Choosing a yoga mat should be done with specific needs in mind. Beginners might opt for a thicker mat-such as a 6mm model (standard domestic size: 173cm x 61cm)-while those with some experience might choose one between 3.5mm and 5mm thick. It is also advisable to buy a mat weighing at least 1,300 grams, as some manufacturers cut corners on materials to lower costs.
Most studios provide "communal mats" for students to use during class. Some instructors even lay down a protective under-layer in the studio, eliminating the need for individual mats altogether. Many students prefer these communal mats to avoid the hassle of carrying their own back and forth between work, school, and class. However, if you intend to practice for the long term, it is best to use your own mat; this allows for personal cleaning (which is more hygienic) and lets you select a mat that suits your specific needs.
There are essentially two ways to choose a mat: based on personal requirements or based on the material.
When considering personal requirements, the choice depends on the style of yoga being practiced, as different schools of yoga have different focuses and, consequently, different mat requirements. If you are practicing a style that emphasizes flexibility training-where you spend most of the time seated on the mat-a thicker, softer mat will make sitting more comfortable.
However, if you are practicing dynamic styles like Power Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga, the mat should not be too soft, and superior slip resistance is essential. Why? Because if a mat is too soft, performing certain poses while standing on it becomes difficult (this is particularly noticeable with balance poses like Tree Pose). Furthermore, in styles that induce heavy sweating, a mat with excellent grip is necessary to prevent slipping.
What if the practice falls somewhere in between-neither purely static nor as sweat-inducing as running? The answer is still to choose a thinner mat. Much like a car with a very soft suspension system feels like a boat on a winding mountain road, a thick mat (over 5mm) causes a loss of connection with the ground, leading to a sense of "distortion" or instability when performing many poses. That is precisely why the vast majority of yoga practitioners abroad prefer using thin mats. If you find that a thin mat causes knee discomfort during certain kneeling poses, you can simply place a towel under your knees.
