One of the most important things to consider when you’re shopping around for a yoga mat is its size says Syed Ali, co-owner of Jai Yoga Studio in Cape Town. “You should be able to lie down and fold your arms over your head, and fit on the mat.”

Something else to consider is its weight – if you’re going to be carrying it from class to class, you’ll want it to be as light as possible.

Of course, the yogic thing to do would be to buy a mat that’s eco-friendly. There are no man-made products in the non-slip Original Eco Yoga Mat (pictured here) and, at the end of its life, it can be composted. (R490 – click here for more info)