How a thick yoga mat can improve your yoga practice

Are you looking for the perfect yoga mat for your practice? The thickness of your mat determines more than you think. From stability in balance poses to comfort during lying poses — the influence of yoga mat thickness on your experience is greater than most yogis realize.

Why thick yoga mats are becoming increasingly popular

A thick yoga mat not only offers extra cushioning, but also the protection your joints deserve. Especially if you regularly practice on hard floors, those extra millimeters of cushioning make the difference between a pleasant and a painful session.

For people with sensitive knees, wrists or hips, thicker mats are often a game-changer. You can stay on the floor longer without your joints protesting. That means more time for that lovely Yin Yoga pose or a longer meditation without discomfort.

The impact of yoga and mat thickness on your balance

This is where it gets interesting. In balance poses like Tree or Half Moon, it’s all about your connection with the floor. A thinner mat often gives you more stability because your feet have more direct contact with the surface.

But don’t be misled by this rule. Quality mats like the KURMA CORE combine thick cushioning with a stable base thanks to their high-density compound. So you get both comfort and grip.

Try it yourself:

• Stand in Tree pose on a thin mat
• Try the same pose on a thick mat
• Do you notice the difference in stability?

The effect of thick yoga mat on dynamic flows

For fast Vinyasa flows and Ashtanga sequences, many yogis choose thinner mats. The reason? More stability during quick transitions and jump-backs. Thicker mats absorb some energy during powerful movements.

That doesn’t mean thick mats are bad for dynamic yoga. You just need to engage your core a bit more to maintain your balance. Actually a nice extra workout for your core stability.

Comfort versus stability: finding the perfect balance

The influence of yoga mat thickness differs per yoga style:

For gentle yoga styles

• Hatha Yoga: thick mat (6mm+) for comfort during longer poses
• Yin Yoga: extra thick mat prevents painful pressure points
• Restorative Yoga: maximum cushioning for relaxation

For dynamic styles

• Vinyasa: medium-thick mat (4-5mm) for balance between comfort and stability
• Ashtanga: often preference for thinner mats (3-4mm)
• Hot Yoga: grip becomes more important than thickness

Concrete considerations with thick yoga mats

A thick yoga mat also has concrete consequences. They are heavier to take to the studio. If you travel daily with your mat, that can become difficult. But for home use? Then weight is less relevant than comfort.

Cleaning also works differently with thick mats. More material means they dry more slowly after cleaning. Plan accordingly if you wash your mat often.

When do you choose a thick yoga mat?

A thick yoga mat is ideal if you:

• Often suffer from painful knees during kneeling poses
• Mainly practice gentle yoga styles
• Practice on hard floors without an extra mat
• Do longer meditations in seated position
• Have sensitive joints due to age or injuries

The KURMA solution: stability and comfort combined

At KURMA we understand that you don’t want to choose between comfort and performance. Our CORE series uses high-density material that offers both cushioning and stability. You get the benefits of a thick mat without the disadvantages for balance poses.

Or as we say: get a grip on personal balance. Literally.

Tips to get used to a thick yoga mat

New to thick mats? Give yourself time to adjust:

• Start with easy balance poses to get to know the feeling
• Train your proprioception by closing your eyes during stable poses
• Use your core more consciously during transitions
• Try different thicknesses to discover your preference

The perfect mat thickness for your practice

There is no universally perfect thickness. It depends on your body, your yoga style and personal preferences. A mat between 4-6mm offers a good balance for most people.

But feel free to experiment. Try different thicknesses in the studio before you invest. Your perfect mat is the one on which you feel most at home — whether you choose comfort, stability, or the smart combination of both.

Because ultimately yoga is about finding your balance. Literally on your mat too.