Best For Travel: Jadeyoga Voyager Yoga Mat
Yoga mats arent exactly the most travel-friendly accessory. But if youre frequently on the go and plan to keep up with your practice, you want a mat that you can easily take with you. Your best bet: Jade Yogas Voyager Mat. It weighs only one and a half pounds and folds into the size of a yoga block. This mat is incredibly compact, yet durable with a great grip. I fold it to fit into my backpack or suitcase and it never creases, says Sara Clark, a YogaGlo instructor and mindfulness coach. Plus, Jade Yoga plants a tree for every mat sold.
I was shocked when I received the box from Amazon because it was so light I thought it was empty, one reviewer raves. Although it’s super-thin, it’s very durable and it provides enough padding for me to do yoga in hotel rooms without any problem.
Best Grip: Jadeyoga Harmony Yoga Mat
Theres nothing worse than your hands slipping in the middle of a flow or a difficult poseand strong grip is the perfect way to keep that from happening. This one is Quinn Suplinas personal pick: Its made of non-toxic natural rubber and offers just the right amount of cushion for beginners to advanced yogis, she says. The mat is very stable and is quite durable.
Reviewers note that the mat is sticky, which might feel odd at first, but this allows even the sweatiest students to remain stable throughout a flowno towel needed. It can make transitions like upward dog to downward dog a little more challenging than on other mats, Quinn Suplina notes, but thats not an issue for those with a bit of practice. Who knows? This mat might make you a stronger yogi, too.
First Up What’s The Difference Between An Exercise Mat And A Yoga Mat
Yoga mats tend to be thinner, grippier and slightly longer than your bog-standard exercise mat. That said, it’s fine to buy just one of these best yoga mats and use it in all of your at-home fitness pursuits.
Exercise mats tend to be a bit thicker than yoga mats, in order to offer a higher level of support for higher-impact movements.
It’s worth considering what you’re going to be using your yoga mat for, before making an investment.
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Ewedoo Beginners Yoga Mat
Beginners will like the Ewedoo Yoga Mat. The marks on this mat indicate that it was created expressly to assist newcomers in learning some key exercises. The helpful alignment lines painted on the surface provide you with support as you move through each yoga practice.
This yoga mat is good for beginners. It has a thickness of 1/4 inch, which will help protect your knees during your workouts. It is also a high-quality mat that you can use for fitness activities.
Beginners will like the Ewedoo Yoga Mat. The marks on this mat indicate that it was created expressly to assist newcomers in learning some key exercises. The helpful alignment lines painted on the surface provide you with support as you move through each yoga practice. This is a great option for the best yoga mats for beginners because it is eco-friendly and appropriate for those who value a high-quality product that is also good for the environment.
It is also available in a wide range of colors, so you can choose the perfect color for you.
Pros
- Easy to clean and waterproof
- Comes with a carry strap
Cons
- Not as thick as other options
- More expensive than other options
Sivan Health And Fitness Mat Click Here To Buy On Amazon
Next on my list of yoga mats for beginners, its this Sivan Health pack. If youre looking to get more bang for your buck, why not pick up the Sivan Health and Fitness Yoga Set? With an ultra-thick mat, towel, blocks and a strap included, this is all a beginner needs to get started. This kit is known to provide support and balance and allows you to deepen your stretch should you be looking for a challenge.
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What Is A Good Price For Your First Mat
The best yoga mat for beginners prevents you from slipping and sliding. It provides a clean, non-slip and safe surface for you do yoga on. You should feel safe and confident on your mat.
If you choose a cheap yoga mat, you are not committed to become a yogi yet. This is a great way to test your drive to become the happiest, healthiest you.
Even cheap yoga mats can be sticky. But you will not get the best quality material and texture. And it will not last very long before you have to change it again.
If you sweat, your hands and feet will slide. Plus, cheap mats are usually made of PVC and not eco-friendly at all. It is not ideal for a regular yogi.
If you have the intention to practice often, I highly recommend that you invest in yourself and upgrade your yoga mat. After a great practice on a premium mat, you will never go back.
Be willing to spend more and you will get a better quality. Premium yoga mats last longer and are eco-friendly. They provide a non-slip surface with good grip. No sliding even if you sweat.
Make sure to pick a mat without PVC. It is well worth it. Ultimately, make a choice according to your personal needs. If it is important to you, it is worth the extra price.
Yogaaccessories Extra Wide And Extra Long 1/4 Deluxe Yoga Mat
Best yoga mat for tall people
If youre taller than the average person, then you might find that a standard yoga mat is not up to the challenge of your long limbs!
YogaAccessories Extra Wide and Extra Long Deluxe Yoga Mat is one of the largest yoga mats available on the market.
At 7 feet long and 3 feet wide, its perfect if you find a regular yoga mat doesnt provide you with a surface for all postures.
People felt that when it came to value for money, this mat delivered on both quality and performance.
Many tall yogis also described it as huge compared to the standard mat theyd previously been struggling with.
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Which Brand Of Yoga Mat Is Best
Feeling ready to get your zen on? Keep scrolling for GLAMOURâs edit of the yoga mats that are actually worth buying, including Lululemon yoga mats, Sweaty Betty yoga mats, Nike yoga mats and and the hugely popular Liforme yoga mat.
For more from our Commerce Writer Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram .
If you’re after more yoga content, we’ve rounded up the best yoga equipment to buy to compliment your new mat as well as the best yoga pants for comfortable practice and we’ve investigated whether yoga can boost your fertility.
Ajna Eco Organic Yoga Mat Natural Jute
- Materials: All Natural Jute
The Ana Eco Organic Yoga Mat is made from all-natural jute and is considered a vegan option for those concerned about environmental factors. It repels sweat and stains, wipes clean easily, and has a durable non-slip surface for years of use. Lightweight and guaranteed not to roll up while you are using it, it also comes with an organic carrying strap for easy portability.
The extra-long length and 5 mm thickness ensure you have the space to practice your poses. It is also reversible to provide varying surfaces to meet your needs. Choose a sticky side for when you dont want to work against holding a grip, or the smoother side that keeps you from slipping, but provides tension when holding your poses.
Pros
- Sweat may make it slick feeling
- Not as grippy as rubber
Who Should Buy This Mat
This is an excellent option for anyone looking for all-natural materials in the creation of a product, plus, the company plants a tree for every 3 products sold!
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Cambivo Wide Yoga Mat
The Cambivo Yoga Mat is longer and wider than standard yoga mats, making it more comfortable to use. It is made from a dense, foam-like material that is non-toxic and has double-sided non-slip surfaces. This mat is great for hardwood floors or other rigid studio surfaces.
This closed-cell foam yoga mat is easy to clean and great for hot yoga. It doesnt let sweat or dirt through, which means its easy to keep clean. Its also shock absorbent and affordable.
Pros
- 4 longer than standard mats
- No questions asked 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Synthetic materials
- It May does not last as long as other mats
Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat
However getting the right mat is so important:
Generally youre looking for a little extra cushioning, to protect your joints during your practice.
This mat from Gaiam is perfect as its 6mm thick, providing more softness and protection than the competition.
With a sticky, textured non-slip surface, it still delivers in other areas too, weighing just over three pounds despite its thickness.
Users struggling with lower back pain and bad knees, felt this mat gave them confidence, by offering the stability they needed to perform postures safely.
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Our Top Picks Of The Best Yoga Mats For Beginners
Yoga Design Lab
TNP Accessories Thick Mandala Printed Pattern Yoga Mat
Lixada Yoga Mat
DISRUPT SPORTS Personalised Yoga Mat
DOMYOS Comfort Gentle Yoga Mat
M Life Linen 5mm Yoga Mat
With yoga classes popping up online and videos galore, there are plenty of places to find how to do your morning stretch. All you need is some internet and space, then you’ll be able to join in.
Best Foam Mat: Heathyoga Non Slip Yoga Mat
This TPE foam mat is dense and comfortable. At a super affordable price under $50, this is a great option for beginners or for those with a latex-allergy. I especially love the body guides on the surface of the mat to keep beginners aligned in poses.
This mat is large and wide with a diamond-shaped grip on the top. The ultra-grippy underside that stays put on any flooring type. Your knees and wrists stay super comfortable in the dense foam without sinking in or denting the mat. Its also nice and stretchy so it wont tear against the resistance of the powerful Downward Dog. And a carrying strap is included!
Pros
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Best Overall: Manduka Pro Yoga Mat
There is a reason Manduka has been a leader in the yoga industry for a long time. These mats are as high quality as it gets. Ive had my Manduka PRO for well over 5 years and really beat it up with outdoor use, yet it still works great. It is ultra-dense, thick, supportive, and grippy. The dot pattern grips the floor underneath and helps your hands and feet stay in place on the top. At the same time, its not so sticky that you stick to the mat when trying to flow between postures.
Although this mat is made of PVC , it is a non-toxic form of PVC that is certified STANDARD 100 OEKO-TEX, meaning it is free of harmful substances. These mats are manufactured in a sustainable facility in Germany. It doesnt have a chemical smell or give me a headache at all. The material is closed-cell to keep moisture out and make cleaning easy.
Pros
Best Overall: Gaiam Yoga Mat
For novices and experts alike, this mat is an all-around great pick. A six-millimeter thickness makes for plenty of cushion, though its still lightweight enough to make carrying it around a breeze. A sticky, non-slip texture prevents sliding, and its safe PVC is free of six different harmful chemicals. Yoga newbs will also appreciate that you get a free downloadable yoga workout with the mat, the perfect way to get started on your yoga journey.
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How To Choose A Yoga Mat Bag Or A Yoga Mat Carrier
Once youve settled on getting the right yoga mat for yourself, youll need to carry it around.
In most cases, you will roll up your yoga mat to carry it around. Except for travelling yoga mats that are very thin, so you can fold them.
To keep a yoga mat tidy and stop it from rolling out, you have 2 options: a yoga mat bag and a yoga mat carrier.
Yoga mat bags are of two types: hand-carried and over the shoulder. They come in a variety of colours, design and material. Yoga mat bags can be cotton, polyester, linen or nylon. And some are waterproof.
Yoga mat carriers are straps made of cotton and elastic. They can also be synthetic. You can use some yoga mat carrier straps as props to help you stretch.
Sometimes when you buy a yoga mat, it comes with a bag. But if it doesnt, then you can choose the one you like.
Tip: When you buy a yoga mat bag separate from your yoga mat, make sure its the correct size.
Manduka Prolite Click Here To Buy On Amazon
This Manduka mat is another great choice for yoga mats for beginners. One of the best reviewed yoga mats out there for beginners is the Manduka PROlite. With a 4.7mm thickness, its ultra-dense and provides excellent grip. With superior wear and longevity, its a great choice if youre in yoga for the long-haul.
Its slightly pricier than some of our other picks, but it stands the test of time so makes the investment worthwhile. The simple and sleek design also makes it a great choice for yoga mats for beginners.
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How To Choose The Right Yoga Mat
Finding a good mat isnt tough , but when youre shopping, keep in mind all of your specific needs. Maybe you find thicker mats more comfortable for joint pain. Maybe perfect alignment is your goal, and you want a mat that provides you with ample space to stretch your legs out in Warrior II pose. And if you sweat a lot during your practice, a mat that reduces slipping might be top of mind.
Next, consider the mats portability. If youre looking for a mat you can carry with youeven if its just into the backyard for some outdoor yogaor a mat compact enough to stow under your bed, you may want to choose one that fits in a yoga strap or rolls up easily to fit inside your yoga mat carrier.
And especially in these stressful times, it can be helpful to think outside the mats functionality for a minute and choose one that just brings a smile to your face with its design and feel. Need some inspiration? Below, yoga instructors and fitness pros walk us through what they consider the best yoga mats for all types of practices and bodies.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Top 5 Yoga Mats For Beginners Reviews
If you have been wondering what is the best mat for you, and you want to ensure you have a good selection to choose from, look no further. Weve provided an overview of some of the most popular mats offered to provide you with options to consider. If you are curious about how to choose a yoga mat, take a look at the various features provided and decide which are most important to you. Comfortable, non-stick surfaces are crucial to mat usefulness, with weight and material design coming in a close second for personal preference.
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About The Author: Alex Assoune
Alex Assoune is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.
Extra Thick Mats 10 To 13mm
These mats are the thickest mat available in the market, and they have very specific purposes. Using them makes no sense if you are not in real need of them.
The cushioning of these mats is often too much for comfort. Ultra-thick mats are most certainly of synthetic materials. At this thickness, the mats have a huge absorption capacity. The grip and balance however will be a major issue. Half the time of your session you will be struggling to find the right balance. If you practice a lot of standing balances like the vrikshasana and warrior pose, do not even think of the mats at this thickness range. But once again, there will be certain specific conditions when these ultra-thick mats will be needed.
Who needs extra thick mats?
- Anyone with chronic conditions of piles, arthritis, and orthopedic disorders.
- People recovering from different surgeries and injuries.
- People who simply practice sitting meditation and lying restorative poses although it will still be an extravagant expense.
- People with neurological disorders or other conditions have a risk of falling.
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Best For Beginners: Heathyoga Non
Suited for yogis just starting their practices, this eco-friendly yoga mat includes alignment lines on the top layer to help you make adjustments with your hands and feet as youre moving through poses. The double layer also provides grip so you dont slip and can maintain balance. We love that it also comes with a carrying strap so you can bring it with you wherever you go.
I highly recommend this mat, whether youre a beginner or a little more seasoned, one Amazon reviewer writes. The quality and features are on par with $80+ pro mats, but at a much friendlier price point!
