Yoga Mats and Blocks: Essential Gear for Your Practice in 2024

Yoga has been around for thousands of years.

It helps people improve their flexibility, strength, and mental well-being.

To practice yoga comfortably and safely, many people use yoga mats and blocks.

These tools make it easier to do poses and stay balanced.

Yoga mats provide a non-slip surface for practicing poses.

They cushion the body and protect it from hard floors.

Meanwhile, yoga blocks are firm foam or cork rectangles that help with balance and support.

They make it possible to do poses that might otherwise be too hard.

When buying yoga gear, it’s important to think about a few things.

For mats, look at thickness, material, and texture.

For blocks, consider weight, size, and firmness.

These factors can affect how well the equipment works for different types of yoga and body types.

We tested dozens of yoga mats and blocks to find the best ones for various needs and skill levels.

Best Yoga Mats and Blocks

We’ve put together a list of top-notch yoga mats and blocks to help you improve your practice.

These items can make your yoga sessions more comfortable and effective.

Let’s take a look at some great options for yogis of all levels.

BalanceFrom Extra-Thick Yoga Mat Set

We think this yoga mat set is a great buy for anyone looking for extra comfort and versatility in their practice.

Pros

  • Super thick and cushiony
  • Comes with knee pad and yoga blocks
  • Easy to carry and store

Cons

  • May be too thick for some poses
  • Can be slippery when wet
  • Slight rubbery smell at first

We’ve been using this BalanceFrom yoga mat set for a while now, and we’re really impressed! The mat is extra thick, which feels amazing on our joints.

It’s like doing yoga on a cloud.

The bonus knee pad is perfect for those tricky poses that can be hard on the knees.

The included yoga blocks are a nice touch.

They help us get into deeper stretches and maintain proper form.

We love how easy it is to carry everything around too.

The strap makes it simple to take our mat to class or the park.

One thing to note is that the mat can be a bit slippery when we get sweaty.

It’s not a deal-breaker, but we have to be careful in some poses.

Also, there was a slight rubbery smell when we first got it, but it went away after a few uses.

All in all, we think this set is a great value for anyone looking to start or upgrade their yoga gear.

BalanceFrom 7-Piece Yoga Set

We think this yoga set is a great buy for beginners and experienced yogis alike, offering everything you need to start or upgrade your practice.

Pros

  • Complete set with mat, blocks, towels, and more
  • Extra-thick mat for comfort
  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Mat may be too thick for some poses
  • Towels could be bigger
  • Strap might feel a bit thin

We’ve been using this yoga set for a few weeks now, and we’re really happy with it.

The mat is nice and thick, which makes floor poses much more comfy.

It’s great for our knees and wrists.

The non-slip surface keeps us steady during our practice.

The blocks are solid and help us get into tricky poses.

We use them to reach the floor when we can’t quite make it on our own.

The strap is handy for stretching, but it could be a bit thicker for a better grip.

We love the towels that come with the set.

They soak up sweat well during hot yoga.

The knee pad is a nice touch for poses that put pressure on our knees.

Overall, this set has everything we need for our yoga practice.

It’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their gear without breaking the bank.

Fitvids All-Purpose Yoga Mat

We think this yoga mat is a great buy for anyone looking for comfort and stability in their practice.

Pros

  • Extra thick for joint support
  • Non-slip surface on both sides
  • Includes free carrying strap

Cons

  • Might be too thick for some poses
  • Could be heavy for travel
  • Strong initial odor

We recently tried out the Fitvids All-Purpose Yoga Mat and were impressed by its comfort.

The 1/2-inch thickness really makes a difference when we’re doing floor work.

Our knees and elbows felt much better cushioned than on thinner mats we’ve used before.

The non-slip surface is a standout feature.

We felt secure in our poses, even when we got a bit sweaty.

It’s nice to have this grip on both sides of the mat.

We didn’t slip or slide around, which made us feel more confident in our practice.

We love that it comes with a free carrying strap.

It’s handy for rolling up the mat and taking it to class.

The mat is a bit on the heavy side, though, so it might not be the best choice if you’re always on the go.

When we first unrolled it, there was a strong smell, but it faded after a few days of airing out.

MRZZATA Extra-Wide Yoga Mat

We think this yoga mat is a great buy for anyone who wants extra space and cushioning during their practice.

Pros

  • Super comfy 7mm thickness
  • Extra wide and long size
  • Double-sided non-slip surface

Cons

  • May be too thick for some poses
  • Takes up more storage space
  • Slightly pricier than basic mats

We loved trying out this MRZZATA yoga mat.

The first thing we noticed was how big it is.

At 72 inches long and 32 inches wide, we had plenty of room to stretch out.

No more worrying about our hands or feet hanging off the edge!

The 7mm thickness felt great on our joints.

We could do floor poses without feeling the hard ground underneath.

The mat has a nice bounce to it that made our practice more comfy.

We were impressed by the non-slip surface on both sides.

Our hands and feet stayed put even when we got sweaty.

The wavy texture on the bottom kept the mat from sliding around on the floor too.

The TPE material seems tough and easy to clean.

We just wiped it down with a damp cloth after use.

It doesn’t have that strong rubber smell some mats have, which we liked.

One small downside is that the extra thickness can make some balance poses trickier.

It might take some getting used to if you’re coming from a thinner mat.

The size is also bulkier to carry and store.

HAPBEAR Extra Large Yoga Mat

We think this yoga mat is a great buy for anyone who needs extra space and comfort during their workouts.

Pros

  • Huge 48×72 inch size
  • Non-slip on both sides
  • Comes with carry bag and straps

Cons

  • May be too big for small spaces
  • Slightly heavy at 4 pounds
  • Can be tricky to roll up

We loved using this extra-large yoga mat from HAPBEAR.

The 48×72 inch size gave us tons of room to stretch out and move freely.

It’s perfect for tall people or anyone who likes to spread out during their practice.

The mat felt nice and cushy under our feet and hands.

At 6mm thick, it gave good support for our joints without being too squishy.

We didn’t slip at all thanks to the non-slip texture on both sides.

The wavy pattern on the bottom really kept it in place on our hardwood floors.

We found the TPE material to be soft and comfy on our skin.

There was a slight smell when we first unrolled it, but it went away after airing out for a day.

The included carry bag and straps made it easy to take to class, though it is a bit heavy.

Rolling it up took some practice, but we got the hang of it.

Yoga Blocks

  • Size: Most blocks are 9x6x4 inches, but smaller hands might prefer 3-inch widths.
  • Material: Foam blocks are light and soft, while cork or wood offer more stability.
  • Shape: Rectangular blocks are versatile, but egg-shaped ones can be comfy for restorative poses.

We suggest trying out different options if possible.

Your weight, height, and practice style all play a role in finding the right gear.

A good mat should be non-slip and durable.

For blocks, make sure they’re firm enough to support you but not too heavy.

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Ariana Starling

Ariana Starling is a renowned spiritual guide and expert in Spirituality and Astrology, blending ancient wisdom with modern insights. With over 20 years of experience, she helps individuals connect with angelic guidance for clarity, healing, and spiritual growth.