Extra Wide Mat
featureYoga mat wider than the standard 61cm, providing more lateral space for large frames or wide-stance practices
Standard yoga mats measure approximately 61cm (24 inches) wide. Extra wide mats typically range from 66cm to 90cm (26-36 inches), providing more lateral space for practitioners who feel cramped on standard-width mats.
Who Benefits from Extra Width
Taller practitioners: Extra height often means broader shoulders and wider stances — standard mat width can feel confining.
Larger frames: Anyone with a wide body may find standard mats too narrow for lateral poses like Triangle or side stretches.
Wide-stance practices: Some yoga styles use very wide stances that extend beyond a standard mat's width.
Prenatal yoga: Growing belly shifts balance and center of gravity; extra width provides more secure footing.
Restorative yoga: Spreading out comfortably in supported poses benefits from more surface area.
Common Extra Wide Dimensions
- 66cm (26"): Slightly wider, suits most practitioners who feel slightly cramped on standard width
- 76cm (30"): Noticeably wider, suitable for broad-shouldered or larger practitioners
- 90cm (36"): Very wide, primarily for specific therapeutic or specialty applications
Trade-offs
Extra wide mats are heavier and bulkier to transport. Studio spaces may not accommodate very wide mats when classes are full. Some poses oriented perpendicular to the mat's length may extend off the mat regardless of width.
Many practitioners find that improving flexibility in the hips and shoulders eliminates the perceived need for a wider mat over time.