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It’s 2024: the year of getting moving and kicking our health and fitness goals and what better way to do that than yoga?
If you haven’t tried your hand at the centuries-old practice, the time to treat your body to a whole new way of moving is now, especially as the benefits yoga can have on your body are endless.
Yoga can be traced back almost 5,000 years ago, with the practice originating in India, and has since become a staple in health, wellness and mindfulness training worldwide. Yoga is not only a way of physically training and working your body but it is incredibly psychological as well – which makes it the perfect practice for those of us who struggle to get out of our heads.
Benefits of yoga include increased flexibility, muscle tone and stability, improved energy and vitality, not to mention improved sleep patterns and mental clarity.
How to start getting involved in yoga?
Something particularly enticing about practising yoga is that it is relatively low impact which is great for beginners, older bodies and if you are working on your fitness levels which might put you off traditional workouts. It also can be done in the comfort of your home and does not require mass amounts of equipment to train.
If you’re wanting to try your hand at yoga this year then here are some tips and tricks to help you on your way.
1. Choose your style
There are many styles of yoga all targeting different needs for the body and mind. There is the soft and calming Vinyasa yoga which aims to use smooth, flowing motion throughout (it’s a great style for beginners), Kundalini is great for stimulating positive energy, Bikram yoga to get your sweat flowing and many more.
2. Get to class or try following along at home
It is helpful when starting out in yoga to attend some classes to get the hang of basic movements and have the guidance of a trained professional to help you engage the correct muscles and movements to get the most out of your workout.
However it is not essential and there are endless follow along videos on the internet that can help get you started if you want to gain some confidence before heading into the studio.
3. Get equipped
The only equipment you really require to get started is a yoga mat – preferably non-slip to prevent accidents – and then you’re good to go!
The best yoga mats to shop in Australia
Read on to find our best yoga mat picks to help get you started.
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Lisa Angel pink yoga mat
$52.90 at Hardtofind
This pastel pink-coloured yoga mat is simply too cute and therefore a total must-have for all types of yogis. It even comes with its own natural jute string carrier to keep it secure and easy to carry to and from yoga classes.
Key features:
- 4mm thick foam
- Comes with its own natural jute string carrier
- Length 173cm x width 61cm
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Yoga Design Lab the Combo mat
$95 at The Iconic
This all-in-one yoga mat features 1.5 mm of natural tree rubber and is bonded to an ultra-absorbent microfiber towel layer so that you don’t need to layer a towel on top. It’s lightweight, extra durable and offers just enough cushion while still being foldable and commuter bag-friendly.
Key features:
- Ideal for all types of yoga
- Ultra absorbent microfiber towel layer
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PowerTrain eco friendly yoga mat
$54 at Myer
Never lose your yoga mat again with this loud and proud yellow option that boasts a two-sided non-slip surface to prevent slippage of hands. It also provides superior cushioning and excellent grip on hard surfaces so you can do all sorts of movement without worry.
Key features:
- Durable, double-layer, biodegradable
- Two sided non-slip surface
- 8mm thickness
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Bahe Soft touch reversible mat
$69.99 at Rebel Sport
In a delicious chocolate hue, this yoga mat has the tick of approval from reviewers, with one saying: “Best mat I’ve used so far. I’ve been practising yoga off and on over the past decade, and have gone through a few mats. This one is one of the most comfortable and highest quality I’ve had so far, really enjoyable to use”.
Key features:
- 6mm thick
- 10cm Longer than a standard mat
- Comes with a carry sling
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The mat
$79 at Lululemon
Featuring a natural rubber base with a little extra cushion to give your body more depth while your mind goes deep, this mat is “grippy yet smooth” and “so sturdy and firm and yet cushy enough” according to a reviewer.
Key features:
- Reversible
- Antimicrobial additive helps prevent mould and mildew
- 5mm
