Extra Thick Mat

An extra thick yoga mat typically measures 6mm or more in depth, compared to the standard 4mm used by most mid-range mats. These mats prioritize joint protection and comfort, making them particularly valuable for practitioners with sensitive or injured joints.

When Extra Thickness Helps

Knee pain: The most common reason practitioners seek thicker mats. In kneeling poses like low lunges, pigeon pose, and table pose, thin mats offer inadequate cushioning on hard floors.

Wrist sensitivity: Extra thickness under the hands absorbs impact in poses like plank, chaturanga, and downward dog where body weight passes through the wrists.

Hip and shoulder protection: Floor poses like pigeon and side-lying poses benefit from extra padding under bony prominences.

Restorative and Yin yoga: Long-held floor poses benefit from cushioning that prevents discomfort from extended static pressure.

The Stability Trade-off

More cushioning creates more instability. On a thick, spongy mat:

• Balance poses become more challenging as the surface compresses unpredictably
• Standing poses lose ground connection — proprioception is reduced
• Advanced practitioners and those doing balance-heavy practices often prefer thinner mats

Common Thickness Options

• 3mm: Thin, minimal cushioning, preferred by advanced practitioners for ground feel
• 4mm: Standard balance of cushioning and stability
• 5mm: Moderate extra cushioning, suitable for most practitioners
• 6mm: Extra cushioning, popular for beginners and sensitive joints
• 8-10mm: Maximum cushioning, primarily for restorative practice or specific therapeutic use