What thickness of yoga mat should I buy?
A thick PVC yoga mat is not cushioning
Two yoga mats can have the same thickness but not be made of the same material and therefore do not have the same density nor the same comfort.
For example, a 6 mm PVC mat is much less thick and pleasant than a 6 mm TPE mat. PVC is soft and slippery while TPE is dense and compact yet soft. PVC, which makes up the majority of carpets sold at low cost on the market, is a low-end material that offers limited technical performance: plastic smell, lack of density, not recyclable, not shock-absorbing, slippery, sticky feel and not at all eco-friendly…
A 4mm natural rubber mat is denser than a 6mm TPE mat
Yogom’s Performance, Star, Voyage, Soft and Cork ranges have a natural or recycled rubber basebecause this material has many qualities that allow the mat to be stable to be stable, flexible and non-slip…
In addition, this material is also very dense, denser than thermoplastic elastomer foam, which is why these mats are 4 mm thick. A mat made with this type of base, 4mm thick, is almost as comfortable as an elastomer mat (6mm), and this density allows it to hold its balance and not sink into the mat.
To compensate for the slight difference in comfort between an elastomer and rubber mat, The rubber mats with microfiber coating are foldable to provide additional cushioning.
A carpet with a microfiber coating folds on itself
The Performance and Voyage ranges have a microfiber textile coverThis material is soft, pleasant to the touch but especially very resistant. It is perfectly adapted to a soft yoga as dynamic, with or without basket, contrary to that of the range Star which has a coating in polyurethane of type gum.
In addition, this microfiber coating is flexible, it can be folded on itself to create a double layer under the kneesIt can be folded or rolled up to be carried more easily in a bag or a suitcase!
You have weak joints
The practice of yoga is an excellent way to to relieve fragile joints. Thanks to a series of stretching exercises, it is possible to regain mobility and flexibility! However, it is very important to protect your joints during your sessions.
This is why you should choose a mat that is neither too thin nor too thick: the ideal to protect the knees is that it is 4 to 6 mm thick.
But if you have joint problems, you can also double up your mat with aknee pad!
You are starting out and need support
To get started in yoga and enjoy the benefits of this discipline, it is important to choose the right equipment! The mat you choose will depend on the style of yoga you want to practice. If you prefer dynamic yoga, your mat should be grippy, and if it’s gentle yoga, it should be comfortable. But in any case, your mat must be thick, so that you can progress without risk of injury.
It is true that it is not pleasant to have your knees touching the ground during your postures. However, the mat should not be too thick, so that you do not lose your balance in your asanas. It is recommended to choose thick equipment (4 to 6 mm) to ensure that you have the best possible yoga experience in your first few sessions.
You have chosen Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is a gentle form of yoga that includes involves a series of asanas, breathing exercises and meditation.
This discipline implies prolonged body support on the ground, it is therefore important to choose a yoga mat thick enough to protect your joints (knees…).
The optimum thickness is between 3 and 6 mm, so that the mat is comfortable but you can still balance on it.
You may also like Pilates
Pilates is a discipline that includes a set of exercises with the objective of physical conditioning or rehabilitation. During the classes, the focus is on developing the deep muscles, in order to improve posture and flexibility of the joints. This involves maintaining asanas for long minutes, to relax but also to strengthen the muscles.
To practice this discipline in the best conditions, it is necessary toTo practice this discipline in the best conditions, it is necessary to equip yourself with a thick and comfortable yoga mat, in order to protect your joints when you maintain postures on the ground.
The thick and soft yoga mat Yomad
The Yomad mat is the thickest mat sold on the market (except for the PVC ones). It is perfect for beginners, people with weak joints or people practicing disciplines such as Hatha Yoga!
It is made of TPE foam, a recyclable material, light, but dense enough so that you do not lose your balance during your asanas, unlike PVC of poor quality and whose density is much lower for the same thickness.
It is thick (6mm) and protects the knees in postures involving pronounced body support, it is ecological, it measures 183×61 cm, weighs only 1 kg and is proposed at a price of 54€.
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Yomad Om Duck yoga mat
Original price was: 68,00€.47,60€Current price is: 47,60€. -
Yoga Start Pack
76,20€ -
Yoga mat Yomad Om Marine
68,00€ -
Why you should choose a dense yoga mat
You have been practicing yoga for years, and you have a perfect knowledge of asanas, pranayama and mediation. You know how to distribute your body perfectly on the mat, then you don’t especially need a thick yoga mat, a dense mat is more than enough.
Also, if you are muscular and can sheath your body during your asanasIt’s best to choose a mat with a high density, like the Star or Performance mats!
You practice a lot of balance postures
If your discipline involves many balancing positions such as the tree pose, it is necessary to equip yourself with a thick yoga mat (3 to 6 mm).
But the most important thing is that it is dense enough that you can stand on one leg for exampleThe most important thing is that it is dense enough that you can stand on one leg, for example, and that you don’t sink into the mat, as you would on a thermoplastic elastomer foam mat!
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Pack 8 Yomad mats
208,80€ -
Performance Totem Yoga Mat Night Grey
Original price was: 87,00€.60,90€Current price is: 60,90€.
The Star non-slip yoga mat
The star yoga mat is the most non-slip and eco-friendly mat sold on the market! Its natural rubber base is very adherent, this material which brings weight and thus stability to the ground to your carpet. And it has a polyurethane coatinga particularly absorbent and adherent material! You won’t slip a millimeter in the head down dog posture. It is thick enough (4mm) to provide ease but dense enough to allow you to balance during your asanas. Yogom even offers a model printed in 5mm. A wide choice of colors and patterns is available for this carpet, prices range from 95 to 108 euros. It is 183×68 cm and also weighs 2.8kg for the 4mm and 3.2kg for the 5mm. It does not bend and does not support sneakers. It is therefore recommended for yoga only.
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Yoga mat Star Om Blue Gold
115,00€ -
Yoga mat Star Azulejos blue
125,00€ -
Star Totem Yoga Mat Black Gold
115,00€ -
New
Recycled cork yoga mat
The Alma yoga mat has many qualities: it is powerful, resistant, ecological and offers an excellent adherence ! Indeed, it is composed of a base of natural rubber recycled adherent, and a coating layer of agglomerated cork, its touch is soft for optimum comfort. It is thick (4 mm), which is enough to be pleasant, cushioning for the joints without making you lose your balance because of a too low density.
It weighs 1.4kg against 3kg for a carpet of another brand, and measures 186 × 66 cm, it is proposed at 119€.It will meet all your criteria. It is hypoallergenic, but beware of the risk of allergies because its base contains latex! The icing on the cake is that it is made in Portugal!
You need to fold your carpet
The practice of dynamic yoga often implies to remain long minutes in postures with pronounced body supports. If you are a fan of this type of practice, the comfort of the mat is not to be neglected, especially if you suffer from joints!
That is why it is important to choose a mat with a base and cover that is soft enough to be folded. Whether you’re practicing from your living room, in the great outdoors, or taking classes in the studio, you may need to create a double layer to protect your joints, in which case it’s a good idea to look for a thinner, softer than average mat!
You move often
Not all yogis practice this discipline in the same way, some practice from home, others prefer to practice outdoors and others take classes in the studio!
It is important to consider this detail when choosing a mat, If you want to carry your mat everywhere with you, it is worth choosing a thinner and softer than average mat.
It is quite possible to choose a thin and soft yoga mat, but just as pleasant ! You can fold it on itself to protect your knees and make the asanas less pleasant.
You practice gentle yogas and meditation without support postures
Gentle yoga and meditation do not really require you to be on your knees. For this discipline, it is therefore preferable to choose a carpet that has a soft, cocooning covering such as the microfiber textile present on those of the Performance and Voyage ranges, or merino sheep’s wool, rather than a thick carpet.
Asanas and pranayamas are usually performed sitting cross-legged or lying on the back, so it is best to choose a mat with a soft base. so it’s best to choose a mat with a soft base, It’s best to choose a mat with a soft base so that you can fold the mat over itself to create a double layer when necessary.
The foldable travel yoga mat
This travel mat is the perfect travel companion! It is thin (1.5 mm), light (1.4kg), its size is extra large (183×68cm), and it is also flexible and stable on the ground thanks to its natural rubber base! This mat can be folded on itself to create a double protection and bring ease to your practice, or to be stored in a suitcase or a bag.
In addition, its base is resistant enough so that you can practice on any surface (ground, sand…) inside and outside your home! Although it is not very thick, it is still very pleasant with its soft microfiber textile coating with a peach skin texture! It is available in several colors and designs, at prices ranging from 30 euros to 60 euros.
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Paisley Travel Yoga Mat
70,00€ -
Travel yoga mat Leo taupe
70,00€
Natural wool yoga mat
The merino sheep wool carpet is ideal for easy and soft practice. It is particularly thick (1.5cm) and its quality fleece coating provides many benefits: it is soft, promotes relaxation, purifies the air of harmful positive ions and regulates the temperature!
It isolates you perfectly from the ground and allows you to practice serenely, summer and winter, perfect for your soft yoga practices like Nidra or Yin Yoga. It has a natural rubber base that provides great stabilityand can be folded to create a double layer! Beware of the risk of latex allergies.
It is made in Lithuania from sheep’s wool from Italy and Poland, it is Oeko-Tex certified, so it is eco friendly and proposed at 125€.
Find out which carpet is right for you in our Buying Guide !
Take care of your yoga equipment with the cotton carrying bag!
For more information on yoga equipment, visit the
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