Yoga mats: thickness, material, size

Thickness: thin for balance, thick for the knees

A thin mat provides a firm contact with the ground, useful for standing poses and balance exercises. A thicker mat protects the knees, elbows, and back during planking, floor stretches, and strengthening exercises. For mixed use, a medium thickness remains the most common compromise.

Length and width: fitting the mat to your size

When lying down, you should fit entirely on the mat, from head to heels. Taller individuals, often found in volleyball, should opt for a long format, like some of the Lotuscrafts mats on the page, several of which come in an extended version. Check the length on the product page. A generous width keeps the elbows on the mat during planking and push-ups.

Wool and zabuton: the Lotuscrafts mats

Lotuscrafts, at the top of the page, offers a wool mat, warm and soft, appreciated for relaxation and meditation. Its zabutons, nearly square padded mats, serve as a base for seated meditation posture, often with a cushion placed on top. They come in many colours, from natural to indigo.

Grip and maintenance: what makes a mat last

A mat that slips makes you tense, which is the opposite of what you're looking for. Check the grip on the ground and under your hands, especially if you sweat. To maintain it, wipe it down with a damp cloth after your session, without harsh chemicals, and let it dry flat. Roll it with the outside facing out to keep it flat once unrolled.

Exercises for volleyball players on a mat

A few minutes are enough after training. Front plank and side plank for core work, glute bridge for the posterior chain, pigeon stretch for the hips, chest opener for attacking shoulders. These exercises require no equipment other than the mat.

Bricks, cushions, textiles: completing your yoga corner

The yoga bricks bring you closer to the ground when flexibility is lacking. The meditation cushions are placed on a zabuton. The yoga accessories and yoga textiles complete the session, and the yoga page brings everything together.

Lotuscrafts, Myga, Avento: three names to know

• Lotuscrafts focuses on natural materials, with its wool mats, zabutons, and Pure range.
• Myga offers yoga mats for daily practice, in various colours.
• Avento produces fitness mats for strength training and stretching.

HMS, Softee, and AIREX complete the page for those looking for a more traditional training mat.

A discounted yoga mat

The special offers on physical maintenance include discounted mats. The equipment sales and the Black Friday accessories are other good times to get equipped.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a yoga mat and a fitness mat?

The yoga mat is thinner and stickier, to hold poses without slipping. The fitness mat is often thicker and softer, to cushion exercises on the ground. For core work and stretching, both are suitable.

Does a yoga mat smell new when unwrapped?

Some mats emit an odour upon opening. Unroll it for a few days in a well-ventilated room before your first session, it usually disappears quickly.

Can a zabuton be used for anything other than meditation?

Yes, its padding makes it a good support for the knees during stretching. It can also be placed under a cushion for reading or relaxing. It is too thick for standing poses.

How do you transport your mat to the club?

Roll it up tightly and hold it with a strap or a carrying bag. Yoga accessories offer these. Avoid folding it, as that marks the mat.

What thickness of yoga mat protects the knees?

Buying guides suggest a good compromise around four to six millimetres. Thinner, the knees quickly feel discomfort during core work. Thicker, you lose stability in standing poses, but it's an advantage if your joints are sensitive.