When it comes to yoga and fitness, your mat isn’t just a surface — it’s your foundation. The right mat supports your body, protects your joints, and keeps you grounded through every asana, stretch, or workout. But with so many materials and options available, how do you know which mat is right for you?
Let’s break down three of the most popular choices — NBR, TPE, and Foldable Mats — so you can find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
NBR Mats: The Everyday Comfort Warrior
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What it is: NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) mats are thick, cushioned mats known for their soft, spongy feel.
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Why it’s great: Perfect for beginners or those who want extra comfort and joint support. Its thickness (usually around 10–13mm) makes it ideal for Pilates, floor exercises, and anyone who needs that plush layer of protection.
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Best for: People with sensitive joints, beginners, or those who prefer low-to-moderate intensity workouts.
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Watch out for: Because of its cushy nature, it may not provide the same stability for balance-heavy poses like Warrior III or Tree Pose.
- At Gurkha, we have go beyond and engineered the mat to bring our grooves to the most optimal level to ensure the mat is grippier and its offered in 13mm thickness which accentuates the versatility of the mats with maximum possible comfort and cushioning
TPE Mats: The Performance Powerhouse
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What it is: TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) mats combine eco-friendliness with performance. They’re lighter, denser, and more durable than NBR.
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Why it’s great: TPE mats strike the balance between cushioning and firmness. They provide excellent grip, are anti-tear, sweat-resistant, and last up to 5 times longer than regular mats. Plus, they’re made with safer, RoHS-approved materials.
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Best for: Yogis who practice regularly, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a reliable mat for both yoga and high-intensity workouts.
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Watch out for: They may cost slightly more, but the durability pays off in the long run.
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At Gurkha, we have have spent more than 2 years of R&D and engineered the TPE mat to be of 90+density and we offer that in thickness of 8mm which is considerably grippier, sturdy yet cushioned. It's possibly the best TPE Yoga Mat in India that can keep upto your spirit of a warrior, without a doubt.
Foldable Mats: The On-the-Go Challenger
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What it is: Foldable mats are designed for ultimate portability and for performance unlike any other mat. Disparate to traditional rolled mats, they fold neatly and flat, making them travel-friendly and easy to store.
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Why it’s great: Their innovative design ensures they always unroll flat with no curls. Many come with textured grooves for grip, supporting deep stretches and steady balance. Perfect for workouts at home, the gym, or even outdoors. Great fit for high performance and intense exercises.
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Best for: Different types of exercised like yoga, pilates etc, those who prefer better cushioning and grooves for steady and comfortable exercise surface, Travelers, fitness nomads. Great for those who don’t want excuses to skip a workout.
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Watch out for: Slightly firmer than spongier mats, so if plush cushioning is a priority, you might prefer NBR.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
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Choose NBR if you want comfort, joint support, and are starting your fitness journey.
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Choose TPE if you’re serious about yoga/fitness and want durability, grip, and eco-friendly performance.
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Choose Foldable if flexibility, high-performance exercises, and convenience are non-negotiable for you.
At the end of the day, the right mat is the one that supports your goals, matches your lifestyle, and keeps you coming back to your practice. Because your mat is more than just gear — it’s where discipline meets determination, and where you rise within.
Whether you choose an NBR, TPE, or Foldable mat, the right foundation can transform your practice. Find your perfect Gurkha mat today.
⚔️ GURKHA — Rise Within
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