you with absolute certainty - your mat choice can make or break your practice. Think of your yoga mat as the foundation of your practice, quite literally. Just as a house needs a solid foundation, your yoga journey needs a reliable, grippy surface that supports your evolution from beginner to advanced practitioner.

The right non-slip mat isn't just about staying put - it's about having the confidence to explore challenging poses, the comfort to hold meditative positions, and the security to deepen your stretches. Whether you're a hot yoga enthusiast dripping with sweat or a gentle flow practitioner, having a mat that maintains its grip under any condition is non-negotiable.

Let me guide you through finding your perfect mat companion - one that will support your practice, protect your joints, and give you the confidence to explore your full potential on the mat. 

Ready to find your perfect mat? Let's dive into what makes a truly exceptional non-slip yoga mat, and I'll share my top recommendations based on real experience in the studio with students of all levels.

Key Takeaways

• Slippery mats can lead to injuries and loss of concentration during yoga sessions, that’s why the best yoga mats should provide you with traction and stability.

• A non-slip yoga mat would have the right material, texture, and design.

• Several different types of non-slip yoga mats are hot yoga mats, thick yoga mats, at-home practice mats, and travel mats. 

• The best yoga mat for dedicated yogis with various styles is the Sensu Large Yoga Mat.

• The best mat for versatile users who also want to use it for a multi-purpose at-home workout station is the Sensu Large Exercise Mat. 

Best Non-Slip Yoga Mats

Curious as to how our yoga mats can be the perfect non-slip mat for you? These mats are equipped with non-slip features for best performance. They also come with professional and user approvals. Read on and find out which should be your choice.  

1. Sensu Large Yoga Mat

If you want a stable and focused session, you should check out the Sensu Large Yoga Mat. The extra thick mat has a non-toxic and anti-tear mesh layer, making it durable and environmentally friendly at the same time. Say goodbye to smelly PVC mats because ours are free of odors and anti-bacterial to allow you to practice free of distractions. 

It’s already anti-slip, but the four sticky grips mean you can use this mat on almost any surface without having to worry about sliding. That’s why it’s also perfect for traveling. Just pop it in the free yoga mat bag, and you’re good to go! 

Are you on your way to a hot yoga practice? The free yoga towel is an awesome addition to absorb any excess moisture while giving you more traction during sweaty sessions.

Users found this mat to be extra stable and doesn’t slide one bit during yoga sessions. They also appreciate the large size that lets them stretch out completely without worrying about space.  

2. Sensu Large Exercise Mat

If you need a more versatile mat, here’s another choice that can still give you traction and cushion. The Sensu Large Exercise Mat is perfect for those who want to diversify their workout, including high-density sessions. From weight training to jump ropes, you can make this your dedicated home workout space.  

The ultra-thick mat provides comfort and features non-skid bottoms and tops, ensuring safety and injury-free sessions. It’s also made from the same premium material, which means it’s toxic-free, odorless, and better for the environment.

Users recommend it for its durability, able to hold up after high intensity workouts. Some consider it as a must have for your home gym due to its non-slip surface and comfortable cushion.   

Best Non-Slip Yoga Mats: What Makes Them Essential?

Yoga can give you transformative benefits, from amazing flexibility to improving your mental health. But all that’s out the window when you’re distracted as your hands slip forward while you’re trying to hold a pose. That’s why a good, non-slip mat is essential if you want the full experience. 

A good quality mat will not only make you more relaxed and focused, but it also minimizes the risks of injuries during practice. Because who wants to keep fixing their mat’s position and stopping themselves from face-planting when you want to become zen?

There are plenty of key elements that make a good quality non-slip yoga mat. The first element is its material. The proper material can prevent you from slipping, simply because of its structure. For example, a yoga mat made from PVC can be very slippery because they’re non-absorbent. Not only that, PVC can also be dangerous for your health as it contains phthalates. 

Another key element of a non-slip yoga mat is texture. Some yoga mats may not have a naturally superior grip, but they compensate by having a textured surface to improve the grip and traction. The mat is designed and manipulated in a way so that it has raised patterns to help you. 

Types of Non-Slip Yoga Mats

Travel-Friendly Non-Slip Mats Should Withstand Different Surfaces

The non-slip factor is almost a basic necessity when choosing the right yoga mat. But you should also consider what kind of practice you want to focus on. Here are some types of non-slip yoga mats based on the most common yoga styles. 

Non-Slip Yoga Mats for Hot Yoga

The first type is hot yoga, something that requires non-slip mats to the highest degree due to its high moisture and temperature. There’s nothing worse than slipping and sliding as you sweat through a tough hot yoga session. 

Aside from being non-slip, a hot yoga mat also has moisture-wicking features and is durable enough to withstand high temperatures. One additional accessory you might want to add during hot yoga is a yoga towel, which could act as a moisture-wicking barrier. 

Thick Non-Slip Yoga Mats

If you have issues with your joints or are new to yoga, a thicker mat will help you. Thicker mats generally, such as a 9mm mat, are adequate to protect your joints while still maintaining stability. 

Did you know that one of the most common injuries in yoga is repetitive stress injuries, which happen due to repetitive strains on your body? The way to overcome that is to choose a thicker yoga mat that helps you by absorbing the impact on sensitive areas, allowing you to practice more safely. 

This issue is even more prevalent for avid practitioners, so always keep that in mind as you get more committed to your journey.

Non-Slip Yoga Mats for Home Practice

For those who want to practice conveniently at home, you can choose a bigger and more versatile mat that can be used for various exercises. The bigger size is perfect for expanding your poses and stretches, while the versatility means you can have a dedicated spot at home to try all types of sports. 

Bigger mats may have more weight to them, but you won’t have to worry about them as you’re only planning to practice at home. So splurge for a sturdier, durable mat that can withstand wear and tear to support your at-home workouts. 

Non-Slip Travel Yoga Mats

At the other end of the spectrum, you have the constantly traveling yogi who need their mat to be more portable. A good travel yoga mat should be more lightweight and come with a yoga mat bag for easy transport. 

Another thing to think about is the durability, material, and grip. You’re going to be using the mat on numerous different surfaces, so make sure it has enough traction and can handle most conditions. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Non-Slip Yoga Mat

Now that you know how essential it is to have a non-slip mat, here are a few other factors to consider when you’re choosing.

Material and Durability

As we mentioned, choosing the right material will affect the mat’s grip. Try to opt for natural rubber, cork, and other eco-friendly materials that can provide a toxic-free experience. Also, go for materials that last longer and have anti-tear properties.

Thickness and Cushioning

Thicker mats can provide cushion and comfort, especially for those who have sensitive joints. Beginners should also choose a thicker mat to avoid injuries, something that new yogis are more susceptible to. 

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

There’s nothing worse than having smelly and difficult-to-clean mats. Go for mats that are easier to maintain, odor-free, and anti-bacterial. Don’t forget to regularly clean your mats when needed to ensure longevity and keep their quality intact. 

FAQs

What is the Best Material for a Non-Slip Yoga Mat?

The best materials should have moisture-wicking properties and proper traction, such as natural rubber or TPE. Stay away from PVC, as it contains phthalates and may be dangerous to your health in addition to being slippery.  

Can I Use a Non-Slip Yoga Mat for Hot Yoga?

Yes, you should use a non-slip yoga mat for hot yoga. That’s because a hot yoga session involves a lot of sweating and a high moisture environment, which could spell more trouble if you use a slippery mat. You can also add a yoga towel to help you wipe down sweat or use it as a barrier between you and the mat.  

Are Thicker Yoga Mats Better for Grip?

Thicker yoga mats are good for grip and comfort; look for ones that have textured surfaces and sticky materials. Some thick mats can compromise stability, so choose ones with denser and more robust materials, such as the Sensu Large Yoga Mat, to avoid that. 

What is the Best Travel Yoga Mat?

The best travel yoga mat should be suitable for numerous surfaces, durable, and portable. The Sensu Large Yoga Mat is perfect for traveling, as it has grippy corners to keep your mat in place, a durable anti-tear layer, and comes with a mat bag for easy transport. 

Final Take

If you want to take your yoga practice to the next level, a non-slip yoga mat is a must-have. A good quality non-slip yoga mat allows you to concentrate more on your sessions and avoid injuries. There are different types of non-slip yoga mat, such as hot yoga mat, thicker mat, at-home practice mat, and travel mat. When choosing the right non-slip mat, consider the material, thickness, and ease of maintenance. The Sensu Large Yoga Mat is perfect for dedicated yoga practitioners, while the Sensu Large Exercise Mat is suitable for a versatile at-home workout station.