Best Yoga Mats for Beginners: Find What Works For You

Yoga is a great way to strengthen both your mind and body, but if you are new to the practice and aren’t sure where to start you might not be sure what is needed. Other than comfortable, loose clothing, you may want to consider investing in a yoga mat to help cushion the hardness of the surface you practice upon.

There are quite a few yoga mat types you can choose from, all with various comfort properties and features to make your practice a comfortable one. If you are wondering what the best yoga mats for beginners are to help get you started on your path, take a look at what reviews we offer below for you to choose from.

5 Best Yoga Mats for Beginners Comparisons

Why Yoga?

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and is considered a method of discipline that challenges both your body and mind. As a modern practice, it incorporates breathing, posturing, and meditative techniques as a spiritual, and physical challenge.

It is a great way to help destress, unwind, relax, and train yourself towards a healthier lifestyle. It is often used as a way to build strength and recover from injury and is regularly suggested as an alternate way to combat depression, stress, and other mental ailments.

What is a Yoga Mat?

Yoga mats are fairly self-explanatory in what they look like: they are a cushioned mat that you use to posture upon. But what it does is more than just physically.

A yoga mat is a metaphor for the space you are in when you work upon it. It is like opening a door and placing yourself in a new room once you step onto the mat. It is a way to leave stressors behind and move forward with a calm mindset.

Yoga mats have many benefits when it comes to the physical aid it lends to your posture; it keeps your body from slipping on a hard surface during your poses, and it also helps cushion your body against an unyielding floor. Of course, a yoga mat is not required, and you can practice yoga wherever you choose, but if you like the physical space it provides and will spend any amount of time with your back, hands, or knees on the ground, you may appreciate the cushioning.

Types of Yoga Mats

There are various types of yoga mats from which you can choose, mainly based on personal preferences. Mats also come in various sizes to meet the needs of body sizes. There are also travel-sized mats for you to consider if you want to take your practice with you when you are on the road. The following explains the material choices you have when deciding the best yoga mat for you.

Basic Sticky Mat

These are the most common types of mats, provide a ‘sticky’ like surface to help hold your poses without fear of slipping, and set well on any floor surface. They are affordable and come in various thicknesses.

Natural Rubber and Rubber/Cork Mats

Also popular, rubber mats were one of the first types of mats ever introduced commercially. They are non-toxic and eco-friendly and have good slip-resistant properties. Cork is also combined with rubber to create a similar non-slip experience.

Cotton and/or Hemp Mats

Fabric mats are popular since they absorb sweat and are easy to wash- just toss in the washing machine. They provide excellent cushioning, but may not have the best traction when compared to other options.

Jute Mat

Durable, sticky, and cushioning, jute is all natural and very eco-friendly. They are a great alternative to synthetic choices.

Plastic Elastomer Mat

Slip resistant, these mats provide excellent traction and are free from toxic materials to make them environmentally friendly. They are preferred by those with sensitive skin but must be cared for properly to avoid a breakdown in materials.

Care of Your Yoga Mat

Yoga mats are exposed to dirty floor surfaces, body sweat, and grim, so they must be wiped down and/or washed after each use. The absorption of moisture also dictates that you wash your mats regularly for hygienic purposes. Cleaning your yoga mat is an easy process and can be used with a special cleanser, or simple mild soap and water.

Many mats roll up easily and can be secured for easy transportation. This allows them to breathe and dry to avoid bacterial growth. Some mats come with carrying cases and bags that they can be rolled into. Always be sure to wipe down your mat and allow it to dry before placing it in a bag.

Top 5 Yoga Mats for Beginners Reviews

If you have been wondering what is the best mat for you, and you want to ensure you have a good selection to choose from, look no further. We’ve provided an overview of some of the most popular mats offered to provide you with options to consider. If you are curious about how to choose a yoga mat, take a look at the various features provided and decide which are most important to you. Comfortable, non-stick surfaces are crucial to mat usefulness, with weight and material design coming in a close second for personal preference.

Ajna Eco Organic Yoga Mat – Natural Jute

The Ana Eco Organic Yoga Mat is made from all-natural jute and is considered a vegan option for those concerned about environmental factors. It repels sweat and stains, wipes clean easily, and has a durable non-slip surface for years of use. Lightweight and guaranteed not to roll up while you are using it, it also comes with an organic carrying strap for easy portability.

The extra-long length (72” x 24”) and 5 mm thickness ensure you have the space to practice your poses. It is also reversible to provide varying surfaces to meet your needs. Choose a sticky side for when you don’t want to work against holding a grip, or the smoother side that keeps you from slipping, but provides tension when holding your poses.

Pros

• Awesome reversible sides
• Easy on joints
• Helps balance the user

Cons

• Sweat may make it slick feeling
• Not as grippy as rubber

Who Should Buy This Mat

This is an excellent option for anyone looking for all-natural materials in the creation of a product, plus, the company plants a tree for every 3 products sold!

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333 Yoga & Fitness Luxury Cork Yoga Mat – Large Thick & Wide Natural Rubber Mats

Rubber mats are known for their grip and the 333 Yoga & Fitness Cork and Rubber blended surface is no exception. This extra-large mat measures 72” x 26” to fit the needs of any size body and is made from 100% organic cork surface and all-natural rubber bottom for a grippy, sweat absorbing surface option.

The 5mm thick cushioning it provides also makes it easier on your joints when holding poses or pressing against the surface. It wipes clean easily and stays flat when in use.

Pros

• Moisture helps increase your grip on the cork
• Durable and well built
• Very cushioning

Cons

• Heavy
• No carrying case included

Who Should Buy This Mat

If mat grip and sweat absorption is a concern, this mat addresses them both and is well worth the consideration.

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IUGA Pro Non Slip Yoga Mat

The IUGA Pro nonslip yoga mat is eco-friendly and certified for hot yoga- making it very versatile for all types of yoga. It also comes in a wide variety of colors to fit your own personal preferences! The non-slip polyurethane top absorbs moisture and helps create a strong grip so you can love without fear of slipping. And the all-natural rubber bottom keeps your mat in place.

The materials used are certified odorless, and the mat wipes clean easily as well. The extra-large 72” x 26” dimension makes it excellent for anybody in need of more space, plus it is nice and lightweight and comes with a carry strap.

Pros

• Helps with balance and posture
• Very cushioning
• Great for hot yoga

Cons

• May make a squeaking noise when new
• Will crease easily

Who Should Buy This Mat

Those in need of a mat for varying yoga experiences and want excellent grip, this is the perfect choice for you.

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Heathyoga Eco Friendly Non Slip Yoga Mat

If foot and hand placement are something you are working on for balance, the Healthy Yoga Eco-Friendly mat is a great option. Made from plastic elastomer, this mat has a traditional feel but contains no latex, PVC, or heavy metals. Extra-large and extra thick, the 72’ x 26” dimension has a 6mm thickness for ultimate cushioning.

Unique to the mat is the body alignment support system that has specialized raised ridges to help you place your hands and feet in perfect position. It also comes in various colors to meet your style needs.

Pros

• Extra cushioning is well balanced
• Provides a great non-slip surface
• Very lightweight

Cons

• The included strap is thin
• Takes time to roll out smooth

Who Should Buy This Mat

This is a great option for beginners and those well versed in yoga alike. The alignment system helps with balance and reminds you of proper body placement.

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BalanceFrom GoYoga Non-Slip Exercise Yoga Mat

BalanceFrom GoYoga specializes in yoga accessories and their basic no-slip mat is a great option for beginners who are on a budget. This double-sided, no stick high-density foam mat is an average 68”x 24” choice with a thick 6.4mm padding to help cushion your body and provide balance.

Anti-tear and super easy to clean, you can rinse your mat with soap and water any time it needs to be refreshed. It also comes in a great variety of colors and with a carrying strap.

Pros

• Thick and comfortable
• Non-slip for general use
• Very lightweight

Cons

• Some colors may ‘shed’ pieces
• Not suitable for hot yoga
• May roll when you first get it

Who Should Buy This Mat

If you are brand new to yoga and want to provide a comfortable surface without dropping a lot of cash, this is a great choice.

Conclusion

There are quite a few yoga mats out there for beginners to use, and the above choices are some of the most favored based on consumer reviews. Non-stick, eco-friendly, and even budget options are all available no matter your skill level. Many people even like to keep more than one handy to rotate between cleanings or keep in a vehicle for classes.

 

We’d love to hear your favorite choices below, and if you have used any of the above picks. Also, please share to help spread the word.