So, you’ve decided to try yoga. Maybe your doctor suggested it for flexibility or stress relief. Maybe you’ve seen people floating out of class looking blissfully calm and thought, I want some of that. Wherever you’re starting from, welcome, you’re exactly where you should be.
Yoga isn’t one size fits all. It comes in many forms, each with its own rhythm, focus, and benefits. The key is finding the style that fits you. And just as important, finding the right mat to support your body, your balance, and your journey.
Let’s break it down.
1. Hatha Yoga: The Classic Starting Point
Dusky Opulence
If yoga were a tree, Hatha would be the trunk, strong, steady, and foundational. This is where many beginners start because it moves at a comfortable pace. You’ll hold poses a bit longer, focusing on alignment and breath.
Perfect for: beginners, anyone who wants to build strength gently, or those looking for a mindful introduction.
Mat tip: Choose a mat with great grip and extra cushioning. Our Big Raven Yoga Original Mats are made from eco friendly natural rubber and give just the right amount of support without feeling squishy, ideal for learning stability in new poses.
📖 For more on Hatha: Omstars: Hatha Yoga for Beginners
2. Vinyasa Yoga: The Flow
Golden Mosaic
Think of Vinyasa as a moving meditation. Poses flow smoothly from one to the next, guided by your breath. Classes can range from calm and slow to energetic and sweaty, and every teacher has a different vibe.
Perfect for: people who like movement and variety.
Mat tip: You’ll need something that stays put when you’re in motion. A non slip mat with a lightly textured surface, like our art printed natural rubber mats, will help you stay grounded even when your hands start to sweat.
📖 Learn more: Verywell Fit: Introduction to Vinyasa Flow Yoga
3. Yin Yoga: The Deep Stretch
Woodland Whispers
Yin is the slow, quiet counterbalance to busy days and overworked muscles. You’ll sink into each pose for several minutes, allowing deep connective tissues and fascia to release. It’s less about effort and more about surrender.
Perfect for: relaxation, flexibility, and anyone dealing with stress or stiffness.
Mat tip: Comfort is key. A thicker, cushioned mat turns long holds into moments of calm rather than discomfort. Pair it with a cozy blanket and you’ll melt right in.
📖 Recommended reading: Arhanta Yoga: What Is Yin Yoga?
4. Restorative Yoga: The Art of Doing Almost Nothing
Ellipse
Yes, it’s yoga. And yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds. Restorative yoga uses props like bolsters, blankets, and straps to fully support the body so you can rest and reset. It’s like meditation with a side of nap time.
Perfect for: anxiety relief, burnout recovery, or deep relaxation.
Mat tip: Soft, padded mats create the foundation for stillness. Since you’re holding positions for longer periods, a durable mat that feels soft against your skin enhances the experience.
📖 Learn more: Cleveland Clinic: How Restorative Yoga Nurtures Mind, Body, and Spirit
5. Power Yoga: The Sweat Session
Daisy Dreams
This is yoga turned up a notch. Power yoga blends athletic movement with yoga philosophy, so expect strong flows, core work, and lots of planks. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
Perfect for: people who love a challenge or want yoga as a workout.
Mat tip: You’ll need something that can handle intensity. A grippy, dense mat that won’t slide, even when you’re dripping, is non negotiable.
📖 Dive deeper: Healthline: What Is Power Yoga?
6. Hot Yoga: Turn Up the Heat
Whispers of Spring
Hot yoga, like Bikram or heated Vinyasa, takes place in a warm room, sometimes very warm, to increase flexibility and promote detox through sweat. It’s a full body experience, both physically and mentally.
Perfect for: experienced practitioners who enjoy pushing limits.
Mat tip: Moisture resistant and antimicrobial mats are essential here. Big Raven Yoga mats use water based inks and eco friendly materials that stand up beautifully to heat and humidity.
📖 More info: Wikipedia: Hot Yoga
7. Gentle or Chair Yoga: Yoga for Every Body
Practice|Realization by Elena Brower
Gentle and chair yoga classes are accessible for seniors, people recovering from injury, or anyone who prefers low impact movement. They emphasize mobility, breathing, and mindfulness. No pretzel poses required.
Perfect for: every body, every age, every level.
Mat tip: Stability and comfort come first. A high traction mat ensures confidence while transitioning between seated or standing poses.
📖 Learn more: Verywell Fit: Chair Yoga for Beginners
What Style of Yoga Fits You? (A Quick Quiz for Beginners)
Not sure where to start? You’re not alone.
Take a deep breath, grab a cup of tea, and answer these quick questions. There are no wrong answers.
1. How do you want to feel after class?
A. Calm and centered
B. Energized and strong
C. Completely relaxed, maybe even a little sleepy
D. Gently stretched and refreshed
2. What’s your ideal pace?
A. Slow and steady, I like time to get things right
B. Fast and flowing, I love movement
C. Practically still, I want to unwind
D. Easygoing, I need something kind to my joints
3. How do you feel about sweating?
A. A little is fine
B. Bring it on, I love a good sweat
C. Nope, I’m here to chill
D. Not important, I’ll take comfort over cardio
4. How flexible are you feeling, physically and mentally?
A. Somewhere in the middle
B. Pretty open and adventurous
C. Honestly, stiff and tired
D. Working with limitations, but willing to move
5. What does self care mean to you right now?
A. Building strength and balance
B. Releasing energy and tension
C. Rest and recharge
D. Moving gently and staying connected to my body
Now tally your answers. Whichever letter you chose most often points you toward your perfect starting point.
Mostly A’s: HATHA YOGA
You like structure, purpose, and balance. You’ll love the clarity and focus that comes from holding poses and learning proper form.
🧘♀️ Mat Match: A medium thickness mat with great grip for stability. Try one of our Big Raven Yoga Originals for both form and inspiration.
Mostly B’s: VINYASA or POWER YOGA
You crave momentum. The kind of yoga that feels like a dance or a workout will light you up. Expect flow, energy, and sweat.
🔥 Mat Match: You’ll want strong traction and moisture resistance. Our eco friendly, art printed mats are built for movement and won’t slide out from under you mid flow.
Mostly C’s: YIN or RESTORATIVE YOGA
You’re in slow it down mode, and that’s exactly what Yin and Restorative deliver. Long holds, deep release, quiet stillness. The perfect antidote to a busy life.
💤 Mat Match: Thicker, cushioned mats are your best friend here. Comfort supports relaxation, and when you’re that comfortable, you’ll never want to get up.
Mostly D’s: GENTLE or CHAIR YOGA
You’re ready for connection, not competition. You want movement that feels doable, supportive, and kind. Gentle and Chair Yoga let you meet your body exactly where it is.
🌿 Mat Match: Look for extra stability and traction. Big Raven Yoga mats offer excellent grounding so you can focus on balance and breath.
Can’t Decide?
That’s the beauty of yoga, you don’t have to pick one lane forever. You might flow through Vinyasa one day and melt into Yin the next. The right yoga mat makes every path feel like home.
🧘♀️ Find Your Mat at Big Raven Yoga, beautiful, durable, and handcrafted to support your practice, whatever form it takes.
How to Choose Your Mat: A Practical Guide
Beginners often feel overwhelmed by all the options, so here’s a simple guide.
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Grip: If you have sweaty hands or move a lot, look for a textured, non-slip surface.
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Thickness and Cushioning: Too thin feels hard, too thick can make balance tricky. Around 4 to 6 mm is ideal for most beginners.
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Material and Eco Friendliness: Natural rubber, PVC free, non toxic inks. At Big Raven Yoga we believe in materials you can feel good about.
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Size and Length: If you’re tall, make sure your mat accommodates you from head to heel.
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Durability: A beginner mat that falls apart in a few months is a false economy. Invest once.
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Style and Joy Factor: If you’re going to roll it out every day, pick something you love looking at. Our art printed options make your mat part of your creative space.
Common Beginner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
A few things most new yogis learn the hard way.
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Buying the cheapest, thinnest mat. You’ll feel every hard floor bump. Don’t sacrifice comfort for price when it affects your practice.
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Trying advanced classes too soon. You might injure yourself or feel defeated. Start with beginner friendly Hatha or Gentle Yoga.
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Expecting perfection. Yoga isn’t about looking perfect, it’s about showing up. Use your mat as a space for progress, not performance.
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Ignoring props. Blocks, straps, blankets, they’re not cheats. They’re tools that help you move safely.
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Forgetting comfort matters. A high quality mat helps you relax into each pose, focus on your breath, and actually enjoy your practice.
Why Your Yoga Mat Matters
Wild Equinox
Your mat is more than just a piece of rubber. It’s your space. It’s where you breathe, move, fall, balance, and begin again. A good mat supports your joints, keeps you steady, and invites you back to practice.
At Big Raven Yoga, we design mats that are not only functional but beautiful. Each one is handcrafted in Minnesota using eco-friendly natural rubber and non toxic, water based inks. They’re made to last and to inspire you every time you unroll them.
Whether you’re exploring Hatha, sweating through Vinyasa, or melting into Yin, your mat becomes your steady companion, your foundation. When your foundation feels good, your practice grows with ease.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re new to yoga, start simple. Try a few different styles. Many studios offer beginner passes or online intro classes. Notice how your body responds. Give yourself time to learn.
When you’re ready to choose your mat, browse our collection of Big Raven Yoga Originals. Each one is art printed, durable, and designed for real practice and real life. Find one that speaks to your personality, your energy, and your flow.
🧘♀️ Shop Big Raven Yoga Mats