Wear Well
LAB 2023 UK APPROVED
Welcome to the WH Lab, where we rigorously test your fitness kit to find out which wellness items are worth it
It’s a familiar scene: you’re sliding around on your yoga mat while trying to perform a downward dog. It’s jarring – this is the one real window of calm in your day. Frankly, you deserve better; and anything presenting a hurdle to performing at your best serves to be tackled. Happily, there’s a solution – in the form of a quality mat. Whether you’re a dedicated yogi who just wants to feel stable through your asanas, or a HIIT junkie in need of a soft surface for chest-to-floor burpees, a mat is a vital bit of kit for anyone in the business of working out from home. The best designs make your practice easier, with everything from extra grip to stop you sliding around to added thickness for a comfier savasana. But with so many mats claiming to be your perfect exercise buddy, it can be hard to separate the wheat from the ones that make you chafe. To give you a helping hand, our WH Lab expert hit the floor to lift, squat and flow, bringing you the exercise and yoga mats worth a spot on your Christmas list.
01 Gymshark Studio Mat, £50, uk.gymshark.com
For starters, it’s versatile. The mat really impressed our tester with its grippy surface and it felt soft underfoot, even on the hardest of floors. Whether you’re working on your handstand or trying to fit in a HIIT session, this one is sure to level up your home workouts.
The WH Lab verdict: We loved that this mat lay completely flat when unfurled; it rolled up tightly post-session, too. Just note that it’s on the heavier side, and you’ll need a carry strap if you want to take it out and about with you.
Size: 180cm x 66cm
Material: Natural rubber
Thickness: 4mm
02 Gym + Coffee MLR Natural Cork Yoga Mat, £70, uk.gympluscoffee.com
This Gym+Coffee number has a non-slip cork surface to stop you sliding around during the sweatiest of flows. Our yogi found the material comfortable in all poses, from savasana to chaturanga dandasana. Plus, it’s antimicrobial, so you don’t have to worry about it going mouldy.
The WH Lab verdict: Our expert rated the strap, which makes it a breeze to carry around should you fancy an alfresco flow. They also appreciated the detailed, easy-to-follow care instruct
