There are a number of different types of yoga mats available, based on what kind of yoga you plan to do. Hatha yoga is an umbrella term that applies to all kinds of yoga.
For those who practice Ashtanga yoga, a set series of vigorous movements (asanas) linked with heating breathwork, a mat that is durable and non-stick is a good idea. This is so that you do not feel your knees (or elbows or tailbone) digging into the floor below you as you practice.
And with all that breathwork, the sweat factor is high in Ashtanga, so you don't want a thin mat that will become a sponge and a "surfboard" that will slide as you attempt different balance poses on it.
Other, less vigorous types of yoga where fewer poses are held for a longer period of time, such as in Iyengar or Integral Yoga, one could feel comfortable with a basic yoga mat that provides good cushioning.
What to Look for
Mats that are made from a synthetic material such as PVCs can be a good "starter" mat, as these types are lightweight and generally cost less than $25 at chain health food stores (or they can be purchased online).
The traditional way to practice Ashtanga is to use a so-called "sticky mat" that will adhere to the wood floor, and to place a thick, cotton-woven cloth on top of it and to use a small water spray bottle and spray the cotton mat so it adheres to your "sticky mat" below to form a thick, non-sliding surface on which to practice.
In lieu of the cotton-woven cloth, a large beach towel will accomplish the same thing -- provide added cushioning and soak up the perspiration from your heated yoga practice.
And there are some manufacturers that sell a dual-surface mat so that one side is a sticky mat surface and the other side with a cotton, towel-like surface attached so you could use either side, depending on the type of yoga class you attend.
These mats might be appropriate for Ashtanga, Bikram or "hot" yoga classes where the room is heated to 100 degrees or higher, and for "power" yoga classes where the perspiration factor will require a non-sliding mat and appropriate thickness to cushion your hands, knees and spine.
Iyengar yoga and Integral yoga are less vigorous, in the sense that they focus on fewer poses that are sustained for a longer time. While you may work up a sweat, it is not likely to be a "steamy" experience as the "Power" yoga styles mentioned above.
A mat that is thick enough to cushion your knees and elbows and other bony points of your spine should suffice for this kind of practice.
Lastly, there are a number of yoga mats that are made from rubber or other sustainable, environmentally-friendly materials that do not "outgas" petroleum byproducts. These mats are priced generally from $45 to $90.
For durability, there are a few top-of-the-line mats that retail at $80 to $125, and these are considerably heavier and very thick. Yoga teachers or the very serious practitioner who may practice two hours daily, as many Ashtangis do, use these mats.
Common Pitfalls
Probably the worse thing to do is to order your yoga mat from a catalog or online (if you have never purchased one before). You cannot really tell what you are getting this way -- if the mat will be the right weight, length, or if you like the materials used in the mat (some people are allergic to rubber mats).
Before purchasing a mat, go to a health food store or yoga studio and ask to test a sample mat by rolling one out and sitting on it, as well as placing your hands, feet and knees on the mat. You are looking for thickness and how comfortable the mat is for you. Some people do not like the smell of natural rubber, or want a more lightweight mat.
Lastly, for those who prefer an environmentally-friendly mat, there are mats that are made from rubber or other materials that will biodegrade and not add waste in a landfill.
The main considerations are not only budget, but durability. Cheaper mats may start to break down after only a few uses, and you'll end up with small bits of your yoga mat sticking to your hair and clothes. Better to opt for a mat of at least $22 to $25, and it will last for at least a year of weekly use.
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