Whether you are an experienced yogi or are just starting your journey into wellness and enlightenment, your yoga mat is of utmost importance. The reason why today, we’ll be talking about different yoga mat shapes, the best round yoga mat, and other yoga mat shapes to consider.
You’ve probably come across the traditional yoga mat, which is super common and used by most people, but did you know there is also a circular shape? You may not see them in yoga studios often, but folks who do yoga at home sometimes prefer a circular mat over the traditional rectangular style.
FAQ’s
What to look for in a yoga mat?
Thickness
If it’s too thin, it can be slightly uncomfortable or painful. Too thick, and you’ll lose your connection to the ground. Yoga mats range from about 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch.
Material
This will affect the performance. There are several materials to consider, with different textures, stickiness, and sponginess levels.
Traditionally, most are PVC. Many eco-friendly alternatives are now, like recycled rubber, organic cotton, and cork.
Texture
The texture is elemental as it provides traction, helping to prevent slipping in certain positions and movements. As a result, some mats are pretty bumpy, which you might like, or find annoying.
Then you also have the smoother ones that are more comfortable, and the best smooth ones guard equally well against slipping.
Stickiness
Again, stickiness stops you from sliding, ensuring you remain aligned. Look for something that strikes a balance.
Weight
If you’re taking your mat to and from classes, perhaps with a commute factored in, you won’t want to be lugging around something too heavy.
How to care for yoga mats?
How you clean and store your yoga mat will keep it in optimum shape for longer. All mats come with care instructions specific to the materials they’re made of.
Still, generally, you should wipe your mat clean after every use with a water-dampened cloth, a homemade diluted vinegar and/or tea tree oil solution, or a gentle mat wash, then allow to dry before storing fully.
Where did round yoga mats come from?
It is not exactly clear who came up with the very first-round mat. For all, we know it was perhaps someone at home without a mat who decided to practice yoga on their round living room rug.
Companies began producing circular mats in recent years and have become quite popular.
What are some of the benefits of a round yoga mat?
The most obvious is how the round yoga mat allows you to nail yoga poses that the standard yoga mat size isn’t wide enough for.
So the primary advantage of round yoga mats is that they give you enough room in all directions to perform any pose and still have room for your entire body on the mat.
How do you fold a round yoga mat?
Depending on how thick your meat is, some allow you to fold it twice, making it one-quarter the original size. This makes it easier to hold with one hand.
For thicker mats, you’d need to roll them up the way you’d roll up a traditional rectangular mat. The rolled-up mat will be a bit longer than you’re used to, so definitely pick up a carrying strap so you can cinch it tightly and carry it around with no problem.
Is it ok to take your round yoga mat to a class?
There should be no problem. However, you may want to ask first, especially if your class is super crowded.
Best Round Yoga Mat and other Yoga Mat Shapes
Round or oval
Yoga lovers choose round yoga mats if they want to have a full range of movement.
Mandala Yoga Mat
Be inspired and explore the endless possibilities of free movement from pose through pose without the constraints or boundaries of a rectangular mat.
Design your own practice. Studio owners and teachers can create their own Mandala classes or workshops incorporating their own style.
Experience the freedom of a six-foot diameter round yoga mat. This mat is carefully precision-cut and hand-stamped and offers 1/4 inch thick for that extra cushion.
Features:
- High-quality yoga mat material
- Eco pvc, latex and phthalate-free
- High tack surface for stickiness
Hourglass
These mats have wide, rounded ends and a midsection that tapers to a standard mat’s average width.
YOGA DESIGN LAB
Blending high-performance luxury with a sleek textured symmetrical design to assist in aligning your poses and providing unparalleled grip. Perfect for all yoga styles with just the right amount of cushion.
This mat is made of natural rubber and absorbent, suede microfiber fabric from recycled plastic bottles for great grip and cushioning. Plus, it’s available in 20 colors and patterns and comes with a carrying strap.
It offers a superior grip and cushion to support your daily yoga practice. It is available in 3 thicknesses, 5.5mm for plush cushioning, 3.5mm for your daily practice, and 1.5mm for the urban traveler on the go.
Features:
- Natural tree rubber
- Microfiber made from recycled bottles
- Water-based prints
- Machine washable
Square
These mats measure as wide as they are long, making them a perfect choice for partnered or parent-and-child yoga practice.
Square36 Large Exercise Mat
Square36 Cardio Mats are intended for home-based fitness and strength training workouts with or without shoes. Square36 Cardio Mats have a thick, top vinyl coating that makes them durable enough for use with or without shoes.
These are perfect for home gyms or living room workouts. It is ideal for home workout streaming programs like Beachbody, HIIT, TAM, etc. Roll it out in your living room and easily roll up to store, or leave out in a home gym.
Perfect for use on tile, cement, laminate, vinyl, hardwood, grass, or carpet.
Features:
- Durable
- Free from phthalates, BPA, lead & formaldehyde
- Highest quality materials available
Extra-long
The average yoga mat’s 68-72 inch length is best suited for yogis under 6 feet tall.
CAMBIVO Yoga Mat for Men and Women, Extra Long and Wide Exercise Mat
The extra-long yoga mat was created for taller yogis and everyone who requires longer and wider exercise space. You will have more room to stretch and practice at 84 x 30 inches in length and width.
This yoga mat is long and wide enough for exercise. The 84 x 30 inches of Cambivo extra-long yoga mat allows individuals of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy the fun of workouts. Witness your changes with every drop of sweat. Unleash your yoga talent on the Cambivo extra long yoga mat!
Features:
- All-purpose
- Ultra comfort
- Design for tall yogis
- Cushioning
- Easy storage
Extra-wide
Pregnant women or those who may need assistance can benefit from an extra-wide mat.
6′ x 4′ Large Yoga Mat
This extra-long and wide workout mat is double a standard-size single yoga mat. The 24 Sq.Ft extra-large space allows two adults to do any Light cardio workouts like Yoga, Pilates, Stretching, Rope skipping, Meditations, Barre, and various barefoot bodyweight training like Plank Variations, Push-ups, Lunges, Squats, and Calisthenics on the mat.
The thick, bumpy, non-skid texture on the surface and underside of the yoga mat increases traction for strength, giving you a firm connection to the floor and keeping you and the mat from slipping around. You can safely do any poses on the non-slip yoga mat without worrying about injury!
Features:
- Extra-long and wide
- Eco-friendly
- Non-slip texture
- Easy storage
Extra thick
As you may imagine, extra-thick mats offer more padding to protect their heels, palms, and joints from getting sore.
Gruper Thick Yoga Mat Non Slip
Thick high-grade foam rubber can reduce the impact and provide excellent cushioning for your sports, strong and not easy to break. NBR material is soft and elastic; please do not rub it with sharp objects, such as rings, nails, etc.
Gruper yoga mats are available in two thicknesses, 10mm and 15mm, suitable for beginners. Soft and elastic, it can effectively protect the knee.
Gruper thick yoga mats can reduce impact, provide superior cushion for Pilates or yoga mat work. High-quality foamed material is carefully selected, comfortable, friendly, soft, and has excellent elasticity and durability.
Features:
- High density, durable foam.
- Soft, non-slip surface.
- Moisture-resistant material.
Wondering about how and where you can carry your yoga mat? There are several yoga mat holders, an array of yoga mat strap options, yoga mat backpacks and if you have a special place in your home to keep all of your equipment as well as your kid’s yoga mat handy, then you should read types of yoga mat storage.
