Thickness is one of the primary attributes of yoga mats. Be sure to check this before buying or else you may end up with a product that will not serve you well. Some will swear that thicker is better while others will convince you that thin is in. However, the reality is that different people will have different needs. You need to consider your personal requirements. A 3mm yoga mat may be perfect for one person but not for others. Read on to find out more.
Homebound Mat or Travel Accessory
A lot of people simply practice yoga at home. They go online to search for instructional videos and use their mats at roughly the same spot each day. Others may go to a yoga studio to receive instructions as part of a class. They might even do yoga while traveling the world to stay fit while on vacation. In the first example, there is no limitation when it comes to thickness. In the second, portability dictates that a thinner mat is necessary. A 3mm yoga mat is good for travel.
Sore Spots During Long Routines
One of the reasons why you might be looking for a mat is that you tend to get sore spots when performing certain exercises. If you do a lot of push-ups and planks, then your wrists or forearms can get sore from the extended ground contact. If you do crunches, then you can have a sore back. If you do Russian twists, then you might get a sore bum. A bit of cushioning can help. Beginners may need thicker cushions while experienced yogis can be comfortable with a thin mat.
Balance and Ground Feel
One of the reasons why some people like thinner mats is that they can have a more stable footing. Since many poses require tremendous balance, you need to be as close to the ground as possible. Mats that are too soft and too thick can shift around under the feet. They also prevent you from feeling the ground and shifting your weight correctly to stay steady.
Eco-friendly Materials
Some materials are inherently thicker than others including foam. They are cheap, popular, and accessible but green-conscious individuals might not like them because they are not eco-friendly materials. People might prefer, natural rubber, cork, jute, and other options. They will simply try to find mats made with these that has the thickness they want.
