Mat length versus width

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hi- I’m in the market for a new mat. I practice daily and see the importance of finding the right mat.I have been researching Manduka mats (I currently have the eKO lite mat but it’s paper thin and ripples in certain poses) and I am torn between the importance of length versus width. I hear/see/read great things about the Black mat pro but I wonder- is the thickness going to effect my balance? Also, with the black mat, do I go for the 85" or the 71"? I’m 25 years old, 5’7, and 112 pounds so the 71" would be a fine fit. However, many 85" owners swear by the extra length regardless of height.

On the other hand, I’m also looking at Manduka’s PROlite Wide mat. It’s 30" across rather than 24" but not as thick as the black mat Pro. I don’t feel discomfort in my joints when I practice on thin mats but I don’t like being “one” with the floor boards.

Since I’m yet to find a store where I can roll out each mat mentioned and test them out I’m hesitant to make a commitment without some knowledgable feedback. Any and all suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

#2

Hi Jessie,

Frankly, a 71" mat of standard length that is not stinky, slippery, or overly tacky should be more than “fine” for the practice of asana. I have seen the mat you mention and to me it’s a behemoth and I’d not tote it around for fear of getting a hernia. A thinker mat (1/4") may be helpful if you are a thin student with a pokey spine or if you find kneeling to be painful.

#3

Inner Athlete-
Thanks for you response- very helpful! I’m going with the PROlite Wide mat. Not as thick as the black mat but the extra width ups the comfort.

And you’re right, the black mat is like lugging around a small child…
Jessie

#4

A thinker mat (1/4") may be helpful if you are a thin student with a pokey spine or if you find kneeling to be painful.

Gordon are you branding a new style mat? The Thinker mat! lol!!!

@Jessiesays,
I have the Gaiam eco-friendly Earth Lovers Mat and love it. Unfortunately they discontinued it. It measures 68"x24" and thickness is 3/16. The thickness has never affected my balance. It never bunches up, is perfectly cushioned, has the right amount of stickiness and wicks moisture away. Took a month or so to be able to roll it up nicely though. It fits in my mat bag after securing it with a mat strap and isn’t too heavy to cart around (I’m 5’2"). I’ve had this mat for almost 4 years now and I just love it. If you google it there are places that advertise they are still selling it.

#5

Yes I am branding a new mat. And apparently getting “older vision”.
Though if I get to brand a mat it would be the “Feeler Mat” not the thinker mat. LOL.