A Complete Guide Choosing the Perfect Yoga Mat Size for Your Practice

Ah, the quest for the perfect yoga mat—a journey every yogi embarks upon, often more challenging than mastering the elusive Crow Pose. 

Choosing the right mat isn't just about aesthetics or following the latest trend; it's about finding that harmonious blend of comfort, safety, and personal expression. After all, your mat is your sanctuary—a place where you challenge your body, calm your mind, and maybe nap during Savasana (no judgment here).

So, how do you find "The One"? Consider your height: you don't want your toes hanging off during a well-deserved stretch. Think about the type of yoga you practice: a vigorous Vinyasa flow might require more grip, while a restorative session could benefit from extra cushioning. And let's not forget material—because who wants to inhale the scent of synthetic chemicals during pranayama?

In this guide, we'll explore the nuances of mat selection, ensuring that your next purchase supports your practice and reflects your unique yogi journey. Let's explore this topic together and find the mat that will become your trusted companion on and off the mat.

Our Yoga Mat Size Recommendation

If you're seeking a spacious and supportive surface for your yoga practice, the Sensu Large Yoga Mat is an excellent choice. Measuring 6 feet by 4 feet and having a thickness of 9 mm, it provides ample room and cushioning for various yoga styles. 

The Sensu Extra Large Yoga Mat offers several advantages that make it suitable for users of all heights and body types:

• Ample Space for Movement: Measuring 6 feet by 4 feet, this mat provides a generous area for various exercises, accommodating taller individuals and allowing for unrestricted movement during practice.

• Enhanced Comfort with Extra Thickness: With a thickness of 9mm, the Sensu mat offers 30% more cushioning compared to standard mats, providing superior joint support and comfort during workouts.

• Non-Slip Surface for Stability: The mat features a non-slip design, ensuring stability and preventing accidental slips during poses, which is particularly beneficial in hot yoga sessions where perspiration is common.

• Eco-Friendly and Safe Materials: Constructed from 16P-ECO, an odorless and non-toxic material, the mat is free from harmful phthalates, making it safe for all users, including children.

• Durable and Tear-Resistant: The inclusion of an anti-tear mesh layer enhances the mat's durability, ensuring it withstands rigorous workouts and extends its lifespan.

• Versatile Use Across Various Workouts: While ideal for yoga, the mat's large size and cushioning make it suitable for other exercises such as Pilates, stretching, and cardio routines, catering to a wide range of fitness activities.

• Convenient Accessories Included: The mat comes with a carry bag, large yoga towel, and mat grips, enhancing portability and usability, allowing users to practice comfortably in various settings.

These features collectively make the Sensu Extra Large Yoga Mat a versatile and accommodating choice for individuals of varying heights, body types, and fitness levels.

At Sensu, we offer two premium yoga mats designed to enhance your practice:

 

Both mats provide ample space and cushioning to support various yoga practices, ensuring comfort during your sessions. Its high density also gives you more stability than other thick mats. 

Our mats also come with a carry bag and towel, making them suitable for travel and hot yoga practices. They are versatile and allow you to focus on your exercise.

What Size Yoga Mat Do You Need? Key Factors to Consider

Several factors must be considered when choosing the right yoga mat size. What are your height, exercise needs, thickness, width, and materials? 

Find out how each factor affects your choice, and note down your answer!

Your Height and Yoga Mat Sizes: Yoga Mat Size Chart

The first thing you need to do is measure your height. Here’s a general idea of how you can choose your yoga mat size based on your height:

 

Your yoga mat should be long enough to support your entire body comfortably. That’s because some yoga poses, such as savasana, require you to lie down. 

You want the yoga mat to be a barrier between you and the floor for hygiene and safety purposes, so getting a larger one may be more beneficial.

Yoga Mat Width and Its Importance

Match the Width of the Yoga Mat to Your Body

Besides your height, your body weight will also determine the dimensions of your yoga mat. Generally, longer mats will have a wider spread. Again, you want the mat to support your entire body. 

Your yoga practice may also determine the width you need. Extra space allows for better flow and expansive poses. It may also be better for people prone to injury to use a broader mat to decrease the risks of contact with the floor. 

Here’s a guide on which yoga mat width to choose:

Your Needs and Yoga Mat Thickness

Unlike length and width, the thickness of your yoga mat doesn’t depend on your body’s physical characteristics.

Your needs and exercise type will determine how thick your mat should be. Here are the types of mats and what they should be used for:

Types of Material and Their Pros and Cons

Lastly, the material should also be considered when choosing the right yoga mat. The proper sizing wouldn’t make much difference if the material doesn’t support your practice. 

You can determine which factor is most important for you based on your needs: eco-friendliness, grip, or durability. Here’s a breakdown of common yoga mat materials and their pros and cons:

 

Picking the Right Yoga Mat Size for You

Thicker Mats for Joint Support and Restorative Yoga

Are you ready to pick the right yoga mat size? Here are some questions that can help guide you in the right direction:

• What is your body height and weight? Measure them and allow about 3 inches of extra space, then choose according to our chart guidelines.

• What type of yoga are you going to practice? Based on our previous guidelines, choose the right thickness and materials. 

• Are you prone to injury and need more cushion? You might benefit from a thicker mat.

• Are you going to travel a lot with your yoga mat? If so, choose a mat with proper dimensions that have travel-friendly features. 

• Is using eco-friendly material essential to you? If the answer is yes, choose from our sustainable options. 

Benefits of Choosing the Right Yoga Mat Size

Are you still not convinced that choosing the right yoga mat is essential? Here are some benefits that can change your mind:

• One of the most essential benefits is hygiene. Choosing the right mat ensures a sufficient barrier between the floor's surface and your body. 

• Enhanced comfort and joint health. This is especially true for those who need extra cushioning or are prone to injury when doing restorative yoga. 

• Better stability and grip. Choosing the right thickness and material will give you the right level of grip and stability, allowing you to improve your performance.

Other Helpful Tips on Finding the Best Yoga Mat

Using Yoga Mats for Different Exercises

Ready to make your choice now? Before you go on and order a yoga mat, here are additional tips to help you:

• Avoid PVC mats at all costs. Although they are one of the most widely available yoga mat materials, they are carcinogenic.

• Consider whether you’ll use the mat for other exercises. If so, you might choose materials that can withstand wear and tear from frequent contact with sports shoes.  

• Read product reviews. Remember to read product reviews from previous buyers when choosing your yoga mat. 

FAQs

What Size Mat is Best for Yoga?

The best yoga mat size is a versatile one that can fit your size and needs. Consider your height and width, practice type, cushion needs, and portability. 

Does mat material affect the choice of size and thickness?

Yes, it does affect the choice of size and thickness. For example, you may choose thinner mats if you have a material with more cushion, such as cork or natural rubber. The thin mat provides practicality, while the material provides joint support. 

Final Take

Following these guidelines can make choosing the right yoga mat easy. Before you decide, consider your height, width, practice needs, and personal preferences. Remember to set your budget and read product reviews before making any decisions. 

Lastly, we encourage you to test different mats and choose one based on your experience. Investing in the right mat is one of the best things you can do, as it enhances your performance, provides safety and comfort, and serves as a hygiene barrier.