Why the thickness of your yoga mat matters

When you look for yoga mats on the market today one you may wonder is what thickness your yoga mat should be.

There are mats available that are thicker to provide protection for your joints and there are also mats that are on the very thin side. With so many options, it is easy to get a bit confused about the type of mat you should choose.

If you’re reading this we’ll assume you know how important a good yoga mat is. It’s not just something you put on the ground, it is a very important tool in your workout equipment arsenal that gives you the right kind of support and also protection for your joints. Your choice of mat should be informed by the activity you plan to use it for. For example, are you doing a fast-paced, Vinyasa flow-style yoga, where transitions and pivots might require extra grip? Or are you planning a gentler style, like Yin Yoga, which might have you holding ground poses for long periods of time and therefore more cushioning will be beneficial?

The best kind of yoga mats are ones that best complement your activity and enable you to get the most out of it – be that to stretch deeper, flow faster, or whatever you aspire to do.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the different thicknesses of yoga mats available in the market.

Extra thick mats

Extra thick mats are generally not recommended for yoga as the thickness interferes with one’s balance, and the subtle muscle adjustments that help yoga build all over body strength. Performing regular, flow-style yoga on a thicker mat will generally feel less stable, and harder work.

One exception to this might be if you enjoy Yin Yoga where you’ll be spending extended periods of time in ground poses like Pigeon Pose. If you have sensitive joints, and experience knee pain, then an extra thick mat might provide you some welcome cushioning.

Extra thick mats generally fall within the range of 6mm to 12mm, the thicker end of the spectrum being as thick as a regular woolen blanket and may be overkill for the needs of many users.

We also typically don’t recommend extra thick mats because they are often made from foam or PVC, so aren’t at all sustainable. They rarely use particularly safe manufacturing methods and the materials are not eco-friendly, containing toxins, so is not the type of material you want your skin to rub on.

Mid-thickness mats (4-6mm)

For the majority of yoga purposes, we recommend yoga mats that are between 4-6mm in thickness.

These provide enough cushioning to not cause discomfort, but not so much that it will interfere with your balance. Ideally, you want to be able to feel that there is solid ground beneath you, without experiencing the hardness of the floor beneath.

A mat of around this thickness will be suitable for most people for the most common yoga styles, such as Vinyasa Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Power Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and more.

Beyond the thickness of the mat, you might further optimise your choice of materials based on factors such as whether you want increased grip (e.g. if you sweat a lot, or flow fast), or are prioritising sustainability choices.

Sustainable Yoga mats

There are an increasing number of yoga mats on the market being made from materials that are less harmful to the environment and are good for your body.

These mats are often made from natural rubber or materials like cork. These are not too thick and will help you get the right amount of balance to perform most common yoga poses.

These materials are also a great choice for hardwood floors.

Travel Yoga Mats

Travel yoga mats are extremely thin, sometimes around 2 mm in thickness. They serve the purpose of being lighter and easier to fold, roll and carry whilst traveling so you can maintain your routine whilst on the road. But they aren’t suitable for year-round, day-in, day-out use.

As you might expect, when something is that thin and lightweight it won’t provide exceptional support, or the most comfortable experience.

Also, be very mindful of the surface you are laying your travel mat upon whilst traveling. You will feel every piece of grit, bump and crevice through the material.

So what is the best level of yoga mat thickness?

There is no specific formula for choosing yoga mats. It all depends on what you intend to use the mat for, and personal circumstances such as any injuries, body sensitivities, or even how much you sweat whilst exercising.

However, ideally, you should not get one that is too thin or too thick, because these mats can cause more issues than providing the benefits from your workout.

If you are dealing with some sort of injury, sensitive joints, or if you happen to be pregnant; then we highly recommend that you first consult your doctor before you start exercising on any yoga mat.

That said, mats that are about 4-5 mm in thickness will be the best choice for most people who are looking for Yoga mats. This middle ground is the ideal thickness for making sure that you are properly grounded and balanced while on the mat.

Please remember that while the color and the pattern of yoga mats may seem to be an important determinant in your purchasing decision, these things should really be secondary in your thinking. First and foremost, filter your choices by selecting mats that will serve your specific yoga and exercise needs effectively, and will last you a long time.

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