Is your yoga mat thick enough?

Yoga mats are available in various thicknesses. The thinnest yoga mats are especially suitable for travel and taking to class. These mats are available from about 1 to 3 millimeters. The disadvantage of such a thin mat is that you can feel the surface through it. Therefore, they're not ideal for hard surfaces. Standard yoga mats are available up to about 5 millimeters. Thick yoga mats come next. A thick yoga mat is 6 to sometimes even 8 millimeters thick. These are professional yoga mats that are also very suitable for a studio. Still not thick enough? Then take a look at our Pilates mats.

Why should a yoga mat be thick and why not?

A thick yoga mat has many advantages, but there's also a downside. Weigh these factors against each other, and you'll know if your new yoga mat needs to be thick.

The benefits

• If your yoga mat is thick, it will provide more cushioning. This is particularly pleasant with a stone or tiled surface.
• A yoga mat that is thick enough can also be used for pilatesThis saves money.
• A thick yoga mat is warmerThe mat insulates so that the cold from the floor does not creep up.
• You will lie more comfortably on a thick yoga mat. Especially with sensitive joints or prominent bones, a thick yoga mat will help you lie more comfortably. Lying on a thin mat can even be painful.

The disadvantage

If your yoga mat is thick, it will be less stable during standing exercises. It will then take more effort to maintain your balance. This doesn't apply to everyone, however. If your muscle control is good enough, you won't experience this problem. Another solution is to do standing exercises next to your mat. On your mat, you'll then only do the seated and lying exercises and asanas.

Thick yoga mat: which exercises and asanas?

A thick yoga mat is, of course, wonderful for Savasana, the long relaxation found in many yoga sets. In this corpse pose, you release all your muscles, making your whole body feel heavy. A thick yoga mat is ideal for relaxation. A thick yoga mat is actually good for all asanas you enter from a supine position, such as plough pose or shoulder stand. If your yoga mat is thick enough, you'll be able to hold it longer without aching bones. A thick mat is also wonderful for dynamic yoga styles like Kundalini Yoga, where you often roll over your back in some kriyas. And what about those sometimes long sitting poses? A thick yoga mat protects your sitting bones.

Buying a thick yoga mat

This sky-blue yoga mat: 6 Millimeter from Yoga-Mad evokes the blue sky as you do your first yoga session of the day on the beach in Ibiza. Bring this atmosphere to your home studio or class. This Warrior Plus mat is a third thicker than the standard Warrior mat. It's also suitable for Pilates and weighs only 1.6 kg, which is a reasonable weight. Even lighter is the thick Evolution yoga mat: Thick, yet lightweight. This mat weighs only 1.1 kg and comes with a carrying handle. Keep in mind that a thicker mat is more difficult to roll up than a thinner one, but practice makes perfect. The blue Evolution yoga mat: 6 mm Yoga-Mad's Evolution yoga mats are just as lightweight, but have a soothing, meditative color. These Evolution yoga mats are made of TPE, a material that is easily biodegradable and therefore eco-friendly. All thick yoga mats (at least 5 mm) are suitable for Pilates.

Cleaning a thick yoga mat

Whether your yoga mat is thick or thin doesn't matter. Every mat needs to be cleaned. Use a slightly damp cloth for this. A thorough cleaning is also easy for many thick yoga mats, as they're machine washable. However, never spin-dry, as this will cause the mats to lose their shape. Always read the label before cleaning. Not every yoga mat is machine washable.

Thick yoga mats: the Yoga-Pilatesshop has them

At Yoga-Pilatesshop, you always buy risk-free. You can return your order within 14 days without explanation, and if you have any complaints, our customer service team is ready to help.