The Best Yoga Mat For Beginners:
Finding the perfect yoga mat is not easy. One of the biggest difficulties is finding one that meets all the yogi’s needs. It is also one of the most essential props. There are many models. Oftentimes, the cost is a huge payer in the purchasing of a mat. With this in mind, you should be asking yourself many questions before purchasing. In this article, you’ll find a guide on how to choose the best yoga mat for beginners.
Related Article: How To Properly Take Care of and Clean Your Yoga Mat
Having a Good Yoga Mat Will Help Your Practice!
What we can advise is to be careful when jumping in and purchasing the lowest cost mat you find. Oftentimes, beginner yogi’s choose a less expensive mat with the idea of changing it in the future. In doing so, you can hurt the progression of your practice. Furthermore, you’ll have a vital accessory that gets canned after a few short sessions. Alternatively, you’ll get some use of it, but in the end, finding that sometimes you get what you pay for.
Now, this is not always the case, as with anything else you purchase. Their are certainly quality mats to find that are both, budget friendly, but also good quality.
Having said this, get educated. Understand some of the differences in mats and their intended benefits. Research pro’s and con’s of a yoga mat or particular brand. Understand the style of yoga you’re interested in. Know where you’re going to practice. Furthermore, know your body.
Why Is It Hard To Choose?
This article is intended to be a starting point for you in your endeavors to find a yoga mat to suit your needs.
Choosing the right yoga mat is not easy, especially for a novice. Truth is, if you’re serious about yoga, you should have a quality mat, even from the start. However, there are many aspects to take into consideration.
If you choose only on the basis of the price, oftentimes you’ll find yourself disappointed. Maybe the mat is uncomfortable. Maybe it’s too thin, to thick, to slippery, to bulky for your needs.
As beforementioned, this doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune, or purchase a mat that a yoga instructor who teaches everyday, would use. Indeed, there are brands with a relatively low cost, simulatensouly perfectly effective for novice to experienced yogis’.
Below, we offer advice on how to find the best yoga mat for a complete beginner yogi!
What Material To Choose?
A very important feature to consider is the material your yoga mat is made of. Currently there are various types (PVC, TPE, rubber, cork, cotton and others). Each unique, with there own set of strengths and weaknesses.
The material depends not only on the sensation to the touch and that on the skin, but also features such as waterproofing, weight, and adherence. For this, you must choose the material based on the utilization, and the environments in which you intend to practice.
An important material feature in today’s climate is eco-sustainability and being non-toxic. In the past, not much attention was paid to the environmental impact and the consequences of using toxic and harmful substances. For example, glues and dyes that are not only polluting, but also harmful to the skin. Today, many of us keep that in mind, and use it to help guide all of our purchases.
Related Article: What Are Cork Yoga Blocks & Why You Should Start To Include Them In Your Routines
How To Choose The Ideal Thickness:
What an important consideration. The thickness of a yoga mat should always be taken into consideration.
Oftentimes, we lean toward the side of thinker, rather then thin. Consequently, thicker mats tend to offer more support, leading to a more comfortable session for joints and muscles. This is especially true if you train on hard surfaces. For example, tile, hardwood, or even outdoors. The thicker material is often softer, making positions that utilize weight bearing on hands, elbows, and knees, more sustainable.
Contrarily, if you choose one too thick, it can hinder your practice. You may have more difficulty maintaining balance. Oftentimes, this is due to the feeling of sinking into the mat.
Again, it is often based on preference. Those whom are experienced yogi’s, more often then not, become accustomed to or prefer 4mm thick yoga mats.
Bare in mind, thickness affects weight. So a thicker mat may not be ideal for travel. However, it may be more ideal for harder surfaces, like mentioned above. It’s crucial to find a happy medium between when, how, and where your yoga mat is going to be utilized.
Choose Something You Like!
We think of our yoga mat as our friend. If you’re an avid yogi, you’ll use it all the time. Sometimes, even when not performing yoga. The best piece of advice is to choose a mat that you love, as far as color, design, inspiration. Unrolling your beautiful mat can even add some extra motivation, before and after your sessions.
Why Choosing A Good Yoga Mat For Beginners Is So Important?
Buying a yoga mat seems very simple and straightforward, right! As we’ve mentioned throughout the post, that’s not always the case. Do I buy;
- a cheaper mat?
- an expensive mat?
- one that’s eco-friendly?
- does material matter to me?
- thick vs. thin?
- does color matter to me?
- does texture matter to me?
Unfortunately, there is no science to choosing the “best” mat. It is therefore necessary to pause, and not over complicate things. Take some of the pointers from this article and look for the ideal one that suits you from multiple perspectives. For example; stability, comfort, balance, protection of the joints and impact with a surface.
As complicated as it seems with so many options, narrow it down to your most important wants and needs, based on your end goal.
Take into consideration others that practice around you. Do your know anyone that’s been practicing yoga for a while. Oftentimes, the best mats are talked about or shared within a yoga community. Ask!
These are individuals that at one point, had the same questions as you are having now. Expedite the process by reaching out to those people. Try joining a Facebook group.
Your yoga mat is your sacred place. A place where you can learn to listen to both your body and soul. Start off on the right foot (or mat if you will).
Final Thoughts On The Best Yoga Mat For Beginners!
There are so many different kinds/brands of yoga mats! The point is to ask yourself these simple questions. You may find that 6 months down the road, your goals change. Maybe your practice has changed to support the purchasing of a different kind of mat, with other features. This is okay!
However, it is important that you find a good, stable mat to begin with, even if you’re a beginner.
Thanks for coming by, we look forward to having you again soon. Please share your experiences with choosing a yoga mat or ones you happen to think are the best for a beginner yogi!
