How Thick Should A Yoga Mat Be?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If you’re not sure where to start, choose a mat that’s about

1/8-in.

thick (or 3.175 mm), a pretty standard thickness. These mats are excellent for those in a strong, flowing practice. They allow solid contact with the floor, which helps with stability during a variety of poses.

Is a thick or thin yoga mat better?

If you’re short on storage space, have a long schlep to the studio, and like the feel of just a little padding, opt for a standard-depth mat, in the 1/8 inch range.

If you don’t mind carrying and storing a little more heft for the sake of more cushioning, consider a premium yoga mat that’s about 1/4 inch thick

.

Is 5 mm thick enough for a yoga mat?


A 4-5 mm mat will be the ideal choice for many

as it will ensure you keep grounded and balanced whilst having your joints protected.

Is 4mm thick yoga mat good?

4mm is by far the most popular.

It gives an adequate amount of comfort and enables the most stability out of the three

. This could be important if you do a lot of standing or balance poses. If you want more comfort or you practice yoga on uneven or hard surfaces then you may prefer a thicker mat like a 6 or 8mm.

What size of yoga mat do I need?

Your Height Yoga Mat Length (inches) Yoga Mat Width (inches) Under 6 feet to 6 feet 68 to 72 (172,72 cm to 182,88 cm) 24 (60,96 cm) Over 6 feet 84 (213,36 cm) 24 – 36 (60,96 cm to 91,44 cm)

Are 10mm yoga mats good?

While there are yoga mats available in different thickness options,

thick yoga mats are mostly preferred when it comes to durability and comfort

. These mats usually have a thickness of 10 mm or more and are suitable for almost all kinds of yoga and exercise routines.

How thick should exercise mat be?

How thick should an exercise mat be? For most people, an exercise mat around

0.5 inches thick

will be the best. If you are injury prone or have sensitive joints, you might want to opt for a thicker exercise mat up to 1 inch in height. Consider your activity, as well.

What thickness exercise mat is best?

  • Size: Are you planning to do yoga or core exercises while lying flat on the mat or do you work out standing up? …
  • Material: Exercise mats can be made out of PVC, rubber, foam and even cloth. …
  • Thickness: The best exercise mats can be as thin as 0.125 inches (3.175 mm) or as thick as an inch.

What should I look for when buying a yoga mat?

While buying a Yoga Mat

make sure you have enough space to store it

. * PVC mats generally provide the best stickiness, with least amount of slippage. Check for the texture of the mat which will determine your grip. Look out for a mat with raised, tactile pattern to give boost your confidence during a difficult workout.

Is 3mm yoga mat thick enough?


A standard 3mm thick yoga mat is perfect for pretty much any practice, from a gentle Hatha class to a flowing Vinyasa class

. Also, if your practice varies a lot, a standard 3 mm mat covers all your needs.

What is standard yoga mat size in mm?

Width 24 inch Height 72 inch Thickness

6 mm mm

How thick is an extra thick yoga mat?

Extra Thick Yoga Mat,

5/8 Inch (16 mm)

with No Stick Ridge – Non-Slip Grip Foam Cushion Aid with Carrying Strap for Workouts or Physical Therapy.

Which type of yoga mat is best?

  • Our pick. Lululemon The Reversible Mat 5mm. The best yoga mat for most people. …
  • Runner-up. JadeYoga Harmony Mat. A natural rubber option. …
  • Runner-up. Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Yoga Mat. A rubber-free mat. …
  • Budget pick. Yoga Accessories 1/4′′ Extra Thick Deluxe Yoga Mat. …
  • Also great. JadeYoga Voyager.

What is PVC yoga mat?

PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride and it’s

made from petroleum

. The type of PVC used in yoga mats is made soft and pliable by the use of phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals that give plastic its flexibility and resilience, but they have major health and environmental impacts.

Are there different size yoga mats?


Yoga mats come in a variety of sizes

, and there’s no hard rule on the ideal size. Each manufacturer chooses their own measurements and may produce mats that are slightly larger or slightly smaller than that average mat of 68 x 24 inches. For anyone shorter than 6 feet tall, the standard size may be just right.

Do I need a large yoga mat?

Length. Here’s a good rule of thumb:

use a yoga mat that is at least six inches taller than you are

. The goal is to lay on your mat comfortably during savasana without leaving the mat. If you’re in the taller range (over 6 feet), try an extra long yoga mat.

How big is a yoga mat rolled up?

Length. The standard yoga mat length is

68 inches

, but you should get a mat that suits your needs. Yoga mats come in lengths of 72, 74 and 84 inches. Look for a mat that allows both your head and your feet to be on the mat when lying flat.

Can I workout on a yoga mat?

On a practical level,

yoga mats are great to use during any exercise involving free weights over a wooden or tile floor

. This is just a precaution in case one of the weights gets dropped on the floor. You’ll notice thick mats on the floor in the weight-lifting area if you go to the weight section in any gym.

Can an exercise mat be too thick?

When lifting weights, it’s essential to maintain a proper stance.

Standing on a mat that’s too thick can impede that

. However, many gyms have three-quarter inch thick rubberized mats for flooring to help protect the actual floors beneath them.

What is the difference between yoga mat and exercise mat?

Yoga mats made with PVC material are preferred by some experts because it offers the right level of stickiness and a slightly softer texture. Exercise mats, on the other hand, are designed to be thicker for those who do not want to feel close to the ground.

Can I use yoga mat for HIIT?


You can use a yoga mat for HIIT but they can be too thin

. It’s better to use a mat especially designed for high-impact workouts to protect your joints. These are usually made of PVC or foam while yoga mats are generally made of rubber.

Are gorilla mats worth it?

It’s large, durable, and non-slip and you can use it for cardio exercise, yoga, or as an extra cushion underneath your exercise equipment. Although it’s more expensive than other mats,

its durability and lifetime warranty make the investment well worth it

.

Do you need a workout mat on carpet?

If you do most of your workouts at home, having an exercise mat isn’t essential.

If your floor is carpeted, you really don’t need anything besides the floor below you

. If your floors are hardwood, a simple bath towel could do the trick.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.