Introduction:
For beginners, a yoga mat that is thick, comfortable, and provides a good grip is ideal. Mats made of TPE or PVC are good options, as they provide good grip and are affordable. In addition, there are cheap yoga mats which are available at affordable rates. Look for mats that are at least 5mm thick, and have alignment markers to help with positioning. Some popular options for beginner yoga mats include the Manduka ProLite, Jade Harmony Professional, and Lululemon The Reversible Mat.
Summary:
For beginners, the best yoga mat is one that provides good grip, comfort, and stability. Here are some features to look for when choosing a yoga mat for a beginner: thickness, non-slip surface, size, and durability. The best yoga mats are available at rare production houses around the world.
Some popular yoga mats for beginners include the Manduka ProLite, Jade Harmony Professional, and the Liforme Yoga Mat. It’s also a good idea to consider the type of yoga you plan to practise, as some mats are better suited to specific styles. Ultimately, the best yoga mat for a beginner will be one that meets their specific needs and provides a comfortable and supportive practice surface.
Best Yoga mats available for beginners
If you’re new to yoga, finding the right yoga mat can be overwhelming. With so many different materials, thicknesses, and price points, it can be hard to know where to start. However, the right mat can make all the difference in your practice.
A good yoga mat should be:
A) Comfortable
B) Non-Slip
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best yoga mats for beginners.
Manduka ProLite
Description:
One of the standout features of the Manduka ProLite is its non-slip surface. This mat provides excellent grip, even when your hands and feet are sweaty. This makes it a great option for hot yoga or other types of high-intensity classes.
Summary:
The Manduka ProLite is a high-quality mat that’s designed to last for years. It’s made from a dense, cushioned material that provides excellent support and stability. The mat is 71 inches long and 24 inches wide, which provides plenty of space for most people. The ProLite is also very durable, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
The ProLite also has:
A closed-cell surface, which prevents sweat and bacteria from getting into the mat.
Pros
- Made with high-quality materials, this mat is designed to last for a long time even with regular use.
- The mat has a non-slip surface that provides excellent grip.
- The mat is thick enough to provide cushioning.
Cons
- It is heavy and difficult to carry around.
- It is one of the most expensive product
- Some users have reported that the mat has a break-in period during which it is slippery and not as grippy as it should be.
Possible Reviews:
Manduka ProLite Yoga Mat has generally received positive reviews from users, with an average rating of around 4.6 out of 5 stars. Here are some common comments and feedback from users:
· Excellent grip and non-slip surface, even during hot and sweaty yoga sessions.
· Provides good cushioning and support for joints, including bad knees.
· Durable and long-lasting, with some users reporting using the mat for several years without signs of wear and tear.
BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat
Description:
The BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat is a budget-friendly yoga mat that is designed to provide a comfortable and non-slip surface for yoga practices. It is made with high-density foam, which provides good cushioning and support for joints, including bad knees. The mat has a non-slip surface that helps prevent injuries by providing a stable and secure grip, even during sweaty yoga sessions.
Overall, the BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat is a cost-effective and practical option for those looking for a reliable and durable yoga mat.
Pros
- This Yoga Mat is affordable and budget-friendly.
- It has a non-slip surface, which provides good traction and helps prevent injuries.
- The mat is thick and provides good cushioning, making it comfortable to use for yoga or other exercises.
Cons
- This mat has a strong odour when first unpacked, which may take some time to dissipate.
- The mat may not be as durable as other higher-end yoga mats
- It may not be suitable for hot yoga or other types of exercises that generate a lot of heat and sweat, as the mat may become slippery.
Summary:
The BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat is a popular budget-friendly yoga mat that offers good cushioning and support for yoga practitioners, including those with bad knees. It is made with high-density foam and has a non-slip surface to prevent slipping during yoga practices. The mat is lightweight and comes with a carrying strap for easy transportation. It is available in a range of colours and has a 1/2-inch thickness, making it a comfortable option for yoga sessions.
Possible Reviews
BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat has generally received positive reviews from users, with an average rating of around 4.6 out of 5 stars. Here are some common comments and feedback from users:
> This product contains everything required for basic at home workouts. I do not have to purchase separate products since this came in a whole package at a cheap cost.
> It’s good if you are beginning and need a whole new set up, but I don’t think it has great quality and it does kind of stink too.
Jade Harmony Professional
Description:
The Jade Harmony Professional yoga mat is a high-quality mat made from natural rubber. It is designed to provide excellent traction, support, and comfort during yoga practice. The mat is 3/16″ thick, which provides just the right amount of cushioning without compromising stability.
Overall, the Jade Harmony Professional yoga mat is an excellent choice for beginners who want a high-quality, non-slip mat that is both comfortable and eco-friendly. Its natural rubber material provides excellent traction and cushioning, and its durable construction ensures that it will last for many years.
Pros
- The natural rubber material of the Jade Harmony Professional mat provides an excellent grip, making it a great choice for sweaty or high-intensity classes.
- The mat’s non-slip surface ensures that it stays in place during yoga practice.
- The mat is made from natural rubber, which is a renewable and sustainable resource, and is free from PVC, EVA, and other harmful chemicals.
Cons
- The Jade Harmony Professional mat is a bit more expensive than some other yoga mats on the market, which may be a consideration for some buyers.
- Some users may notice a natural rubber smell when first using the mat, although this typically fades over time.
- The mat requires a bit more care than some other mats, as it should not be exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures and should be wiped down after each use.
Overall, the pros of the Jade Harmony Professional yoga mat – excellent traction, non-slip surface, comfortable thickness, eco-friendliness, durability, and variety of colors and sizes – outweigh the cons. The natural rubber smell and the need for a bit of extra care are minor considerations compared to the benefits of a high-quality, long-lasting mat that provides excellent support and comfort during yoga practice.
Summary:
The Jade Harmony Professional is another excellent mat that’s perfect for beginners. Like the Manduka ProLite, it’s made from a dense, cushioned material that provides excellent support and stability. The Jade Harmony is also 68 inches long and 24 inches wide, which provides plenty of space for most people. It is the best yoga mat which is available at cheap or reasonable prices.
Possible Reviews
The Jade Harmony yoga mat is an excellent buy if you’re after a sustainable and earth-friendly mat without compromising grip and durability.
I’d be happy to provide more information on the different types of yoga mats and review them for you.
PVC Mats:
PVC mats are the most common and affordable type of yoga mat. They are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, which provides a comfortable and cushioned surface to practise on. These mats are also non-slip, which makes them ideal for beginners. However, PVC mats are not environmentally friendly, as they are made from synthetic materials and can emit harmful chemicals.
Possible Review:
5-star feedback: PVC mats are a good option for beginners who are just starting their yoga practice and are on a budget. They are affordable, lightweight, and provide a comfortable surface for practice. However, they are not the most eco-friendly option and may not be as durable as other types of mats.
Natural Rubber Mat:
Natural rubber mats are made from natural rubber and are free from PVC and other harmful chemicals. They provide a non-slip surface and excellent cushioning, making them ideal for high-intensity classes. Natural rubber mats are also biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Possible Review
4.6 star feedback: Natural rubber mats are a great option for beginners who are looking for an eco-friendly and durable mat. They provide excellent cushioning and support for the joints, and the non-slip surface allows for stability and grip during practice. However, they tend to be more expensive than other types of mats.
Jute Mats:
Jute mats are made from natural jute fibers, which provide a non-slip surface and excellent traction. Jute mats are also biodegradable and environmentally friendly. They provide good cushioning and support for the joints, making them a good option for beginners.
Possible Reviews:
4.8 star feedback: Jute mats are a good choice for beginners who are looking for an eco-friendly and affordable option. They provide good cushioning and support for the joints, and the non-slip surface allows for stability and grip during practice. However, they may not be as durable as other types of mats and may require more maintenance to keep them clean.
Conclusion
Choosing the right yoga mat is an important part of any yoga practice. With so many types of yoga mats available on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is best for you. The best yoga mat for you will depend on your personal preferences, the type of yoga practice you do, and your lifestyle. When choosing a yoga mat, consider the thickness, material, size, and texture of the mat. A thicker mat may provide more cushioning and support, while a thinner mat may offer more stability and balance. PVC and TPE are common materials for yoga mats, but natural rubber mats are eco-friendly and provide excellent grip and cushioning. It’s important to choose a mat with a texture that feels comfortable and supportive underfoot.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?
The best thickness for a yoga mat depends on personal preference and the type of yoga practice you do. Generally, a mat with a thickness of 4-6mm is considered ideal for most types of yoga. A thinner mat may provide more stability and support for standing poses, while a thicker mat may be more comfortable for seated poses and inversions.
What is the difference between a PVC and TPE yoga mat?
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) yoga mats are typically cheaper and more widely available, but they may not be as eco-friendly as TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) mats. TPE mats are made from a non-toxic, biodegradable material and are typically more expensive than PVC mats. TPE mats may also provide better grip and cushioning.
Can I wash my yoga mat?
Yes, most yoga mats can be washed using a gentle detergent and warm water. However, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing your mat, as some mats may require special care. It’s also important to let your mat air dry completely before rolling it up or storing it.
How do I choose the right size yoga mat?
The right size yoga mat depends on your height and the type of yoga practice you do. A standard yoga mat is usually 68 inches long and 24 inches wide, but taller people may prefer a longer mat. A wider mat may also provide more stability and comfort, especially for larger individuals or those with joint issues.
What is a natural rubber yoga mat?
A natural rubber yoga mat is made from natural rubber tree sap, which is a renewable and sustainable resource. Natural rubber mats are typically eco-friendly and provide excellent grip and cushioning. However, they may be more expensive than other types of mats and may have a natural rubber smell that some people find unpleasant.
What is the best type of yoga mat for hot yoga?
The best type of yoga mat for hot yoga is typically a mat made from a non-slip material that can absorb sweat and moisture. Microfiber mats or travel mat towels are great options, as they are lightweight, absorbent, and can be easily washed. Some natural rubber mats also provide excellent traction and grip, even in sweaty conditions.
Ethel Fuller
Hi there, I'm Ethel Fuller, a certified yoga instructor and dedicated practitioner based in Nashville. With over 20 years of experience in yoga, I have taught and guided countless individuals to discover the benefits of this ancient practice. As an expert in yoga, I specialize in various forms of yoga such as Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin, and have completed several advanced training courses in anatomy, mindfulness, and meditation.
My educational background includes a degree in psychology, which has allowed me to understand the connection between the mind and body. I believe in creating a safe and comfortable environment for my students, where they can deepen their practice and connect with their inner selves. Being featured on various news platforms and being awarded for my contributions to the community has been humbling, and I continue to strive towards making yoga accessible to everyone. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, I welcome you to join me on this journey of self-discovery and transformation through yoga.