Yoga Mat

I found my yoga mat at Marshalls for only $7.00. It's very good quality mat. I got a a thin one but they did have some that were thicker.

I have a thin mat that I got at Target. After having used it for a while, I would STRONGLY urge you to get a thicker one, especially if you have RA. The thin mat works okay, but it can really hurt after a while on either wood or tile floors.

Hi J.! I am a yoga (and zumba!) instructor and have had lots of experience with different mats. You should definitely invest in a rubber or "sticky" mat. It is VERY dangerous to do yoga on a towel or slippery surface especially if you have joint issues already. You could easily pop a ligament in your knee if you slide unexpectedly at some point.

As far as thickness, I would suggest a thinner or medium sized mat in thickness. This is primarily for balance reasons - with a thicker, cushier mat your feet will have to sink pretty far into there to get a good base. If your foot is "floating" above the floor on the thick mat, the foot will constantly be moving to regain the balance point. Don't know if I am explaining this properly, but I hope it makes sense?!

Also, make sure that it is a longer mat as well. I have had a few people come to class with short 4 ft mats and they are always having to re-adjust forward and backward to stay on the mat. It is much more enjoyable to experience yoga on a 5 to 6 ft mat so that you can move easier & are completely supported underneath for final relaxation/meditation at the end.

Lastly, if you are concerned about your knees hurting when you are down on all fours, just keep a towel handy. When your instructor/dvd tells you to be on your knees, just roll the towel up and place it under your knees and above your sticky mat. Remove & set it to the side when you resume standing.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your yoga journey - Namaste!

I have also used the thinner and thicker rubber mats and I prefer the thicker one, much more comfortable on hard surfaces!

We bought ours at Target and they work just fine. I can picture doing yoga on a towel or blanket on hardwood - more like working on a slip-and-slide I'll bet!

It really just depends on your personal preference, your budget and how much you are going to use it. Some people prefer double mats or thicker mats because it is too uncomfortable to lay or kneel on the thin mats. Other people it does not seem to bother them. You can spend anything from around $12-$60 depending on what you are looking for. If you are doing yoga a few times a week at home. I would suggest starting with a regular mat at a good price and go from there. As you use them more you will know what you like. Go to a yoga class and take a look around. They will usually provide you with a mat to try out and then you will get a chance to ask other people what they like as well. I have been teaching yoga for several years and have about tried them all at one point or another.

I like mine alot. It is thin and purple. I got it at Walmart. I recently started doing yoga and love it!

Good Morning J.!! Wow I got worn out just reading your post lol You are a busy busy Mama!!
I have a thicker cloth foam roll up yoga mat which I like alot. My daughter in law uses one of the thin rubber? or something mats. I love the foam cloth mat as these more mature bones do not like Hard Floors. We used to work out at her home in the mornings, they have slab floors with flat carpet.. ouchiesss..

I think I found my mat at Border's books, with all the yoga DVD's.

Best of everything to you, sounds like you and your family have an awesome life style, God Bless you all abundantly!!
K. Nana of 5