Yoga Mat

Yoga Mat

Thickness is the trade-off that defines a yoga mat and there is no single right answer. A thinner mat around 4mm keeps you closer to the floor, which gives better stability and feedback in standing balance poses. A thicker mat at 6mm and above cushions knees, elbows and the spine, which matters in kneeling work, floor sequences and for anyone with sensitive joints, at the cost of a little steadiness when balancing on one foot. 6mm sits at the practical middle and covers general yoga, pilates and floor exercise without committing to either extreme. Grip is the other thing that decides whether a mat is usable: a mat that slides on a hard floor or that becomes slippery once your hands are damp will interrupt every session, so a textured surface matters more than appearance. Size should be checked against your height, since a standard mat leaves a tall person with feet or head off the end during lying sequences. A yoga kit is worth considering if you are starting out, bundling the mat with the props that make poses accessible rather than something to struggle through: blocks to bring the floor closer, and a strap to extend reach. Roll a mat rather than folding it to avoid creases that never fully flatten, and wipe it down after use.

Urban Fitness supplies the range with a 6mm yoga mat in purple and a complete yoga kit in purple. For thicker mats and rings see Pilates, for recovery Massage, and for the wider range Home Fitness.