How thick should a yoga mat be in India

Yoga mats in India are typically made of rubber, PVC and/or memory foam. Thickness is a personal preference for yoga practice, but most practitioners prefer the thicker versions because they offer more cushioning when wobbling or practicing difficult poses like downward dog.

If how thick should a yoga mat be is your question, then stick around.

This article will discuss why some people prefer the thick version and how to measure thicknesses with tape measures so you can decide what’s best for your practice!

How thick should a yoga mat be?

A regular yoga mat is approximately 3 mm thick, but you can go as thin as 1.59 mm and up to 6.35 mm if preferred. The thickness of a yoga mat is determined by the type of yoga being practiced, weight tolerance of the person using it, and body shape.

In India, the thickness of a yoga mat is around 6-8 mm.

In my reviews I have seen people and myself are more comfortable with the thickest yoga mat.

While 6-8 mm yoga mats are decent, aggressively priced the more thicker yoga mats of 13mm or more are great.

Some of these thick yoga mats are costly.

But these are generally made with EVA foam thus sometimes they lose the grip.

But to do seated exercises or balancing exercises done with knee/elbow you should get the thickest yoga mat possible.

Check some of them here!

This size allows for maximum comfort and support when doing any type of yoga style such as restorative or standing styles. There are different types of mats that have been made to suit these two modes in order to provide optimal results for every individual practice based on their needs and preferences.

There are different types of yoga that require materials suited to their level. Beginners tend to have easier poses when compared with intermediate levels, as the higher levels feature more challenging poses and movements. If the style dictates natural materials sold by a company is best suited for your needs, then it’s suitable for you.

For general standing yoga poses, you can get them done on jute yoga mats or other natural cloth based yoga mat.

These cotton yoga mats do not slip thus feels pretty stable.

But what if you get cotton and rubber in the same unit. Here is a solution for that! Check this yoga mat for that.

Considerations when finding the right thickness of your yoga mat

Weight

Thick mats weigh more than thinner ones. Yoga mats with a thickness of 6.35mm are 3.18 kilos or about 12 pounds, which is the average weight for an adult person. For people who need extra support and those heavier than average, a mat closer to 8 mm thick can be used by some people at the risk of being too heavy and cumbersome to carry around while practicing yoga.

The thickness of the mat is what determines how stable it will be. A thicker mat provides enough stability for most people.

Best yoga mat for Surya Namaskar

How much you practice

Yoga requires a lot of time and dedication, so you need to find the right thickness for your practice. Yoga mats with a thickness of 4mm are optimal for most people.

But if you are practicing every day then get the thickest yoga mat possible. Which might be made from EVA foam.

To prevent it from slipping you might want to place the EVA foam mat on a towel.

Or get a cotton yoga mat with rubber bottom part.

These yoga mats are durable enough for regular practice.

When trying to find the right thickness of a yoga mat, it is important for there to be enough cushioning. A thin and too-thick mat can’t be used since they are not ergonomically designed. The 4mm thickness is an optimal size that works with most people in all types of poses during practice as well as being comfortable for beginners and those who have already been practicing yoga on a standard level (i.e., comfort).

Body tolerance

When choosing a yoga mat thickness, it’s important to consider your body type and the poses you want to do. If you practice often with kneeling, planking and lunges then a thicker mat would be necessary for comfort. It can also contribute to safety if bones get in contact with the ground when performing certain poses.

People with joint problems should consider the thickness of their mats. A thick mat may be more comfortable for some people, but it will also provide better support and avoid pain.

Level

When choosing a thickness of your yoga mat, it is important to consider the level you are at in terms of skill and what type of style your yoga class is. Standard mats are suitable for all levels and styles because they can be used while sitting or lying down or standing and balancing.

High level yoga practitioners will require thick and stable yoga mats. So they do not slip and do not get ruined quickly.

There are different levels of yoga poses, depending on how challenging they are. Yoga instructors agree that beginners should use a mat made out of either thin or medium-thickness foam as it is easier for them to balance themselves and make adjustments when necessary. On the other hand, more advanced students prefer using thick mats because these types offer them greater stability in moving into difficult postures without fear of slipping off their backside.

Style

Yoga style is an important consideration when finding the right thickness of your yoga mat. The type of yoga mats vary depending on the style and are designed for particular poses. A downward dog would be considered in regards to color, pattern or print while a pose that requires sitting or lying down may require a thicker mat.

People who are just starting with yoga should start out on a thinner mat that is less dense and more flexible. The thicker mats require some skill to maneuver in poses like chaturanga dandasana, or upward facing dog pose.

Thickness Options

A yoga mat is a must-have for any yogi. There are many different thickness options available, such as 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch thick. Extra thick or ultra thin mats are also available. These mats can be used on the floor, but they have uses in other areas of your home and workouts too!

I would go with 13mm or 1/2 inch yoga mats to protect my joints.

A Mat is an essential piece of equipment that helps you feel grounded and supported while protecting your joints. It should be thick enough to provide comfort during practice, but thin enough not to slow down your movement.

Sizes

In India, the standard length of a yoga mat is 183 cm. These mats are slightly longer than your body and can be extra long up to 215 cm. Length also depends on how tall you are. Get the longest yoga mat you can buy, small yoga mats are not multipurpose.

Grip

Yoga mats should be thick enough to offer good grip on both sides. Natural rubber is usually the best material for this, but a newer generation of yoga mats have dry-grip technology which ensures that no moisture remains on the mat in order to provide you with the best possible grip when working out.

If you want a good thickness and grip then you should look for thick rubber mats.

Price

Price of thick yoga mat in India is higher than the thinner yoga mats. And if the thick yoga mat has double sides of cloth and thick rubber then those are very costly as well.

Colors & patterns

Yoga mats are available in many colors and patterns. Color can be chosen according to personal taste or interior design, but there is a new trend of yoga mats with ‘Alignment Print’.

The alignment prints are helpful to tell if you are at the center.

Should I get a thin or thick yoga mat?

Thicker mats provide more padding and are better for those with different medical conditions or pain and aches. Outdoor yogis will benefit from the extra cushioning provided by thick mats. The ground should be leveled and free of debris for the best experience.

I will always get a thick yoga mat over a thin one.

Yoga mats are one of the most crucial items for yogis. If you’re going to be doing more complicated poses, it is important that your mat is thick enough to provide a sturdy surface on which you can support yourself and make those moves.

The ground should also be leveled so as not to cause any discomfort in performing certain yoga postures. Also, if there’s debris or anything else nearby that might interfere with your practice, keep this in mind when selecting how thin or thick your yoga mat should be.

The mat features a textured surface that is not too thick or thin, which helps with traction and grip. It also has markings on the top to help you ensure proper position for poses like downward dog and plank pose. As this mat isn’t too thick or thin it allows you to perform yoga comfortably without worrying about breaking your neck in case of an accident during practice.

The Pros and Cons of Thick Mats

Pros:

Thicker mats provide more padding, which is a better choice for people with different medical conditions or experiences pains and aches. However, thicker mats can be uncomfortable to use because they are heavier and harder to move on.

Thick mats are good for outdoor practices where there is uneven ground. They also provide a more stable surface and help you stay in place while practicing yoga, making them ideal for beginners or those who have injuries that would be aggravated by thinner mats.

Additionally, thick mats last longer than thin ones because they don’t get damaged as easily when on the ground outside of your home.

Thick mats are often made of a thicker material that is denser, providing additional cushioning. However, the extra thickness can make it harder to roll up and store your mat when not in use. The downside to thick mats is that they may be more difficult for beginners who have never before practiced on such an expensive investment as their yoga mat.

Cons:

Thick yoga mats tend to be large so they are hard to store.

Since these are large so, the thick yoga mats are heavy. And being heavy these can not be carried around easily.

Thick yoga mats are not easy to clean either.

Types of Yoga Mats which are common in India

There are many different types of yoga mats, including thick and thin mats. The thickness of a mat is important because it affects your comfort level when practicing yoga. Some other things that you need to consider before buying a mat include the type of material (e.g., latex, rubber), how well the material will hold up overtime and what size it is in relation to your body dimensions.

EVA foam yoga mat

EVA foam yoga mats are most common types of yoga mats that are available in low prices online. These yoga mats are soft and some can be really thick. But some of them could have less friction and they might slip on the floor.

But the slipping can be avoidable if you use a rubber mat underneath.

Rubber yoga mat

Rubber yoga mats are thick and strong. These yoga mats are non slippy and works well for other workouts as well. Rubber is a natural element thus those are biodegradable as well.

Cork yoga mat

Cork yoga mat are often picked by yoga teachers. These do not pick up bacteria and dirt much. And these are environment friendly and gives the yoga room an earthy feel. If you are using a thick cork yoga mat then it should be comfortable and non slip.

Cotton yoga mat

Cotton yoga mats are great for your body, so you can comfortably do your seated and lying yoga poses. These yoga mats are easy to clean as well but they tend to get dirty quickly as well.

What is the texture of a yoga mat?

The texture of a yoga mat is an important factor in the overall comfort. If you’re a Princess-and-the-Pea type, any bumpy texture will aggravate you in savasana.

Any thickness is fine as long as it’s not too slippery or too hard.

Thick yoga mats have one side with rugged texture and other side is plain.

FAQ

Conclusion

If you are considering a yoga mat then you can follow the buying guide and find yoru sweet spot when it comes to price and thickness.

Ref: Yoga mat research scholar paper