Athletic Works Yoga Mat: A Buyer’s Guide to Thickness, Grip and Setup (2026)

By Claire Whitaker

Updated November 2026

An athletic works yoga mat is a budget-oriented option sold through the Athletic Works brand at mass retailers, and choosing one well comes down to a handful of measurable factors: thickness, surface grip, length and width, material, and how you plan to use it. This guide walks you through each factor so you can match a mat to your style of practice, check whether a specific model fits your space, and keep it in good shape once you get it home.

What Athletic Works Yoga Mats Are Designed For

Athletic Works is a value-focused brand, and its yoga mats are generally aimed at beginners, casual home practitioners, and people who want a simple mat for stretching, light flow sequences, or core work. Because the brand sells through large retail channels, the lineup changes from season to season, so the exact model you find may differ from one listing to the next. Treat any single listing as a snapshot and check the specifications on the packaging or product page before you buy.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Liforme Yoga Mat Sale: Is It Worth It? Review (2026).

Most budget mats in this category are made from PVC or TPE, sometimes with a textured top surface and a smooth or lightly textured underside. For gentle practice on a hard floor, that is often enough. For hot yoga, heavy sweating, or long vinyasa sessions, you may find the grip and cushioning fall short, and a higher-performance mat becomes the better choice.

How to Evaluate an Athletic Works Yoga Mat in 6 Steps

Use the following steps before you commit to any model. They take only a few minutes and will save you from the most common disappointments.

Step 1: Check the Thickness

Thickness is the single biggest factor in comfort and joint support. Standard yoga mats are typically around 4 to 6 millimeters thick. Mats closer to 3 millimeters give you better ground feel and stability for standing balance poses, while mats at 6 millimeters or more add cushioning for knees, wrists, and the spine during floor work. If the listing does not state thickness, look for it on the packaging, and be cautious about any mat that is not specified at all.

Step 2: Test the Grip

Grip determines whether your hands and feet stay put during downward dog, warrior sequences, and balancing poses. Look at the surface texture in person if you can. A closed-cell or lightly textured surface usually grips better than a glossy, smooth one. Keep in mind that grip is affected by sweat, dust, and oils, so the mat’s performance on day one is not always what you will get after months of use.

Step 3: Confirm the Dimensions

The standard length for an adult mat is about 68 inches (173 cm), and the standard width is about 24 inches (61 cm). Taller practitioners, or anyone who wants to lie fully extended during savasana, may want 72 inches or longer. If you are tall, check the length before buying, because many budget mats come in only one size. Width matters more for people who move broadly during standing sequences; a wider mat gives you more room to shift your weight without stepping off the edge.

Step 4: Consider the Material

PVC mats are durable and inexpensive but can have a strong initial odor and are less eco-friendly. TPE mats are lighter and often marketed as more environmentally conscious, though they can be less grippy when wet. Natural rubber offers excellent grip but can smell, and it is heavier. For a budget athletic works yoga mat, the material is usually PVC or TPE, so plan your cleaning routine accordingly.

Step 5: Think About Where You Will Practice

If you practice on hardwood, tile, or concrete, a thinner mat with good grip is usually sufficient. If you practice on carpet, a thicker mat may feel unstable, and a thinner one may be easier to keep flat. Practicing on a mat over a carpet pad can cause shifting, so a firm surface underneath helps.

Step 6: Decide on Portability

Athletic works yoga mats are generally sold as standard, non-folding mats, so carrying them to a class or outdoors means rolling and strapping them. If you travel often, look at weight and rollability. A lighter mat that rolls tightly is easier to transport, though it may give slightly less cushioning.

Quick Comparison of Mat Features

The table below summarizes what each feature means for your practice. Use it as a reference while reading product pages.

Setup and First-Use Tips

Many new mats have a strong smell and a slick surface straight out of the package. Here is a simple routine to prepare your mat for practice:

1. Unroll the mat in a well-ventilated room and leave it flat for several hours, or overnight if the odor is strong.
2. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap, then rinse with clean water and let it air dry completely.
3. Test your grip with a few standing poses before a full session to see how the surface behaves.
4. Store the mat rolled loosely, not compressed, and keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid fading and warping.

Cleaning and Care

Regular cleaning extends the life of any mat and keeps grip consistent. After each practice, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Once a week, or after hot sessions, clean with a solution of water and a few drops of mild soap, then air dry fully before rolling. Avoid harsh solvents, bleach, or abrasive scrubbers, since these can break down the surface and reduce traction. Never store a damp mat rolled up, because trapped moisture can cause mildew.

Common Mistakes

• Buying on appearance alone. Color and print do not indicate grip or thickness. Read the specifications.
• Ignoring length. A mat that is too short can cause you to lift your heels in downward dog or cut off your extension in savasana.
• Skipping the break-in period. Give the mat a few hours to air out before first use, especially with PVC.
• Using harsh cleaners. Strong chemicals wear down the surface faster than regular gentle cleaning.
• Storing it wet. Always let the mat dry fully before rolling it up.
• Expecting premium performance from a budget mat. Entry-level mats are suited to light and moderate practice; very sweaty or intense sessions may call for a more specialized mat.

Tips for Getting the Most From Your Mat

• Place the mat on a flat, clean surface and avoid uneven rugs or thick carpet pads.
• Use a towel on top of the mat during hot or sweaty sessions to improve absorption and protect the surface.
• Match thickness to the pose: thinner for standing balance, thicker for kneeling or supine work.
• Rotate your hand and foot position occasionally to spread wear across the surface.
• If you have joint conditions, consult a physical therapist or doctor before choosing a cushioning level.

Recommended gear

A few accessories can make a basic mat more useful, especially for beginners. Choose items that match the mat’s size and thickness.

• Yoga towel: A towel designed to lie on top of the mat adds grip when wet and absorbs sweat, which helps if your mat’s surface is smooth. View on Amazon
• Yoga mat carrying strap: A simple strap keeps a rolled mat secure and makes transport easier. View on Amazon
• Yoga mat cleaner spray: A plant-based or alcohol-free cleaner is gentler on PVC and TPE surfaces than household sprays. View on Amazon

FAQ

Is an athletic works yoga mat good for beginners?

Yes, for most beginners it is a reasonable starting point. A budget mat lets you learn basic alignment and poses without a large commitment. As your practice develops, you can decide whether you need better grip, more cushioning, or a different material.

How thick is a typical athletic works yoga mat?

Thickness varies by model, so check the specific listing. Many mats in this category fall within the common 4 to 6 millimeter range, but always confirm the figure on the packaging or product page.

Can I use an athletic works yoga mat for hot yoga?

Budget mats can be used for hot yoga, but grip may decrease as the surface gets wet. Using a yoga towel on top of the mat is a practical way to improve traction during heavy sweating.

How do I stop my mat from slipping?

Clean the surface regularly to remove oils and residue, use a towel for extra grip, and make sure the mat is placed on a flat, firm floor rather than a loose rug or carpet pad.

How often should I clean my yoga mat?

Wipe it after each session and do a deeper clean with mild soap and water about once a week, or more often if you practice hot yoga or sweat heavily.

Can I machine wash an athletic works yoga mat?

Machine washing is not recommended for most yoga mats, as agitation and heat can damage the surface and backing. Hand clean with a damp cloth and mild soap instead, and check the manufacturer’s care instructions for the specific model.

How should I store my yoga mat?

Store the mat fully dry, rolled loosely or hung flat, and keep it away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and damp areas to prevent warping, fading, and mildew.

Should I consult anyone before choosing a mat for a medical condition?

Yes. If you have knee, wrist, back, or other joint concerns, speak with a physical therapist or your doctor about the level of cushioning and support that suits your needs before you choose a mat.

Conclusion

An athletic works yoga mat can serve well for everyday stretching and beginner practice when you know what to check. Compare thickness, grip, length, and material against your own practice and space, then follow simple setup and cleaning habits to keep the surface performing well. If your needs grow beyond a basic mat, you will have a clear framework for upgrading. For more guidance, explore our related articles on Yoga Mats for Beginners and Yoga Mat Thickness Guide.

Related reading

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About Claire Whitaker

Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our yoga guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.