Choosing the Right Yoga Mat

Once you start enjoying yoga, you may find yourself thinking, “I want a yoga mat of my own!” But for beginners, choosing the right mat can feel overwhelming. I remember feeling the same way at first, so here are some points to consider based on my personal experience.

Do You Really Need Your Own Yoga Mat?

It depends on how much you’re into yoga. If you’re still a beginner and unsure if you’ll stick with it, using the rental mats at the studio is perfectly fine. Most studios offer free mats for use during classes. I suggest you figure out if yoga is something you want to commit to before buying your own mat.

Yoga Mat Pricing

Once you decide to continue practicing yoga, it’s time to think about buying your own mat. The price of a yoga mat often reflects its quality, especially when it comes to “grip.” A good-quality mat will be non-slip, helping you maintain stable poses. On the other hand, a slippery mat can make you lose your balance and focus, forcing you to adjust your poses constantly. For example, you definitely don’t want a mat where your hands slip during downward facing dog. Ideally, you should touch and feel the mat before purchasing. Once you invest in a good-quality mat, it will last a long time. While $100 to $200 might seem expensive at first, if yoga becomes part of your routine, the investment is worth it.

Thickness and Weight of Yoga Mats

Mat thickness depends on your personal preference and intended use. Thin mats (1-2mm) are easy to fold and carry but offer less cushioning, which means you might feel the hardness of the floor more. These mats are convenient for travel or for laying on top of rental mats.

Standard mats (3-5mm) offer a good balance of cushioning, weight, grip, and price, which is why they’re popular. They’re comfortable to carry around and practical for most people.

Thicker mats (6-12mm), on the other hand, provide excellent cushioning and stability, but they are heavy and not ideal for carrying around. They’re best suited for home practice.

Odor

Mats made from natural rubber tend to have a distinct smell at first, but this fades over time. If you have a latex allergy, though, you should avoid natural rubber mats.

Color

When it comes to color, go with whatever makes you happy! Just keep in mind that lighter-colored mats tend to show dirt more easily. A mat in your favorite color can make your practice more enjoyable. However, if you’re taking online classes, avoid using a mat that’s the same color as your clothes—this can make it harder for your instructor to see your form.

My Favorite Yoga Mats

The first yoga mat that caught my eye was from Jade Yoga. I used it at a studio in Jakarta, but back then, online shopping wasn’t as prevalent, and I didn’t know where to buy it. Now, I think I’ve seen them at the Yoga Barn shop in Ubud. If I ever come across one again, I’d love to buy it.

The first mat I actually purchased was the “Sadana Black” by Yoga Works. It’s a bit on the heavier side but incredibly functional. My current go-to mat is from Lulu Lemon. It’s lighter than the Yoga Works mat, making it easier to carry around, so I use it most often. Unfortunately, Lulu Lemon doesn’t have stores in Indonesia, so you’d need to order online or buy one from a neighboring country like Singapore.

I also bought a mat from “alo” this year. It’s quite thick and heavy, but I find it perfect for inversions and arm balances, providing great stability. There is alo shop at Beach Walk, Kuta Bali.