What’s The Best Yoga Mat for a Beginner?

Debbie didn’t like the fact that her body was feeling like it was starting to get older. She had retired about six months earlier and she just felt she didn’t have the bend and stretch in her like she used to have not that long ago. She thought about attending yoga classes with her friend Wendy. They both wanted to keep their bodies in good condition without trying to be unrealistic about it. They just wanted to still have the degree of suppleness that they should have at their age and not be stiff and sore with every morning that passed. The first day they walked into class they looked around and saw that they were in good company, lots of women their age there. They noticed, however, they were all sitting on yoga mats. It never occurred to Debbie or Wendy that they would need a special mat for class. What is the best yoga mat for someone starting out?

• Cheap and Cheerful
If you are just starting out in yoga then you should take a look around at the local department stores and even supermarkets. They all stock a relatively inexpensive version of a yoga mat that is commonly referred to as a sticky mat. This is because it will sit firmly on the floor and will not slip or slide due to the sticky surface of the mat. Made from all rubber material they are easy to roll up and take with you and are reasonably comfortable to lay upon for the floor exercises.

• Something Borrowed...
You local gym or the yoga class will most likely have a few of the spare mats that have been purchased for people who either forget their own or haven’t purchased one yet. These are sometimes the mats that many of the yoga class mates have forgotten - it's so easy to do! This is a good option if you want to participate in one class and find out if you like it or not, and then purchase your own yoga mat later. Remember though, you will sweat a lot in yoga and using a mat that has had countless bodies on it can be a not very hygienic way to exercise.

• Specialty Shops
There are some great mats at the yoga studio along with some other useful yoga equipment like outfits as well. But beware; these are going to cost you loads more than if you were to purchase them elsewhere. Try the supermarket; you would be surprised as to how many grocery stores stock the good old yoga mat nowadays!