Latest news with #yogamat
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This 10-minute abs workout has over 100 million views — here's what happened when I tried it
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Popularity is by no means a guarantee of quality, but when a workout has over 100m views on YouTube, it certainly indicates that it's worth giving a go. This 10-minute abs workout from fitness trainer Pamela Reif has currently clocked up an incredible 107 million views, so I tried it myself to help it on its way to its next hundred million. You don't need any equipment to give the workout a try yourself, but it's worth rolling out one of the best yoga mats if you're going to be doing it on a hard floor, as all the exercises in it are done on the ground. Watch Pamela Reif's 10-minute abs workout The workout contains 20 exercises, and you do each of them for 30 seconds without any rest at all. That's right, zero rest, which makes this a challenging session even if you're already pretty fit, so I wouldn't say it's the best place to start if you're new to abs workouts — give this 10-minute session a go instead, perhaps. If you are keen to try Reif's workout, then I'd advise scanning through it before you start so you know what exercises are involved. Since you don't get any rest breaks, you have to transition between moves quickly, which I found tricky with exercises like the oblique crunch that I wasn't instantly familiar with. I certainly found the workout challenging when I tried it. Here are my main takeaways from tackling it. This is the hardest 10-minute abs workout I've done I've tried a lot of abs workouts in my time, from a wide range of fitness trainers, and this was the hardest one yet, purely because of the lack of rest. In most workouts, you do an exercise for 30-45 seconds, then get a 15-30 second break, which I really rely on to calm the burning sensation in my abs. With this workout, you never get that chance to soothe the burn, so it keeps building as you move onto the next exercise. There's only one thing to do if it gets too much, which leads to my second takeaway… I took extra breaks I can't imagine how many times I'd have to do this workout to get through it all without some extra breaks, but at my first attempt, I paused the video several times just to have a bit of a rest. This was the only way that I was able to actually have a proper go at some exercises and get through more than a handful of reps, so it definitely helped make the workout more effective for me to take the extra breaks, and I'd advise doing so if you need to as well. It works your whole core The upper and lower abs and obliques are all targeted quite directly in the workout, through crunches, leg raises, and side crunches, and you also hit the deep core through holds like the plank. For such a short workout, it's definitely effective on this front, and if you're able to power through this session two or three times a week, then it would make a big difference to your core strength over time. Look out for neck strain There are a lot of crunches in the workout, and when you're already struggling with the difficulty of the session, it's easy to start reaching with your neck rather than using your core muscles to lift yourself up. I certainly noticed I was doing this, and it was one reason I took extra breaks, just to help reset my form and make sure I wasn't straining my neck. It made me look forward to doing the plank You know it's a tough workout when the plank is by far and away the easiest move in it, and I was relieved to see it pop up on the top right of the screen as the upcoming move. Compared to 30 seconds of bicycle crunches or jack-knifes, a 30-second plank felt relaxing, and doing it as the last move of the session let me finish on a high note of actually doing an exercise for the full 30 seconds. More from Tom's Guide Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. No, not push-ups — try the 'steering wheel' exercise to strengthen your upper body instead Who needs the gym? Longevity expert shares the only 6 exercises you need after 40, 50 and 60 to build strength I cancelled my gym membership two months ago — here's how I'm staying just as fit at home
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
This one bodyweight exercise strengthens your upper body and core without weights — and no, it's not regular push-ups or planks
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. I've learned two things about animal-themed exercises in the fitness world: they're likely functional and torturous. This bodyweight exercise is both, and it's brilliant at strengthening your core, chest, and triceps. The bear push-up combines two of my favorite exercises: push-ups and bear planks, but it's not quite either. From a tabletop position, you'll lift your knees to hover above the floor, then perform a push-up by bending your elbows and sending your weight forward. Intrigued? Trust me, this is one bodyweight exercise worth knowing about. Below, I show you how to do it using just one of the best yoga mats and explain the benefits. Here's everything you need to know. How to do a bear push-up Like the bear plank, you'll start in a tabletop position with your wrists stacked beneath your shoulders and knees under your hips. Tuck your toes. Before you do anything else, scoop your belly button toward your spine and brace your stomach to engage your core and protect your lower back. A tabletop is flat, which is why you eat your dinner on one, so your back should stay flat too, meaning you'll maintain a neutral spine. Imagine balancing a very expensive glass of wine on your back throughout this exercise — don't spill a drop. From the tabletop, lift your knees to hover a couple of inches above the ground Maintaining the set-up position, bend your elbows, keeping them close to your body Lower your chest to just above the floor and look forward until your knees gently tap the ground, then push upward and extend both elbows Keep your butt lifted throughout Continue for 8-12 reps, then repeat for 3-4 sets. What are the benefits? It can be easy to underappreciate the importance of triceps strength. These muscles might look small, but they are mighty. Your triceps assist in many upper-body exercises, particularly push-focused ones like the bench press, push-up, or overhead press; when the triceps are weak, so are many of these lifts. The bear push-up works your triceps hard, but you'll need to keep them close to your body throughout to feel the benefits. Lower your chest until your shoulders tap the floor, and keep your butt lifted; your knees will reach the ground, which is normal, but try to avoid resting them. Aim for 8 to 12 reps, but modify however you like and reduce the reps if needed. For an extra challenge, wrap a resistance band around your mid to upper back and secure it beneath both hands; as you push upward, you'll press your back into the band and create extra resistance during the concentric (pushing) phase of the movement, working your chest, triceps, and shoulders even harder. To modify, practice just bending your elbows until your knees touch the floor, then extending them again — think of a mini push-up. This can help you strengthen your triceps, which will assist you better when you build up to the full bear push-up. More from Tom's Guide I did 10-minute RKC planks every day for a week — here's what happened I cancelled my gym membership two months ago — here's how I'm staying just as fit at home No, not sit-ups — strength and conditioning coach says 'this is the best abs exercise you're probably not doing'
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The best yoga mat for 2025, tested and reviewed
Whether you're new to yoga or looking to elevate your practice as part of your summer wellness goals, starting with a top-performing yoga mat is a smart move. The best yoga mat will keep you grounded as you deepen into poses, help you stay steady while flowing through warrior three and offer the right support for your knees and joints to keep you comfortable during your practice."[A yoga] mat is like a good pair of jeans. You want a good fit," says Marisa Barsotti, an Ayurvedic health educator, yoga instructor and the owner of Digest Peacefully. And, like a good pair of jeans, the best yoga mat isn't likely to be the cheapest one you can find. "While spending $25 or less on a mat seems much more wallet-friendly, it will more than likely start to degrade within a few months," she may seem like an easy enough purchase — just a simple rectangle you roll out on the floor. But as our experts explain, the world of yoga mats is surprisingly varied, and the mat you choose can greatly impact your comfort, performance and safety as you practice."Different yoga mats are better suited for individuals based on their unique needs, preferences and the specific type of yoga practice they engage in," says Ilene Cohen, a Los Angeles-based dietitian, yoga teacher and certified yoga therapist. Plus, some mats are more environmentally friendly than others or offer other features, like being machine washable or easily packable for better understand the different types and benefits of yoga mats, our team spoke with five yoga experts and researched more than 25 products. We then tested our top 16 contenders to determine the best yoga mats on the market. Whether you're looking for the best mat for hot yoga, the best budget yoga mat, the best travel yoga mat, the best yoga mat for mastering alignment during your home practice or the best yoga mat for tall people, we've got you covered. Here are our top picks for the best yoga mats of 2025. Best yoga mat overall More yoga mats we like in 2025 Types of yoga mats Factors to consider when purchasing a yoga mat How we chose the best yoga mats FAQs Other yoga mats we tested Best yoga mat specs comparison chart Meet our experts Update, July 7th, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability and added a handy specs comparison chart at the bottom. Our No. 1 pick for best yoga mat remains unchanged. (back to top) (back to top) When buying a yoga mat, you might be surprised by how many different types there are to choose from. While there are several factors to consider (more on that below), it's helpful to think about yoga mats in a few main categories. The most common type of mat is a standard yoga mat. These mats are rectangularly shaped and are typically around 3 millimeters thick, 68 to 72 inches long and 24 inches wide. You can find various standard yoga mats, ranging in color, texture, weight, thickness and materials. A general rule of thumb is if you're over 6 feet tall, you'll want to invest in a long yoga mat. While exact lengths vary by company, long mats are typically around 79 to 84 inches long. Some companies also offer wide mats for extra space to move. If you have sensitive joints or an injury (and have been given the OK to practice yoga), you'll want to consider a mat with extra cushioning and support. These mats typically range from around 6 millimeters to 12 millimeters thick. Just keep in mind that you'll likely notice less stability with increased thickness. Designed for people on the go, travel mats are thinner and lighter than standard yoga mats. Some travel mats are also foldable, allowing you to easily stash one in your backpack or gym bag. These mats have a smooth surface that's easy to clean. However, they can get slippery and aren't ideal if you tend to sweat a lot during your practice. Textured mats are designed to reduce slipping and sliding. Some mats are more textured than others. While more highly textured mats offer excellent grip, some people may not like the rough feel on their hands. They can also be more difficult to clean than smooth mats. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most commonly used materials for yoga mats. In addition to being a cheaper material, it's known for being durable. Unfortunately, PVC mats are not eco-friendly and may release harmful chemicals, especially when used in hot and sweaty environments. Luckily, many companies are starting to use more eco-friendly, nontoxic materials. These materials include thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), natural rubber, polyurethane (PU), jute, cork, hemp, cotton and recycled neoprene. (back to top) Shopping for a yoga mat might seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. First, determine what features you need, then look for a mat that ticks all the boxes. Key factors to consider include: Length: Yoga mats typically range from 68 to 72 inches long, though some mats are available in extra-long sizes. To determine the right length, Barsotti recommends choosing a length that's "your height in inches plus 8 inches, which gives you 4 inches on each end for a comfortable savasana." Weight: Yoga mats can vary in weight from as little as 2 pounds to up to 8 pounds. If you practice yoga at home, the weight of your mat may not matter too much. However, if you plan on lugging your mat around all day, you'll want to consider a lightweight travel option. Thickness: Perhaps one of the biggest factors to consider is thickness, with mat options typically ranging from 1.5 millimeters to 12 millimeters thick. Thicker mats may be better for people with achy joints or who practice yoga on hard surfaces. They can also be a good option for more restorative-based practices where you spend a lot of time sitting or lying on the mat. However, overly thick mats might make balance poses more challenging. For this reason, yoga instructor in training Brandy Winfree Root, RDN, recommends a thinner mat if you're primarily focused on "stability and advancing in pose work." Grip: To keep yourself safe during yoga, your mat must offer adequate grip for your practice. While gentler yoga practices don't require a particularly grippy mat, if you practice a more dynamic style, like vinyasa, you'll want to choose a mat designed to support quick transitions and minimize slipping and sliding. Adequate grip is actually twofold. You want a mat that grips well to the floor so it doesn't slide around, and a mat that feels grippy (or even "sticky") under your hands and feet so you feel "locked in" as you work through each pose. Practice style: Our experts agree that your individual practice style is one of the most important factors when deciding on a mat. According to Cohen, thicker mats are better suited for gentle yoga with restorative poses, whereas for more dynamic forms, like vinyasa or ashtanga, "mats with excellent grip are crucial to ensure stability." Cohen recommends a natural rubber mat with a textured surface for these practices. If you're a fan of hot yoga, open-cell mats can be a good option, as they absorb moisture better than closed-cell mats. Materials: Certified yoga trainer Stacy Joyce explains, "Most yoga mats are made from PVCs that have a strong chemical smell that can linger for quite some time." While these mats are often cheaper, it can be worth paying a little extra for materials that are a bit more natural and eco-friendly. Examples to look for include natural rubber, eco-polyurethane and cork. You'll also find mats that are colored using natural flower- or herb-based dyes. Price: Most of the mats on our list hover around $50 to $100. However, there are yoga mats available for nearly any budget. Just keep in mind that while you don't have to spend $100 to get a high-quality mat, buying a lower-quality product could mean replacing your mat sooner rather than later. (back to top) Choosing the best yoga mats was no small feat. To narrow our testing pool, we talked to friends, family members, four yoga instructors and a yoga instructor in training to get a sense of what to look for in a mat and which brands should be on our radar. As someone who has practiced yoga for over 15 years, I also had a general idea of brands that I've used in the past and which ones I thought were worth the cost. Using these insights, we researched over 25 mats and put 16 to the test. Each mat was tested twice: once for a gentle, 30-minute flow on a hardwood floor and a second time for a 45-minute vinyasa yoga class. (back to top) Alo Yoga Warrior Mat: Designed for hot yoga, this mat has a smooth, luxurious surface with ample grip. However, it doesn't feel particularly durable, a concern backed up by several reviews on the company's website. For this reason, we couldn't justify the $148 price tag. prAna Verde Yoga Mat: This mat was the most rubbery-feeling mat we tried and one of the most textured — a feeling we didn't love on our hands or when lying down. While it's aesthetically pleasing and very grippy, the strong rubber texture and smell kept it from making our list. Yoga Accessories 1/4-inch Extra Thick Deluxe Yoga Mat: This budget-friendly mat features a plush, smooth surface that, while great for stretching or slow practices, had us slipping and wobbling during testing. Manduka Begin Yoga Mat 5mm: Manduka's mats are traditionally geared to more practiced yogis, both in price and quality. The brand's new Begin mat aims to close the gap, offering a lower-cost option for yoga newbies. We liked the mat's alignment stripe down the middle (helpful for those new to yoga) and the fact that the mat is reversible. That said, it felt similar in form and function to the Gaiam mat we selected as our best budget option, but at more than twice the price. Manduka Yogitoes Yoga Mat Towel: We actually love the Manduka Yogitoes Yoga Mat Towel. For one thing, the nonslip silicone nubs on its underside keep it affixed squarely to your mat — you don't have to worry about it moving around or sliding away. The top of the towel is also immediately grippy, making it a great option to use in conjunction with a mat that's a little slippery, like the Manduka Pro or the Scoria cork mat. And truly, it makes an acceptable travel mat stand-in if you're so inclined. That said, it's not technically a yoga mat and doesn't offer the support that a true mat does. Plus, at $68, it's a little spendy. (back to top) The best material for a yoga mat varies depending on your priorities. For example, natural rubber and polyurethane are good options because they're eco-friendly, durable and easy to clean. However, they're often more expensive than synthetic rubber or PVC mats. While not as eco-friendly, microfiber mats can be a good option if you're looking for a lightweight, grippy mat that's durable and easy to clean. Your yoga mat should be wiped down with a yoga-mat-specific cleaning solution after every use to prevent the growth of bacteria. It's essential to read your mat's care instructions to ensure which solution is safe. It's also a good idea to do a deep clean once a month to remove dirt and grime. The best way to clean a yoga mat is with a DIY or store-bought yoga mat cleaner. Just be sure to read your mat's care instructions. Depending on the materials, specific cleaning solutions may not be recommended. For deep cleaning, thick, open-cell mats can be submerged in soapy water, while thin, closed-cell mats should be spot-cleaned. While you can technically use any mat for hot yoga, it's best to use a textured rubber mat with a good grip to prevent slipping and sliding. Choosing an open-cell mat that absorbs sweat more quickly is also a good idea. Just keep in mind that these mats retain more bacteria than closed-cell mats, so you'll want to be diligent about cleaning your mat soon after your workout. (back to top) Material Dimensions Thickness Weight JadeYoga Harmony Mat Natural rubber 68 inches x 24 inches 4.7 mm 5 lbs. Manduka Pro Yoga Mat 6mm Oeko-Tex certified PVC 71 inches x 26 inches 6 mm 7.5 lbs. Gaiam Classic Yoga Mat 5mm PVC 65 inches x 24 inches 5 mm 3.5 lbs. Manduka Grp Adapt Yoga Mat 5mm Open-cell polyurethane foam and natural rubber 71 inches x 26 inches 5 mm 5.5 lbs. Liforme Classic Yoga Mat Natural rubber base, eco-polyurethane top surface 72.8 inches x 26.8 inches 4.2 mm 5.5 lbs. Lululemon the Mat 5mm Natural and synthetic rubber, polyurethane, polyester, nylon 71 inches x 26 inches 5 mm 5.24 lbs. Manduka eKo Superlite Natural non-Amazon tree rubber 71 inches x 24 inches 1.5 mm 2 lbs. Yoga Design Lab the Combo Mat 5.5mm Recycled microfiber, non-Amazonian natural tree rubber 70 inches x 24 inches 5.5 mm 5 lbs. Wild Mingo Confetti Washable Workout Mat Recycled microsuede and natural tree rubber 72 inches x 24 inches 3 mm 5 lbs. Scoria X-Tall Blossom Cork Yoga Mat Natural cork and rubber 80 inches x 26 inches 4.5 mm 9.7 lbs. Liforme Rainbow Yoga Pad Natural rubber base, eco-polyurethane top surface 13 inches x 25 inches 4.2 mm 1.4 lbs. (back to top) Marisa Barsotti, RD, LD, Ayurvedic health educator, 200-hour registered yoga teacher (RYT) and owner of Digest Peacefully Ilene Cohen, MS, RDN, yoga teacher and certified yoga therapist Mandy Enright, Food + Movement dietitian, 500-hour RYT and author of 30-Minute Weight Loss Cookbook: Quick and Easy Recipes for Sustainable Weight Loss Stacy Joyce, certified yoga for scoliosis trainer with a specialization in spinal fusions Brandy Winfree Root, MBA, RDN, CSR, LDN, RYT-200 student/candidate (back to top) Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
No gym? This 3-move bodyweight workout builds full-body strength and sculpts your core
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. I love the feeling of lifting heavy weights, but if I had to ditch them, I would — for this three-move bodyweight workout. It takes less than 20 minutes and only requires an exercise mat, or one of the best yoga mats would work just as well. During the short routine, you'll target and strengthen muscles all over the body, including building a bulletproof core you can brag about. That's if you train consistently, of course; a one-off workout isn't going to build muscle or strength, but when repeated and progressed over time, you'll get stronger and fitter. I recommend giving it a try first thing in the morning to get the blood and oxygen flowing through your muscles, or use it to expel extra energy after a hard day's work. Whichever time of day you like to exercise, one thing is for sure — your body will feel this one the next day. The focus should be on building functional strength and intensity, so try to control each movement and its tempo. Think about the three phases of each movement: concentric, eccentric and isometric. For example, the concentric phase of a push-up is the actual pushing up motion as you meet with the most resistance; the eccentric phase is the lowering phase of the push-up, which should be slow and controlled for this workout; the isometric phase will be the beat or pause at the bottom and top of the push-up. Aim for quality reps over speed, and if your form goes, don't push the reps out for the sake of it. That might mean taking extra rest or adjusting the sets or reps to suit your ability. This routine should be performed as a circuit. Complete all exercises back-to-back, then rest for 60-90 seconds. Aim for 3-5 rounds. Archer push-ups are one of the best chest day variations I can think of if your push-up game is already strong. It helps you focus on one side of the body at a time, helping to strengthen your weaker side and build better balance, control and stability during push-ups. It also requires core and shoulder stabilization to help you stay balanced when using one arm. It's considered an advanced push-up variation, so if you don't yet have this move in the bank, switch to standard push-ups. To progress further, try a one-arm push-up instead. Avoid sagging hips or rotating your body to one side. Start in a push-up position Extend your right arm out to the side with the palm flat on the floor Slowly lower your chest towards the floor for the count of 3, keeping your body in a straight line and bending your left elbow Pause at the bottom of the push-up Explosively push back up to the starting position, engaging your core and triceps while you move and drawing your extended arm back to the starting position Reps: 6 per side Pistol squats are the ultimate test of single-leg strength, balance and mobility and core strength. If you have tight ankles, consider elevating your standing heel on a barbell plate or book. If this doesn't feel accessible, hold on to something for balance, or learn the box pistol squat instead. Stand with your feet hip-width apart Extend one leg straight out in front of you, away from the ground Slowly bend your standing knee and lower into a single-leg squat for 4 seconds, keeping your chest up and your back straight Lower as far as you can without lifting your ankle (standing leg) away from the ground or allowing your knee to cave in Pause at the bottom Drive through your heel to explosively stand Reps: 6 per side If you're into your calisthenics workouts, you may be well-acquainted with this move already. The planche lean requires shoulder, arm, core and wrist strength and teaches the body to maintain tension — crucial for static holds like planks or tuck crunches. Start in a high plank position Rotate your hands slightly outwards and push through your hands to broaden through your shoulders Keep your legs straight and engage your core, then lean your body forward, shifting your weight into your shoulders past your hands. The more you lean, the harder Try to come on to your tiptoes and gently suck your belly button toward your spine Hold: 20-30 seconds Progression comes from intensity, so if you're cruising through this routine, chances are you need to increase the intensity. You could add sets or reps or increase the time spent in the planche hold, for example. If you reach the end of your reps and you could easily pump out more, then add reps. Alternatively, reduce the rest between rounds or add rounds. Another way to increase intensity is tempo or time under tension. The longer your muscles spend working, the more challenging this routine will feel. Try to slow down the eccentric phase to increase time under tension and challenge muscles even more. Lastly, consider a variation of the same exercise. As mentioned, you could try a single-arm push-up or add weight to your pistol squat. You could also try lifting one or both legs away from the ground during the planche, or drawing your knees to your chest, which is known as a tuck planche. No, not push-ups — try the 'steering wheel' exercise to strengthen your upper body instead I teach weightlifting for a living — 3 moves build full-body muscle and crush your core in just 15 minutes You don't need planks to strengthen your deep core muscles — try the 'tuck crunch' bodyweight exercise instead
Times
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
The best luxury yoga mats
If you decide to invest in a designer yoga mat, you'll find yourself in good company. Around 300 million people practice yoga globally and an impressive 67 per cent of those ditch the studio to take things low and slow from their own home. The very best yoga mats offer a touch of comfort as you perfect your vinyasas and salutations. You'll want to look for styles that offer some cushioning (thicker designs can also be used for HIIT workouts and weight sessions, while anything under 4mm should be saved for yoga, pilates, meditation and breathwork) but also have good grip to help you stay stable in balance-compromising positions and prevent slipping throughout your flow. If you're a beginner to the yogi world, Liforme's iteration, created in collaboration with leading teachers in the field, is a great choice: each comes with helpful guides to ensure optimum alignment and pre-empt injury. Or, if you're simply after a fancy designer mat that will look just as pretty perched in a corner on rest days as it will when you showcase your new poses on Instagram, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Jacquemus all offer suitably chic versions. Keep scrolling for the top 10 luxury yoga mats to elevate your home practice now. Namaste. • This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Both professional yogis and beginners can enjoy Liforme's yoga mat. Crafted in collaboration with international yoga teacher Kino MacGregor, this design offers helpful guides for your hands and feet to ensure you stay safely aligned throughout your practice. The lotus at the centre also serves as a point of focus to assist with balance and stability. Liforme's mats are longer and wider than most to give you the maximum amount of space, and all are suitably padded to reduce strain on knees, elbows and wrists. £136, Liforme Inject some uplifting colour into your at-home practice with Adidas by Stella McCartney's vibrant yoga mat. The British designer has been making waves in the activewear space since her first collaboration with Adidas in 2004, but she rose to prominence when she dressed Team GB for the 2012 Olympics. Now, Adidas by Stella McCartney has branched out to training equipment, with this high traction grip yoga mat. This design is thick enough that it could also be used for weight training, too. £60, Adidas Nothing says 'I am a sporty minimalist' quite like Boss's striped yoga mat. And while it couldn't be further from the zesty neons of the Stella McCartney's style above, you can guarantee it will blend effortlessly into neutral interiors and help instill a sense of calm and quiet into your practice. Pair this sleek mat with the brand's matching resistance bands for an amazing at-home barre workout. £99, Boss You can rely on Pucci for playful prints, and this yoga mat featuring the Italian house's signature use of swirling colour is fun and a departure from the more minimal, distraction-free designer mats above. At 6mm it offers ample padding for high-pressure poses such as bridge and shoulder stands. £327, Pucci at Farfetch LA-based Alo Yoga is quickly becoming an A-lister non-negotiable when it comes to activewear. Combining fashion and function, Alo's kit spans from sporty tennis skirts to yogi-approved unitards — and, of course, trialled and tested mats to match. This Warrior mat has a luxe matte finish and a slip-free design so it'll stay put on most floors. It also has anti-odour, moisture-wicking properties and is easy to clean for when you seriously sweat it out. £148, Alo Yoga Lululemon is the go-to brand for yogis worldwide — and for good reason. Founded in 1998, at the dawn of the yoga craze,it has remained one of the most trusted technical sportswear brands in the booming market for decades. The beauty of this mat is that it's reversible — you can flip it as needed between the grippy and cushioned rubber sides to cater to your workout needs perfectly. £88, Lululemon A luxurious lifestyle accessory if ever there was one, Prada's £1,500 yoga mat is adorned with an oversized print of the brand's signature triangle emblem and comes with a shoulder strap which comes in particularly handy when you're lugging it to and from the yoga studio. We insist you don't reserve it for just home practice — this forest green and bag rubber mat was made to be seen (read: shown off). £1,530, Prada at Farfetch Should you slip and fall into the elusively named 'objects' section of the luxury French house Jacquemus's website and you'll find an array of lifestyle loveliness — from fancy fridge magnets to haute hot water bottles. Alongside the rather random but no less necessary items you'll also spot some sporty picks such as a pétanque set (the founder is from the south of France, after all), designer dumbbells and this rather discreet yet chic yoga mat, which is crafted from both jute and PVC to provide just the right amount of grip and spring. £140, Jacquemus Founded in 2014 by husband and wife Lara and Ben Mead, the activewear line Varley takes inspiration from the laidback life the couple experienced in California. In this funky snake print, this cushioned 4mm yoga mat definitely wouldn't look out of place in one of LA's vibrant yoga studios and is a sure way to jazz up your fundamental flows. £90, Varley A true collector's item, this Louis Vuitton sleek monogrammed yoga mat comes with all the bells and whistles including a natural cowhide leather holder and straps as well as an additional luggage tag. While we doubt anyone else will be turning up to your class with the same designer yoga mat, better safe than sorry. £1,550, Louis Vuitton
