Home Yoga Glossary: 14 Terms Explained
The words that show up in home yoga specs, reviews and how-to guides, explained without jargon.
- Closed-cell mat
- A mat surface that does not absorb sweat, easier to clean and more hygienic.
- Cork mat
- A mat topped with cork, which grips better as it gets damp and resists odour.
- Related: The Best Cork Yoga Mats →
- Grip
- How well a mat resists slipping. Natural rubber and PU surfaces usually grip best, especially when sweaty.
- Related: The Best Yoga Mats for Home Practice →
- Hot yoga
- Yoga practised in a heated room, which calls for grippy mats and towels.
- Related: The Best Hot Yoga Mats for Sweaty Practice →
- Mat thickness
- Common mats are 3-6 mm. Thicker mats cushion knees but reduce balance and stability.
- Related: The Best Thick Yoga Mats for Sensitive Knees and Hard Floors →
- Mat towel
- A towel laid over a mat to absorb sweat and add grip.
- Related: The Best Yoga Mat Towels for Grip and Sweat →
- Open-cell mat
- A mat that absorbs moisture for grip in sweaty practice but needs more cleaning.
- Restorative yoga
- A slow practice using props to hold relaxing poses for several minutes.
- Related: The Best Restorative Yoga Kits →
- Yin yoga
- A practice of long-held passive floor poses targeting connective tissue.
- Yoga block
- A foam, cork or wood block that brings the floor closer and supports alignment.
- Related: The Best Yoga Blocks →
- Yoga wheel
- A circular prop for backbends, stretches and balance work.
- Related: The Best Yoga Wheels for Backbends and Release →
- Zafu
- A round meditation cushion that raises the hips for comfortable seated posture.
- Related: The Best Zafu and Zabuton Sets →