which mat best for a beginner?

[wickedfairy]

I am going to start yoga and have been reading the threads here about yoga with Adrienne. Looking forward to it!!

I have a rubbish, cheap mat - just an exercise one, so I want to get a new mat. I have read a few threads and was thinking about the Manduka Eco lite one - do you think this would be OK?

I am 5'8" - is the standard 180cm one long enough or should I be getting one of the longer option mats?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

[RubberDuck]

I love my Manduka mat and I think it was the Eko one I ended up with, but mine's a 4mm. I think it would depend on whether you're planning to use it on hard floors or carpeted area? Standard length one has been fine for me so far - not had any problems yet :)

[RubberDuck]

Ah wait, the Eko Lite comes in a 4mm variation - that must have been the one I got

[wickedfairy]

Hi Rubberduck,

Sounds like the one you have is the same! Is 4mm ok? I have wooden floors but also rugs, so I suppose I would do it on the rug, unless wooden floor is better??

What height are you, if you don't mind me asking please? I would assume it is long enough - I must measure my rubbish one when I get home, am sure that is too short

Thanks for your help!

[RubberDuck]

I'm 5'4" so about average height I think? I use mine on carpet, but not a terribly brilliant carpet. I think I did a package where I got a yoga towel, carry straps and the mat which was handy. I think Adriene recommends using a rolled up towel or doubling up the mat to give more cushioning for knees (and that's certainly what I did while in a hotel with no yoga mat!)

[wickedfairy]

Ok, thanks! I measured my cheap one and it's only 150cm, no wonder I thought it was short!! I suppose I can always use that under the new one if I need extra padding.

I meant to ask this before - when you unroll the mat, does it lie flat or start to curl up? My cheap one curls up, so I roll it inside out half the time. I hope that is just because it's weird plastic??

[RubberDuck]

I made the point during the first few weeks of use to roll it up after use in different ways (i.e. right way/wrong way/start at either end). Nice and flat now :)