There are many benefits to having your own yoga mat, especially one with which you have taken the time and care to choose and connect.
One of the main reasons is hygiene. We all sweat in a good yoga practice, and if you use shared ones at the gym, you are coming into contact with other people's sweat. Gross!
Other benefits to having your own yoga mat:
Practice yoga at home with ease and comfort.
Watch YouTube to find "yoga flows" to increase your knowledge.
Save money over a yoga membership.
Fit a practice any time, day or night.
Finally, having your own yoga mat is essential if you believe that objects hold energy. You will only bring your energy to the presentation with each practice and increase your positive energy as you continue to develop your practice.