How to choose the best Yoga Mats for Beginners

If you’re just starting on your yoga journey, it may be that you’ve only ever used a mat at your studio. However, if you prefer to practice your yoga at home or feel that you need your own yoga equipment especially in light of Covid-19 considerations, you need to choose your mat carefully. There are so many different options out there from printed yoga mats to latex free mats that it can be a little confusing to work out which would be best for you. But, don’t worry, as a supplier of yoga mats in Australia, we’re here to help you out.

Thickness and Weight

While you may be tempted to just choose a mat that you like the look of (and we don’t blame you) one of the first things to consider is the thickness and weight of your mat. Yoga mats vary, e.g. travel yoga mats are extremely thin and lightweight so that they can be easily carried about. These mats often offer just 2mm of cushioning and can weigh as little as 800 grams – a real boon when you’re travelling.

On the other hand, some thick yoga mats sold in Australia can be 5 or 6mm thick and weigh up to 3kgs. As you can imagine, these provide amazing cushioning but may prove to be heavy to carry around.

Composition and Durability

A thicker yoga mat will last longer than its thinner counterpart, however longevity also comes down to the type of material, how often you practice and the type of yoga you do most often. 

Many yoga mats are made of PVC as it’s easy to clean and are cheap. However, as they are non-absorbent they do tend to make it difficult to hold poses when you sweat, so they’re probably not a good choice if you want to practice Bikram or hot yoga or if you suffer from sweaty hands and feet. 

TPE mats are made from a combination of plastic and rubber, which makes them more environmentally friendly than PVC. They do provide good traction, and are extremely beautiful.

If you really want to do your bit for the environment, or you are looking for a latex free yoga mat, an eco or green mat may be the best choice. Eco yoga mats can be made from a range of materials including rubber, organic cotton and jute. The natural texture will help with your traction and eco mats usually prove to be very durable.

Texture 

If you’ve ever found yourself slipping when you’re in downward dog, you’re not alone. That’s why it’s important to find a mat with a texture that suits you and your style of yoga. If you want to practice Ashtanga and Vinyasa, a smooth surface will help with powerful movements and flowing from one pose to another. However, avoid PVC mats as they are just too slippery – choose a mat made from natural rubber instead. Mats with a textured surface offer more grip and are commonly used for gentler yoga poses such as those found in Hatha, Yin and Iyengar. Textured rubber mats are a great option, or you may want to try a jute or cotton yoga mat. 

Where Will You Practice?

Are you planning a home yoga practice? If so, you won’t need to consider the weight of the mat. As a beginner to Yin or Hatha yoga, a heavier, sturdier mat will give you the cushioning you need. If you’re planning to join in classes at a local studio, a lightweight yoga mat with bag is the best choice, but make sure it’s long enough to fit your mat comfortably.

Functionality and Style Combined

We all love a pretty yoga mat! While it is important to buy a mat that suits your practice needs, at Divine Goddess we believe that you don’t have to compromise functionality for style. That’s why we offer some of the most stylish printed yoga mats in Australia which will make your practice all the more enjoyable.