Are you just beginning your rigorous yoga practice? A yoga mat is among the necessities that you should get. Now, when selecting a yoga mat for yourself, the very first question that will pop up is, how long are yoga mats?
There is a norm for size, but what if you are a person who is quite tall? When that happens, the standard can end up in the water. In this article we will attempt to explain how long yoga mats are supposed to be.
How long are yoga mats?
Yoga is a wonderful approach to improve the health of your body and mind. A quality yoga mat is essential to doing asanas correctly. If you’re new to yoga and want to take up yoga classes then you should be aware of how long are yoga mats in most studios or how long are the average yoga mats.
For maximum comfort, a yoga mat should be 15–25 cm (7–10 inches) longer than your height. It is recommended to add this extra length to avoid slippage during practice. Although that is the straightforward response, there isn’t “one rule” that will work for everyone. Not all forms of yoga call for such lengthy mats, and others call for mats with a different shape. A yoga mat is a wise purchase for hygienic and personal use. You could even lay it out in a hotel room in a strange location or on your balcony. One may get other kinds of mats that fit their demands in addition to a PVC yoga mat for their practice. Here are a handful that are now fairly well-liked:
Plastic Elastomer Yoga Mats:
- There have been advancements in yoga mat production. Wonderful examples of these advancements include yoga mats made of plastic elastomer.
- Due to the absence of PVC, latex, and other harmful components, these mats are safe to use and beneficial to the environment.
- Compared to plastic ones, these yoga mats are regarded as being affordable.
- A mat made of plastic elastomer has a good grip and is slip-resistant.
- Because it hardly absorbs water and moisture, cleaning it is not too difficult. Due to its improved characteristics, it’s among the best yoga mats available.
Basic Sticky Yoga Mats:
- The most popular kinds of yoga mats are the straightforward adhesive ones.
- You may maintain your yoga positions for longer without slipping because of their slightly sticky feel.
- They can be utilized in the comfort of your own house. That will relieve you of the anxiety that your yoga courses will utilize soiled yoga mats.
- You can choose between a thickness of 1/8″ and a thickness of 1 1/4″, with the latter one being the superior option because it offers more pleasant body cushioning for those difficult yoga poses.
- It is advisable for beginners to buy their own because they are more affordable than the other sorts.
Natural Rubber Yoga Mats:
- It’s wise to stay with tried-and-true options, including yoga mats made of natural rubber. They were one of the very first two varieties of yoga mats made available to those who practise in harmony with nature.
- This particular style of yoga mat is produced from natural rubber, which offers non-toxic and environmentally beneficial properties.
- Yoga mats made of natural rubber are generally constructed of recyclable and biodegradable materials.
- They are ideal for arduous yoga sessions because they’re durable and have a good slip-proof characteristic.
- Because it is made of natural materials, the mat offers superior durability and comfort.
- This is excellent for eco-conscious yoga practitioners who want to have a small carbon footprint.
Travel Yoga Mat:
- To ensure that you can continue exercising anywhere that’s convenient, such as a hotel room or a resort park, when you’re travelling for more than three days, you should pack a yoga mat towel and travel mat.
- The mobile yoga mat is substantially thinner than its regular counterparts, making it an easy exercise tool to take with you.
- Because they are non-slip, you can easily do yoga poses on them.
- They are also simple to fold and wrap up so you can put them right into your luggage.
- Beautiful yoga mats with bags are also available. Find a stylish yoga mat bag so you are able to travel while staying in shape.
- However, keep in mind that due to the thin nature of the material, travel yoga mats are meant solely for travel and not daily use. For someone who travels frequently, this kind of mat is ideal.
Jute Mats:
- Yoga practitioners are moving in the same way as the planet towards sustainability. By deciding to use a jute mat for your yoga practice, you may join the trend.
- Because it is constructed of a natural material, it is regarded by many Yoga mat reviews as one of the most environmentally friendly sorts.
- Jute fibres are biodegradable materials that are most frequently found in South East Asia.
- A jute mat is ideal for all types of yoga poses because of its inherent ability to breathe.
- In terms of tensile strength and stickiness, it is comparable to other synthetic yoga mats.
Cotton and Hemp Yoga Mats:
- Yoga mats made of cotton and hemp let you practise all-naturally.
- Cotton yoga mats are excellent for cushioning during yoga exercises because of its soft texture and capacity to quickly absorb sweat.
- Because you can simply wash them after usage, they are simple to maintain.
- Remember that cotton fibres are more brittle than plastic yoga mats and will wear out more quickly. Having said that, they are more hygienic than the latter variety due to this particular characteristic.
- Hemp yoga mats survive longer than cotton mats because they are constructed of tightly woven, dense hemp threads.
- Hemp has a high degree of elasticity and tensile strength and they are exceedingly durable.
- Yoga mats made of hemp are thought to be superior to those made of cotton in terms of both warmth and water absorption.
Let us now also try to find answers to the question of how long are yoga mats in a detailed manner.
| Height | Width | Length |
| Under 5’7″ | 24″/26″ (60 cm/66 cm) | 68″/71″ (172 cm/180 cm) |
| From 5’7″ to 5’11” | 24″/26″ (60 cm/66 cm) | 71″/72″ (180 cm/183 cm) |
| 5’11” or higher | 26″/28″ (66 cm/71 cm) | 74″/79″/85″ (188 cm/200 cm/216 cm) |
3 IMPORTANT factors to take into account while purchasing a yoga mat
When selecting a yoga mat, there are more considerations to take into account in addition to the size.
- Non-slip material and surface: The mat’s material is crucial because it determines how comfy and grippy it will be for you to stand on so it is mainly suggested to go for lululemon yoga mats for better grip. But one should also clean it regularly to avoid odour or bad smell. The majority of yoga mats sold now are constructed of synthetic rubber, such as PVC, TPE, or PER. However, because organic rubber or cork has a fantastic grip and doesn’t hurt the environment, many individuals opt for these materials.
- Thickness: The thickness of the mat is important to consider while choosing a yoga mat.
- While a thin yoga mat (1.5mm to 2.5mm) will help you stay grounded throughout Vinyasa, it won’t give your joints the support they need. An extremely thin yoga mat allows you to sense the ground below.
- A typical yoga mat (3 to 5 mm thick) ought to be sufficient to give you the necessary stability and support as you practise.
- An extra-thick mat will be helpful if you wish to practise relaxing exercises or yoga, which requires you to hold a position for a long period of time. Your knee will appreciate it if it is 6mm to 8mm thick.
- Portability: The total weight of a yoga mat is determined by its thickness and material. It is not advisable to use a hefty mat if you wish to transport it between courses.
You should find it simple to bring your yoga mat from home to the class if it is portable. It needs to be portable, simple to wrap up, and simple to slip into a backpack or yoga mat bag.
Recommendations for Every Practise
Each practice offers a different experience to its users because no two practices ask the identical things of their students. As a result, yoga mats are available in a range of designs to match your preferences and manner of practice.
- Mats For Quick Yoga – Hatha and vinyasa flow yoga are comparable with a few minor differences in speed. Vinyasa binds students to the speed of their breathing and has a tendency to move through the postures a little faster. We advise using a mat that is smooth yet provides plenty of stick in order to keep up with the flow due to the rapid shift, such as a natural rubber travel mat. These typically have little texture but nonetheless give the hands and feet good traction and grip.
- Mats for Restorative or Slow-Paced Yoga – This kind of yoga practice is really gentle and not what you would find in a contemporary yoga studio. It is a highly laborious process that moves very slowly. Stretching and deep relaxation are the main goals of restorative yoga. Some people may use a padded mat for this type of practice, which gives their body greater support while they move, or a blanket, which can provide both comfort and warmth. Everything about this depends on personal preference.
- Yoga Mats that will withstand The Heat – It’s simple to assume you’ll need something to absorb perspiration because heated rooms are a common feature of both Hot Hatha and Bikram yoga. In this instance, a yoga towel and natural rubber mat are suggested. The natural rubber mat will offer a sizable amount of traction and long-lasting durability. Not to add that it’s really simple to clean, which is essential for this kind of practice.
- Traditional Yoga Practise- Ashtanga yoga tends to entail greater rigour than the other types, it could need additional assistance and padding. Rubber mats are suggested for this type of practice because they are less likely to slip.
- Common yoga mats for class use – Hatha yoga emphasises a variety of physical positions and is frequently appropriate for beginners. It is advised to begin on a foam mat due to this attention and tempo. Even though these mats are normally what you would find in the gym, you can use this time to determine your personal preference before continuing your practice.
FAQ’s
What are the typical dimensions of a yoga mat?
Yoga mats typically measure 68′′/173 cm and 71′′/178 cm in length. The most popular widths are 26′′ (66 cm) and 24′′ (61 cm). The majority of yoga mats typically range in thickness from 4 to 6 millimetres. There are also super thick 10mm foam mats and thin 1.5mm travel mats.
What is the Typical Yoga Mat Width?
A yoga mat typically has a width of 25′′ (64 cm). Based on information gathered about the most common yoga mats, it was discovered that half of them were 24′′/61cm and the other half were 26′′/66cm in size. The majority of yoga practitioners will find both of these dimensions to be ideal and comfortable in yoga mat bags.
What is the ideal yoga mat thickness?
The ideal thickness for a yoga mat is often between 4mm and 6mm. Both are substantial enough to provide our joints with adequate cushioning. Anything less would not feel cosy on hard flooring, while anything more might be too thick for vigorous yoga sessions.
Which mat should I use, 4mm or 6mm?
A yoga mat should ideally be 6mm thick as a general guideline. The additional 2mm might significantly enhance cushioning, which would preserve your joints. It should come as no surprise that Ashtanga yoga practitioners prefer the Manduka Pro, a 6mm thick mat.
How good is a 4mm yoga mat?
A good mat may be a 4mm yoga mat. However, keep in consideration that a 4mm yoga mat might not be sufficient thickness if you are exercising on a hard floor, such as tiles. A 4mm yoga mat, on the contrary, can be sufficient to preserve your joints if you are practising on a smoother floor, like laminate or cork.
What distinguishes a 3mm yoga mat from a 5mm one?
Even though there may just be a 2mm difference between a 3mm and a 5mm yoga mat, it could be enough to make or break a practice. Since a 3mm yoga mat is thought to be thin, it might not be one of the easiest to practise on. A 5mm yoga mat, on the contrary, will provide enough padding.
Do I need a yoga mat of a certain size?
The regular yoga mat size—which is 71′′/178 cm long, 26′′/66cm broad, and 4.7mm thick—will generally be the one you need. If you happen to be tall (6’2″), nevertheless, go for a longer yoga mat. Choose a thicker yoga mat (a minimum of 6mm) if you have painful joints or weak knees.
What is the typical millimetre size of a yoga mat?
The dimensions of a typical yoga mat are 1730 mm long, 640mm wide, and 4.7mm thick. Additionally, longer yoga mats up to 2016mm are available. Additionally, there are several variations in thickness, ranging from the extremely thin 1mm travel mattresses to the extremely thick 15mm foam mats.
Do you need a yoga mat that is taller than you?
For maximum comfort, a yoga mat should be 15–25 cm (7–10 inches) longer than your height. It is recommended to add this extra length to avoid slippage during practice. Although that is the straightforward response, there isn’t “one rule” that will work for everyone.
Is a thick yoga mat better than a thin one?
For yoga forms that incorporate more dynamic poses or maintained, focused poses, thinner mats can aid boost stability. To keep your hold when the poses become more difficult, look for mats with rough surfaces. For more therapeutic exercises, thicker mats offer additional padding.
How can you tell when your yoga mat needs to be replaced?
Fraying, perforations, or rips in fabric mats are obvious indicators of wear and tear. Your mat should be replaced if the stitching is beginning to fall apart. Smell – Your mat’s odour is a very repulsive indication that it needs to be replaced. The Yogi who is meditating next to you most likely also smells something terrible if you do. So it is really important to clean the yoga mats mainly if it’s made of foam.
Conclusion
You can see that there are many things to think about when choosing the yoga mat that is right for you as well as your practise. Don’t let the options overwhelm you if you are a beginner to yoga.
Take a few lessons at your neighbourhood studio, then rent a mat to see how the texture and thickness feel. The best mats for the practice you want to do can vary depending on the class, so check that out first.
