Whether you are new to yoga or just need a new mat, the process can be daunting. So many options are out there. There are several aspect that need to be considered to find the perfect mat for you.
Are you tall? Do you need an extra long mat or will the standard work?
Yes, there are a few lengths available. Even if it claims to be extra long, look at the dimensions. I have a mat that is only 68" long and another that is 74".
Are your hands always dry? or are they clammy?
How "sticky" of a mat do you need so that your hands are not slipping during downward dog. During you asana practice you do not want to have to divide your concentration between your form and trying not to slide forward.
Are you a heavy sweater or does it take a lot to bring that out? Are you planning on doing any type of "Hot Yoga"?
If you are a sweater/achieve that yoga glow you may want to think about a cork mat. The more your sweat the better grip you have. Or you may want to get a yoga towel the goes over your mat. Look at how the towel attaches before you buy one. Does it lay on top, does it have a grippy underside or have pockets that you mat slips into.
What surface are you going to be using it on? Wood, Concrete, Carpet, etc. Do you have any special knee needs? Do they require extra padding?
Mats come in a variety of thicknesses. If you are going to be practicing on a hard surface, you might want to look at mats that are thicker (5-8mm). If you are on a softer surface, like carpet or grass, you might want to look at thinner ones (2-4mm). The thicker the more padding for your knees, hands, forearms, etc. But the thickness you want for comfort has to be balanced with your sense of balance. If it is effecting your balance because it is to squishy for your ankles to stabilize, you may want to go thinner. At home I am practicing on carpet so I have a mat that is 2mm thick. In the past, that distant time before Shelter in Place was in effect, I practiced on hard wood and outdoor on polished concrete and used a much thicker mat.
What material do you want? Is eco-friendly important to you?
There are so many types around. One just has to type 'yoga mat' into Amazon and you have a plethora of materials used. 'anti-tear' 'sustainable rubber' 'thermoplastic elastomers' it goes on. Keep in mind that your skin will be coming in contact, sweat, dirty, mildew? Find out how to wash the mat you choose and how often is recommended.
Are you going to be carrying this around with you to classes? Are you leaving it in your car or locker?
If you are carrying it to and from class you may look a one that includes a sling or strap to carry it with. If you are going to be storing it in a place that it might come in contact with unwanted surfaces (your trunk, gym locker, etc.) you might want to look into a carrying case that completely covers your mat.
My advise: don't get a mat because it is pretty, you like the pattern or it looks like a 'serious yoga mat'. Don't adapt the mat with accessories so that it works for you. Look for a mat that will work for you without having to wash it with some salt scrub you read about online to give it more grip. Choose one that works for you, the surface and what it is being used for.
What other props or accessories are you going to find useful in your practice? Yoga is meant to improve your quality of life, not make you grumpy because you can't touch the floor. Are you going to be lugging them around with you to classes (a bag?) or are they provided. In the world of Covid'19, I suggest buying your own blocks and/or straps rather than the yoga studios. You know how clean yours are and it makes the yoga studio/instructors have less to sanitize after class. Other items that are nice to have: yoga blankets, eye bags for a gentle pressure on your eyes during your final relaxation, zafu or bolster for meditation or if you are doing restorative yoga. Everything has its place and fulfills a needed support so that you can enjoy your yoga experience. What is useful to one person might be different to another. Everyone's body is different.
Hope you are finding that nugget of motivation that will keep you coming back to the mat and your yoga journey.
-Bug
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