Best Yoga Mats for Beginners
The yoga mat is as important to yogis as running shoes are for runners. That is why there are many different sizes and materials to choose from. So it is important that as a beginner you know how to choose the best yoga mat for you.
It’s easy to get confused and not know exactly what to look for when buying one. That is why it is important that you know the different models of mats that exist, their characteristics and what each one is used for.
Here are the top yoga mats for beginners
To choose the one that best suits you, you must take into account all the aspects mentioned throughout this article. At this point, you should know what you are looking for, what your needs are in yoga and the budget you have.
Below is a list of the best mats on the market that we have researched for you. Make sure you review all your options and buy the model that you like and that best suits your needs.
BalanceFrom GoYoga
Comfort and thickness
This 1/2 inch thick and 71 inch long mat is really comfortable and is available at an affordable price. It is soft and comes in a few colors with straps that allow you to carry it anywhere comfortably.
It is easy to roll up and users love it for normal intensity yoga, and because of its thickness it is excellent for users with joint problems or who need something a little thicker for hard surfaces.
Heathyoga Eco Friendly Non Slip Yoga Mat
Non-slip and Eco Friendly
It is a 6mm padded mattress that is soft and perfect for people with joint problems or who want to protect themselves from hard surfaces. They are quite convenient, since they can be rolled easily and can also be washed with a brush and warm water with soap. This eco friendly yoga mat has no latex, no PVC, non-toxic or any harmful chemicals
It is also quite light and perfect for heavier people, as its foam helps to absorb enough weight and avoid damage to the knees and other delicate areas of the body. It is non-slip
Wacces Reversible Yoga Mat
Convenient and reversible
The Wacces brand offers this non-slip , reversible , sweat and water resistant mat and perfect for Yoga or Pilates. This model highlights its ease of recovery, elasticity and ease to roll and carry everywhere. It’s light weight for easy travel and grab-and-go options
It is 6 mm thick, fluffy, soft , long and, best of all, dense enough to regain its shape and not remain with the marks of feet or parts of the body after prolonged periods of use.
Wacces TPE Anti-tear Non-Slip Reversible Yoga Mat for Pilates Workout Fitness with Carrying Strap
Reebok Double Sided Yoga Mat
Perfect to start
Reebook also makes good yoga mats and for an affordable price. This specific model has a thickness of 4mm, it is soft and prevents slips when using it. They also emphasize its portability, light weight and how easy it is to roll it up and take it anywhere.
It is recommended for low and medium yoga levels .
Reebok Don’t Stress Double Sided Yoga Mat
Gaiam Print Yoga Mats
Lightweight and durable
Available in various prints colors and thicknesses of 4mm, this mat is easy to clean, roll up and keep in good condition. It is also very good for cushioning and regaining shape after prolonged use and offers excellent friction thanks to its non-slip properties.
You can buy it without remorse as it contains no pollutants and comes at a very affordable price for everything it offers. It is really a good quality product.
Spoga Premium Extra Thick Yoga Mat
Ultra thick mat and memory foam
At 5/8 inches thick, this foam mat is non-slip , easy to clean, withstands moisture and is also anti-absorbent . It is long enough for tall people, since with its 72″ long 24″ wide
It is made of durable and environmentally friendly materials and is also convenient and portable as it can be easily rolled without taking up too much space. For a low price it offers quite a few advantages.
Manduka PROLite Yoga Mat
Versatility and softness
This model is Guaranteed to last a lifetime. It is available in a variety of colors ranging from black to blue, gray, purple and more. It is ideal for cushioning the joints and delicate parts of the body after several hours of activity thanks to the softness and thickness of the material.
It is also non-slip , and easy to wash and keep it in good condition, so you can be sure that if you purchase this you are buying a good quality product at the best price.
Manduka PROLite Yoga and Pilates Mat
Sivan Health and Fitness
Ultra Thick with memory foam
This yoga mat is ultra thick with specially designed memory foam, Thick enough to protect your knees and joints, while still allowing you to grip the floor for balance. .
This undulating shape allows for a gentle massage effect that will be very well received by people with back problems or muscular ailments. It is easy to roll and is light despite its thickness and quality. It is comfortable, compact, soft and versatile. For the price it costs, it is one of the best options for any yoga fan.
HemingWeigh Extra Thick Foam Yoga Mat
Excellent value for money
With several colors to choose from, the HemingWeigh brand offers this mat 1/2 inch thickness and great comfort, as it protects the knees and other delicate areas. Its foam is made of materials that protect the environment and also helps people with muscle or joint problems due to its softness and comfort. It is even great for performing exercises while pregnant.
It is one of the least expensive and yet offers many of the advantages of the most expensive mats.
HemingWeigh 1/2-Inch Extra Thick High Density Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
What are the different types of mats?
Not all mats are for all kinds of physical activity. In fact, there are some designed specifically for martial arts, others for yoga , Pilates or for exercises in general. Each one has special characteristics that respond to the needs or activity that you are planning to perform.
In this section we help you to understand what each type is and what it is for, so that you can distinguish between them and choose the right one for you.
Mats for yoga
They are thin so that you can be able to roll them up and carry them anywhere easily, but they must also be sufficiently adherent to the body so as not to slip when doing yoga . Its size is usually about 68 to 72 inches, but if you are taller, there are longer ones. They also come in thicknesses of ¼ to 1/16 inch depending on body type and the need to travel with it.
Mats for Pilates
Yoga mats can be used for Pilates but it is recommended you use a shorter and thinner mat. However, they are not usually as versatile and portable as yoga .
Mats for martial arts and gymnastics
These are thicker to cushion bumps and falls, absorb impacts and protect bones and joints. They are usually foldable and often the professionals place them on top of each other to add thickness for protection. Many can be put together as if they were puzzle pieces so they do not move when performing vigorous physical activity.
Mats for gyms
These mats can be used for cardio, aerobics , crunches and push-ups and are ¼ or 1/8 inch thick.
Tips for Choosing the Best Yoga Mat
To be able to buy the one that best suits you and your needs, you need to know several aspects, such as your body type, the type of yoga you will practice, your budget and more. For this we bring you a series of tips that will help you choose the mat that best suits you.
Type of body
This is a key aspect that defines the thickness and size of your ideal mat. If you are a small thin person you will need a ¼ inch. Even more so if you have a condition in the joints and you need something softer. It is recommended that heavier people use mats that are 1/2 inch or thicker
Type of Yoga
If you are starting, it is advisable to buy an affordable one . That way you will not feel guilty if you realize that you do not like it. In case you do like yoga , you can replace it without problems for one that is perfect for you.
Remember that Vinyasa Yoga requires more friction pads to avoid slipping, Yin Yoga needs a softer and more padded, while Hot Yoga or Bikram generates a lot of sweat, so you will need a non- absorbent mat.
Material
They can be made of PVC, which is less expensive and quite popular. However, it has been determined that the material has carcinogenic components and damages the environment, so try to avoid it if you can. There are also natural rubber and are recommended by yogis because they care for the environment and are affordable .
On the other hand, mts made of cloth-covered foam are easy to maintain, soft and really comfortable, but offer little grip: perfect for Yin Yoga . Finally, there are the cotton ones, which are the softest and most natural at absorbing sweat, so they should not be used for Hot Yoga or Bikram.
Thickness
If you are a beginner, start a 1/6 inch thick, as they are comfortable and easy to fold. But if you have joint problems or do Yin Yoga , it is best to buy ¼ inch.
Texture
It has to do with the ease of slipping, as it affects the sliding of the body. If you want to avoid slipping because you do Vinyasa Yoga, look for a cotton or natural rubber with a tactile pattern. If you prefer something more slippery, then PVC or plain pattern mats will be a good choice.
Adherence
PVCs are the ones with the highest adhesion, but remember that they only adhere when they are clean. A sticky mat will keep you from slipping when you move.
Price
Usually, 1/8 inch PVC yoga mats are the most economical but have little durability. If you practice a lot of yoga , always look for better quality brands that cost a little more.
Also remember that padded or non-slip mats are more expensive, but if you need them, it will be a worthwhile investment.
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