Power yoga is intense. It's physical, dynamic, and requires endurance. This style works on strength and focus, often in a flowing rhythm where breath and movement reinforce each other. To practice this style with focus and control, you need a mat that works with you, not against you.
A good power yoga mat sits firmly on the floor, provides strong grip for sweaty hands and feet, and provides just enough cushioning to protect your joints – without sinking into the mat.
At Yogi Essentials, we've explored which mats truly suit the strength and precision of power yoga. We're not offering a comprehensive list of all the options, but a clear selection of mats that support you where it matters most.
What does power yoga demand of your mat?
During a power yoga session, you build up heat. You breathe deeply, you move with speed and control, and your body sweats. This means your mat must be firm, not slip, and must maintain its grip even under pressure.
You want to be able to hold a plank without slipping, step out of a lunge with a strong push-up, or maintain a balanced stance while feeling the floor beneath you. You want cushioning—but not too much. A mat that's too soft makes it difficult to maintain a stable stance. A mat that's too hard puts strain on your wrists, knees, and ankles.
The balance lies in grip, stability and sustainable support.
PU rubber mats: maximum grip, ultimate stability
For power yoga, PU rubber mats are the undisputed favorite. The PU top layer offers exceptional grip, even when you're sweating heavily. Your hands and feet stay firmly in place, even when you're moving through fast flows or exerting force for extended periods in poses like warrior, chaturanga, or plank.
The rubber base provides a solid feel beneath your body. This mat doesn't shift or roll up, and feels like an extension of the floor. And that inspires confidence—in both movement and silence.
The cork mats with a PU rubber backing are also perfect for this style of yoga. The natural cork top layer makes the mat antibacterial and therefore perfect for warmer sessions. Sweaty hands and feet mean even more grip on the cork layer.
The PU mat is ideal for those who train intensively, lean heavily on the mat, and enjoy exploring their limits within poses. It's a mat that can handle anything, without compromising control or stability.
Mats that are less suitable for power yoga
Because power yoga is intensive, some mats are automatically excluded. TPE mats, however comfortable, are often too soft and light to provide sufficient support for strong postures. You sink into them more quickly, which compromises precision.
Velvet mats and most mats with a soft textile top layer are also less suitable: they lose grip as soon as your hands become damp and can slide with intensive use.
That's not to say these mats aren't valuable – but for power yoga, stability and grip are so essential that we don't recommend them here.
Which mat is right for you?
Do you value precision, intensity, and daily practice? Then a PU rubber mat is your perfect match. It offers maximum grip, is durable, and feels like a reliable foundation – even when you're training at full capacity.
Looking for something more natural, but don't want to compromise on support? Then the mat with a cork top layer is more suitable. It feels pure and robust, yet is sturdy and works with you.
Both mats are designed for repetition, intensity, and physical challenge. And that's exactly what power yoga demands.
