Is 10mm Yoga Mat Good

Yoga Mat Thickness And Weight

Yoga mats range from super thin and compact travel styles that weigh a mere 2 lbs. to cushy quarter-inch beasts that weigh up to 7 lbs.

If youre not sure where to start, choose a mat thats about 1/8-in. thick , 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. Compared to thicker mats, they are also less likely to catch and get in your way when you flow from pose to pose.

Thinner mats can help increase stability for styles of yoga with more active poses or balanced, focused poses. Look for mats with textured surfaces to maintain better grip when the poses get more strenuous.

Thicker mats provide extra cushioning and are best for more therapeutic practices. If you enjoy restorative yoga, a style with fewer poses that you hold longer, for example, you may prefer a softer, more cushioned mat. Thicker mats are also more comfortable for forearm and kneeling poses and for yogis with tender knees or achy joints. But they can be more difficult to balance on during standing poses.

If your yoga plans include air travel, look for a travel mat thats specifically designed for portability. Travel mats are very thin and light and pack down smaller than traditional mats, so theyre easy to take along in your luggage. Keep in mind that you will sacrifice some cushioning with a travel mat.

So Would 6mm Yoga Mats And Thicker Be More Comfortable

In terms of the comfort youll get with a 6mm yoga mat , any such mat may tend to become too cushion-y with time. Much like a bed thats way too soft, youll have a hard time feeling comfortable, especially when it comes to holding balancing poses or staying in the same pose for a long time. Your hands and feet are likely to simply sink into the mat, making it a chore to fight through so much thickness when you try to go from one pose to the next. At the end of the day, yoga is there to make us feel grounded, which may prove quite hard to achieve when you have too much of a barrier between your body and the ground itself.

Where Do You Practice

Hardwood floors, tile, carpet… The surface you will be practicing on most often will help you determine the level of thickness that is necessary for your needed support. For example, if you are at home practicing on a thick carpet, you might not need a thicker mat to support your joints. Consider the importance of finding a mat that not only cushions, but also enables you to still maintain a connection with the floor so you feel stable while doing your poses.

• While doing balance poses, it is nice to have a firm connection with the ground. Too much cushion will make these poses more difficult.

• If you’ll be on hard surfaces, some extra cushioning might help to protect your ankles and knees in certain poses, as well as insulate you from the cold flooring.

• Will you be traveling with your mat? Thicker mats have more bulk and weight.

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Consider The Best Thickness That Will Protect Your Joints

Your joint health also determines the yoga or Pilates mat you need to choose.

• If you need extra cushioning and your mat is too thin, fold it under your knees or wrists when youre in a more challenging pose so that your joints are protected and you dont suffer from any pain during or after practice
• Some mats have an extra layer of material inside them to give you that extra joint protection, such as an inner layer of antibacterial cottonthats there to for added comfort as well as to keep your mat hygienic for longer.

The above should cover you perfectly unless you have a health condition, are working out with an injury or are pregnant. Ask your yoga teacher or even your physician to make sure, especially if you are practicing with swollen ankles, sensitive joints or have certain pain points that you are trying to protect while working out. Its always best to practice extra care as there is not a one-size-fits-all in terms of yoga or Pilates gear so make sure you pick whats best for yourself.

How To Clean A Yoga Mat

Depending on how often you practice and the intensity of your sessions, you can usually go a week or so before your mat needs a thorough clean. But, if you tend to sweat a lot or find that your mat retains an odor, it is best to clean it more often.

For a quick spot clean, you can buy ready-made antibacterial sprays that are designed to be used on both sides of the yoga mat to kill off any germs and eliminate odours. Alternatively, you can mix of a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid and two cups of warm water into a spray bottle.

It is also important to check your mats specific cleaning recommendations. While some can be spot cleaned only, others are hand-washable and some can even be put in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.

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Keep Calm And Flow On With These Picks

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

• Why Trust Verywell Fit?

A high-quality yoga mat is critical to keeping you safe and grounded as you flow through your daily yoga poses and even as you work on your core at the gym. And when it comes to yoga mats, toting your own is always a good idea.

While yoga mats may all appear to perform the same function, each is uniquely designed to suit different physical needs, preferences, and workouts. So set yourself up for success and find a yoga mat thats tailored to your build, style, and needs.

Here are the best yoga mats on the market.

Choosing The Right Yoga Mat

Shopping for your first yoga mat or even just a new one can be an overwhelming experience. Deciding between the various materials, sizes, and thicknesses can feel like an overwhelming amount of information. This guide will cover each of these aspects and more, and should make the decision process a bit simpler.

As you read this, be mindful of who will be using this yoga mat. The yoga mat you choose should reflect your experience and dedication. Basically, if you’re new to yoga you should be looking more at basic, entry-level mats.

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Manduka Eko Superlite Travel Mat

Being on the go can make it difficult to fit in your workouts, especially if youve got a busy schedule or dont have access to a gym. The easy solution? A travel yoga mat. Just as good for taking on the road and using for a quick session in your hotel room as it is for trips to the gym, Mandukas Superlite Travel Mat weighs only 1kg and folds easily into a travel bag to allow you to keep it with you on the move. As far as the mat itself goes, it has a strong grip to keep you grounded during your practice, does well against tearing, and is made from biodegradable rubber. A great investment for on-the-go yoga. £40. Atthesportsedit.com

Extra Thick Yoga Mats

If you are looking for an extra thick yoga mat, youll be spoiled for choice. Most mats that are very thick are made from materials such as PVC or foam, which are the most common materials being used to make exercise mats out there.

Many such mats range from 6mm to as much as 10 or 12 cm in thickness, which is about as thick as a woolen blanket and may well be *too much* for your regular practice. One of the downsides to these mats is that the materials they are made out of are not eco-friendly and therefore may contain toxins that get released into the environment long after the mat has been discarded. Simply put, this may not be the kind of material youd wish your skin to rub against every day or with every workout, so the best advice for taking care of yourself and our planet would be to avoid mats made out of synthetic materials.

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So Whats The Optimal Thickness Then

There is no one size fits all, but wed argue that avoiding the extremely thin mat and the ultra thick ones is the way to go for most people looking to have a supported and empowering yoga or Pilates practice. 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. While regular travel mats are much thinner than that, a 4-5mm thick mat is still thin enough to be carried around with ease and taken on holiday, especially if you have a mat carrying strap at hand, which some mats come with. However, please be mindful of your own particular requirements and health condition if you have an injury, joint sensitivity or are pregnant it may be best to consult with your yoga teacher or a medical professional before you invest in your next mat. Remember that while its tempting to choose your mat by colour or pattern, its important to find one that is just right for you and make sure you are comfortable for the 1+ years of using it. A new yoga mat is truly an investment in yourself and your practice, and most of all it simply has to suit YOU and make you look forward to your next yoga or Pilates session.

Best Yoga Mat Thickness Guide: How Thick Your Mat Should Be

• Extra thick yoga mats

The thickness of a yoga mat is one of the key considerations for comfortability and durability. It decides how comfortable your yoga practice will about to happen. Especially in those backward bends where your joints pressed against the hard floor surface.

However, choosing an extra-thick yoga mat could add challenges in your balancing posture and it can take much space on folding. What works here is thickness between extra thick and ultra-thin mats!

In this article, we will see the importance of yoga mat thickness, in what different thickness mats come, and how can we decide which thickness is best for you.

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Best Cushioned: Balancefrom Goyoga All

• Plenty of cushion for sensitive joints

• Less stable than other options

• Foam stretches and imprints over time

Those who prefer to double up on yoga mats for extra cushioning need to try this mat from BalanceFrom. Made of high-density foam material, the mat safely protects and cushions the spine, hips, knees, and more while you exercise.

Along with yoga, the half-inch-thick premium mat suits a variety of activities. Its also super lightweight and portable. With dual-sided non-slip surfaces, the mat ensures a stable, balanced workout while protecting joints from hard flooring. It’s also moisture-resistant, so sweat beads right off and wont seep in. Its easy to clean using soap and water. It also comes with an adjustable strap for easy travel.

Thickness: 0.5 in | Material: High-density foam | Size: 71 x 24 in | Weight: 1.8 lbs | Style: Closed-cell

• Cork grain can shed

• Can be slippery when dry

Cork is an eco-friendly, renewable resource that’s hand-harvested from the outer bark of the cork oak tree every nine years. This yoga mat features a soft, fine-grain cork top from this tree, plus a foam bottom. Cork naturally provides a non-slip surface, ensuring exceptional traction and grip. It also naturally possesses antimicrobial properties, eliminating bacteria and making cleanup a breeze. Meanwhile, the closed-cell foam bottom will not absorb moisture or odor.

How Much Of An Advanced Yogi Are You

If you are an advanced Yogi then you are likely to be comfortable with holding poses in most environments . But for most of us who are either beginners, intermediate or accustomed to a certain standard of comfort when practicing, a yoga mat thats too thick is just not acceptable neither is one that is too thin. When your hands and feet start to sink into the surface of your mat youll know its too thick for sure. Also, most likely a 4mm mat, which is just the optimal thickness for most of us, can give you the support you need to enjoy your practice and progress to the next level or workout goal.

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Is 4 Mm 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.

Yoga Mat Materials And Durability

When selecting the material for your yoga mat, you can choose anything from inexpensive PVC to environmentally friendly natural rubber. Which material you choose will affect the mats price, weight, grip and durability. Generally, thicker mats last longer than thinner mats. That said, mat durability is also related to the material the mat is made from.

PVC is a plastic-based material that is highly durable, easy to clean and offers excellent floor grip. However, PVC mats are non-absorbent and can become slippery when you sweat heavily. PVC is latex-free, a benefit to those with latex allergies, however, it is not biodegradable or as environmentally friendly as other options.

TPE is a man-made blend, usually of plastic and rubber polymers. TPE mats may be more environmentally friendly than PVC, and some are fully recyclable. TPE mats are generally less durable than PVC mats of the same thickness, but still deliver good traction.

Eco / naturalmats come from a variety of sources, including natural rubber, organic cotton, and jute. Compared to other options, eco mats are slightly less grippy on the floor, but their natural texture provides traction for your body. Eco mats lack the decade-long durability of PVC, yet they top the list if sustainability is your priority.

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What To Consider When Buying A Yoga Mat

Thickness, Size, and Weight

When it comes to yoga mats, thickness varies. While a beginner might prefer a thicker, plusher mat that provides a lot of cushioning under the hands and feet, a more advanced yogi might turn to a thinner option, which is still supportive under your body but also allows you to feel a bit more grounded. Both are viable options its up to you to decide which you prefer. The thickest mat on our list is nearly 13mm, but most fall in the range of 5 to 6mm. While most of the mats here are about the same length and width, they do vary slightly, so choose one that best fits your size. You may also want to consider your yoga mats weight, depending on how you plan to carry it. The 7-pound Manduka is more ideal for leaving at home or tossing into the backseat of your car, while the 1.6-pound Gruper is more conducive to being strapped to your gym bag or slung over your shoulder.

Nonslip Design

For what its worth, you can perform a yoga sequence on any surface, including your living room carpet or outside on the grass. But neither of these surfaces provide the nonslip support that a yoga mat does. Most yoga mats are made out of rubber or a rubber-like material and have a sticky design on the top and bottom layers that provides some traction. This keeps your sweaty hands and feet from slipping when youre practicing and the mat from sliding around on the floor.

Price

What Our Editors Say

“This mat has been my go-to for over a decade, and while I don’t specifically practice hot yoga, I can really work up a sweat in vinyasa classes. It’s easy to clean and the weight makes it easy to carry around the city. Plus, Jade plants a tree for every mat sold!” Nicole Kwan, Editorial Director, Verywell Health

• No chemical smell or harsh odor

• Easy to tote around

• Edges remain slightly curled after unrolling

• Stains more easily than other options

While most rubber yoga mats can be a pain to lug around, the IUGA Pro mat weighs only 2.5 pounds while still providing 5-millimeter-thick cushioning. Made from sustainably harvested tree rubber, the eco-friendly yoga mat is both PVC-free and latex-free, and it doesn’t have that unpleasant chemical odor that many other mats do.

The mat’s polyurethane top layer provides excellent traction and grip along with sweat absorption for a slip-free yoga session. Meanwhile, the textured bottom adheres to any surface, keeping you safe and secured. The IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat includes a carrying strap and comes in five fun and classic colors.

Thickness: 5 mm | Material: Sustainably harvested tree rubber | Size: 72 x 26 in | Weight: 2.5 lbs | Style: Closed-cell

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Why Do You Need To Consider Thickness

Thats because the thickness of your mat will decide many fundamental practice experiences. One might even add, that a mat thickness compatible with your yoga routine, will allow the yoga poses to work to their full potential.

Thickness of yoga mat simply implies to the many key characteristics of it.