Do you remember a time when while practicing yoga you felt awkward due to having either a small or a large mat?
It can therefore be a daunting task trying to determine the appropriate yoga mat dimensions especially with increased availability in the market.
A wrong size of a mat proves disastrous to the yoga process, as it makes you uncomfortable and distracted.
It is also quite embarrassing sometimes to slip, to become cramped, or unable to hold some poses that are necessary in achieving certain goals in workouts.
It goes without saying that knowing the average size of the yoga mat and how to properly select the right one can be a lifesaver.
Here’s your one-stop guide to all standard yoga mat dimensions: what size mat do you need? so you will be equipped with all the info you need to perform your poses well without compromising your comfort.
What Are The Dimensions Of A Yoga Mat?
Yoga mat size usually defines the size and size of a mat in terms of length, width and thickness.
The commonly available yoga mats have a length of approximately 68 inches and width of approximately 24 inches and the thickness of yoga mat is approximately 1/8 inch or 3 millimeter.
However, mats are flexible in size in a way that it can meet the user’s needs in a given period.
Additional sizes like the ‘longer mats’ that range from 72-84 inches for the taller persons or the ‘wider mats’ ranging from 26-30 inches for the extra space required may be used.
It is very important to know the proper dimensions of a yoga mat for one’s body size as well as the style of practicing yoga.
How to Prepare for Choosing the Right Yoga Mat Dimensions
While choosing the right dimensions of the yoga mat, you should take into account the kind of yoga that you practice and your size.
You know, if you like dynamic flow, as I said Vinyasa, then the longer mat will let you flow without the constant need to keep your feet off the edges.
If we practice restorative or yin where we spend longer periods on the ground a thicker mat may offer the right level of support.
It is always recommended whether buying online or locally to always check for the height and space available in homes or studios then buy a mat that will fit well.
Warm-Up Exercises for Trying Out Yoga Mat Dimensions
It is advisable to try different dimensions yoga mat before purchasing a new mat. Go to your friends and borrow the mats or you go to a store containing the yoga mats.
If you are concerned about the size of the mat, then simple warm-up such as sun salutations, lunges or seated poses will help you determine if the size of the mat is suitable for you.
Make sure your hands and feet are in the proper position and wonder if you are uncomfortable in some way. [1]
How to Perform Exercises on Different Yoga Mat Dimensions
Yoga involving the right mat dimensions is not a basic thing that you roll the mat and begin exercising; there is much more to it.
Make certain your mat offers you the right length and width for your body to cover during the exercise.
For wider stance poses like Warrior II or Downward Facing Dog make sure your hands and feet are on the mat.
If the length and width get you thinking that the mat is too short or too narrow, changing these parameters is possible.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Yoga Mat Dimensions
The correct choice of size and thickness of a yoga mat also makes an impact in your exercise as it supports your posture.
An appropriate size of a mat helps to ensure that in the course of posing you do not slip and also helps to minimize the stress exerted on joints.
Correct size of the mat also assists in keeping your focus right, unlike in other cases when you might be particularly concerned with the possibility of slidding off the edges while practicing.
Yoga Mat Dimensions Modifications
In case the standard yoga mat dimensions are not appropriate for you, there is always a way to go about it.
That is why, in case of need, it is possible to use a towel or a yoga rug instead of a narrow mat, providing additional width.
Some of the accessories you can also use include the mat extenders which clips at the end of your mat to provide extra length.
Mats are also available in other sizes that can be ordered as per the size that is required by the buyer.
Tips and Tricks for Choosing Yoga Mat Dimensions
Yoga is a thing that provides a wonderful sign of ways for a human body, and that is why it is crucial to pay attention to the style of a mat that we are using while practicing Yoga.
- Take your height and try to add 6-12 inches on it so that you remain enough length.
- Do consider the type of yoga practice that you engage in as well as space that is needed to practice.
- They should also be touched physically and the one that feels best when used as mats by hands and feet should be chosen.
- Do not be cheap on buying a good mat with the right size; it will enhance your yoga practice a lot.
Safety Precautions for Yoga Mat Dimensions
See to it that it is not too thick as the thicker mats can cause some problems with balance especially during the standing poses.
It is also necessary to check the material from which it is made, some are safer than others, especially concerning traction.
It is also very important to wash your mat as frequently as possible to avoid the build up of bacteria and also increase its durability. [2]
Conclusion
Selecting the proper dimensions of a yoga mat is important to support a proper as well as effective practice of yoga.
Thus, paying attention to your height, the type of the yoga practice, as well as your choice, you will be able to buy the most suitable mat.
The right size of the mat also helps in the energy stability and focus of your yoga thus making the sessions enjoyable and fruitful.
Thus, the article below is my view on how I would describe almost all points considering the aspect of Yoga Mat Dimensions that you can read and learn.
When it comes to yoga mat size, deciding on the right size will dramatically change your experience from a nightmare to a joy!
Source:
Hyde, N. (2024, May 30). Finding the perfect fit: A guide to standard yoga mat size. Yune Yoga.
Utermoehl, J. (2023, May 23). Yoga Mat Dimensions: Your Essential guide. Asivana Yoga.
HealthinPedia Author
Elyce, a Wellness Writer and Content Creator from Adelphi University, is also a Yoga and Meditation Coach, Outdoors Enthusiast, and Breast Cancer Survivor. With over 20 years of experience as an E-RYT 500, she brings a deep dedication to yoga and meditation. Elyce's wealth of knowledge and experience shines through in her role as a teacher, writer, and mentor. She is the co-founder and content creator of the Refined Flow 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program, as well as a core faculty member at Omega for 11 years. Additionally, she is a teaching staff member at the Radiance Sutras Meditation Teacher Training.
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