so where in the world does one purchase...

[Sandi Papaya]

...a yoga mat?? 

Y'see, my local parks & rec department offers Pilates and yoga classes for beginners, and I'd like to get into one of these classes. They're cheap, they're local, they're great for getting in shape and toned and losing a bit of the extra poundage I've built up since I left college, and...did I mention they're cheap?

One problem, however. I have never purchased a yoga/exercise mat in my life, they've generally been provided for me (and now that I think about that...eeeeewww!) at whatever fitness facility I might chance to be a member. So...can I go to The Sports Authority or the Sport Chalet or one of those places and get a yoga mat? How much do they run? Is there anything in particular I should look for, or will any ol' exercise mat do?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Bijou]

...a yoga mat?? 

Y'see, my local parks & rec department offers Pilates and yoga classes for beginners, and I'd like to get into one of these classes. They're cheap, they're local, they're great for getting in shape and toned and losing a bit of the extra poundage I've built up since I left college, and...did I mention they're cheap?

One problem, however. I have never purchased a yoga/exercise mat in my life, they've generally been provided for me (and now that I think about that...eeeeewww!) at whatever fitness facility I might chance to be a member. So...can I go to The Sports Authority or the Sport Chalet or one of those places and get a yoga mat? How much do they run? Is there anything in particular I should look for, or will any ol' exercise mat do?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Can you ask the instructor where to get a mat and what would be a good one? 

[Sandi Papaya]

Can you ask the instructor where to get a mat and what would be a good one? 

That's a negative. I have to have the mat my first day of class.

[MadMadge43]

I've actually seen them at Target. Of course any other Yoga place that has a check in desk usually uses those areas to sell matts and outfits. Good luck!

[Brentwood]

I've actually seen them at Target. Of course any other Yoga place that has a check in desk usually uses those areas to sell matts and outfits. Good luck!

Yes - Target always has mats in the fitness section.

[Xanthia, Maker of fine Tin-foil hats since 2007]

I made mine over 15 years ago, I still have it and use it for "camping out."

I went to the fabrick store and got some nice cooshy 1 inch thick foam, then a ugly but soft knit material taht was on sale to cover it with, I made long "straps" on one end so I could roll it up and tie it tight at the end.  Was much more comfortable than the ones my friends bought for the class.

Try calling sports stores, or even, if I remember correctly, you are on the petite size, look for a "nap mat" for a young person (like htey would take to day care), they are usually 4 of 5 foot long... that is waht a bunch of the people in the class got also(or 2 to make it long enough)..please remember, this was about 15 years ago.

GOOD LUCK!

[Twik]

Got mine at the Evil Empire (aka Wal-Mart).

Don't look at me like that. They're good customers of my company. They feed me when I visit.

[Sandi Papaya]

Got mine at the Evil Empire (aka Wal-Mart).

Don't look at me like that. They're good customers of my company. They feed me when I visit.

Hee. I actually don't mind the Galactic Empire - err, I mean, Wal-Mart. I was actually wondering if they would stock yoga mats! I should definitely check it out.

Thanks!

[Clearbrite]

Im sure a sports store would stock them,and Target is usually pretty good with things like that,perhaps even try $2 shops..you'll be surprised at some of the things they stock!!*LOL*

[kathrynne]

Mine came with an instructional video and book at Sam's Club, but I can't use any of it. Why? Because the mat is too thin to be even marginally comfortable for an overweight woman, and how the heck are you supposed to be able to see the instructional video when you're trying to do the poses?

Okay, my head is down, but now I'm supposed to shift position? Help!

Yes, I know. I need to take a class. I need a class for fat, uncoordinated people.

[supernova]

Yoga is *wonderful* for us ladies of glorious proportion, because it places the emphasis--correctly--on our physical and spiritual well-being instead of on pounds and inches, or on having better form than the girl next to you.  As one of my DVDs says, "This is not a competition.  We're not trying to 'win' yoga."

The solution for kathrynne, btw, is to watch the video through once or twice all the way before attempting the positions.  It's okay to sit on the floor and stretch while doing this (watching a yoga video on the couch makes me feel awful guilty).

Oh, and I don't use a mat for home yoga, I use a king-sized comforter, folded in half.  Much nicer on the, um, bits; and there's actually room for all of me on there. 

     - saphie

[blue_bunny_paz]

My friend got one of the yoga sets - DVD, exercise bands and mat - from Avon. She said it was pretty good, but not overly thick.
Not sure how much help I've been, in that case...

[aline]

I got my yoga mat at Target but you can also find them at any sporting goods store. I prefer the thicker mats because they put just a little extra padding between my knees and the floor. Some come in packs with dvds and/or the yoga brick and strap. Have fun! 

[Rei-chan]

Both Sports Authority and wingadingdingy's Sporting Goods carry yoga mats.  Just look in their fitness section.  I don't know about S.A., but at wingadingdingy's the fitness associates have a good working knowledge about sorting out which mat would be best for you.

[Thipu1]

Odd as it may seem, Barnes & Noble carries yoga mats along with other exercise gear.  At least they do in my neck of the woods.