Choosing the Right Yoga Mat Thickness: My Personal Take

Choosing the Right Yoga Mat Thickness: My Personal Take

I’ve gone through about a dozen yoga mats in my time—some were basically a sheet on the floor, and others felt like I was practicing on a king-sized mattress. Here’s my super casual breakdown of how I finally settled on “the one” thickness-wise:

1. 2–3 mm (Thin Mats): Perfect if you’re constantly on the go. I used to have one that folded right into my carry-on (bonus: no more airport floor germs!). But my knees? Not a fan for longer holds or kneeling postures.
2. 4–5 mm (The “Goldilocks” Zone): This is my personal sweet spot. It’s thick enough so my wrists and knees don’t hate me the next day, but it’s still thin enough that I can feel grounded in balancing poses. Most of the mats I buy these days are somewhere in that range.
3. 6 mm & Up (Extra Cushion): If you’re into restorative or yin yoga—or just really want that “pillowy” feel—go thick. My friend swears by her extra-cushy mat for Savasana naps (I’ve definitely dozed off mid-class on hers). The downside: sometimes it’s a bit heavier and can make balancing a smidge trickier.

My personal tip? If you can test-drive a couple of mats—borrow a friend’s, or try one at a studio—before you commit, do it. Nothing beats actually rolling out and seeing how your knees, wrists, and feet feel. After all, your practice is about you feeling comfy, supported, and ready to flow. Happy hunting!

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Set an intention!

In yoga, you set an intention at the beginning of your practice. As a Christian, I like to choose bible verses that can lead my practice- and day- in a positive direction. Here are some of my favorites:

• Psalm 16:9 – “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.“
• 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”