The ideal length of your yoga mat should allow you to comfortably do many types of yoga asanas, or postures, so that you remain on your mat. Many yoga studios and gyms have wood floors, but practicing directly on a wood floor is difficult when doing poses on your knees. The purpose of yoga mat is to enable you to practice so that you are always on a padded surface where you cannot slide or lose your balance.
It Depends on Your Height
If you buy your yoga mat at a studio, ask if you can "test drive" different types of mat to see what is the best length and type for you. A good way to judge appropriate length is to roll out the mat and do the yoga pose, downward facing dog, or Adho Muhka Svanasana. Place your palms on the mat, and while keeping your arms straight, step your feet back until your legs are also extended straight. Ideally, you should have at least four inches as a margin at the top of your mat and the same behind your feet and to your sides. That may mean your mat is 55 inches long. If you are over six feet tall, you will need a longer mat to accommodate your arms and legs.
Use a Longer & Padded Mat for Ashtanga
There are several types of yoga and while nearly all of them share many of the classic yoga poses, the way they are practiced is different. This can be a factor when selecting the length and type of yoga mat. For example, in Ashtanga yoga, you hop your feet back and land on your toes when doing during "jump backs." During other poses, you may be kneeling on your knees or literally rolling on your back in a variation of a fully wrapped lotus. You will want to use a very thick padded mat that will give you at least four inches of margin on all sides. One online yoga company sells a mat that is made of open cell, natural rubber. It offers excellent traction, even when wet from perspiration. Thicker, denser and tougher than standard mats." It sells a "standard size" at 68 inches by 24 inches and a long mat at 74 inches by 24 inches.
Use a Real Sheepskin for Kundalini Yoga
In a Kundalini yoga class as taught by Yogi Bhajan, yoga practice is done on a real sheepskin. This is because the kriyas, breathing and postures, are not athletic as those found in Ashtanga, but involves doing different types of seated postures and extended pranayama, or breath work. In this case, you would select a sheepskin that has been prepared specifically for Kundalini yoga. It is thick, cushioned and portable. These are usually sold in Kundalini yoga studios or online through specialty outlets. According to Golden Bridge Yoga Studio in Hollywood, Calif.., a sheepskin rug is used for practice because, "A sheepskin or other natural fiber such as wool,
cotton or silk provides an electro-magnetic insulation from the ground."
Travel Mats Can Be Light & Long
Travel size yoga mats may be thinner and lighter so they are easier to carry on a plane or on a bike, but they should still be long enough for you to comfortably extend your arms and legs. That length will depend on your height. A woman who is five-feet tall may do well with a mat that is 60 inches long. A man who is 6' 2" will need a mat that is much longer. Some yoga studios sell yoga mats by cutting them from one very long roll, so it is possible to buy longer mats or even shorter ones than the ones you find pre-packaged. And another online yoga store sells an extra long mat that is 80 inches by 24 inches.
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