There’s a lot of choice out there, which yoga mat should you buy if you’re starting out on your yoga journey? There are several considerations that I would be making for that first exciting purchase.

Budget

How much would you like to spend? Be realistic with this, the less you spend the lower the quality and longevity of your mat.  You can spend £10-£150.  Perhaps as a beginner the top price bracket is unnecessary, but I certainly wouldn’t go mega cheap as your practice will be compromised.

Grip

Personally, I like a lot of grip.  I don’t want my hands or feet to slip away from me and although you can use your mat to hold on to you will be changing the physical dynamics of your asana (pose). Another consideration is if the mat moves! By that I mean is it stretching in your downface dog or lunge? Often thicker mats, usually with lines vertical or horizontal will stretch and the danger is you’re stretching further than your body may like to go. There needs to be some stability.

Thickness & Weight

The choices are 1-2mm, 4-5mm or 6mm

• 1-2mm are great as travel mats and they tend to be light. Mine comes everywhere with me and I can put it in the washing machine, so also good for the beach or park.

• 4-5mm is my everyday mat, check the weight depending on your use.  If it’s going to stay in a room in your house you can perhaps go heavier, but if your carrying your mat to your yoga class every week then a lighter one is better.

• 6mm - Do you have vulnerable knees or protruding bones that you need to support during your practice?  Remember, you can always use your blanket as an additional prop or fold the mat for extra support.

Length/width

You may be tall or want a larger mat for a bigger frame.

Colour/patterns

There are personalised mats for your favourite holiday pic, mats with lines as guides (see below), branded, plain and many different materials.

The Environment & Locally Sourced

This was an important factor for me. It’s a case of doing your research, where the materials have been sourced, where in the world it was made, how it was made and how it will be shipped to you.

Is a bag included?

How will you be getting around with your mat? There are elastic straps, bags, holdalls all at various price brackets, maybe there’s a deal out there!

Alignment guides

Personally, I wouldn’t buy a mat with lines as your body is unique and you may feel inclined to take a posture not in alignment with your body.

Should I touch it?

Yes, if you can.

Do I need anything else?

Two things I think are worth buying are block and a bolster.