That first yoga mat purchase for the casual yoga student

by Elsie on March 23, 2014

Barefoot Yoga Mat Crimson

I teach a lot of beginners.

I teach a lot of yoga first – timers.

I teach a lot of folks that have not gone to a yoga studio.

Lots of these folks have no idea what a yoga mat is and their first introduction to one is at the place where they take their classes or when they see me for a private.

Most mats that are supplied by a non-yoga studio space where a yoga class is offered are not particularly well kept. I would venture to say that they are more likely than not pretty well worn, and often times have lost their “sticky” appeal.

And people still use them. These mats suffice for the occasional class that they drop into.

And then there is the time when they want to buy their own mat – because of the gross factor of using those provided mats.

And they don’t want to invest a lot of money.

I’m always put in a position where I don’t want to send them to the local drugstore to get a highly toxic $15 mat but also don’t want to tell them to go get my personal choice of rubber yoga mats from Manduka and Jade, simply because of the price points ($69 +) which I know they don’t want to spend.

*Le Sigh*

In comes the Barefoot Yoga Hybrid Eco Mat – 1/8 inch at around $29 or less (at the time of this writing is on sale for $22.95)

This is what the Barefoot Yoga website says about their mat:

Our signature Hybrid mats combine the best of eco-friendly and traditional mats. They are better for the environment and your health than traditional PVC mats with long lasting performance. The mesh scrim (the “skeleton” of the mat) is made from 100% recycled polyester, which contributes to its longevity and strength.

Our Hybrid Mats do not contain phthalates or heavy metals, and the method of production is completely non-toxic and latex free.

A long-lasting, high quality, affordable, and no nonsense yoga mat for every type of yoga.

a good beginner yoga matThe folks over at Barefoot Yoga were very kind and sent me a mat so that I could do a test run.

I got a pretty red color called Crimson.

I can say that it does the job 🙂

As most yoga mats it does have a bit of a scent when initially opened and does better with an initial wipe down for better traction.

The Good

  • Pretty color – they have tons of great color choices
  • Cute little barefoot imprint on the corner of the mat.
  • Price
  • Light weight

I practiced doing a regular asana practice as well as using the mat as a prop for restorative and therapeutic variations. It did it’s job just fine. It did take a bit of time for the slipperiness to subside but that usually comes with time and usage.

Who is this mat great for?

  • An occasional yoga student buying their very own first yoga mat
  • Someone that has started their own home practice for the very first time at home and isn’t sure they’ll commit to a consistent practice.
  • A person that is concerned about PVC and environmental factors but isn’t totally gun-ho or simply cannot invest on a mat that aligns with their optimal eco-values.
  • One that doesn’t need too much padding.
  • Someone that has access to non-carpeted area or thin carpet (the mat is not very heavy and when on super thick squashy carpet it buckles a bit.)

This mat will be added to my list of recommendations for casual yoga students that are looking to purchase their very first mat and want to keep a lower price point.

It does the job.

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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }

♥Sexy Yoga School♥ June 22, 2014 at 11:55 pm

Thank you for the honest review! I was seriously contemplating of recommending this one to my students because of the price but I haven’t had the time to try it out myself. Now I know it does the job perfectly.

Reply

Petra Joost July 11, 2014 at 3:04 am

Hello,
Thanks for sharing the article with us. It is really appreciable. I am agree with you that most studios provide mats for use during class, but if you want to have this feel free to bring it with you or purchase it.
Thanks

Reply

Vinyasa Teachers Training January 3, 2015 at 2:56 am

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Yoga in NJ January 27, 2015 at 7:09 pm

I’m just getting into yoga and wasn’t sure if I had to purchase my own mat or the studio would provide, thanks for posting!!

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Bell of Peace April 17, 2015 at 8:21 am

Good point of view. It is worth reading.
http://www.bellofpeace.org

Reply

Atulya May 7, 2015 at 6:38 pm

Great that you’re be so helpful to the newbies.
Atulya recently posted..Kirtan for Weight Loss?

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Superior Gym Tiles June 10, 2015 at 4:00 am

First off all I really like the red color and the foot design.

Reply

bindee June 24, 2015 at 6:53 am

Nice article. A Great view point. Would recommend it to others as well.
Thank you.

Reply

Michael February 15, 2016 at 4:00 pm

I love how you have outlined the pros and the people who the mat would be great for. Looking out for yoga lovers, and even beginners.

Are you a lover of yoga? What is it that you look for in your yoga products? What would you want in them that may be missing? Kindly share your input at http://www.yogaproductsurvey.com

Reply

Surbhi Kanur March 9, 2016 at 6:46 am

Hope your day is off to a good start!

I was glancing through your website, and must admit, love what you write there. Your posts are extremely handy and can make anyone fall in love with themselves.:)

I was wondering if I could contribute my articles to your page and be a part. I have a topic related to Yoga and Pranayama on mind.

A Hearty Way to handle workplace stress through Yoga and Pranayama

I would be more than happy to write on anything else except this as well. I would be glad if you could share some feedback.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Reply

Erin April 21, 2016 at 8:24 pm

Thank you 🙂
We just launched our line of all natural, antimicrobial, Yoga Mat Wash!! You can see under the YOGA tab on our website. xoxo

http://www.malasivana.com

Reply

Naturamare November 17, 2016 at 1:08 am

I hope these resources are used by your students

Reply

Lini Antony December 21, 2016 at 5:14 am

Nice article. Pointing the primary thing you have to purchase before join to Yoga class.

please have a look at the benefits of Yoga
http://drfranklin.com/blog/benefits-of-yoga-drfranklin-s-ayurveda-centre/36

Reply

shika rai February 1, 2017 at 4:53 am

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Reply

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Neeraj Rana September 20, 2017 at 7:36 am

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Mari Fernandez January 13, 2018 at 1:49 am

Thank you Elsie for the article, very informative post. Definitely something to remember.

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Rishikesh Yoga May 30, 2018 at 5:15 am

Namaste,
Thanks For Sharing Great Information. Keep Up the Good Work.

Reply

Insaie June 15, 2018 at 12:34 am

Try Insaie ! =]
Br experience

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filmi full izle January 16, 2021 at 7:55 pm

Well I sincerely liked studying it. This tip procured by you is very practical for proper planning. Gerda Reinaldos Skolnik

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