When I started practicing yoga over 10 years ago, I couldn't wait to own my first yoga mat. I impulsively bought a pretty purple one, based on color alone. Not the best move, as it began disintegrating after a few weeks. What a waste of $35. Like any fitness gear, it pays to do a little research and to know some tips from well-seasoned yogis. Here are things I wish I knew before buying my first Read more

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Health.com here on FitSugar. By Su Reid-St. John If you’ve just eked your millionth sun salutation out of that thin, raggedy rectangle you call a mat, it might be time to spring for a new one. But what to do with the old? Certainly, you could recycle it or even donate it if it isn’t too far gone, or you could tap your inner Martha and Read more

FitSugar reader hiptobesquare needs your help and posted the following question in the FitSugar Q and A community group. In my yoga class, I get really sweaty and my hands and feet slip on my mat. Do you need a special mat for something like this? — hiptobesquare Thanks for your question, hiptobesquare. Practicing on a slippery yoga mat can be a major distraction, and when it comes to certain Read more

There was quite a stir at my restorative yoga class this weekend when a classmate unrolled a circular yoga mat. I'd never seen one and neither had our instructor, which led to a bit of show and tell before practice began. My classmate learned about the six-foot circular Mandala mat ($65) from her "mommy and me" yoga instructor. The extra room makes it easy for both her and her daughter to be on Read more

Sometimes I want to feel pretty when I'm sweating it out at my Pilates mat class. Since I usually keep my workout clothes pretty basic, I'm always on the lookout for a unique bag or mat. I was excited to find out that Brooklyn-based designer Jill Malek teamed up with the eco-friendly company YogaMatic for a new line of mats. Like all YogaMatic mats, the Jill Malek series is made from sustainable, Read more