Whether you like going to the gym or staying at home to exercise, it’s important to have what you need to make the process safe and comfortable. A great yoga mat goes a long way when it comes to comfort and safety for those who enjoy yoga or Pilates or other floor routines done on a mat.
When you’re a beginner and perhaps a bit apprehensive about working out, you want to make sure you get the best yoga mat for beginners. Here are the top five yoga mats that will help you get in a healthy exercise routine.
Top Yoga Mats for Beginners – Comparison Chart
Product Reviews
YogaAccessories ¼” Thick High-Density Non-Slip Pilates & Yoga Mat
If you are looking for a yoga mat that is wide and long enough to accompany your movements with ease, the manufacturer of this mat had the same thought in mind. It’s 74 inches long and 24 inches wide, which is longer than a typical yoga mat and it offers more room to maneuver. The last thing you need is to worry about slipping, which is why the non-slip texture is on both sides of the mat will enhance your stability during poses.
Pilates or yoga beginners might be particularly concerned about the possibility of losing balance and slipping. But this mat will give you all the stability you need. The YogaAccessories mat is durable and very much tear-resistant. You can toss it in your car or take it with you on public transportation and it will hold up well.
The usability of the mat is not compromised with toxic materials, and there is no latex or any heavy and damaging metals. This yoga mat weighs 4 pounds (shipping weight) and is over a 1/4″thick. It almost feels close to standing on a cushion, though a stable one. The density and the quality of this mat mean that you are less likely to have to replace it soon, and it will stay in excellent condition for a long time.
It does require some care, though. Before you use it for the first time, you should rinse it with water and some mild detergent. Just make sure you dry it well after every wash to make sure there is absolutely no slippage. On top of everything, there are so many colors you can choose from, with a combination of colors that will satisfy anyone’s taste.
Pros
- Extra-wide and long
- Non-slipping
- Excellent density
Cons
- Longer than the typical yoga mat so its slightly larger to carry
Jade Fusion Yoga Mat
Being environmentally conscious means incorporating that attitude to as many aspects of your life as you can, including your yoga practice! Jade Fusion understands that there are a lot of people who are not ready to compromise even when it comes to their workout equipment. They will look for the optimal solution that is also sustainably made, and for yoga and Pilates lovers, this mat could be a perfect match.
It’s made completely from trees, and due to that fact, the company has made a decision a long time ago to plant a tree for every mat sold. Since 2006, they have planted over a million trees, which is an impressive accomplishment!
But this mat doesn’t only check the sustainability mark, it’s also incredibly well-made and a great option for beginners and experienced yogis. If you happen to have some tenderness in your joints, this mat will go easy on them.
The mat has a fantastic grip and provides an excellent level of traction. The rubber used for this mat is natural, not synthetic. It’s a very thick yoga mat and it comes recommended for all kinds of activities. This mat is not only made to last a long time, but it’s also made in the US, with quality assurance and control from the beginning to the end of the process.
You can get it in 68-inch or 74-inch lengths, and it can weigh from 6.5-7.1 pounds depending on the length. It’s also available in three colors and the purple is perhaps the most popular. You can also get it in Midnight Blue or Gray. This yoga mat is foldable, super lightweight, and you can easily fit it in a suitcase or a backpack.
Pros
- Sustainably made
- Natural rubber
- Two sizes
Cons
- Pricey
Aurorae Classic Printed Extra Thick Eco Safe Yoga Mat
If yoga is more than just an exercise routine for you but more of a way of life, this Aurorae Yoga Mat could be a lovely addition to your yoga practices. The 72 inches long, 24 inches wide, and one-quarter inch thick mat comes in many colors and several interesting prints. Both men and women will find at least one design that agrees with their aesthetic sense.
This yoga mat is a great choice for beginners as well. If you need something to keep you focused and inspired while trying to conquer basic yoga poses, there is a Rising Moon focal point icon on the top of the mat to remind you what you’re trying to do. It’s very durable and lightweight and there aren’t any unpleasant odors to worry about.
It’s completely eco-safe and free of toxic materials. The mat is produced by a small family business that is proud to contribute to the culture of yoga and everything that it represents. It’s completely anti-slip on both sides and it’s easy to just roll it up and take the yoga mat with you to the gym, park, or beach, or wherever you wish to do your yoga or Pilates routine.
This mat is designed to last a long time, but it’s essential that you clean it regularly and make sure that it stays dry to avoid slipping.
Pros
- Great design
- Odorless
- Eco-safe
Cons
- Might be too long for some people
Heathyoga Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
If you are a Yoga beginner, you will quickly learn from more experienced yogis that learning how to make time for your routine is the most important thing. You will also learn that the correct yoga mat will help you return to yoga or Pilates more frequently. The Heathyoga mat has a body alignment system that helps you adjust and focus your hands and your feet in the correct yoga position.
The quarter-inch thickness allows for excellent performance and will offer extra stability for everyone who’s just beginning yoga. You can turn it on either side and not worry about slipping. This brand specializes in making yoga products that are eco-friendly and don’t contain any latex, PVC, or heavy metal particles, as is the case with this mat.
These mats are completely odorless and recyclable, which is important when it comes to sustainability. The eco-friendly materials do not diminish the durability of this mat because it has an anti-tear middle-mesh layer. It’s also easy to clean and maintain because the diamond shapes on the surface prevent sweat from seeping into the mat.
This cushion-like yoga mat comes in six vibrant colors. And it also comes with a carry strap and a Velcro strap that takes the portability of this yoga mat to another level. You don’t need to carry around a bag or worry that is will roll out onto the street.
Pros
- Eco-friendly materials
- Body alignment system
- Carrying and Velcro strap
Cons
- Could be prone to scratching
Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
There is beauty in simplicity and minimalism in design. And this Jade Harmony yoga mat oozes with both. It’s sleek, durable, and versatile. It’s also a great choice for yoga and Pilates beginners who want to invest in a piece of equipment that will last a long time and is also one that’s sustainably made at the same time. The company is based in the US and the mats are made there as well.
Special attention has been paid to quality assurance in the production process. And the company’s business model includes giving back to the planet so you can feel good about positively impacting the environment if you buy this one. In terms of stability, the Jade Yoga mat has a great grip and level of traction. There are no traces of synthetic rubber or toxic materials. The Harmony line emphasizes the need for the comfort and stability that every yogi and Pilates fan needs.
It’s a great choice for anyone looking to learn more about any type of yoga, including Bikram, Hatha, Vinyasa, and more. The mat is lightweight and easy to transport. It also comes in many color options. When it comes to the length, you can find it in 68, 71-, and 74-inch sizes.
This means that people of different heights can benefit from more than one option in length. If maintained properly by regular washing and drying, this yoga mat will last a long time and it’s fairly resistant to wear and tear.
Pros
- Sustainably made
- Several sizes
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Possible sweat stains
Durability and Stability Are Essential for Yoga Beginners
All of these yoga mats we reviewed will provide an excellent non-slip property and will make you feel safe and stable while trying to bend and breathe correctly at the same time.
Depending on your budget, you can opt for the more expensive and more sustainably made brands like Jade Yoga’s mats. Or, you can choose a cheaper but still high-quality option like YogaAccessories’ yoga mat. You might be guided by design and color options as well, or whether or not it has a carrying strap and if it’s easy to transport. These are all legitimate ways to go about selecting the best yoga mat for beginners. All of these mats will help beginners get their yoga practice started with a solid foundation.
