| Is a thick yoga mat for you? Answer some basic | | | | yoga mats offer more cushioning and support for your |
| questions to see what type of mat, thick or thin is | | | | body parts that are coming into contact with the yoga |
| best for the way you practice yoga. | | | | mat. Many people find the extra softness of a thick |
| First some facts. | | | | yoga mat more comfortable. |
| Yoga mats come in different sizes and thickness. The | | | | Third question - What type of yoga will you be doing? |
| average mat is 24 inches across and between 65 and | | | | There are many types of yoga and they all of |
| 72 inches long. All mats also come in two basic | | | | different requirements. For this article we'll just keep to |
| thicknesses. The typical mat is 1/8 of an inch thick. | | | | the basics. Astranga yoga, which is practiced at most |
| Thick yoga mats, which are sometimes called double | | | | gyms - involves a lot of positioning changes. If while |
| thick mats are typically 1/4 of an inch thick. | | | | doing you yoga you find yourself changing positions a |
| Now that we got those boring facts out of the way, | | | | lot or doing any other type of vigorous yoga - a double |
| let's help you choose the right mat for you! First ask | | | | thick mat might be right for you. The extra cushioning |
| yourself some basic questions. Where are you | | | | of these mats will help cushion your body parts. |
| practicing the yoga - home, gym, outside or anywhere | | | | If you are older or your hand and knees start to hurt |
| else you will have to travel to. What type of yoga will | | | | on the mat then a thicker mat might also be a good |
| you be doing? What type of surface will you be | | | | choice for you. The extra 1/8 of an inch might not |
| practicing yoga on? Do your joints or hand and feet | | | | seem like a lot but if offer twice the thickness of |
| get uncomfortable on a regular mat? | | | | regular mat. |
| First question - Where do you plan to practice yoga? | | | | Lastly if you can try out different mats before you |
| This question is important because a thick mat can | | | | buy one, it will make choosing the right one easier. |
| be more bulky than a typical one. In fact the roll will be | | | | Even though the thicker mats might feel gentler on you |
| twice as thick. They are fine if you are staying home | | | | body they are not as stable as the thinner mats. |
| but can be somewhat of an inconvenience if you are | | | | Because thin mats are so thin, they tend to be a little |
| traveling a lot with it. Second question - Do you knees | | | | bit more stable. |
| or hand and feet hurt on a regular mat? If they do a | | | | With these questions answered I hope you are much |
| thick yoga mat might be the right choice for you. Thick | | | | more comfortable the next time you practice yoga. |