I’m excited to talk about an often overlooked, and perhaps mundane, yet essential aspect of your yoga practice – yoga mat dimensions. As your guide and fellow yogi, I believe in the power of details to elevate your practice, and that's precisely what we're exploring today.
Why Bother with Yoga Mat Dimensions?
You may ask, "Jack, why should I care about the dimensions of my yoga mat?" In response, I'd say that my yoga mat is more than a piece of equipment. It's my personal sanctuary, the space where I can stretch, breathe, and find tranquility. The dimensions of this sacred space can significantly influence your comfort and alignment, potentially transforming your entire yoga experience.
Quick Answers to Yoga Mat Dimensions
If you're short on time, here's your quick guide to the dimensions of yoga mats:
Standard Size: 72 inches (6 feet) long and 24 inches (2 feet) wide.
Large Sizes: Up to 84 inches long and up to 36 inches wide. That’s an extra foot in length or width. Typically larger mats do not have a “standard large” size.
Small Size: 68 inches long and 24 inches wide.
Interestingly, the standard size of yoga mats hasn't always been the same. Earlier yoga mats were often smaller, but as yoga evolved and practices became more group oriented, the dimensions increased to accommodate greater movement and flexibility. As well as people typically being taller in the west.
Thickness: Ranges from as thin as 1mm to as thick as 13mm (1/2 inch).
Standard Thickness: 3mm - 5mm
Travel Thickness: 1mm - 2mm
Thickness will have different meaning depending on the material used. Foam yoga mats will be much thicker than natural rubber mats however that extra thickness doesn't translate into extra cushion or comfort due to the natural of foam being less dense and therefore compressing more which may lead to wrist and balancing issues.
Flux Cork Yoga Mat: My very own Flux Cork Yoga Mat adheres to the standard size, offering a balance of space and convenience. Crafted with sustainability and support in mind, this mat is a shining example of how the right yoga mat dimensions can enhance your practice. Learn more about cork yoga mats on a previous blog post of mine.
Yoga Mat Dimensions: A Comprehensive Overview
Ready to explore the different sizes of yoga mats?
The Typical Dimensions of a Yoga Mat
The standard size for a yoga mat is 72 inches in length and 24 inches in width. This is no random guess, but a well-thought-out dimension that offers a balance of comfort, adequate space for most poses & people, and portability. It's the size you'll most commonly encounter, and it's also the size of our Flux Cork Yoga Mat. However, that's not where the story ends.
The Range of Yoga Mat Sizes
Yoga mats come in a variety of sizes, each designed to cater to different needs and preferences. Here's a quick rundown.
Small Mats: For those with a compact stature or those who prefer a smaller mat for portability, mats as small as 68 inches in length and 24 inches in width are available. Be careful here, most companies will not indicate it’s smaller than a standard size mat.
Standard Mats: As mentioned earlier, the typical 72 by 24 inches is the go-to size for many yogis.
Large Mats: Offering ample space for expansive poses, larger yoga mats can go up to 84 inches in length and 36 inches in width. These are perfect for those who like to spread out or need extra space for certain poses.
Extra Wide Mats: For those who appreciate more lateral space, extra wide mats extend up to 30 or even 36 inches in width while maintaining the standard 72-inch length.
Understanding the Dimensions
But, why these specific dimensions?
Well, these sizes have been chosen after decades of yogis using yoga mats now becoming an industry standard. The length of the mat is typically designed to comfortably accommodate a person's height, allowing for a variety of poses from standing to lying down. The width, on the other hand, is typically a bit more than the average human's shoulder-width, providing ample space for poses like savasana and down dog.
The aim here is to provide a space that allows for free and comfortable movement, without leaving you feeling cramped or limited. And while these dimensions have been standardized, remember that the beauty of yoga lies in its adaptability. Your mat should serve you and your practice, not the other way around.
Finding the Perfect Mat: Influences on your Yoga Mat Dimensions
Let's venture into the crucial aspects of finding the perfect mat for you. Yoga is a personal journey, and your mat is an extension of that journey. It needs to fit your body and the style of your practice.
Considering Your Body Type and Height
First off, let's discuss body type and height. Yes, the typical yoga mat measures 72 inches by 24 inches, but 'typical' doesn't necessarily mean it's for everyone. For instance, if you're taller than average, you might prefer a mat that gives you a little extra length to fully stretch out in poses like Cobra Pose. Likewise, if you're smaller, you could enjoy the benefits of a smaller mat such as portability.
Your Style of Yoga Practice Matters
Your style of practice also plays a significant role in determining the best yoga mat dimensions for you. If you're into restorative yoga or enjoy wider poses, an extra-wide mat could be a game-changer. On the other hand, if your practice is more aligned with dynamic styles like Vinyasa or Ashtanga, a standard mat will often provide just the right amount of space for your flow.
Extra Space Yoga Mat: A Boon or a Bane?
While it might seem like having more mat space is always better, remember that more space also means more mat to carry. If you're a traveling yogi like I often am, lugging around an extra-large mat might not be practical. But if your mat generally stays put, say, in a home studio, then a larger mat could provide the luxury of space without the drawback of portability.
Another consideration is that many studios are limited in space and your extra wide and long mat may not be appropriate for use in your local studio. Check with your studio if it’s ok to use these large mats in the studio as many studios need to get people in the door to keep those doors open. You don’t want to be the yogi that takes up two spaces in a yoga studio just because you’re 2 inches taller than the other participants.
Asivana's Flux Cork Yoga Mat: Breaking Down the Dimensions
Yoga Mat Standard Dimensions
First, let's talk numbers. Our Flux Cork Yoga Mat measures 72 inches in length and 24 inches in width. These dimensions echo the standard size you'll find across the yoga world. It's a size that I've found to be just right for most yogis. Not too big, not too small - it's in that Goldilocks zone. Standing at 6’1” I fit perfectly on the mat with just a little bit of adjusting.
Thicker for Comfort: 5mm of Bliss
The mat boasts a thickness of 5mm, slightly more than the average yoga mat. Now, why did I go for the extra millimeter? Simple. Comfort. I've found that a bit of extra padding can go a long way, especially if you're holding poses on my joints for extended periods or practicing on harder surfaces. And yes, I managed to add that extra comfort without compromising the mat's Stability- the mat’s natural rubber doesn’t squish around creating extra challenge in standing poses.
Cork Material: Sustainability Meets Performance
The Flux Cork Yoga Mat is not just about the right dimensions. It's also about the right material. I was attracted to cork for its sustainability but fell in love with cork for its performance. It's naturally antimicrobial, repelling bacteria and odors. Plus, the more you sweat, the grippier it gets. Isn't that something?
Designed with You in Mind
Lastly, I want to emphasize this - I designed the Flux Cork Yoga Mat with you in mind. I considered various body types, heights, and yoga styles. It's a mat that's as versatile as the beautiful practice of yoga itself. Whether you're tall, petite, a fan of restorative yoga, or a Vinyasa power yogi like me, this mat has something to offer you.
Space Considerations: Yoga Mat Dimensions and Your Practice Environment
We've taken a good look at yoga mat dimensions from the standard to the extra-large. But, there's another crucial piece of the puzzle we've yet to explore: your practice space.
How much room do you have for your yoga practice? And how does this relate to the size of your mat? Let's dive in.
Understanding Your Space
I've practiced yoga in all sorts of environments, from the great outdoors to cozy home corners to spacious studios and everything in between. What I've realized is this: understanding the dimensions of your practice space is an important key to choosing the right yoga mat.
Let's break it down:
Small spaces: Maybe you're setting up in a compact apartment or a dedicated corner of your room. If so, a standard size mat (68-72 inches long, 24 inches wide) usually fits well. It's compact and easy to roll up and store away after your session. Plus it can go anywhere else you might do yoga!
Medium to large spaces: If you've got a spacious living room or a whole room dedicated to yoga (lucky you!), you could easily accommodate an extra-large mat. These mats offer more room to stretch out, and they're perfect if you love doing expansive poses or sequences.
If you are getting a dedicated mat for this space, then I would strongly recommend looking at an extra long and wide mat as this space will allow you to be more free in your movement and worry less about staying on the mat.
Measuring Your Space
Before making your yoga mat purchase, I recommend measuring your practice space.
- Clear the area where you plan to do your yoga practice.
- Using a tape measure, measure the length and width of the space.
- Account for some extra space around the mat.
Your legs are about half of your height, maybe more. Make sure when they’re extended to your side or behind you that they aren’t kicking a wall or furniture. If you can’t prevent it in your space make sure if you kick or bump something near you that it won’t cause any damage.
Finding Balance Between Mat and Space
Choosing a yoga mat that fits your space perfectly can enhance your practice significantly. It can provide you with the freedom to move and stretch without restrictions.
I've often found that even if you have a large space, a standard mat can be more than sufficient if you're practicing styles like Hatha or Vinyasa. Similarly, even in a smaller space, an extra-large mat can be a boon if you're into styles that often rest the body on the mat, like Restorative or Yin yoga.
The key is to consider your yoga mat dimensions in relation to your available practice space. With a little thought and planning, you can create an environment that supports your unique yoga journey.
Yoga Studio Dimensions for Yoga Mats
Ever walked into a yoga studio that feels cramped or, on the flip side, so vast that it lacks a sense of unity and connection?
Having a (7 person) home yoga studio myself, I know that calculating the perfect space for yoga mats is crucial not only for logistical purposes but also to create a harmonious, welcoming, and comfortable environment for practice.
So, if you're considering setting up a yoga studio or rearranging an existing one, let's talk about how you can determine the number of yoga mats your space can accommodate.
How to Measure Yoga Mats for Yoga Studio Dimensions
Quick Answer
Measure your studio area in feet, then divide the total square footage by 21 (7 feet long and 3 feet wide yoga mat spaces). This accounts for a standard yoga mat plus extra space for movement and personal comfort.
Length and Width
A standard yoga mat is about 6 feet long and 2 feet wide. However, for a yoga studio, it's ideal to allocate at least 7 feet in length and 3 feet in width per practitioner. This extra space is to accommodate larger yoga mats, taller practitioners, and to ensure there's enough room for various poses and comfort.
Spacing
Post-pandemic, it might be preferable to provide a bit more space between mats. Listen to your yogis and adjust accordingly for their comfort and safety.
Other Amenities
You might need to allocate space for props, storage, or even a small lounge area. Keep this in mind when measuring your space.
Room for Growth
While you may not start at maximum capacity, your optimal time slot and teachers eventually will fill that studio space. Students will be able to spread out in less than filled classes.
Measuring your yoga studio for the appropriate number of mats is about balancing practicality with comfort. You can only have so many classes a day and you have rent, teachers, overhead, and yourself to pay at the end of the day.
Your students will appreciate having a little extra space even in your most popular classes. I would also suggest a real-world experiment once you've narrowed down your options, bring some yoga mats with you and lay them out to get a feel for how your classes will go!
The Origin of Yoga Mats
I remember when I first started yoga, we didn't have mats. We practiced on hard wooden floors with layers of Kusha grass, I also had to walk there uphill, both ways, in a snowstorm! But then came the yoga mat, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. All jokes aside, yoga mats have changed a lot in the last several decades. Starting with grass pads to towels to plastic polymers to today practicing on cork mats.
So, where did yoga mats come from? It's believed that the modern day iteration of yoga mats originated in Germany in the early 1980s, where a woman named Angela Farmer discovered a type of underlay used by carpet fitters. She found it provided the needed grip and cushioning for her yoga practice. This concept was soon refined and improved from other industrial plastics, leading to the first purpose-built yoga mats we know today.
The Evolution of Yoga Mat Dimensions
Our yoga mats have certainly evolved over the years, not only in their material composition but also in their dimensions. Initially, yoga mats were simply cut from rolls of material, resulting in somewhat inconsistent sizes. However, as the popularity of yoga grew and different styles emerged, so did the demand for mats that catered to these different practices.
Traditionally, a standard yoga mat measured around 68 inches long and 24 inches wide, which catered well to the majority of practitioners. However, with the recognition that yogis come in all shapes and sizes, that different yoga styles require different amounts of space, and the increase in men, who are typically taller, practicing more yoga, yoga mat dimensions have become more diverse. Nowadays, you can find mats that are extra-long, extra-wide, or even circular to accommodate your unique needs and practice style.
The Value of a Yoga Mat
I could go on for days about how my yoga mat has transformed my life. It's like my own personal space and time ship. With it, I find myself, grow, and become a better person.
Not only that, but here's why you want to have a yoga mat. Next time someone asks you "do I need to own a yoga mat to do yoga?", you can tell them the value of having your very own yoga mat which of course is the control over:
Comfort and Cushioning
Your yoga mat offers a comfortable surface that cushions your body from the hard floor. This is especially valuable during seated, kneeling, and lying poses, and it protects your joints during more vigorous or weighted postures.
Safety and Stability
Yoga mats provide a non-slip surface, ensuring stability and safety during your practice. They offer an excellent grip for your hands and feet and limited squishiness for standing pose balance.
Hygiene
Having your own yoga mat ensures that you are practicing on a clean surface. It's especially important in a communal class setting where you would otherwise be using questionably cleaned shared yoga mats. Even getting an anti-microbial cork yoga mat for when you too forget to clean your yoga mat after class!
Personal Space
In a group class, your mat defines your personal space. And other students respect that! You can even have an extra wide yoga mat for more space.
Enhancement of Practice
Finally, the use of your own yoga mat signifies a commitment to the practice. It's a dedicated space where you perform your practice - a constant that can help in cultivating a routine and discipline.
Sustainability and Yoga Mat Dimensions
There's another piece of the yoga mat dimension puzzle and it’s incredibly close to my heart: sustainability. And yes, you read that right. Like the materials of your yoga mat, the size of your yoga mat can play a part in your sustainability efforts. Let's get into it.
The Sustainability Factor
I've always been a big believer in the idea that less can indeed be more, especially when it comes to sustainability. Choosing the right-sized yoga mat isn't just about comfort or space—it's also about reducing waste and being mindful of our planet's resources.
Here's a simple way to think about it:
Smaller mats: When you choose a standard-sized mat, you're essentially minimizing the amount of material used to make that mat. It's a small step, but it contributes to overall sustainability efforts.
Larger mats: Now, you might think, "But Jack, I need an extra-large mat for my practice!" And that's perfectly okay. If a larger mat genuinely serves your practice better, then it's not waste—it's being put to good use. The key is to avoid buying a larger mat just for the sake of it, especially if a standard size mat would serve you just as well.
The Flux Cork Yoga Mat: Sustainability in Action
At Asivana, I'm proud to say that we don't just talk about sustainability—we live it. Our Flux Cork Yoga Mat, regardless of its size, is a testament to this commitment. It's made from sustainably harvested cork and natural rubber, making it a choice you can feel good about, not just for your practice, but for our planet too.
Making Mindful Choices
I'll be honest, friends. Choosing the right yoga mat size is just one small part of a much larger sustainability picture. But, every little bit helps. By choosing a mat that's just the right size for your needs, you're making a mindful choice that respects the earth and its resources. And that, my dear yogis, is a step in the right direction.
So, in your quest for the perfect yoga mat dimensions, don't forget to consider sustainability. Because in the grand scheme of things, less can indeed be more.
Unleashing Your Inner Hero with the Right Yoga Mat Dimensions
From the nitty-gritty of yoga mat dimensions to the larger aspects of sustainability. A whole article on yoga mat dimensions, imagine that! Let’s review what we covered.
Choosing the Right Yoga Mat
I know we've focused a lot on the physical aspects of your yoga mat—its dimensions, the space it occupies, the material it's made from. But remember, at the heart of all this, the mat is a tool, a vehicle. It's a means to an end—and that end is your growth, your tranquility, your inner hero. The right mat can help you unlock all of that.
The right yoga mat dimensions can make your practice comfortable, can help you feel at home wherever you lay it down, and can even contribute to your efforts to protect our precious planet. But most importantly, the right yoga mat can help you connect—with your body, your breath, your spirit, and your community.
Your Journey, Your Choice
I always think, "Yoga is not a one-size-fits-all practice." It's a personal journey. And so, the mat that you choose should reflect your unique needs and values. Don't rush the process. Take your time, consider all the factors we've discussed, and make a choice that feels right for you.
The Flux Cork Yoga Mat
On my journey, I created the Flux cork yoga mat as the ideal yoga mat for my practice. It's comfortable, it's grippy, it's sustainable, and the yoga mat dimensions suit my practice perfectly. But more than all that, it's a yoga mat that I feel good about using—because I know it's made with care, love, and intention.
I hope that you too will find a mat that supports you on your journey, whether it's the Flux cork yoga mat or another. And if you do choose to try my Flux cork yoga mat, I'll be right there with you, cheering you on as you take your next step towards unleashing your inner hero.
