Yoga is well-known for enhancing the muscle’s flexibility, activation, physical wellness, and mental peace. Many new yogis join yoga classes. The first issue that they face is how to choose a yoga mat for beginners. Choosing a yoga mat is essential especially for beginners to increase the support and stability during yoga practice. Several options are available in the market for this but the same mat is not a good fit for all.

In this scenario, it is most important to pay attention while choosing the right yoga mat as per your needs or requirements. Let’s explore how to pick a yoga mat:

Things to Consider While Choosing a Yoga Mat

Consider the key factors while picking a yoga mat. A perfect yoga mat has a good level of comfort, durable, long-lasting, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Let’s start to consider the key points for choosing a yoga mat for beginners.

Thickness

The yoga mat’s weight depends on its thickness. So it is most important to pay attention to thickness level as it plays a major role, especially in comfortability and cushioning. Thickness levels start from 1mm to onwards up to 15mm. Usually, a standard yoga mat is between 3mm to 5mm thick, and for most people, it is considered a perfect choice.

People who are suffering from joint issues will go for a high level of thickness for more support to their joints because a thicker mat can provide extra cushioning. But it can be the reason behind not balancing during yoga. So, that’s why we should pay attention to thickness. We discussed this matter in our blog post Best Yoga Mat Thickness.

Manufacturing Material

Nowadays, various materials are used in manufacturing like PVC, TPE, natural rubber, and cork. You can read the differences between them in detail in our article TPE vs EVA Yoga Mat & NBR vs PVC Yoga Mat.

Each material has its benefits and is used for different purposes. For excellent grip and durability along with budget-friend PVC material is perfect but it is not much eco-friendly. Comparatively, Rubber and TPE materials are eco-friendly but less durable over time. Lastly, cork mats have all these things along with antimicrobial properties but it is not a budget-friendly option.

So, an excellent choice depends on your needs and environment. If you have budget-related issues you should go for PVC or TPE material otherwise move towards natural rubber or cork material.

Grip

The texture of the yoga mat makes it an anti-skid or non-slippery mat. So, the mats having texture on them provide us extra grip that is required for balancing our body during dynamic poses of yoga such as Vinyasa, etc. For gripping cork and natural rubber materials are more effective.

What is the Best Yoga Mat for Beginners?

In simple words, the best yoga mat for beginners is that has all the features and should not be too high in price.

Best Yoga Mat for Beginners UK

Numerous brands are offering such mats that have all the features such as Liforme and Manduka and are not much costly compared to other brands.

Manduka PROLite Yoga Mat

Manduka PROLite yoga mat is a perfect choice for beginners and the reason of its comfortability and durability. Even for those with sensitive joints as it provides enough cushioning. The major reason for its acceptance is its non-toxic material which makes it eco-friendly.

Liforme Yoga Mat

The second better option is the Liforme yoga mat for beginners. It also has all the above features like a good level of grip, eco-friendly with non-toxic material and a good level of thickness for cushioning. Apart from that it also has alignment markers that help a lot to a newbie for alignment.

Best Yoga Mat for Obese Beginners

Now let’s start our conversation regarding yoga mats for obese beginners. As they have a certain condition we need to make little changes in our key factors to choose the best yoga mat for obese beginners.

Extra Thickness & Size

We should choose a little extra thick mat for obese beginners due to extra weight because we require extra cushioning in this case. It reduces the change of strain on sensitive joints. The recommended thickness for an obese beginner is between 6mm to 8mm. This will increase the comfort level during practice and less feel of a hard floor. In the same way, we need a little extra size mat from the standard.

Durability & Grip

A solid grip is very crucial to maintain balance and stability for an obese beginner. That’s why we should choose such a mat that can provide extra gripping along with durability. It is a better thing if a mat has texture on it because it will also provide extra gripping that is required for a newbie to maintain alignment during yoga. Always look for mats that offer strong gripping and can prevent slipping during poses. Usually, rubber or cork yoga mat material is preferable.

Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat:

Gaiam Premium yoga mat is an excellent choice for an obese newbie due to its durability and thickness level. It is 6mm thick having a texture on its surface.

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat:

A perfect choice as per my experience is Manduka PRO yoga mat due to its thickness and material. It offers a high level of thickness from a standard mat with durable and dense surface which is best for extra grip, support and cushioning.

How to Choose / Pick a Good Yoga Mat Based on Your Requirements

I have already shared some best yoga mats for beginners. If you have certain needs, you should choose a mat that can meet your needs. For example, do you have a plan to join a studio for yoga or at home? Do you have a plan for hot yoga or slow-paced yoga? Get the answers from yourself and you are ready to make right decision.

Yoga Style

Which type of yoga pose, you are planning to practice? Are you planning for slower-paced poses like Yin / Hatha Yoga? In this case, you need a little thicker mat that can provide cushioning and comfort. If you are planning for dynamic yoga poses like Vinyasa or Ashtanga, you should choose a well-textured surface mat for better gripping.

Portability

Are you planning to travel with a yoga mat from home to the studio? You should pay attention to its weight so that it can be easy to carry. It should be light in weight and can easily roll up. We already discussed these things how to roll up a mat. You should read it.

Environmental Impact

What kind of environment in which you are going to practice yoga? If your environment is not so good then you should choose an eco-friendly mat option that can be found in these sustainable materials like natural rubber and cork.

Price vs. Quality

If you are searching for a budget-friendly mat, the options will be different and if you are searching for quality then the options will be different depending on your requirement. You can see PVC material for a cost-effective mat and other materials like rubber or cork for extra high quality.

Allergy Considerations

Do you have an allergy to latex? If yes, you need to move towards natural rubber mats instead of other materials like PVC or TPE. Cork mats can also be used in this case.

Size

If you are taller you should choose a large-size mat otherwise standard yoga mat will work for you. Standard yoga mats are 68 inches long and 24 inches.

Picking a Yoga Mat for Special Practices

Lastly, if you are planning for certain poses to practice like Bikram / Hot yoga. In this case, we need such a mat material that can absorb sweat because in hot yoga we sweat a lot and prevent slipping. You can choose from these two options.

Liforme Yoga Mat:

The best option for hot yoga due to its superior grip and better absorption.

Gaiam Sol Dry-Grip Yoga Mat:

The second best option is Gaiam Sol Dry-Grip Yoga Mat as it provides better traction and can absorb more sweat during hot yoga sessions.

Final Words for How to Choose a Yoga Mat for Beginners

We have a huge range of yoga mats available and need to choose a right one that can fulfill our needs. Just finalize your needs and you can easily choose a good fit for you. The few things you need to consider like size, material, thickness, durability, longevity, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Choose as per your needs.

I have also shared some of the best yoga mats concerning how to choose a yoga mat for beginners even for the obese. You can choose any one of them. Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Best Yoga Mat Cleaner: We all know that yoga exercises are just for wellness and body fitness along with inner peace or mental health that can only achieved in a hygienic environment. And a hygienic environment is only possible when we keep our yoga mats clean regularly. Whether you are using a well-known brand mat or any other material mat, cleaning is always necessary to make your mat fresh, safe, and long-lasting.

Several ways are available to clean your mat such as commercial cleaners. This option can be a little bit expensive. On the other hand, we also have a lot of options to make homemade yoga mats cleaner which is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option.

Why We Need to Clean Yoga Mat?

We need to clean our yoga mats due to several reasons such as dirt, dust, and sweating a lot during hot yoga. Several germs or bacteria stick over the mat making the mat dirty.

These reasons become the cause of different allergies and unpleasant odors, and even if we don’t clean our mats they lose their grip. So our mats become slippery and the hygienic environment turns to unhygienic. That’s why it is most necessary to clean our yoga mats regularly to keep save healthy and happy.

Understanding Your Yoga Mat Material

You should also know about your yoga mat material before starting its cleaning process as each material requires a different level of care for its durability.

Cork Yoga Mats:

Along with a number of features Cork material also has antimicrobial property that makes it hygienic the problem is that it absorbs the sweat and dirt that makes the mat filthy. So, that’s why it is necessary to clean the cork yoga mat with a natural cleaner that doesn’t have a bad impact on its long-lasting.

Natural Rubber Yoga Mats:

Natural Rubber material is also a good option for a hygienic environment but it absorbs microbial. So, we can easily clean a natural rubber material yoga mat with a natural cleaner that can preserve its texture and the stickiness.

Manduka Yoga Mats:

Manduka is a big name due to its durability and high-quality mats but cleaning yoga mats is still necessary to maintain their gripping level. In the case of Manduka Yoga Mats, cleaning, you can use the homemade cleaner or the Manduka commercial cleaner to extend their life.

PVC or Synthetic Mats:

These material mats are widely used due to their durability and cost effective but this material mat absorbs bacteria or other types of germs. So in the case of PVC material, we require a deep cleaning to make it hygienic.

Let’s take a look at some of the DIY recipes through which we can clean our mat easily and without any cost.

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner Recipes

Homemade Yoga Mat Cleaner Spray

You can make this homemade recipe easily at your home and it will be a good option if you will use it after every yoga or exercise session to avoid deep cleaning. You can use this homemade yoga mat spray on almost all types of yoga mats and its ingredients are mostly available in all the kitchens.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of water (distilled or filtered) it’s on you
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
• 5-10 drops of any oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint

How to Make it?

Arrange a spray bottle and make the mixture of water and vinegar in it. Now put some drops of any essential oil available at your home. Lavender is a good option due to its natural antibacterial features. Anyways, now shake well the solution and our recipe is ready to use. You can directly apply it to your mat. Wipe your mat with a yoga mat towel.

Make sure, the yoga mat is dry before storing it. This will save the mat from an unpleasant odor.

Keep in mind, the homemade cleaners will work perfectly only if you are cleaning your mat daily but is not recommended for deep cleaning or cleaning after a long duration.

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner Without Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is largely used in cleaners. Some people don’t like its strong odor so let’s explore a new recipe for homemade DIY yoga mat cleaner without Tea Tree Oil.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar that can be white or witch hazel
• 10 drops of lavender and eucalyptus essential oil

How to Make it?

The making process is so simple just get a spray bottle and put the mixture of water and vinegar in it. After that put the essential oil drops in this mixture and shake well. Now your homemade DIY yoga mat cleaning spray is ready. Use this spray with a towel to clean the mat.

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner Without Witch Hazel

Let’s take a look at a new recipe to make the DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner Without Witch Hazel as a few of us have skin sensitivity issues with it.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 5-10 drops of lemon
• 5-10 drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil

How to Make it?
The making process is the same as in the above recipes.

All these recipes can be used to clean all types of yoga mats including cork & natural rubber mats. But keep in mind, that all these will not work well for deep cleaning. They can only help you if you have a habit of cleaning your mat daily after practice.

Top Picks for Best Yoga Mat Cleaners

Manduka Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner

Manduka Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner is a choice of a large amount of people especially those who are using Manduka yoga mats to prolong their life and keep them in new condition. Why do so many people use this cleaner? The simplest reason is this cleaner does not have harmful chemicals as an ingredient. That’s why it works well without causing any allergy or irritation.

Simply put the spray over the mat and use the yoga mat towel to clean it. After the cleaning, wait till the mat becomes dry before storing it.

Pros:

• Specifically designated for yoga mats without any harmful substance.
• Wide range of scents such as Lavender as per taste.

Cons:

• A little bit more expensive than other cleaners.

Gaiam Yoga Mat Cleaner

Gaiam is also offering its yoga mat cleaner. Several people prefer Gaiam products due to their quality and effectiveness. You can easily buy Gaiam Yoga Mat Cleaner spray bottles from their own website or other marketplaces like Amazon or eBay.

It’s made from organic essential oils that not only clean but also leave a refreshing scent.

Pros:

• Gaiam Yoga Mat Cleaner is organic without harmful substances.
• Easy-to-use spray bottle.

Cons:

• Comparatively, expensive than other cleaners.

Tips for Cleaning Your Yoga Mat

The most preferred practice is to clean your mat after its use. Make it a habit. This thing has a lot of advantages, for example, no need to deep clean your mat for a long time, and your mat will be long-lasting durable and environmentally friendly. You can save yourself from a lot of germs, allergies, and a lot more other health issues.

It is recommended to use commercial sprays for deep cleaning and try to use the same brand for cleaning spray as your mat has. Read the instructions carefully before starting the cleaning process. Always try to avoid harsh chemicals for cleaning to stay healthy and enjoy the blessings of life.

Conclusion

If you make a habit of daily yoga mat cleaning, you can easily use homemade yoga mat cleaners. All materials of yoga mats can be easily cleaned with them including cork and rubber material yoga mats. The homemade yoga mat cleaners will not properly clean a full of dust or filthy yoga mats. For this purpose, you should use commercial yoga mat cleaners. In the case of commercial yoga mat cleaners, we have shared a few cleaners that are widely used without harm.

Share your thoughts in our comments section regarding Best Yoga Mat Cleaners.

Why do I need a yoga mat, it’s a most asked question by new yoga practitioners. Let’s start to explore the concern. Yoga mats are more than just mats because they provide dedicated space for exercise along with comfort, stability, and most importantly hygienic environment.

Cushioning is the major reason behind the usage of a yoga mat. Several people use the mat only for this purpose. Yoga has numerous poses or exercises in which we put pressure on our joints such as knees, wrists, or elbows and a yoga mat helps us to easily perform these exercises with comfort without facing any injury. Due to the mat’s padding, we remain in comfortable states over the hard floor, especially for those exercises in which we have to lay down on the back, or the knees which can be uncomfortable or harsh.

Stability and grip are the secondary reasons behind yoga mat usage. Yoga has a bunch of exercises in which we need a strong base or foundation to maintain balance, and most of the time it becomes difficult to perform over the slippery floors without sliding. As the mats are built with anti-skid material we can easily maintain our balance during yoga. This thing also reduces the risk of injury.

A hygienic environment is also necessary to stay healthy and we got it through the yoga mats. I think each of us doesn’t want to come in contact directly with the germs or the sweats of others during yoga class in the studio.

Why Are Yoga Mats So Expensive?

A wide range of yoga mats with different prices are available in the market. But why are yoga mats so expensive? Several factors are exactly the reasons for its cost such as material and quality, brand reputation, thickness, size, and some other features.

Some material mats are expensive due to their durability, long-lasting, eco-friendly, and biodegradable features such as natural rubber or foam yoga mats. High-quality mats or branded mats are built using these materials due to better cushioning as well as grip. These are the things that we need in certain yoga poses.

The manufacturing process also has a great impact on yoga mat prices. We experienced that some mats are extra efficient and well-known due to their extra comfortability, and non-toxicity because they have an extra layer for better cushioning. Usually, well-known brands make these kinds of yoga mats that’s why they charge more. These mats are perfect for those who are suffering from joint pains.

Few premium quality mats have better moisture-wicking properties, which is required during hot yoga. These material mats absorb sweat quickly and efficiently which doesn’t make the yoga mat slippery. Lastly, a well-established yoga mat brand charges extra due to its brand reputation. Because they have to maintain their quality and reliability. A few companies also offer different warranties, replacement options, and a lot more with better customer service that increases its cost.

Can I Do Yoga Without a Mat?

Now, let’s move to another common question can I do yoga without a mat? Yes, you can even yoga mats have been introduced for the past few decades or a century. Before this, yoga was practiced without a mat. The need for a mat depends on what type of yoga exercise you are going to perform and where.

Suppose, you are practicing yoga on a clean carpet do you need a yoga mat? The answer is No. Because the carpet will provide you the support for balancing or stability as well as cushioning for your joints. And you will not have the slipperiness. But if you are practicing yoga on a slippery surface or hardwood floor, here doing yoga without a yoga mat can be dangerous for your joints because it can lead you to injury. In this case, you will also not be able to perform all the yoga poses.

In the same way, outdoor yoga is a whole different scenario. You can perform yoga without mat easily in some places such as in a park and on grass. Because it will provide you with all the necessary characteristics that a yoga mat has. But if you are trying over a floor, obviously it is difficult to perform, and lastly, most of the public places are filled with dust or dirt that can lead you towards allergies or other health-related issues.

How to Do Yoga Without a Mat?

Doing Yoga Without a Mat

Yes, it is 100% possible and feasible but before it keep these things in mind while doing yoga without a mat:

Appropriate Surface:

You need to choose a surface on which yoga can be performed without any injury. The surface should not be too hard, otherwise, you will have a slipping issue that can lead to injury and it should not be an unhygienic, dirty, or dusty floor otherwise you will face different health issues in the future instead of physical fitness. Secondly, you should select or practice only those styles that can be done without yoga mats or yoga blocks.

Towel

If you don’t want to use a yoga mat and still have your consideration on hygiene, you can use a yoga towel as an alternative to a yoga mat. Something is better than nothing. The towel will provide you with a little amount of cushioning for your joints.

Appropriate Pose:

You should perform only those poses that don’t require extra cushioning and support. And if you are bound, you should modify certain poses to avoid injury. For example, poses in which we put pressure on our joints that require more care on hard surfaces. Instead of it, you should focus on seated or lying poses in which we don’t have much concern with balancing and slipping.

Several people enjoy yoga by experiencing direct contact with the floor because it gives you a sense of freedom and you feel more connected to nature. You may feel a deeper sense of mindfulness by doing yoga without a mat just you need to pay extra attention to slipperiness and your joints during yoga.

The downside of Doing Yoga Without a Mat

Doing yoga without a yoga mat is possible but with limitations and risks. You can practice limited yoga poses only those that don’t need to put pressure on your joints and don’t have the risk of injury. Because you don’t have a good amount of cushioning and lack of grip. And If take the risk of doing all the yoga poses without a mat, you can put yourself in danger. You can face different health-related issues, different kinds of allergies, or injuries. So it is not recommended. Instead of it, you can use a cheap or inexpensive mat for yoga practice.

Best Cheap & Inexpensive Yoga Mat

Let’s discuss what you should look for in the best cheap & inexpensive yoga mat. Several yoga mats are available at affordable prices with decent quality.

Top factors need to be considered while searching for the best cheap & inexpensive yoga mat.

Thickness with Cushioning:

A mat should have a sufficient amount of thickness as well as cushioning. Usually, a yoga mat with 4-6mm thick is a good option concerning cushioning and it will also not become bulky to carry and travel. We have already discussed the best yoga mat thickness in detail. You can get help from this article.

Gripping & Non-Slippery:

The second most important thing that we need to consider is its gripping level. A mat should not be slippery. Several Cheap & Inexpensive Yoga Mat offers a decent level of grip or non-slippery surface which is most important for stability during yoga.

Non Branded Yoga Mats

If you want to reduce the yoga mat prices, you can move towards non-branded yoga mats or lesser-known brands. These brands offer very competitive prices along with premium mat features. If you are not satisfied with this option, you can wait for the new year or other events when almost all brands offer sales or different deals.

Conclusion

It’s a fact yoga mats are expensive but they have a lot of features that support our yoga campaign to achieve the goals without injuries.

Doing yoga without a mat is 100% possible but with limitations and risks of injuries. A better solution for all these problems is to move towards lesser-known brands or non-branded mats with the necessary features to stay comfortable, risk-free, and well-focused on your practice.

We have described several reasons why yoga mats are expensive and why do I need a yoga mat. Share your views in the comments section.