How do you choose a yoga mat that is safe for practicing yoga?

When starting to practice yoga, the first thing you need to prepare is a yoga mat. Well-known sports brands, such as Nike, Adidas, Reebok, or Lululemon have produced their flagship yoga mats. In fact, now there are many manufacturers who sell yoga mats at affordable prices.

As a beginner, you will be confused when deciding which mattress to buy. Well, this time we will introduce how to choose a yoga mat for beginners and provide the best product recommendations. Please use this article as a reference in choosing the most comfortable yoga mat for you!

Understand the type of yoga you want to learn

Yoga is broadly divided into two types, namely static yoga and dynamic yoga. You will need to choose a yoga mat based on the type of yoga you want to learn. Static yoga is a type of yoga that places more emphasis on breathing and meditation than on changing poses. Yoga is suitable for beginners or people who want to feel more relaxed. For that reason, a thick type of mattress is perfect for static yoga.
Yoga is broadly divided into two types, namely static yoga and dynamic yoga. You will need to choose a yoga mat based on the type of yoga you want to learn.

Static yoga is a type of yoga that places more emphasis on breathing and meditation than on changing poses. Yoga is suitable for beginners or people who want to feel more relaxed. For that reason, a thick type of mattress is perfect for static yoga.

Dynamic yoga is also called power yoga and excercise yoga. You can do this type of yoga if you want to sweat, freshen up, and move your body. The right yoga mat for this activity is one that is stable and not slippery.

How to choose a yoga mat for beginners

Everyone has preferences in choosing the type of yoga and where to do it. Not surprisingly, the considerations for choosing a yoga mat differ. We will review some points to consider when purchasing a yoga mat.

Choose a size that suits your posture and usage

The common size of a yoga mat is 170 cm x 60 cm. You can use this measurement as a reference while imagining your posture. Do not forget, you also have to consider the time to use the mattress.

If you want a mattress that is easy to carry to a yoga studio, choose a mattress that is compact and foldable. If you are large or want to do dynamic yoga with intense movements, choose a larger mattress. Lately even the production of yoga mats measuring 180 cm and above has increased.

Choose thickness and weight according to usage

In choosing the thickness of a yoga mat, you must pay attention to its use. Now, we will introduce the optimum thickness of a yoga mat according to its use.

A mat 6 mm thick or more for static yoga

For static yoga, a yoga mat that is suitable for use is one that has a high cushion. That way, you won't feel too hard or cold on the floor. Choose a product that has a thickness of more than 6 mm. Products like this are more comfortable when used for sleeping poses or kneeling poses on the floor.

For special use in the home, you can choose a mattress with a thickness of 10 mm or more. However, a yoga mat this thick is difficult to store or carry. Even so, this product is suitable for those of you who pay attention to knee and elbow health or do not want to get hurt.

Both static yoga and dynamic yoga require stability in their movements. So, make sure the mattress weight you choose is not difficult to use.

A thin, stable mattress weighing more than 1.5 kg for dynamic yoga

Cushioning and stability are important in doing dynamic yoga. If you use a yoga mat that is too thick, it will be difficult to get into the upright pose. So, a yoga mat with a thickness of 3-5 mm is the most ideal choice.

The grip strength of a yoga mat is important for maintaining stability. Although thin, the weight of a yoga mat is greatly influenced by the materials used. So, please choose products with solid materials so you don't slip while doing yoga.

Foldable mattress for traveling

If you want to wear your own mattress in a yoga studio, look for a product that is easy to carry. Choose a product with a thickness of about 6 mm and a weight of about 1 kg. This size is balanced enough to be used by both types of yoga.

There are also types that can be folded and fit in the bag. Although the stability and cushioning is slightly lower, you can carry it around comfortably. So please take this into account.

Pay attention to the basic ingredients

The main ingredients of a yoga mat recommended for beginners are PVC, TPE, and natural rubber. We will introduce the advantages of each material in detail below.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride): Affordable and balanced features

PVC is an affordable material, not too light, and not too heavy. If you want to choose a yoga mat that is balanced from various considerations, choose a mattress made from PVC.

However, there are PVC mattresses that can make your hands and feet slip. It really depends on how the surface is treated.

The disadvantage is that this material is difficult to recycle and creates hazardous substances if burned. In addition, PVC material usually has a distinctive odor. It takes time and a separate technique to get rid of the smell.

TPE (thermoplastic elastomer): Light weight, easy to carry and waterproof

TPE is an environmentally friendly and recyclable material. This material is attractive because it is safe to use, waterproof, and almost odorless. Because it is light and easy to carry, it can be said that the TPE material is able to overcome the shortcomings of PVC.

However, TPE material can soften at high temperatures. So, you can't use it in hot weather or on a hot floor. TPE material is also waterproof so there is a risk of being slippery for people who sweat easily.

Natural rubber: Excellent durability and stability for home use

Natural rubber is an option for those of you who like environmentally friendly and natural products. Natural rubber has high durability and stability, is sturdy, and is not easily shifted. However, because they are quite heavy, yoga mats made of this material are not suitable for traveling.

Another drawback is the smell. Therefore, yoga mats made from natural rubber are not recommended if you are sensitive to odors. However, you can reduce the smell gradually by drying the mat in the shade.

Make sure the strap is comfortable to carry or hang

Another important point in choosing a yoga mat is to ensure that the product is easy to store. Whether for home use only or for traveling, this should be taken into account.

There are many yoga mats that are sold together with special straps and bags. Products like this will certainly make it easier for those of you who are buying a yoga mat for the first time.

Find out which yoga mat brands are recommended for beginners

Prices for yoga mats vary depending on the material. In addition, products with the same material can have different prices depending on the manufacturer.

However, it is not necessarily the case that a product with a higher brand is a better quality yoga mat. Many non-branded yoga mats are superior in quality. If you are a beginner, choose a yoga mat with a reliable brand to avoid the risk of buying mistakes.

In the following, we will introduce the main brands of yoga mats. Choose the one that suits you the most.
Manduka: Favorite brand around the world! Manduka is a world-class yoga mat brand with excellent grip and durability. It's no wonder that many professional instructors and loyalists around the world use this brand. The price range for the Manduka brand yoga mat is still quite high. However, this brand is recommended for those who wish to practice yoga actively or who wish to opt for an organic mattress.

Manduka: Favorite brand around the world!

Manduka is a world-class yoga mat brand with excellent grip and durability. It's no wonder that many professional instructors and loyalists around the world use this brand.

The price range for the Manduka brand yoga mat is still quite high. However, this brand is recommended for those who wish to practice yoga actively or who wish to opt for an organic mattress.

Jade Yoga: Thin, but soft Jade Yoga is a brand from the United States. This yoga mat has soft, stable cushioning and excellent grip. Many professional instructors use Jade Yoga yoga mats. Jade Yoga uses natural rubber materials. In addition, Jade Yoga conducts environmental activities by planting one tree for every purchase of the mattress it produces. Jade Yoga also brings out a special, lightweight yoga mat to take with you on the go.

Jade Yoga: Thin, but soft

Jade Yoga is a brand from the United States. This yoga mat has soft, stable cushioning and excellent grip. Many professional instructors use Jade Yoga yoga mats.

Jade Yoga uses natural rubber materials. In addition, Jade Yoga conducts environmental activities by planting one tree for every purchase of the mattress it produces. Jade Yoga also brings out a special, lightweight yoga mat to take with you on the go.


Adidas: Sturdy and comfortable non-slip foam As one of the leading brands in the sports field, Adidas also produces high quality yoga mats. With a fairly competitive price, Adidas is an alternative choice of yoga mats for beginners. The yoga mat from Adidas uses a foam material so it is very soft and of course non-slip. Despite the thick lather, the mattress from Adidas is easy to roll up and take on the go.

Adidas: Sturdy and comfortable non-slip foam

As one of the leading brands in the sports field, Adidas also produces high quality yoga mats. With a fairly competitive price, Adidas is an alternative choice of yoga mats for beginners.

The yoga mat from Adidas uses a foam material so it is very soft and of course non-slip. Despite the thick lather, the mattress from Adidas is easy to roll up and take on the go.

Lululemon: A reversible yoga mat Well-known as a manufacturer of sportswear for women with beautiful designs, Lululemon also provides yoga mats! The uniqueness of the Lululemon yoga mattress is that you can use both sides of the mattress (reversible). These two sides share the same ingredients and features. This is of course very helpful for those of you who often forget to clean your yoga mat. You simply turn the mat over and use the other side.

Lululemon: A reversible yoga mat

Well-known as a manufacturer of sportswear for women with beautiful designs, Lululemon also provides yoga mats! The uniqueness of the Lululemon yoga mattress is that you can use both sides of the mattress (reversible). These two sides share the same ingredients and features. This is of course very helpful for those of you who often forget to clean your yoga mat. You simply turn the mat over and use the other side.

Nike: Eco-friendly and high quality mat material Nike is one of the best sports equipment manufacturers in the world. So, you don't need to doubt the quality of the yoga mat produced by this one brand. The use of quality materials that are environmentally friendly produces quality yoga mat products. This is one factor in the high demand for Nike mattresses among yoga lovers.

Nike: Eco-friendly and high quality mat material

Nike is one of the best sports equipment manufacturers in the world. So, you don't need to doubt the quality of the yoga mat produced by this one brand.

The use of quality materials that are environmentally friendly produces quality yoga mat products. This is one factor in the high demand for Nike mattresses among yoga lovers.


Reebok: Simple design mat with many color options Not wanting to be outdone by its competitors, Reebok produces yoga mats that can be an alternative choice. Reebok mattresses have a simple design in a variety of color choices that can be adjusted according to the user's taste or mood. With competitive quality and price, the mattress from Reebok is included in the favorite category of yoga practitioners. Not surprisingly, this yoga mat is high in interest.

Reebok: Simple design mat with many color options

Not wanting to be outdone by its competitors, Reebok produces yoga mats that can be an alternative choice. Reebok mattresses have a simple design in a variety of color choices that can be adjusted according to the user's taste or mood.

With competitive quality and price, the mattress from Reebok is included in the favorite category of yoga practitioners. Not surprisingly, this yoga mat is high in interest.

Choose your favorite color and design to improve your mood

We have outlined various aspects to consider in choosing a yoga mat for beginners. However, most important of all is to choose your favorite color and design.

By choosing products according to your favorite colors and designs, your motivation to do yoga will also increase. You will also be more excited to learn yoga and enjoy yoga more.

For studio practice, it's best to choose a simple design first. After that, you can change to a design that is more fashionable and according to your taste.

When buying a yoga mat for your home, you should choose a mattress that suits the atmosphere and interior of the room. Also choose a design that will motivate you to do yoga.
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