Do I Need to Bring My Own Mat?
Most studios provide mats—but owning your own offers benefits worth considering.
Most yoga studios provide mats for students to borrow, especially for new practitioners. However, bringing your own mat offers hygiene benefits and consistent grip. For your first class, contact the studio to confirm mat availability.
What Studios Typically Provide
The vast majority of yoga studios offer some form of mat access for students. This varies by studio type and philosophy:
Boutique studios often include mat use in their class fees or new student packages. These mats are typically cleaned between uses—though cleaning protocols vary.
Community centers and gyms usually have communal mats available on a first-come basis. Quality and cleanliness can be inconsistent.
Hot yoga studios frequently require mat rentals or personal mats due to the sweat-intensive nature of heated practice.
The Case for Your Own Mat
While borrowing a studio mat works perfectly well—especially for exploring whether yoga resonates with you—owning your own mat offers several advantages:
Hygiene: Your mat touches only your body. Consistency: Different mats offer different grip levels—practicing on the same surface helps your nervous system relax. Ritual: Rolling out your own mat signals to your body and mind: this is practice time.
Choosing Your First Mat
If you decide to invest in a mat, you don't need the most expensive option. Here's what to consider:
Standard yoga mats are 3-5mm thick. Thicker mats (6mm+) cushion joints but reduce stability in standing poses. Start with a standard thickness unless you have knee sensitivity.
For Vinyasa or Hot Yoga, prioritize grip—your hands and feet should not slide when wet.
For beginners, a $20-40 mat works perfectly well. You can always upgrade once you know what style you practice most.