How to choose yoga equipment for beginners?

I started yoga during the lockdown and I admit that I didn't really know where to start. Obviously, the first accessory to buy to start this discipline is a mat to do your yoga sessions.

But I didn't really know how to choose this one so if you are in the same situation as me, don't worry, I will give you some advice to choose your "soul mat".

Please note that you should avoid floor mats (fitness) and pilates mats for yoga because they are too thick.

First tip: choose the right thickness of yoga mat

The thickness of your mat is an important criterion since it allows you to maintain your stability during your asanas and will provide comfort for your joints.

I advise you not to take mats that are too thin, because it is not the most comfortable for your muscles and mats that are too thick can sometimes make you lose your balance. That is why my best advice when it comes to Yoga mats is to take it between 4 and 6 mm.

Second tip: choose the material that suits you, preferably eco-responsible.

- The PVC mat provides very good grip that increases over time. You should choose a mat preferably with closed and dense cells in order to guarantee the best hygiene of your mat. Indeed, the closed cells prevent sweat and bacteria from entering the mat. Only the Germans produce this type of mat, so you must ensure the origin. They must also be Oeko Tex certified to be sure that there are no harmful substances that have entered into the manufacturing process.

- The natural rubber mat provides exceptional grip and adhesion. You just have to not be allergic to latex and make sure that the rubber does not come from deforestation. It must be maintained well with a cloth and water after each use.

— TPE ( thermoplastic elastomers ) is a material that provides a lot of comfort for the knees and is very light to transport. It is biodegradable. Which means that it should not be left in direct sunlight at 50° otherwise it could harden.

- The cotton rug, which is the traditional Indian rug. Used for the practice of ashtanga. Organic cotton should be preferred.

- The cork mat. There are different origins: China and Portugal. For my part, I prefer a European production. The only downside is that for intensive practices, it can heat up the hands. But it is very eco-friendly.

- And then there are the combo mats, that is, combining a towel and a rubber mat. They often have a nice design, but can be slippery for some. It is recommended for people with sweaty hands or hot yoga.

Third tip: Thickness.

There are several thicknesses ranging from 1 mm to 6 mm. The standard thickness is 4.5 mm. The thin 1 mm mats are mats to be used occasionally for moving around while traveling. They fold in 4 and weigh about 1 kg.

The 4.5mm mat is easily transportable to the studio and usable at home. It weighs 2 kilos.

The thickest one is about 3.4 kg, it is to be left at home and is designed for those who need comfort and have knee problems.

It's up to you to choose the equipment that suits you best and your budget.

The prices of the rugs range from 25 euros to 135 euros for the highest end.

Other accessories to have when starting yoga:

1/ The yoga brick

What is a yoga brick ?

A cork or EVA block that will come to accompany you in the realization of certain asanas especially if flexibility is not your strong point or is not acquired. This brick will indeed allow your body to align itself during your postures.

I recommend buying 2, as you will need them for certain poses.

2/ The yoga strap

The yoga strap is made with a buckle, generally made of metal, which will allow you to supplement your lack of flexibility during stretching.

Basically will complement your arm or hold your position in certain asanas.

3/ The yoga towel

You should have a towel handy. There are towels specially designed for yoga that are non-slip and grip the yoga mat with silicone nubs.

If you have back or joint problems and you find your mat too thin, nothing prevents you from putting a towel underneath it to make your postures on your knees or elbows more comfortable. Or simply for hygiene reasons when you go to the studio.

There you go, I hope this article will help you in your choice of equipment. Don't hesitate to invest a little, because cheap mats don't last over time and deteriorate quickly.

Namaste,

Margaux.