How Thick Ought to A Yoga Mat Be? Plus, Our Prime Mat Picks

Fast Tip: The perfect yoga mat thickness depends upon your observe type, with thicker mats providing extra cushioning and thinner mats offering higher stability.

The huge selection of yoga mats today is overwhelming. You could find a yoga mat in each coloration and design and of various thicknesses and lengths. Whereas issues like colours and patterns are purely for aesthetic preferences, the thickness of a yoga mat can decide its usability.

Further-thick yoga mats could also be nice for one yoga type but a hindrance to a different, and the identical is true for skinny mats. So that can assist you select a yoga mat that’s best for you, we’re sharing the professionals and cons of various thicknesses, together with our favourite thick and skinny mats.

What Ought to Be The Excellent Thickness For A Yoga Mat?

The very best yoga mat thickness will rely in your private wants. Thicker yoga mats give extra cushioning and are finest for restorative yoga kinds the place you maintain poses for longer. Nevertheless, thinner mats present extra stability and allow you to keep stability. Thus, they’re higher for dynamic yoga kinds akin to vinyasa, Ashtanga, or scorching yoga.

So what are the totally different thicknesses accessible? Most traditional yoga mats vary from 3 to five mm thick, whereas further thick yoga mats can from 6 to 10 mm. Journey yoga mats are the thinnest, simply 1 to 2 mm thick.

How To Select The Proper Yoga Mat Thickness

There is no such thing as a one excellent yoga mat. Each thick and skinny yoga mats have benefits and downsides, which is why many skilled yogis wish to have each thick and skinny ones. That approach, they’ll interchange relying on the kind of yoga they’re doing and the surroundings they’re doing yoga in.

Alternatively, you might choose for the standard yoga mat that’s round 4 or 5 mm. Common yoga mats give sufficient cushioning to guard your joint well being with out being too cumbersome or lowering stability or stability.

Let’s discover the professionals and cons of thick and skinny mats.

Thick Yoga Mats Execs and Cons

Skinny Yoga Mats Execs and Cons

In case you are doing outside yoga, you might assume a thinner mat is finest as it’s lighter and simpler to hold round. Nevertheless, a skinny yoga mat will be uncomfortable or painful when working towards open air on a tough or uneven floor, akin to concrete or in a forest.

Greatest Thick Yoga Mats

Do you’re feeling a thicker yoga mat is finest for you? In that case, listed here are our three favourite thicker mats.

lululemon The Exercise Mat 6mm

lululemon The Exercise Mat 6mm

When you do plenty of dynamic yoga and, thus, require a grippy mat however don’t need to compromise your joints, the lululemon Exercise Mat is arms down the most suitable choice.

It’s 6mm thick, offering adequate padding, but it has wonderful grip because of its raised textural design. This lets you transition shortly and effortlessly between standing poses with out dropping traction.

As a result of this thick yoga mat is designed for different exercises moreover yoga, it’s tremendous sturdy and can be utilized with footwear. Thus, it doubles up as an awesome health or pilates mat for yogis who love all types of motion.

The 2kg (4.4lbs) mat is constituted of 100% Recycled PVB and has a closed cell design that retains sweat and different moisture out. Furthermore, it’s stain-resistant and simple to wash with a humid material, so it’s going to keep smelling contemporary even in probably the most strenuous scorching yoga periods.

Gaiam’s 10mm (2/5 inch) mat is without doubt one of the thickest yoga mats. Due to its thickness, it may be used for different health actions moreover yoga. Plus, it’s perfect in the event you usually observe on a tough or uneven floor.

Regardless of its thickness, this mat is surprisingly light-weight, weighing simply 1.4 kg (3.1 kilos). Subsequently, many yogis love utilizing it for outside practices. It additionally comes with a straightforward cinch strap, making it easy to safe and sling over your shoulder.

Though it’s an additional thick yoga mat, it provides first rate stability because of its dual-sided, textured ridges that assist improve traction and cut back slippage. It’s constituted of Nitrile Butadiene rubber foam and has 9 coloration decisions.

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat

The famend Manduka PRO is seen in yoga studios worldwide and cherished by yogis in all places. At 6mm thick, it has the best yoga mat thickness for house or studio use, defending probably the most delicate joints whereas giving superior stability.

The Manduka PRO yoga mat is high-performance and ultra-supportive. It is usually some of the sturdy, thicker yoga mats, constructed to final a lifetime. As well as, Manduka PRO mats are crafted in Germany from licensed PVC and are free from dangerous substances.

It encompasses a closed-cell design to stop moisture and micro organism from getting contained in the mat. This makes cleansing simple after your yoga observe as you merely wipe it with a humid material. This design additionally prevents 4 smells from occurring.

The draw back of the Manduka PRO is that it’s heavy, weighing 3.4kg (7.5 kilos). Thus, this isn’t a mat you’ll need to carry from place to put.

Greatest Common Thickness Yoga Mats

Need a versatile yoga mat that can be utilized for a number of yoga kinds and environments? Take into account certainly one of these customary thickness mats.

lululemon The Mat 5mm

You possibly can’t go flawed with the lululemon reversible 5mm “The Mat” for each cushioning and grip. Its pure rubber base provides eco-friendliness to the planet and extra cushioning on your physique. Utilizing it with the underside facet up is right for practices with plenty of kneeling or seated poses.

In the meantime, the highest layer provides wonderful grip and moisture absorption, excellent for flowing via solar salutations and difficult standing and balancing poses. It’s additionally simple to wash with a humid material because it has antimicrobial remedies to stop mould and mildew.

It weighs 2.38kg (5.24 lbs), so it’s gentle sufficient to hold round whether or not you’re going to the native studio or outside yoga courses. Plus, with over 10 designs and colours, your subsequent mat will probably be high-quality and tremendous trendy.

JadeYoga Concord(™) Yoga Mat

The Jade Concord mat is 4.7mm (3/16 inches) thick and provides the right mixture of grip and luxury. It’s constituted of pure open-cell rubber, which provides higher cushioning than artificial rubber mats, making it simpler to carry poses and keep stability.

The Jade Concord mat is simply nearly as good for the planet as for you as it’s constituted of 100% plant-based pure supplies and has no PVC, phthalates, or heavy metals. As Jade additionally provides again by planting a tree for each yoga mat bought, this is without doubt one of the finest eco-friendly mats.

The reasonably thick mat weighs 2kg and is available in 12 coloration choices. It’s extremely sturdy, and most yogis discover it lasts them a few years and withstands on a regular basis put on and tear. There are additionally three size choices; 68-inch, 71-inch, and extra-long 74-inch. All are 24 inches broad.

Liforme Authentic Yoga Mat

The Liforme 4.2mm rubber mat options one of the best yoga mat thickness for each kind of yoga. It provides sufficient consolation and help for restorative yoga. But, its ground-breaking “GripForMe” materials provides unparalleled grip and stability in vinyasa or Ashtanga yoga.

One other distinctive promoting level of this standard yoga mat is the “AlignForMe” system, which helps you discover foot placement and forestall accidents. It is usually environmentally pleasant as its constituted of eco-polyurethane and rubber and is biodegradable.

As a pure rubber mat, it isn’t tremendous gentle, weighing 2.5 kilos (5.5 kilos). There are six colours to select from, all of which retain vibrancy even after a number of years of use.

Greatest Journey Yoga Mats

Are you on the lookout for a skinny mat that’s gentle, doesn’t take up a lot house, and is straightforward to journey with? In that case, listed here are our high three journey mats.

lululemon The (Un) Mat

The lululemon Un Mat is tremendous light-weight and simple to journey with, permitting you to observe in all places and anyplace. At simply 1.5 mm thickness, this barely there mat can be utilized on gentle surfaces or as a topper for a thicker mat on exhausting surfaces.

As a result of it weighs simply 1.05kg (2.32 lbs), it makes a super yoga mat for frequent vacationers who don’t have a lot house or weight to spare of their baggage.

One other superior factor about this mat is that it’s reversible. So the underside provides extra cushioning whereas the highest is easy and grippy.

The bottom is constituted of sustainably sourced and FSC™-certified pure rubber with a textured grip perfect for low-sweat practices. In the meantime, the modern high-grip high layer wicks up moisture, so it’s fab for sweaty practices. It additionally options an antimicrobial additive to stop mould and mildew buildup.

JadeYoga – Voyager(™) Yoga Mat

The Jade Voyager yoga mat is a well-liked selection amongst yoga-loving digital nomads and touring yoga lecturers, because the mat folds as much as the dimensions of a yoga block.

It’s simply 1.6mm thick (1/16 inches) and weighs a featherlight 680 grams(1.5 kilos), making it one of many lightest yoga mats ever. Whether or not you add it to your checked baggage or carry-on, it’s going to take up virtually no house or weight.

It’s not simply the dimensions that makes this mat a fab selection. It’s constituted of eco-friendly pure rubber with an open-cell design, considerably lowering slipping. Many yogis like to make use of it as a journey mat whereas away and a topper to their thicker mat at house.

Yoga Design Lab Journey Yoga Mat

This tremendous skinny mat by Yoga Design Lab is simply 1.5mm thick, serving as a 2-in-1 yoga mat and towel. It’s perfect for sweaty practices like Bikram yoga as its ultra-absorbent microfiber high layer provides superior sweat administration.

Apparently, as it’s made for sweaty practices, the sweatier you might be, the higher your grip. To extend stickiness, you’ll be able to moist your arms earlier than observe. Due to the yoga mat’s thickness, you’ll be able to machine wash it on a mild cycle and cling it dry. Nevertheless, it’s best to hand-clean it with a material to protect its life.

The journey yoga mat includes a pure rubber base layer bonded to a recycled PET microfiber high layer made utilizing 15 plastic bottles. Thus, it is a fab selection in the event you’re on the lookout for a sustainable and eco-friendly journey mat.

The Affect of Yoga Mat Thickness on Joint Well being

An vital issue that’s usually disregarded when choosing a yoga mat is its influence on joint well being. Whereas we’ve got talked in regards to the benefits and downsides of thick and skinny mats, let’s discover additional how the thickness of your mat can affect your joints.

Thicker Mats for Joint Assist

Thicker yoga mats, usually starting from 6 to 10 mm, present extra cushioning. That is particularly useful for people with delicate or achy joints. When partaking in poses that exert strain in your knees, wrists or elbows, a thicker mat can provide the required padding to stop discomfort and potential harm. As an illustration, poses like Camel or Tabletop could really feel extra comfy on a thicker mat, easing the pressure in your joints.

Thinner Mats for Stability and Equilibrium

Conversely, thinner mats, often between 1 to five mm, supply much less cushioning however larger stability. This may be advantageous for dynamic yoga kinds that demand stability and accuracy, akin to Vinyasa or Ashtanga. A thinner mat allows you to sense the bottom beneath you, which might improve your stability and alignment. Nevertheless, when you have joint issues, you might discover these mats much less comfy for poses that necessitate extended strain in your joints.

Attaining the Excellent Equilibrium

When you’re coping with joint points however choose a thinner mat for its stability, you might discover utilizing further gear like yoga knee pads or a yoga towel. These equipment can supply added help the place crucial whereas sustaining the general firmness of your mat. Alternatively, you might think about choosing a mat of reasonable thickness, roughly 4 to five mm, putting a harmonious stability between cushioning and steadiness.

The thickness of your yoga mat performs a vital function in safeguarding your joint well being. Thicker mats present enhanced safety for delicate joints, whereas thinner mats promote higher stability throughout balancing poses. Choose a mat that caters to your particular necessities to make sure a nice and safe yoga observe.

What About Yoga Towels?

A yoga towel topper is an excellent useful merchandise, whether or not it’s to wick up your sweat, cut back slipping, or add extra thickness. They’re extremely light-weight and fold up tiny, making them a fab element on your journey yoga mat. Plus, in the event you’re utilizing a skinny mat and want further cushioning on your knees, you’ll be able to fold the towel like a blanket for further padding.

Yoga towels are available in just a few totally different sizes. Most towels particularly designed for yoga, like The Towel by lululemon, are fabricated from microfibre material, so they’re quick-drying. You can too select between many trendy patterns and a number of colours.

The Affect of Yoga Mat Thickness on Your Observe Setting

The thickness of your yoga mat can significantly influence your observe setting. When you have an previous mat that’s not thick sufficient, upgrading to a 1 inch thick yoga mat could make a world of distinction. Buyer evaluations on amazon.com rave about the advantages of utilizing an additional thick deluxe yoga mat.

The 1 inch thick excessive density foam supplies a steady floor for all of your yoga poses and ensures that you’ve got a snug observe. The non-slip floor of this thick train mat may even offer you added stability throughout your observe, whether or not you might be doing yoga or pilates.

Comparability Between Indoor and Out of doors Yoga Periods

When choosing the suitable yoga mat thickness, have in mind the situation the place you plan to observe. The surroundings, whether or not indoors or open air, can have a notable influence in your total consolation and efficiency.

Indoor Yoga Practices

In indoor settings, a normal mat thickness starting from 4 5 mm is usually appropriate. Surfaces indoors akin to hardwood or carpet present a steady basis on your observe. Whereas thicker mats can supply extra cushioning, they might compromise stability on softer surfaces like carpet. When you observe on a tough ground floor, choosing a thicker mat can assist defend your joints with out sacrificing stability.

Out of doors Yoga Practices

Out of doors yoga periods include their very own set of challenges. Uneven surfaces akin to grass, sand or concrete require extra cushioning for help. A thicker mat with a thickness of round 6 10 mm can present the mandatory consolation and help in outside settings. Nevertheless, thicker mats are typically bulkier and heavier, which can have an effect on portability. For normal outside practices, think about using a foldable mat that strikes a stability between thickness for consolation and ease of carrying.

Private Insights

Having skilled each indoor and outside yoga periods myself, I discover that utilizing a 4 mm mat indoors fits me properly on my hardwood ground. It provides adequate cushioning with out compromising my stability throughout poses. When working towards open air, I swap to a 6 mm mat which supplies further padding important for uneven terrain regardless of its heavier weight. This equilibrium has improved my yoga routine, enabling me to relish yoga in numerous settings with ease.

Deciding on the suitable mat thickness based on the place you observe can improve your yoga session. Whether or not you’re indoors or open air, the right mat will allow you to keep comfy and attentive.

Ultimate Ideas On How Thick Ought to A Yoga Mat Be?

As you’ll be able to see, the best mat thickness completely depends upon your yoga observe. A thinner mat could also be finest in the event you do plenty of fast-paced, dynamic yoga that makes you sweat. Nevertheless, in the event you’re a lover of yin yoga, you’ll possible discover a thicker yoga mat extra comfy.

When you’re after a brand new yoga mat, the mats featured on this information are all premium high quality and rated extremely by different yogis.