Best Yoga Mats for Beginners: Finding the Perfect Mat for a Fulfilling Yoga Practice

One of the most essential pieces of equipment you’ll need as a beginner to start your yoga journey is a good yoga mat. A good yoga mat will provide stability, support, and grip for many poses. Because there are so many options, choosing the best yoga mat might be difficult for beginners. In order to help you make an informed decision, we have done our research and compiled a list of the best yoga mats for beginners.

Practicing yoga on a carpet can pose certain challenges, such as slipping or sinking, which can impact your balance and stability. Therefore, it is advisable to use a special yoga mat for carpets.

In this article, we have researched and curated a list of the top yoga mats specifically designed for beginners. We’ll explore the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each mat. It helps you make an informed decision as you embark on your yoga practice.

So, let’s move in and find the perfect yoga mat to support you on your yoga journey!

Choosing the Right Yoga Mat

Before diving into our list of the best yoga mats for beginners, it’s essential to understand the factors you should consider when making your selection.

Thickness

The thickness of your yoga mat is crucial. As a beginner, it’s recommended to choose a mat with medium thickness, typically around 5-6mm. This thickness provides enough cushioning to protect your joints while maintaining a stable surface for balance.

Material

Yoga mats are made from various materials, including PVC, TPE, natural rubber, and more. PVC mats are durable but less eco-friendly. TPE mats are a great choice for beginners, as they are non-toxic and offer good grip. Natural rubber mats are eco-friendly and provide excellent traction but may have a stronger odor.

Texture

The texture of your yoga mat influences your grip during practice. Mats with a textured surface offer better traction, preventing you from slipping and sliding during poses.

Size

Consider the dimensions of the yoga mat. A standard size is about 68 inches long and 24 inches wide, but taller individuals may prefer longer mats. The ideal size should provide enough space for your entire body.

Price

Yoga mats come in a wide price range. While it’s tempting to opt for the cheapest option, investing in a quality mat will provide better support and durability. Keep your budget in mind while searching for the best value for your money.

Top 5 Yoga Mats for Beginners

Here are some of the best yoga mats for beginners based on various factors such as durability, comfort, grip, and sustainability:

1. Alo Yoga Warrior Mat (Best Overall)

Price: $128

This Alo yoga mat gets a perfect 5 out of 5 for its excellent grip, and it’s a 4 out of 5 for being easy to carry around. When it comes to value, it’s a solid 5 out of 5, and the unboxing experience is a 4 out of 5. The mat also has a 5 out of 5 for its good padding and thickness.

Right from the start, this Alo mat gave us a great grip, and we didn’t slip at all, even without breaking it in. The 5-millimeter thickness is just right for supporting your knees during poses like Lizard Pose or Frog Pose in yin yoga. The mat is a bit heavy, weighing a little over 6 pounds. But the good news is, it rolls up nicely, making it easy to carry with you.

We tried a lighter-colored version of this mat, and we noticed that it can show dirt easily. Also, if you sweat or get it wet, you might see a light stain, but don’t worry, it goes away when you let the mat dry flat for a few minutes after your practice.

Pros:

• It rolls up tightly for easy transport.
• It comes in 10 different colors, so you can choose your favorite.
• Taking care of this mat is simple.

Cons:

• It’s a bit heavy.
• Lighter versions may show dirt more easily.

2. lululemon The Workout Mat 6mm (Best Runner Up)

Price: $98

This cool-looking yoga mat from lululemon gets top marks with a 5 out of 5 for its design. It’s super comfy too, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating. When it comes to grip, it’s a solid 5 out of 5, and for ease of carrying around, it’s a good 4.7 out of 5.

During our testing, we found that the raised texture on the mat’s surface gave us great traction, so we didn’t slip, even when our hands got sweaty. We really liked the bumpy texture, which made the mat super grippy.

This mat is 6 millimeters thick, so it’s cushy and gives you lots of support. It’s even more cushioned compared to other lululemon mats we tried. What’s great is that it’s 2 inches wider than most mats, which are usually 24 inches wide.

When we first opened it, the mat had a slight chemical smell, but that went away pretty quickly. Rolling it up and keeping it rolled up is a breeze. However, when we unrolled it after it had been stored rolled up, one end didn’t lay flat right away.

One thing to note is that this mat doesn’t come with a carrying strap, so it might be a bit tricky to take it to and from the studio.

Pros:

• It has a stylish design that we love.
• The textured surface gives fantastic grip.
• It’s really supportive for all kinds of exercises.

Cons:

• It doesn’t come with a carrying strap.
• When stored rolled up, it might not lay flat immediately.

3. Aeromat Elite Yoga Pilates Mat (Best Budget)

Price: $45

The yoga mat from Aeromat is pretty impressive with a 4.5 out of 5 for its design. It’s incredibly comfortable, getting a full 5 out of 5 for that. When it comes to grip, it’s also a solid 5 out of 5, and it’s super easy to carry around, getting a 5 out of 5 for portability. The best part is, it’s budget-friendly!

In our tests, we found that this mat is just right in terms of cushioning. It’s not too squishy, so you don’t wobble, and not too hard, so you stay comfortable.

This mat has a slightly sticky feel, which is great for grip. It means you won’t be slipping and sliding, even if your hands and feet get a bit sweaty. The good news is it comes with a strap and a carrying handle, and it’s really light, so taking it with you is a breeze.

The Elite Yoga Pilates Mat is made without latex and phthalates. It also has a built-in mesh material that stops it from stretching when you’re using it. You can pick from two different thickness options and several cool colors.

Pros:

• It comes in lots of colors, so you can pick your favorite.
• The slightly sticky surface gives you a good grip.
• It includes a strap and a carrying handle.

Cons:

• There’s a mild plastic smell, but it goes away.

4. IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat (Budget Runner Up)

Price: $60

IUGA’s Pro Non Slip Yoga Mat is a bit of a mixed bag. It scores a 4 out of 5 for grip, and it’s super easy to carry around, getting a full 5 out of 5 for portability. In terms of value, it’s a decent 4 out of 5. However, when we opened it up, it was a bit disappointing, earning just a 2 out of 5 for unboxing. It’s also got a 3 out of 5 for its padding and thickness.

One great thing about this mat is that it’s made of natural rubber but doesn’t weigh you down. It’s actually quite light at around 2.2 pounds (the manufacturer says 2.8 pounds, but we weighed it ourselves). It also comes with a carrying strap, which is handy for taking it to your yoga class or the gym.

However, because it’s so light, it doesn’t lay completely flat right out of the box like some heavier mats do. That’s why it only got a 2 out of 5 for unboxing.

The IUGA mat is 5 millimeters thick, and it’s one of the grippiest mats we’ve tested. It did really well during our sweat test, so it’s a good choice for people who like doing hot yoga. The manufacturer claims it’s odorless, but we did notice a bit of a rubbery smell when we were doing Child’s Pose on it.

Pros:

• It’s lightweight and easy to carry.
• It comes with a carrying strap for convenience.
• You can pick from five different colors.

Cons:

• It takes some time to lay completely flat.
• It can show stains and dirt.
• There’s a lingering chemical odor, but it’s not too strong.

5. Jade Yoga XW Fusion Yoga Mat (Best Splurdge)

Price: $200

The Jade Yoga mat is a real gem! It’s a 5 out of 5 for its awesome design, super comfy with a 5 out of 5 rating, and it’s got a solid 5 out of 5 for grip. When it comes to portability, it’s still pretty good with a 4.5 out of 5.

This mat will make your yoga practice feel super luxurious. It’s a chunky 8 millimeters thick and is really long at 80 inches, giving you lots of room to move around. It does have a higher price tag compared to some other mats we checked out, but we believe the size, cushioning, and top-notch materials make it totally worth it.

The XW Fusion mat is made from natural rubber, and the great thing is that Jade Yoga plants a tree for every mat they sell. In our tests, we found that the mat gives you a lot of cushioning, but it still has enough firmness to keep you steady. The grip is fantastic, even if you start sweating, and the texture feels nice and stops you from slipping.

The only small hiccup we noticed is that because of its size, it can be a bit tricky to roll up and kind of bulky to take with you on your travels. But the texture and grip help keep it rolled up nicely, so it’s a good buddy for your daily practice.

Pros:

• It’s a luxurious 8mm thick, which is great.
• It’s especially good for taller folks.
• Made from eco-friendly materials.

Cons:

• It’s a bit on the heavy and bulky side.

FAQ’S

Q. What thickness of yoga mat is best for beginners?

A: For beginners, a yoga mat with a medium thickness of around 5-6mm is ideal. This thickness offers a balance between cushioning for your joints and stability for your poses. Thicker mats provide more cushioning but may compromise stability, while thinner mats offer better stability but less joint support.

Q. Are TPE yoga mats safe for beginners?

A: Yes, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) yoga mats are safe for beginners. They are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and environmentally friendly. TPE mats offer excellent grip and cushioning, making them a suitable choice for those just starting their yoga journey.

Q. How do I clean and maintain my yoga mat?

A: Cleaning and maintaining your yoga mat is essential for hygiene and longevity. To clean, wipe your mat with a solution of mild soap and water, then rinse thoroughly and air dry. Avoid exposing your mat to direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause it to deteriorate. Regularly rolling it up when not in use and using a yoga mat bag for storage can help protect it from dirt and damage.

Q. Can I use a towel instead of a yoga mat?

A: While a towel can provide some grip and cushioning, it’s not a suitable replacement for a yoga mat. Yoga mats are designed to offer better stability, support, and grip during your practice. Using a towel alone may lead to slipping and discomfort, especially for beginners who need a solid foundation for their poses.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the best yoga mats for beginners is essential to support a comfortable and effective yoga practice. A good yoga mat should provide sufficient cushioning, grip, durability, and ease of cleaning to enhance the overall experience for beginners.

After thorough research and analysis, we have identified the top options for the best yoga mats for beginners, considering factors such as material, thickness, texture, and price.

Whether you prefer a traditional rubber mat, a eco-friendly cork mat, or a budget-friendly PVC mat, there is a perfect Yoga Mats for Beginners needs. Investing in a high-quality yoga mat that suits your preferences and requirements will help you enjoy a safe and enjoyable yoga practice, as you embark on your journey to improve physical strength, flexibility, and mental well-being.

So, roll out your mat, take a deep breath, and get ready to start your yoga journey with confidence and comfort!