How to choose the right mat for Pilates, yoga and everyday practice — and what actually changes when you do.
Looking for the best yoga mat for your practice? The honest answer is that the right mat depends on how you move, a dense, high-grip mat that supports a fast Pilates flow isn’t the same one that suits a slow, intentional yoga session at home.
At Amp Wellbeing, we make four mats, each built for a specific kind of movement. This guide walks through how to choose the one that fits your practice, from material and grip to thickness, durability and care.
Amp Wellbeing yoga mats at a glance
|
Mat |
Material |
Thickness |
Best for |
Price |
|
PU top, natural rubber base |
5–6 mm (studio-grade) |
Pilates, sculpt, barre, performance |
£85 |
|
|
PU top, natural rubber base |
5 mm |
Yoga, Pilates, everyday flow |
£65 |
|
|
Vegan suede top, natural rubber base |
4 mm |
Slow yoga, hot yoga, stretching |
From £55 |
|
|
Vegan suede top, natural rubber base |
~4 mm |
Kids’ yoga, family movement, play |
£35 |
How do you choose the best yoga mat?
Four things matter more than anything else:
1. Material and grip: A PU (polyurethane) top layer activates with sweat — the more you move, the more it holds. Vegan suede works the same way and feels softer underfoot. Both sit on a natural rubber base for stability.
2. Thickness: Thinner mats (4 mm) suit slow yoga and stretching — you feel grounded through your hands and feet. Thicker mats (5–6 mm) protect joints in higher-impact Pilates, sculpt and barre.
3. Your practice: Yoga and stretching want soft and tactile. Pilates and sculpt want firm and stable. Hot yoga wants high grip. Family practice wants kid-safe.
4. Longevity: A good mat is a long-term piece. Studio-grade construction (durable PU, natural rubber, anti-slip backing) means you’re not buying again in a year.
The Amp Wellbeing mat collection
Amp Flow Pro Mat — best yoga mat for Pilates and sculpt £85
The Flow Pro is the mat we built for the harder sessions — dynamic Pilates, sculpt classes, barre work, anything that asks more of your body and your kit.
A studio-grade PU surface gives sweat-activated grip that improves as you move. Dense cushioning supports the joints without sinking. A natural rubber base keeps it grounded on any floor.
Best for:
Pilates, yoga, sculpt, barre and functional strength. Ideal for studio use and serious home practice.
Why it works:
- Studio-grade PU top for superior, sweat-activated grip
- Dense cushioning that supports joints without sinking
- Natural rubber base for stability on any floor
- Durable, high-rotation design built to last
- Clean, minimal aesthetic for studios and modern home.
Available in Stone, Olive Green and Blush.
Amp Flow Yoga Mat — best yoga mat for everyday practice £65
The Flow Mat will stay put as you move. It feels supportive under your body, and looks calm and considered in your home — so it doesn’t end up rolled away in a cupboard.
This is the mat you come back to, day after day.
Best for:
Yoga, Pilates, barre and sculpt. Low-impact strength, mobility, stretching and recovery — at home or in the studio.
Why it works:
- Cushioned yet stable support for joints and balance
- Sweat-activated PU grip top layer
- Non-slip natural rubber base
- Calm, design-led aesthetic that fits modern interiors
- Includes a colour-matched yoga carry strap.
Available in Sage Green, Forest Green, Black, White, Pink and Blue.
Amp Vegan Suede Yoga Mat — best yoga mat for slow and hot yoga, £55+
Designed for slower, sweat-led practice. The vegan suede surface offers natural grip, soft support and a calm, considered feel underfoot — the grip on this one improves the more you sweat.
Best for:
Yoga and flow-based practice, hot or warm yoga, stretching, mobility and recovery.
Why it works:
- Vegan suede top layer with sweat-activated grip
- 4 mm thickness for balanced comfort and support
- Anti-slip natural rubber base for stability
- Soft, tactile surface for yoga, stretch and flow
- Suitable for hard floors, carpet and outdoor use
- Carry strap included.
Available in Natural Leopard, Black Leopard, Pink Leopard and Purple Leopard.
Children’s Yoga Mat — best yoga mat for kids and family practice £35
A soft vegan suede top and a non-slip natural rubber base — gentle grip and cushioned support for yoga, dance, gymnastics, or quiet moments of calm. Built to the same studio standard as the adult range, in designs they’ll actually want to use.
Best for:
Children’s yoga and movement, dance, gymnastics, balance and coordination, mindfulness.
Why it works:
- Soft vegan suede top — gentle on skin
- Non-slip natural rubber base for secure movement
- Cushioned, supportive feel for comfort and safety
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Bright, considered designs to encourage regular use
Available in Blue Leopard, Pink Leopard, Reach For The Stars, Over The Rainbow and Dream Big.
Which yoga mat is right for you?
A quick way to choose:
You’re doing dynamic Pilates, sculpt, or harder sessions where grip really matters → Flow Pro.
You want one beautiful, dependable mat for everyday practice → Flow Mat.
Your practice is slower — yoga, stretch, hot yoga, mobility — and you love a soft, tactile feel → Vegan Suede.
It’s for your child, or you’re building a family practice → Children’s Mat.
PU vs vegan suede yoga mat — which is better?
Both are sweat-activated, both sit on a natural rubber base, both grip more the harder you work. The difference is feel.
PU mats (Flow and Flow Pro) are firmer underfoot. They’re built for dynamic movement — Pilates, sculpt, barre — where you want stability and a clean, durable surface that takes a lot of use.
Vegan suede mats are softer and more tactile. They’re built for slower, intentional practice — yoga, stretching, hot yoga — where you want to feel the floor through the mat and let the grip build with your breath.
If you mostly do Pilates: choose PU. If you mostly do yoga: choose vegan suede. If you do both: the Flow Mat is the most versatile.
How do you clean and care for a yoga mat?
A little care extends the life of your mat by years and keeps it feeling like new under your hands.
After every practice: Wipe down with a damp cloth and a gentle, natural cleaner — or warm water with a small amount of mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals; they break down the materials over time.