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What is the best yoga mat for beginners? Yoga is one of the most popular and widely- practiced forms of exercise today. But what is yoga, really? Is it just a bunch of lazy women stretching in the sun? Not at all! In fact, yoga is a dynamic and powerful practice that can help you improve your cardiovascular health, flexibility, balance, and more.
KEY TAKEAWAY
What are the best yoga mats for beginners?
There are lots of choices, but my choice here is Manduka Pro Yoga Mat, as this mat is pretty good, and last long.
If you’re interested in starting yoga but don’t know where to start, this guide is for you! In it, we’ll explain what a yoga mat is, how to choose the best yoga mat for beginners, and which yoga mats are best for home practice. So let’s get started!
What is a yoga mat?
A yoga mat is a cushion that you use during your yoga session. It can help to prevent injury and can help increase your flexibility and range of motion. There are a variety of yoga mats available on the market, so it’s important to select the right one for your needs.
Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before using the mat for the first time. Additionally, consider the thickness and type of cushioning that best suits your yoga practice. The best yoga mat for beginners is one that is durable, lightweight, and has a thick cushioning layer.
How to choose the best yoga mat for beginners?
As a beginner yogi, you’ll want to make sure you choose the best yoga mat for beginners. There are a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from, so it’s important to find the right mat that fits your practice. Additionally, it’s important to consider the material and thickness of the mat.
Make sure it’s nonslip and has a sturdy backing. Once you’ve found the right mat, it’s time to start practicing! Experiment with different poses on different types of mats to find the one that best suits your practice. And don’t forget the towel – it can come in handy for moisture absorption and grip during hot yoga!
Best Yoga Mat for Beginners
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat
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The Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat is the perfect choice for yoga beginners. With its extra thick foam construction, this mat provides superior traction and stability to help you stay in position during your practice.
The 1/2-inch thickness also offers extra support, shock absorption, and comfort for a more enjoyable experience. Plus, the elastic straps secure the rolled-up mat while the included shoulder strap makes it easy to carry around. Make sure to check that the mat won’t slip on your floor before using it! Dimensions: 74 x 24 x .5 inches.
Manduka Pro Yoga Mat
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The Manduka Pro Yoga Mat is the perfect choice for yoga enthusiasts of all levels. This standard-size mat measures 71″ x 26″ and is 6mm thick, providing extra support, shock absorption, and comfort during your practice. The black color adds a touch of sophistication to your practice space.
Each mat is meticulously handmade with attention to detail, so sizes may vary slightly. With its superior construction and materials, this mat offers a lifetime warranty when sold and shipped by Amazon. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a reliable yoga mat that will last for years to come.
BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat
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The BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat is the perfect choice for yoga beginners. This 7-piece set includes a yoga mat with a carrying strap, two yoga blocks, one yoga mat towel, one yoga hand towel, one stretch strap, and one yoga knee pad.
The mat comes in two styles: 1/2″ thick and 1/4″ thick. The 1/2″ thick mat measures 71″ long by 24″ wide and the 1/4″ thick mat measures 68″ long by 24″ wide.
Both mats feature double-sided non-slip surfaces to help prevent injuries during your practice. The moisture-resistant technology makes it easy to clean with soap and water.
The included 72”x24” and 24”x15” microfiber towels provide slip-resistant and sweat-free workouts while being 100% machine washable. With this complete set of accessories, you can be sure that you have everything you need to get started on your journey of mastering the art of yoga!
Yoga Design Lab Yoga Mat
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The Yoga Design Lab Yoga Mat is the perfect choice for beginners looking for a comfortable and supportive mat. This lightweight, the ultra-absorbent mat is made from 100% microfiber and features a non-slip surface to help prevent injuries.
The luxurious suede premium microfiber covers your entire mat and folds up easily for travel. It also features colorful, non-fade patterned designs printed with water-based inks that will make you excited to roll out your towel. For optimal grip, wet your hands or spritz a little water on your mat before practice.
Primasole Yoga Mat
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The Primasole Yoga Mat is the perfect choice for beginners and experienced yogis alike. Made from eco-friendly, non-toxic PER material, this mat provides a secure and stable surface for all types of yoga poses.
The double-layer design ensures maximum stability and grip during your practice, while the embossed surface helps to keep you in place. The mat measures 68″ x 24″ and is ½ extra thick (10mm) for added comfort and support. It’s lightweight at just 3.3 lbs., making it easy to transport with the included carrying case and strap.
Perfect for hot yoga, ab crunches, Pilates, or any other type of exercise on hard floors or carpets at home or in the gym, this mat is especially great for seniors or those with sensitive joints who need extra cushioning and protection.
JadeYoga Voyager Yoga Mat
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The Jade Yoga Voyager Yoga Mat is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly yoga mat. This mat is made from natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, making it an environmentally friendly option.
It’s 1/16″ thick and folds up to about the size of a yoga block, making it easy to transport and store. The superior traction of this mat helps you hold your poses with ease, while its non-slip surface provides extra stability for better balance.
Plus, JadeYoga is committed to giving back to the earth with every mat sold by planting a tree for every mat sold! So you can feel good knowing that your purchase is helping make a difference in the world. Get ready to take your practice on the go with this travel yoga mat!
Manduka Eko Superlite
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The Manduka EKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat is the perfect companion for yogis on the go. This lightweight mat is only 1.5mm thick, making it easy to transport and store in your gym bag or suitcase.
The superior catch grip provides traction, support, and stability during your practice, while the natural tree rubber construction ensures eco-friendly performance.
The vibrant Acai color will bring a pop of energy to your practice wherever you are. With its superior cushioning and durability, the Manduka EKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat is an ideal choice for yogis who want to stay connected to their practice while traveling.
Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat
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The Gaiam Yoga Premium Mat is the perfect yoga mat for beginners. This lightweight and extra-thick mat provide cushioning for your joints while you practice, and its textured sticky non-slip surface ensures superior traction and excellent grip.
The PVC yoga mat is non-toxic and 6P-free, making it a healthier choice for you and the planet. Plus, with every purchase of this mat, you get a free bonus downloadable yoga workout to help get you started! The dimensions of this mat are 68″L x 24″ W x 6mm Thick, making it ideal for any beginner yogi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of yoga mat is best for my level of experience?
If you are a beginner, it is recommended to go for a rubber yoga mat. Rubber yoga mats are durable and offer a good grip, which is essential when practicing any form of yoga. Rubber yoga mats also come in different thicknesses to cater to different levels of experience.
If you have some experience with yoga but want to advance your practice, an EVA or PVC foam mat should be bought. These mats are durable and offer good cushioning and support. More on the best yoga mat here.
When practicing yoga on these types of mats, it is important to make sure that you have good posture as the mat will provide more cushioning than a rubber yoga mat. Those who are more advanced may want to invest in a hardwood or laminated floor yoga mat as the surface provides greater cushioning and support.
Do I need a sticky mat or not?

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Some people believe that a sticky mat is not necessary for yoga beginners, but it can help prevent falls. In fact, many yoga teachers recommend using a mat because it provides better traction and prevents slipping. More on yoga mat to use here.
However, if you are using a non-stick mat, make sure that the adhesive is strong enough to withstand regular use. Additionally, there are both dense and thin mats available on the market – depending on your needs, choose the one that suits you best.
Can I use any type of oil or lotion while practicing on a sticky mat?
Many people believe that using any type of oil or lotion on a yoga mat is not recommended as it can cause the mat to become slippery. Instead, beginners are typically recommended to use a water-based lubricant like Aquaphor or glycerin. These lube help to stay comfortable and prevent injuries.
Conclusion
Yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, posture, and balance. However, it can be challenging to find the right mat that is both durable and comfortable. More on which is the best yoga mat here.
In this blog, we have outlined the different factors you should consider when choosing a yoga mat for beginners. From thickness to grip, we have covered it all! Make sure to check out our blog for more yoga-related information. Thanks for reading!