Available in a wide variety of colors, patterns and designs, yoga mats add a splash of color and comfort to your yoga workout. Choosing the right yoga mat size is essential for your comfort and safety. Although a little extra length and thickness ultimately results in a heavier mat to lug around, the extra space could take your yoga workout from aggravating to exhilarating.
Length & Width
Standard yoga mats are 68 to 74 inches long. This length generally allows for adequate space among people of average height. If you are extremely tall, you might need a longer yoga mat to accommodate you. Some companies offer extra-long yoga mats featuring lengths of up to 85 inches. Shorter yoga mats are also available for children. The width of a yoga mat ranges from 22 to 32 inches. When selecting a yoga mat, simply make sure that your body fits comfortably on the mat. If possible, choose a yoga mat that extends several inches beyond your frame to allow for extra space as you move through the poses.
Thickness
Standard yoga mats are about 1/8 inch thick, while premium yoga mats are about 1/4 inch thick. Thick yoga mats provide extra cushioning to protect your knees, hands and elbows during more advanced yoga moves. However, the thickness can detract from your connection to the floor, making balance poses more difficult. If you travel frequently, you might consider an extra-thin travel yoga mat. Featuring thicknesses of about 1/16 inch, these lightweight mats fold easily.
Shape
Traditionally, yoga mats are rectangular. However, yoga mats are also available in square and circle shapes. To allow for adequate space while practicing yoga poses, these mats are often much larger than traditional mats. If space is not an issue, the large circle or square yoga mats can help you easily transition between poses without repositioning yourself.
Other Considerations
Your mat's texture and stickiness play a significant role in your comfort and balance while practicing yoga. A textured mat provides a physical barrier to slipping hands and feet. However, it can be uncomfortable for some people. If you dislike a textured yoga mat, a sticky yoga mat is a good alternative. The mat's sticky texture keeps your hands and feet in place as you move from one pose to another.
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