Downward dog, king pigeon, cat, cobra — no, it’s not a motley crew of animal buddies from Disney’s upcoming blockbuster (don’t even bother, we’ve already sold the rights), it’s just a handful of the poses that we yogis and yoginis frequently twist ourselves into in the name of tranquility. But whether you’re still looking forward to your first sun salutation, or you’re a rubber-boned vinyasa devotee fluent in sanskrit, you have at least one thing in common with each of your fellow practitioners: that barest of essentials, the yoga mat.

This little mat can have a big influence on your practice. In the first case, there’s nothing more likely to kill our vibe than a well-worn, distressingly damp communal gym mat.

Not only does it have the ick factor (all those people! All that sweat!) it’s unlikely to be the right mat for your individual needs, whether it’s yoga, pilates, or conditioning that floats your boat.

For more intense classes such as Bikram Yoga, or for stretching after a workout, opt for a mat with strong grip to avoid sweaty-palm related accidents. If you have sensitive joints, especially in your lower back or knees, then look for a thicker mat to protect your muscles and provide added comfort. 

For daily use, look for an easy-clean, eco-friendly PVC or similar material, but bear in mind that these can prove more slippery than rubber.

Other than that, it’s down to personal preference and budget. If you’re a dedicated meditator then you may want to invest in a high quality mat with more stamina, but if you’re looking to make your first purchase, there are great value yoga mats under £20 that will get the job done. Many come with funky patterns and colours, but if you think that’ll give you a headache, there are plenty of basic mats, too. All together now: ommmmm.