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Yoga is an ancient art that has been providing physical, mental, and spiritual health benefits for thousands of years. It involves a series of postures, mindfulness practices, and breathing exercises to increase flexibility, improve strength and build balance. But one crucial piece of equipment that is often overlooked in the practice of yoga is the yoga mat. A quality thick yoga mat can be a great foundation to support your yoga poses and provide comfort and safety during meditative practices.
Thick yoga mats provide cushioning which helps reduce stress on joints and offers superior stability for more challenging poses such as handstands or arm balances. Additionally, thicker mats help absorb impact from movements like jumping or transitioning between poses with confidence. The right thickness can add comfort while also protecting your spine and other joints from potential damage due to hard surfaces like tile or carpeted floors. With the importance of having the right type of mat in mind, let's explore some of the best thick yoga mats available today.
Our Favorite Thick Yoga Mats
- Best Dry-Grip Yoga Mat - Gaiam Yoga Mat
- Best Non-Slip Yoga Mat - YogaAccessories Yoga Mat
- Best Toxin-Free Yoga Mat - JadeYoga Voyager™ Yoga Mat
- Best Latex Free Yoga Mat - Manduka EKO Superlite Yoga Mat
- Best Stylish Color and Design Options Yoga Mat - Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat
- Best Moisture-Resistant Yoga Mat - Gruper Thick Yoga Mat
- Best Odorless Yoga Mat - AURORAE Yoga Mat
- Best All-Around Yoga Mat - HemingWeigh Extra Thick Yoga Mat
- Best Portable Extra Thick Yoga Mat - Crown Sports Exercise Mat
- Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat - Yoga Design Lab 2-in-1 Mat+Towel
- Best All Purpose Mat - BalanceFrom Exercise Mat
- Best Cushioned Mat - Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat
- Best Foldable Yoga Mat - BalanceFrom Three Fold Exercise Mat
- Best Standard Mat - BEAUTYOVO Yoga Mat
- Best Budget Friendly- Ewedoos Yoga Mat
Benefits of Thick Yoga Mat
If you are looking to take your yoga practice to the next level, a quality thick yoga mat may be just the thing. With added cushioning and stability, most yoga mats can help increase comfort while also assisting in maintaining proper form and transitioning between poses with confidence. Here are some of the benefits of investing in a quality thick yoga mat:
Provides Superior Cushioning - A thicker mat can offer more support for joints and muscles, reducing stress on your body during practice.
Multiple Surfaces -Thick yoga mats can be used on different surfaces such as tile, carpeted floors, and more, allowing for more versatility with your practice.
Optimize Your Form - With greater stability comes improved posture, making it easier to perfect each pose over time.
Natural Materials - Natural materials such as cotton and jute provide sustainability while still being durable enough to withstand wear and tear.
Sweat Absorbing Properties - Many thick yoga mats contain features that absorb sweat or remain slip-free even when wet, making them comfortable to use in any environment!
Mental Peace - Feeling confident practicing poses on a secure surface can contribute to better mental peace by providing relaxation from anxiety and decreasing stress levels during practice.
Thick yoga mats have many advantages that make them worth considering for anyone serious about their practice! Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced practitioner, investing in the right mat will help take your practice to new heights.
How to Choose the Best Yoga Mat
Yoga is a great way to promote physical and mental health, but finding the right mat can make all the difference in having a successful practice. Thicker yoga mats are often prioritized for their superior cushioning, stability, and comfort over thinner mats. Here are some tips to help you choose the best thick yoga mat for your needs:
- Consider Your Regular Practice - How often do you practice? Are you performing yoga at home or in a studio? If you’re practicing at home, look for a thicker mat that will provide additional cushioning and stability on hard surfaces like tile or wood floors.
- Look for Natural Materials - Check for natural materials like cotton or jute, which offer sustainability while still being durable enough to withstand wear and tear from regular use.
- Go For Added Features - Different mats offer different features such as sweat absorption, antibacterial properties, and non-slip surfaces that will ensure your practice is comfortable and safe no matter where you do it!
- Test Before You Buy – If possible, test out different mats before buying if available in order to decide what suits you best.
- Weight & Size – Make sure that the size of the mat suits your body type so you can move freely during poses without worrying about running out of space! Consider the weight of the mat as well if it needs to be carried around frequently or stored away easily. Choosing the right thick yoga mat can be daunting with so many options available today, but following these guidelines should help narrow down your selection so you can find just what works best for your body and lifestyle
Our Favorite Thick Yoga Mat To Try
Looking for the best gloves for your next yoga sessions? Check out our favorites! We've tested a wide range of products from rubber-free to nonslip mats, so you can find the perfect yoga mat for your next indoor or outdoor yoga session. Read on for our top picks for the best yoga mats to try!
Best Dry-Grip Yoga Mat
The Gaiam Yoga Mat is the pinnacle of cushioning and support. This 5mm thick, ultra-durable mat delivers superior dry grip for a non-slip surface even when wet, making it a perfect companion no matter what practice or level. Crafted with a PVC material, this mat seals out germs, odor, and bacteria, and is ideal for those with latex sensitivities. Its topcoat wicks away moisture and provides a better grip as temperatures in class rise.
With added cushioning of 5mm thickness, it's extra soft on your joints while still lightweight and durable. Plus this healthy choice is free of the top six most harmful phthalates; great for you and the planet! With different color options available in black, blue, and purple you can choose the perfect style to match your practice and add a pop of color to your yoga experience.
Noted for its very grippy and great for people with sweat-prone hands/feet properties, it has earned an impressive 4.4-star average and almost 1,000 five-star reviews! According to one reviewer: "This yoga mat is perfect... Very happy!"
Best Non-Slip Yoga Mat
If you don't live in a cold climate during the winter and enjoy breaking a sweat outdoors, take your practice up a notch with the YogaAccessories Deluxe Yoga Mat! This thick, lightweight mat has a textured and non-slip surface to ensure stability no matter how intense your workout gets. And it comes in classic black, giving it an extra touch of sleekness.
Whether you're doing yoga at home or in a class, this mat will provide the cushioning and support you need to move safely and comfortably through your poses so you can enjoy the perfect blend of grip and joint-saving density, sweat absorption, and reliability.
Best Toxin-Free Yoga
This JadeYoga Voyager™ Yoga Mat is a lightweight, durable mat with superior grip and cushioning. Its natural rubber material is free from PVC, latex, and other toxic chemicals making it safe for use both indoors and outdoors. Plus its foldable design makes it easy to transport so you can bring it with you no matter where you go.
Already loved by hundreds of users, this mat has earned a 4.5-star average with many calling it the "best on the market." Real user reviews seem to agree - one reviewer said "Jade Yoga makes the best mats, absolutely can't see myself switching to another brand. Very high-quality material, simple and clean design." Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your practice, this natural rubber mat has everything you need!
Best Latex Free Yoga Mat
This 1.5mm thick mat offers superior grip and cushioning, with a non-slip surface that's perfect for any style of yoga or fitness class. Plus it's made from biodegradable, 100% natural tree rubber with non-toxic foaming agents and non-azo dyes - no PVC or harmful plasticizers! The scrap materials are even reused in a zero-waste manufacturing process to make sure nothing goes to waste.
Overall, this mat is perfect for yogis who are looking for a lightweight and compact travel companion to bring on their yoga journey. Despite its thin design, the Manduka EKO Superlite Mat still provides excellent grip and performance that allows you to practice with ease wherever your travels take you.
"I've had this mat for 7+ years now and it always comes with me on travels. It is thin and malleable so it doesn't take up much space in a bag, and the grip is amazing. Again, it is thin so it's not the most comfortable on rough surfaces, but it does the job." raved one verified five-star reviewer. We highly recommend this mat - an essential addition to any yogi's travel kit!
Best Stylish Color and Design Options Yoga Mat
This extra-thick 6mm offers a luxurious level of cushioning your joints need during any yoga or fitness routine, while its textured non-slip surface ensures you can move freely without slipping or sliding. With over 14,000 verified five-star ratings on Amazon, this yoga mat is hard to pass up!
The Gaiam Yoga Mat is designed to last with its durable yet lightweight material and is free of harsh chemicals such as DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DNOP. Plus it comes in 40 stylish prints so you can find the perfect one to suit your style.
Featuring a generous 68" x 24" size and 6mm thickness, this mat allows you to move freely while keeping your grip and alignment in check. On top of that, every purchase includes a free bonus downloadable yoga workout so you’ll have no trouble getting started!
Best Moisture-Resistant Yoga Mat
The Gruper Thick Yoga Mat is the ideal choice for yoga, pilates, and floor exercises. With its impressive 6mm thickness and non-slip surface, you will be able to move freely without worrying about slipping or sliding. Plus, it comes with a carrying bag and strap so you can easily take it anywhere. This classic thick yoga mat is made of NBR material which is soft and comfortable, providing adequate cushioning for your knees without compromising on stability or support. Perfect for all kinds of light sports such as meditation and yoga.
Verified purchasers have praised this mat for its comfort, durability, and extra-large size. Most users found that the Gruper Thick Yoga Mat is bigger and thicker than their previous mats while still being surprisingly lightweight. Others found the carrying bag and strap especially helpful when traveling since they could store it away in between uses. The Gruper Thick Yoga Mat has earned over 4,800 five-star ratings from satisfied customers who highly recommend it!
Best Odorless Yoga Mat
The AURORAE Yoga Mat is designed for ultimate stability, comfort, and support while performing challenging poses. It is 8mm thick, which provides additional cushioning and protection against injury, so you can practice with confidence. The long length ensures that even tall yogis can make full use of the mat without compromising on comfort or safety. The non-slip surface helps you maintain grip while the hardwearing material provides durability for a mat that won't break the bank.
The Rosin included increases your grip, making more difficult poses possible to achieve. What's more, this mat is free from phthalates, phenols, PAHS, latex, silicone, or rubber - so it’s safe and odorless! Plus, it’s easy to keep clean and maintain too!
Verified purchasers have praised this product for its affordable price tag and quality build. Many appreciate how lightweight yet durable this mat feels as well as how good it is for both their health as well as the environment. With nearly 3,000 five-star ratings on customer reviews, the AURORAE Classic/Printed Extra Thick and Long Yoga Mat ticks all the boxes for yogis of all levels.
Best All-Around Yoga Mat
The HemingWeigh Extra Thick Yoga Mat is designed to provide superior cushioning and support for women, men, and those of all shapes, sizes, and heights. With its 1/2-inch thickness, it offers the perfect combination of comfort and stability during workouts. Plus, its non-slip surface ensures that you remain secure throughout even your most challenging poses without you worrying about slipping or sliding. The 72x23 size allows plenty of room for movements as well as outdoor training, stretching exercises, and pilates.
The HemingWeigh Extra Thick Yoga Mat is lightweight and comes with a carrying strap so it can be easily transported wherever you go. It is resistant to moisture and has both textured and untextured sides which are easy to clean. This mat scores high marks on durability – it won’t slip or tear easily! Customers highly recommend this exercise mat– they appreciate the long length, added padding, and convenience of being able to use it anywhere.
Best Portable Extra Thick Yoga Mat
The Crown Sports Exercise Mat is designed for superior comfort and cushioning for all types of exercises like restorative yoga, pilates, and stretching. Measuring 72x24in, this extra-large mat provides plenty of room so you can focus on your movements rather than worrying about slipping or hurting your joints. Plus, it’s an impressive 4 times thicker than a traditional yoga mat and 2 times thicker than 1/2" thick mats – making it optimal for protecting your joints.
The extra thick padding ensures a safe and comfortable workout. The non-slip surface has ridges to help keep the mat in place no matter how intense your session gets. Plus, the included arm strap will make sure the mat doesn’t move even if you put extreme pressure on it. Customers appreciate how lightweight yet durable this exercise mat is as well as its multi-functionality - making it great for camping trips, physical therapy, and home/gym studios too!
Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
Get ready to take your yoga practice to the next level with the Combo Yoga Mat from Yoga Design Lab! This 2-in-1 mat and yoga towel combo is a studio-quality mat made of eco-luxury materials that provide superior comfort when it comes to all kinds of yoga, from Hot Yoga to Bikram and Ashtanga. It features an ultra-absorbent microfiber top layer bonded to a natural rubber base layer for ultimate stability and sweat management. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly – this mat is made using 15 recycled PET plastic bottles for the top layer and sustainable, non-Amazonian natural tree rubber for the bottom layer.
The Combo Yoga Mat from Yoga Design Lab is well-loved by Amazon shoppers who gave it an impressive 4.7 out of 5 ratings - they appreciate its thick design which makes it perfect for protecting weak joints, as well as its sweat absorbency capability. Plus, it comes with its own carrying strap so you can take it wherever you go. Get your own Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat today and truly let your practice blossom!
Best All Purpose Mat
This extra thick and high-density BalanceFrom Exercise Mat provides maximum cushioning and stability for any type of exercise. It's made with 1/2 inch anti-tear material for durability, even during intense workouts, and includes a built-in carrying strap for portability. Plus, it comes with a pair of yoga blocks so you can take your stretches to the next level.
At 69" long and 23" wide, this mat is designed to accommodate people of all shapes and sizes. The double-sided non-slip surfaces provide a safe way to practice while the moisture-resistant technology allows you to easily wash the mat with soap and water.
With an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, customers love this low-cost option which is soft yet thick enough to provide comfort for those annoying knee pains during kneeling positions. One reviewer said “This has dramatically improved the comfort and ease with which I can do yoga routines.” – perfect for anyone looking to deepen their practice in total comfort!
Best Cushioned Mat
This extra thick and luxurious 1-inch fitness mat comes with a handy carrying strap so you can take it from home to studio salutations. It measures 72" x 24" and ½" thick, providing cushioning for joints, hips, hands, and knees while keeping you balanced in any exercise.
Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat is made of non-slip material so you can stay securely on the floor without injury worries. Plus, it’s free of Phthalate, heavy metals, and latex – meaning no harsh smells here! Its durable material allows for everyday use – simply mix gentle soap with water to wipe it clean and hang it to dry. No need to submerge Solana in water.
This yoga mat has earned a 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon thanks to its comfortable thickness that helps prevent injury while giving users more stability during their practice or workout alike.
Best Foldable Yoga Mat
This Three Fold Exercise Mat is crafted with 1.5 inches of thick, high-density foam, this mat offers superior cushioning and stability during even the most intense routines. Plus, its foldable design makes it easy to store away in tight spaces while the carrying handles make it convenient to carry around wherever you need.
At 6 feet long and 2 feet wide (72 inches by 24 inches) and 1.5 inches in thickness, this mat helps prevent injuries for activities such as yoga, aerobics, Pilates, MMA, and martial arts. Its surface is made from non-toxic and durable 18 oz puncture-resistant material that is both non-absorbent and has moisture resistance technology – simply washes with soap and water when needed.
It comes with an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon thanks to its strong balance resilience and easy storage capabilities plus handles for each mat for transporting convenience.
Best Standard Mat
This eye-catching design in bright blue & cherry blossom pink will make you look forward to your workouts. It’s constructed from TPE, a combination of rubber and plastic, which has higher elasticity, and better abrasion & tear resistance than traditional PVC or NBR materials.
At 8mm thick, this mat offers more cushioning than 1/4-inch or 1/8-inch mats for extra support on balance postures and back support. Plus, its laser engraving textured non-slip surface keeps you steady no matter how intense your yoga session gets – plus it's sweatproof and durable!
Weighing only 2.3 pounds and coming with dual-use straps that can be used as a yoga mat strap or stretching strap – allowing you to do yoga anywhere - it's no wonder that the BEAUTYOVO Yoga Mat has earned a 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Best Budget-Friendly Mat
Crafted with innovative and eco-friendly TPE material, this Ewedoos Yoga Mat is designed to be stretchy and durable while providing superior cushioning. It also features body alignment lines that help you focus and adjust your hands and feet to the right positions, keeping your body in proper alignment during every session.
The double-sided non-slip surfaces provide plenty of grips so you can hold poses even during intense workouts. The subtly textured surface also prevents slipping out of position while the wavy underside grips the floor. Plus, it comes with a free carry strap for the ultimate convenience in transporting and storing away when not in use.
This yoga mat is certified by SGS - containing no PVC or latex - plus its closed-cell surface locks out dust and moisture keeping sweat odors at bay – making it easy to wipe clean after each use.
Yoga Mat FAQ
Yoga is a great way to stay fit and healthy, but it can be intimidating if you don’t know what supplies you need. One of the most important pieces of equipment for every yogi is a yoga mat. But with so many different options and features available, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which one is right for you. To make things easier, let’s look at some answers to the most commonly asked questions about yoga mats.
What Is The Best Material For A Yoga Mat?
The best material for a yoga mat depends on what type of yoga you practice and your personal preference. Most mats are made from PVC, rubber, or TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer). PVC mats are lightweight, durable, and provide a good grip but may contain toxic chemicals that can emit an unpleasant smell over time. Rubber mats are heavier and tend to be more expensive but offer exceptional grip in wet conditions. TPE mats are non-toxic and latex-free while providing natural cushioning so they are popular with those who have sensitive skin or allergies.
How Thick Should My Yoga Mat Be?
The ideal thickness for a yoga mat depends on what type of yoga you practice as well as your level of experience. For example, if you're doing basic stretching or beginner poses then a thin mat between 1mm-4mm should do the trick. However, if you're practicing power vinyasa or other more active forms of yoga then look for something between 6mm-8mm thick for extra cushioning on your joints since more advanced poses require longer holds.
How Long Will My Yoga Mat Last?
Generally speaking, a good quality yoga mat should last anywhere from 2-5 years depending on how often you use it and how well it's taken care of. It's important to clean your mat with diluted apple cider vinegar after each use (or after sweating heavily) in order to kill any bacteria that could otherwise build up over time and break down the material faster than it normally would due to wear & tear from continuous usage. You should also avoid exposing your mat to direct sunlight which can cause fading & cracking over time as well.
Final Thoughts
No matter what kind of exercise you’re doing, it’s important to have the right equipment. The mats we discussed in this article are all great options for different types of workouts. Whether you need a mat that is extra thick with cushioning for restorative yoga or one that provides maximum stability and portability for traveling yogis, there's something here for everyone. We hope our reviews were helpful in finding the best fit according to your needs - happy shopping.
Reviews in this blog post have been edited for clarity and/or length.
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