The Best Yoga Mats

Designed for yoga, Pilates, strength training and any exercise that involves light movement, the Play Mat comes in both a 5-mm version for everyday flow and an 8-mm version to provide support for more energetic workouts.

Bala products are unapologetically playful in design—just take a look at the mat’s bubblegum pink finish that matches Bala’s complementing accessories, including the Bala Beam and the versatile weighted Bala Bangles. After spotting the mat’s unmistakably pink Barbie-esque design on the socials of celebs such as Reese Witherspoon and Victoria Beckham, my superficial self just had to give it a go.

The mat, accessories, and accompanying Bala app (from $24 per month) have substance, too, and I’m enjoying the sculpt, sweat, and dance workouts. I’ve also been diving into more chilled meditation, breathwork, and stretching sessions that are making me feel like part of the trendy Bala club—albeit in my gray sweats, on my own, in my spare room.

The top of the mat is made from a synthetic high-grade polyurethane (PU), and while it’s not renewable, it does provide good grip and is nonslip. The cushioned support felt noticeably gentle on my knees and hands when attempting dynamic poses. Meanwhile, the base is made from FSC-certified natural rubber for peace of mind. The 5 mm thickness worked just fine for me, but if you have achy joints or want more support, I’d go for the thicker 8 mm version.

The mat’s pale color does tend to show every bit of dust and dirt—especially when I work out wearing my sneakers—so a good wipe down after use is a must. It rolls up neatly for storage, but a separate Mat Scrunchie or a yoga mat bag to stop it from unraveling will help.