For years, yoga and Pilates have been seen as female-dominated practices. But that’s starting to change. More men are stepping onto the mat and discovering the surprising benefits these disciplines offer.

The truth is, yoga and Pilates aren’t just about flexibility or quiet reflection (though those are great too). They help to build real, functional strength, help prevent injury, reduce stress, and support better posture and mobility. No matter your gender or experience level, the benefits are undeniable.

So why the hesitation? For many men, outdated stereotypes still linger. There’s a common belief that these practices are for women, or that you need to be bendy to even begin. But none of that holds up. In reality, these are practices for everybody and promote mindfulness, awareness, and the ability to process how you feel internally.

The numbers still show a gender gap (in the UK, around 87% of yoga practitioners are women), but that’s beginning to shift. More men are realising that intentional movement can improve performance in other areas of life, including sports, sleep, or mental health.

If you’ve been curious, consider this your nudge. Whether you’re looking to ease tight muscles, manage stress, or try something new… Step onto the mat. From calm to challenge, yoga and Pilates offer something powerful.

The Benefits of Yoga and Pilates for Men

Yoga and Pilates offer a wealth of benefits that make them ideal additions to any man’s fitness and wellbeing routine:

1. Builds Strength and Muscle Control

Yoga and Pilates are both brilliant for building strength. Yoga uses your bodyweight to challenge major muscle groups with poses like Warrior, Chair, and Chaturanga (a kind of slow-motion push-up). Pilates, on the other hand, focuses on controlled, low-impact movements that target your deep core muscles, benefitting posture, stability, and injury prevention. It’s sneaky-strong work that leaves you feeling powerful, not punished. 

2. Increases Flexibility and Range of Motion

Tight hamstrings, stiff hips, and aching shoulders are common issues for a lot of men, especially if you’re into weightlifting, cycling, or spend hours at a desk. Yoga and Pilates are both great for undoing that tension. They help loosen up those sticky spots, improve your range of motion, and keep your joints happy. Over time, you’ll move more freely and with way less risk of pulling something when you least expect it.

3. Reduces Stress and Boosts Mental Focus

Yoga and Pilates are both excellent ways to hit pause and recalibrate. They combine movement with breathwork to regulate your nervous system, lower cortisol levels, and help you feel more grounded. Whether you’re dealing with a busy mind, work stress, or just need some headspace, these practices can help you focus better and stay calm under pressure.

4. Improves Sexual Health

Yes, you read that right. Yoga and Pilates can boost your sex life. These practices improve circulation, balance hormones, and reduce stress, all of which support sexual wellbeing. They also enhance body awareness and help build pelvic floor strength, which plays a key role in performance and stamina.

5. Enhances Athletic Performance

Many top athletes incorporate yoga and Pilates into their routines. These practices improve balance, coordination, flexibility, and focus, which are all essential for athletic performance. They also help you recover faster and stay injury-free, which means more time doing what you love. From LeBron James to Tom Brady, plenty of elite athletes credit yoga and Pilates with keeping them at the top of their game.

6. Helps with Injury Recovery and Prevention

Pilates is often used in rehab settings, and both practices are low-impact ways to strengthen without overloading the joints. They improve muscular balance, which is key for preventing common injuries in men, especially those related to sports or weightlifting.

7. Improves Sleep

Yoga and Pilates help calm the nervous system, lower stress levels, and reduce muscle tension, all of which set you up for deeper, more restful sleep. Even just 10–20 minutes of gentle movement in the evening can help you wind down, clear your mind, and signal to your body that it’s time to rest. Think of it as a physical and mental switch-off, without the screen time.

What Should Men Wear?

This is easily one of the most common questions men have when trying yoga or Pilates for the first time and good news - it’s a simple fix:

Fitted, breathable clothing: Think a T-shirt or tank and shorts or leggings that move with you. You want to avoid anything too baggy that might get in the way or ride up mid-pose.

Supportive underwear: Trust us, it matters. Comfort equals confidence.

Barefoot for yoga, grip socks for Pilates: No shoes needed. You’ll want to feel grounded and stable, especially during balance work.

Basically, wear what you’d wear to the gym just make sure it stretches and stays put.

Whether you’re looking to build strength, boost focus, or just feel better in your body, yoga and Pilates offer something powerful. It’s not about being the most flexible in the room, it’s about showing up for yourself, moving with intention, and creating space to feel good. 

Words from Jen McGregor, Yoga and Breathwork Instructor

"As a yoga instructor, it’s incredibly inspiring to witness the transformation that happens when men fully embrace yoga. In a space traditionally seen as female dominated, our men’s only class (Broga) breaks the mould a little. 

"Watching these guys gain flexibility, build strength, and cultivate mindfulness is powerful, but what’s even more rewarding is seeing how our practice brings release and FUN!

Yoga helps reduce stress, improve posture, prevent injuries, and boost mental health, benefits that are especially crucial in today’s whirlwind world. This goodness and these benefits should be and are available to us all, no matter what gender.

This men’s class isn’t just about stretching; it’s about showing up, letting go of ego, and building a community. Flowing with these fabulous guys each week fills my heart beyond measure."

The images from this blog are from Jen McGregor's broga and mixed yoga sessions.

Ready to start? 

Our men’s mats and Pilates equipment is designed to support every stretch, every breath, and every goal. Shop now and get him excited to move, because wellbeing starts here.

Whether you are new to the world of yoga and Pilates, or an experienced practitioner, having the right kind of yoga mat is of utmost importance as it will enhance your practice, maintain comfort, and be safe. At Amp Wellbeing, our select, quality, sustainable range of mats have been developed to meet the varied needs of our customers. We're going to take a peek at the types of yoga mats that we carry, why they are great for various kinds of workouts, and how to be sure they'll last you for years.

TPE Fitness Mat (6mm): Comfortable and cost-effective. 

Our TPE Fitness Mats are a suitable solution for clients in need of an optimal level of comfort, yet need to mind their expense limits. Being made of Thermoplastic Elastomer, the mat is eco-friendly; it is free from chemicals and 100% recyclable. 

Ideal For: Beginners and those who require extra cushioning during their workouts. The 6 mm thickness provides great shock absorption and is most ideal for yoga, Pilates, or general fitness exercises that require more support. 

Key Benefits: 

Cushioned comfort: 6mm thick with a soft supportive surface that lessens any pressure to the joints in poses and stretches. 

Lightweight and portable: Easily rolls up and is lightweight to carry from place to place, which makes it perfect for home use or even taking it to the studio. 

Affordable Luxury: Great design quality offered at an affordable price for people starting their fitness journey.

Microfiber Mats (4mm): Eco-Friendly and Soft

Our Microfibre Mats represent a combination of sustainability and style, with their making from eco-friendly material showing resonance with our environmental commitment. 

Ideal For: Yogis and fitness lovers who subscribe to sustainability with no compromise on quality. With 4 mm thickness, it offers the perfect compromise between comfort and stability and suits different types of yoga and Pilates practices. 

Key Benefits: 

Eco-friendly: with a base layer made out of natural rubber and a top layer from microfiber, this is safe for the environment and good for practice. Benefitting the planet while providing a safe and healthy practice of yoga. 

Soft and absorbent: the microfiber surface provides a soft touch and readily absorbs moisture, which makes them perfect for hot yoga sessions. 

Stylish Patterns: Available in our signature leopard print designs, these mats add a touch of luxury to your practice.

Lighter weight: At 2.7 kg per mat, this makes for slightly lighter material and weight compared to our vegan suede mats. Easily transported to and from your yoga class with a handy travel yoga carry strap.

Yoga and Pilates Flow vegan leather (PU) Mats: High performance

These Yoga and Pilates PU Mats offer a modern appearance with a curved edge design, making them ideal for those looking for something performing but durable at the same time. Manufactured in Polyurethane (PU), they offer great grip and are resilient in your practice. 

Great for: Intermediate to advanced yogis who will put a high level of wear on their mat but still require the one specially designed for invigorating practice. This yoga mat is 5mm thick and, therefore, proves to be very cushiony for staying steady in difficult yoga poses. 

Primary Benefits: 

Great Grip: The PU-coated surface gives a high-traction finish to ensure stability in dry or sweaty conditions. 

Robustness: These mats are meant to be tough in terms of longevity and wear, which just means a very long-term investment for the pro yogi or Pilates enthusiast.

Support and Stability: 5 mm is a nice balance that provides cushioning as well as the support needed for a stable base of advanced poses. 

Beautiful Colours: These are made in all the fabulous colours to match our weights. You can co-ordinate and work out in style!

Studio Style: PU mats will elevate the look and feel of your studio classes, with an attractive design and long lasting material, your customers will feel supported during your classes and be back for more.

Vegan Suede Mats: 4 mm of pure quality, the ultimate combination of grip, comfort, and style 

Vegan Suede represent the pinnacle of luxury and functionality. These mats are crafted from high-quality, sustainable materials that are both vegan-friendly and eco-conscious.

Best for: Hot yoga enthusiasts and those who value a non-slip surface for a secure practice. The 4mm thickness provides a firm yet comfortable foundation, ideal for both yoga and Pilates.

Key Benefit: 

High Grip Surface: The vegan suede offers the best grip, even during the sweatiest of sessions, hence making it the best mat for all types of yoga.

Sustainable and Vegan: Made up of eco-friendly materials and being completely vegan, these mats are perfect for people looking to align their practice with their ethical values. 

Exquisite Feel: The velvet feel of suede will put your practice on a different level, making it a treat—indulging your practice. 

Non-slip Base: Our non-slip base is ideal for practice in a safe, secure way, but it does make the mat slightly heavier at 3.3 kg, making it perfect to work out with at home; however, if heading out to your class, these mats also come complete with our handy travel yoga carry strap or upgrade to our yoga mat carry bag for ease of getting to and from class.

Family Yoga: Our children's range of vegan suede mats inspires and supports a beautiful practice of mindfulness, healthy movements, and positive practices that a family can do together.

How to Take Care of Your Yoga Mat 

Adequate care is of paramount importance in the life extension of your yoga mat by keeping it unsoiled and well maintained: 

Regular Cleaning: After every use, clean the mat with a solution of soft natural cleaning material or water with gentle soap. Avoid harsh chemicals; they can break down the material over time. 

Deep Cleaning: Periodically immerse your mat in a small basin of warm soapy water. Agitate gently and rinse. Hang to dry. Do not put your mat in the washing machine or dryer. 

Storage: Store your mat in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight; light can fade the colours and break down materials. Consider using a mat bag to protect it from dust and dirt when not in use. Care: Always roll your mat loosely; do not fold or crease as that will cause irreversible damage.

Read more here for further detail on our care and cleaning guide, or product description in each mat for specific detail.

Give Your Practice the Right Choice

Here at Amp Wellbeing, we believe a mat can do wonders for your practice, giving you that indispensable platform to work from. Be it about comfort, grip, sustainability, or all three, there's something in our line-up of yoga mats to meet every need.

Ready to elevate your practice?

Look around the rest of our yoga mat collection and see if there is one that can be the ultimate companion in your fitness journey. Step into our community of health-minded individuals appreciating quality, sustainability, and innovation. Purchase a mat that supports not just your body but also the values you practice.

Place your order for the Amp Wellbeing yoga mat today and make that first step to a healthier, more mindful life.

When choosing a yoga mat, performance, durability, and sustainability matter. That’s why vegan suede and vegan leather yoga mats have become popular choices for eco-conscious yogis looking for premium quality without compromising on ethics.

But what’s the difference between the two? Which one suits your practice best? And most importantly, how do you care for them to ensure they last for years?

In this guide, we’ll explore the unique benefits of vegan suede and vegan leather yoga mats, why they stand out from traditional materials, and provide expert care tips to keep them in top condition. Whether you prioritise soft texture, extra grip, or a luxe aesthetic, we’ll help you make the best choice for your practice.

Vegan Suede Yoga Mat

We love our vegan suede yoga mats (hello leopard print), they are supportive, grippy, soft and durable. With a thermal ink-based dye finish, you can ensure the colour depth and print will stay and with regular cleaning and maintenance, you can keep your yoga mat in optimal condition for many years to come!

The 4mm vegan suede mats, made with a natural rubber base offer a solution to the rising demand for a sustainable yoga mat, that also offers a luxurious, premium finish.

Key benefits

• Luxury feel: the soft, tactile finish supports you in your practice as well the velvet feel will help you make your flow comfortable and enjoyable.
• Durable: the natural rubber base is not only an eco-friendly choice, but also durable and sturdy. This mat won’t slip and move, to offer a strong base for your practice. The mat also rolls out and stays flat, no curling corners!
• High grip: vegan suede mats get grippier with moisture, therefore as you sweat the mat will continue to ensure you stay in place during your downward dog! This also makes the mat a perfect companion for fitness workouts, Pilates and hot yoga enthusiasts.

Environmentally friendly

• Recyclable and biodegradable: The rubber base and microfibre materials are both suitable for recycling and biodegradable, breaking down over time and reducing landfill waste.
• Renewable: natural rubber is made from a renewable material and is sustainably harvested, making it the eco-friendly yoga mat choice.
• Non-toxic: this yoga mat uses natural materials, no PVC, PU or TPE. The colour is thermal dyed.

Home and studio practice

The vegan suede and natural rubber mats are heavier to carry than traditional PVC/TPE yoga mats, they weigh 3.3kg per mat, however they do arrive with a handy carry strap (or see our yoga bag range) to help you transport your mat from home to studio. Our microfibre mats have a lighter base and weigh just 2.4kg per mat and therefore may be a lighter choice for travel.

The vegan suede mats are the perfect durable, cleanable, hygienic choice for a studio mat range.

You can find our full range of yoga mat options, including our children's yoga mats, TPE range and PU vegan leather options here.

Our Yoga accessories range

If you are looking to extend your sustainable yoga accessories range, why not look at our eco-friendly cork yoga blocks and bamboo sliders.

Our yoga blocks, in a range of colours, are also made from environmentally friendly EVA foam materials, find out more here.

For weighted power yoga, we also have a range of ankle wrist weights and light strength bars (dumbbells).

Care guide and maintaining grip

These mats are very easy to clean and keep in great condition, even with regular use over time.

To clean a vegan suede yoga mat and restore its grip, you can follow these steps.

Regular Cleaning: After each yoga session, lightly shake your mat to remove any loose debris or dirt. This prevents particles from embedding into the mat's fibres.

Spot Cleaning: For light stains or areas with reduced grip, use a damp cloth with gentle soap or a vinegar-water solution to spot clean the affected areas. Gently rub the cloth over the stains or areas that need extra grip.

Deep Cleaning: Periodically, especially after hot yoga or intense HIIT workouts, it's a good idea to give your mat a more thorough cleaning. Use a mixture of mild soap and water, applied sparingly, to a damp cloth. Wipe down the entire mat's surface, including both sides. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use abrasive or harsh cleaning chemicals on your yoga mat. They can damage the suede surface or degrade the natural rubber base.

Drying: After cleaning, allow your yoga mat to air dry completely before rolling it up. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme heat, as this can damage the materials. Hang it over a railing or chair to ensure proper airflow.

Regular Maintenance: To maintain the grip on your yoga mat, regularly brush the vegan suede surface with a soft-bristled brush. This helps to remove dirt, oils, and sweat build up that could affect the mat's grip.

Storage: When not in use, store your mat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Rolling it with the suede side out can help maintain its shape and minimize fraying.

Use a Towel: Consider using a yoga towel or mat towel during hot yoga sessions. This not only provides additional grip but also helps protect your mat from excessive moisture and sweat.

Avoid Shoes: Keep your yoga mat a shoe-free zone to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Shoes can cause premature fraying and damage to the suede surface. Try to keep to bare feet or indoor-only trainers.

Rotation: To ensure even wear, rotate your yoga mat regularly. This will distribute the pressure and maintain its durability.

Vegan Leather Yoga Flow Mat

Our PU yoga mat with a natural rubber base is designed for ultimate performance, durability, and comfort. They offer superior grip, even in your sweatiest of sessions, the PU (polyurethane) provides exceptional traction—the more you sweat, the better the grip. No towel is needed, even in hot yoga. This makes the mat ideal for dynamic movements and balance-based poses, ensuring stability throughout your practice.

Weighing 2.7kg, this mat offers a denser, premium feel, giving you extra support and comfort for joints and pressure points. The natural rubber base provides a stable foundation, preventing shifting during movement. A stylish, premium finish that stands out in any studio or home space.

Our mats are made with biodegradable natural rubber and non-toxic PU, reducing environmental impact, free from PVC, latex, and harsh chemicals. They are built to withstand intense daily use without wearing down as well as resistant to peeling, stretching, or flaking—ensuring a mat that lasts.

How to Care for Your PU & Natural Rubber Yoga Mat

Keep your yoga mat in top condition with these simple care tips to maintain its grip, durability, and longevity.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Daily: Wipe the surface with a damp cloth after use. Let it air dry fully before rolling.
Deep Clean (Weekly): Use a mild solution of water & a few drops of gentle soap or a 50/50 water & mild white vinegar mix. Wipe with a soft cloth and let it air dry.

What to Avoid

No oils or lotions – These can stain the mat and reduce grip.
No harsh cleaners – Avoid alcohol, bleach, or strong detergents.
No prolonged sun exposure – Direct heat can cause the mat to degrade.
Do not soak or submerge – Water can damage the natural rubber base.
Keep your yoga mat a shoe-free zone to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Shoes can cause premature fraying and damage to the suede surface. Try to keep to bare feet or indoor-only trainers.

Storage Tips

Roll with the PU side facing outward to prevent curling.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Use a mat bag to keep it dust-free and protected.

With proper care, your mat will provide exceptional grip and performance for years to come.

Conclusion

By following these care instructions, you can extend the life of your eco-friendly, soft vegan suede and vegan leather yoga mat and continue to enjoy a comfortable and supportive practice.

A well-maintained mat can enhance your yoga experience and support your health and well-being.