Most people who are new into yoga may assume that all yoga mats are the same. It is not as simple as going to your local store and buying one. For the better part of it, different yoga mats are favorable for people with varying physical conditions.
For example, some people have bad knees. Finding a reliable yoga mat is the difference between having a fulfilling session or a lousy yoga experience.
Consider the following review to find the best yoga mat for bad knees.
Best Yoga Mat for Bad Knees – 2020
- Liforme Yoga Mats
- Sivan ½ inch Health Yoga Mat
- Manduka Pro Yoga Mat
- Aurorae Classic Mat for Yoga
- Jade Fusion Yoga Mat
The Ultimate Yoga Mat for Bad Knees Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the best yoga mat for sensitive knees is different from buying a standard yoga mat. There are lots of considerations that have to take place. Below are a few suggestions that will help you make up your mind on a particular brand.
1. Traction
It is about the grip of the mat. Traction ensures that you do not slip and fall harming yourself in the process. Before you settle on a mat, you must know how intensive you are going to use it. A standard YouTube yoga exercise will not demand much from your mat.
However, going for an intensive yoga session will probably leave you sweaty. The sweat can make you slip unless you get yourself a yoga towel as well.
2. Thickness
The floor can have a nice feeling about it. Some people prefer thinner yoga mats so that they feel this pleasant grounding effect. However, heavy people, pregnant women, and yogis with sensitive knees will mind the thickness of the mat.
If you want to avoid feeling pains when you are enjoying your yoga session, find a thick mat. If you are yet to find your stability, then a thick mat is not ideal for you. It may interfere with your balance.
Some surfaces are dense but hard, while others are rubber-like and will sink in. Always ensure you know how hardy the surface is and if it will support your weight.
3. Material
When a material is in context, durability should cross your mind. It directly relates to how long a mat can last when used rigorously. You should check to see if the mat will eventually lose its grip and pose a hazard.
The material also determines if you will feel the ground or the thickness will absorb your weight. Thicker does not mean hardy. Other materials are just thick and will sink in. Naturally, rubber is a good yoga mat as it has good grips and is dense, making it durable. However, it is limited to people without a latex allergy only.
Other materials are lifetime guarantee, and that is why some yoga brands offer a lifetime warranty.
4. Size
Size does matter, and whoever says it doesn’t have used a small yoga mat. Tall people struggle to do the pigeon pose on smaller mats. The average mat is 64” by 24” inches. Some people find this too-small space. When on a routine posture, part of their bodies will be off the mat in poses that need them to be inside the mat.
5. Function
While the ideal mat is the one that has all the above features, some mats are best for beginners. Finding a squishy and padded mat when you are trying to balance new poses is not ideal.
Another function is on hygiene. There are closed cells that make it easy to clean. Open cells can store bacteria and usually absorbs the sweat because the surface is porous. The open cells will also absorb sweat and make it dense than usual and, after some time, may start releasing an odor.
FAQs
1. Is there an ideal thickness for all yoga mats?
While there is no one specific fit for everybody, there are some that will work well for most. However, you should make the decision based on your knees and how sensitive they are. As it is, some people prefer to feel the ground while others need a soft padded cushion.
The standard yoga mat measures between 4-5 mm in thickness, but there are some for sensitive people who offer between 6-9 mm. You will be better poised if you know your yoga routine and the hours you spend on the mat
To find the best mat before you buy, you can experiment with your blanket. Fold it until you get the thickness that makes you comfortable. Then you will have an idea of the way your yoga mat should feel.
2. What is the best yoga mat material made of?
Many materials are equally good. Some are environmentally friendly, while some are functional. The best material depends on the use you have for your mat. Cotton is good in absorbing moisture while rubber has a good grip.
Other materials are quite costly. An example is a cork material as it becomes stickier the more you sweat on it.
3. Is there a specific way I should clean my mat?
Some mats can be cleaned in a washing machine while others are hand wash. You should check your manufacturer’s instructions to know how to clean your mat best. The cleaning process will vary from different yoga mats.
You can use cleansers like lemon but never use abrasives. You should always wipe your mat after a session and let it dry before packing it. Excess temperatures and direct sunlight are not suitable for your yoga mat. It will deteriorate faster, and soon you will have to buy a new one.
4. Can a yoga mat be used outdoors?
Yes. But before you start, ensure you know the stuff your yoga mat is made of. Some mats will absorb contents from outside and may just destroy your mat. An alternative is to clear a god space and choose a brand that features an ideal use for the outdoors.
You should also ensure that the mat is sturdy and thick to avoid letting unwanted contaminants in the material. Also, use a dry ground to avoid soaking up moisture from a wet outdoor surface.
5. What can I do with an old yoga mat?
There are very many ways to dispose of your mat. You can consider donating it to animal shelters where they will use it further for animals.
You can find so many uses for an old yoga mat, including using it as an extra layer while out camping.
Product Reviews
1. Liforme Yoga Mats
If you are familiar with yoga, then you know it includes a lot of poses. You need to feel comfortable on your mat when attempting all the poses. The knee poses may require some elements of your mats to assist you in delivering in each different pose.
This particular yoga mat is heavy than others. It gives your knees the proper cushion it needs while supporting your body in various positions.
Another property it features is how it gets stickier the more you sweat on it. It is a welcome feature because it becomes anti-slippery. An added advantage is the design of the mat. It has an alignment that acts as a guide to make sure you hold the right positions when flexing on the mat.
Though this is just a slight advantage, it is slightly longer than other yoga mats. It measures 4mm extra than standard yoga mats. It means it is the preferred choice for tall people.
Best of all, the Liforme yoga mat has a grip feature that is purposely to prevent injuries. When you sweat, the drips go on the mat, and you can easily slide. You will lose balance and get an injury.
Pros
- It is 72 mm length by 26.8 widths. An extra 4mm length than standard yoga mats fit for tall yogis
- The material is a recyclable rubber. Thick and durable
- It has a grip feature that aims to prevent injuries from slipping
- The yoga mat is safe and non-toxic.
- Environmental friendly
Cons
- Expensive
2. Sivan ½ inch Health Yoga Mat
If you are looking for a budget yoga mat that also cares for your knees, then this is your best choice. Price does not reflect on the quality of this trusted yoga mat. It features a very thick pad that gives you comfort when you do various yoga poses.
Because of its thickness again, it is suitable for both yoga and Pilates. The thickness advantage is from memory foam-like material. It offers more pad protection but gives in as well. It has a standard width like most yoga mats but varies in length, making your space longer for taller people.
It is not suitable for beginners. The same advantage of thickness is its disadvantage as it is from hard foam. You will struggle with balance until you develop better stabilizer muscles.
Another fault with the material is its tendency to stretch when performing certain yoga poses. The most common is the downward dog that shifts your weight on opposing sides.
However, if you are just starting and do not need intensive yoga sessions, then this mat is ideal.
Pros
- Because it is thick, it becomes versatile and suitable for use in Pilates, yoga, and as an exercise mat.
- It features a ribbed surface to prevent you from slipping
- Comfortable for sensitive knees as it is from a foam-like material.
- Easy to wipe clean after sessions
- Affordable
Cons
- Stretches when you move your body on opposing sides.
- Beginners may struggle for balance because of the soft foam surface
3. Manduka Pro Yoga Mat
It offers an excellent cushion for your knee joints. It is because it has a 6mm thickness that makes the surface comfortable for you.
It is also among the favored brand as it offers a lifetime warranty. Most yogis feel safe with this yoga mat. It depicts the confidence of the manufacturer on the quality of the fabric.
The Manduka pro has two variations of the mat sizes. The first measures 71” by 26 “while the other is 85” by 26 “. As you can see, both are pretty long than standard yoga mats and are ideal for tall people as it gives them enough yoga space.
It has an easy to wipe the surface as the fabric is a closed-cell surface. It is also toxic-free and is also environment-friendly. It has an excellent grip to avoid slipping when on a session and also keeps unnecessary injuries away.
It is among the most substantial yoga mats in the market, which is kind of a letdown. However, for people who have a yoga bag, then it is a problem solved. But if you take away the weight issue, it serves its purpose of giving you a better experience if you have sensitive knees.
Pros
- A lifetime warranty interprets to you never having to buy another yoga mat
- It meets the concerns of the tall people in its design.
- The 26” width is also wide enough for everybody to enjoy a comfortable yoga space
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Safe for people who suffer from allergies. It is both latex and toxin-free.
- Easy to clean because it has a closed-cell surface.
Cons
- Features among the most massive yoga mats in the market
- Also among the expensive brands
4. Aurorae Classic Mat for Yoga
So far, it is the mat that checks all the boxes, including being budget-friendly. It has over 3000 reviews, and it is a preference by satisfied users.
The reasons are perhaps because of its rich features. They are long for tall yogis to fit in well. The materials in use are environmentally friendly and have no toxins. People who suffer from latex allergy can use this yoga mat with no fear of a reaction.
It also features an excellent surface grip that prevents unnecessary injuries from slipping. It is ¼ inch thick, which makes it comfortable for people with sensitive knees. Despite the thickness, you will see that you will not sink in when trying different poses on the mat with your weight on it.
It comes with a bag that makes it easy to carry around and enjoy your yoga session wherever you go. An additional benefit is weight. It is not heavy and makes for easy packing and transporting.
It comes in a variety of colors for you to choose the one that excites your inner peace and aura.
There are not so many faults that are present with this brand, and if you choose to buy the Aurorae classic mats, then you will never regret the decision.
Pros
- It is one of the longest and widest yoga mats suitable for tall people
- It uses earth-friendly materials making it allergy free and non-toxic
- It comes with a rosin bag for you to increase the stickiness of your mat if there is a need.
- Comes in 12 color variations
- It has a strap to make it easy for you to carry it.
Cons
- The bottom and top edges tend to curl with time
5. Jade Fusion Yoga Mat
This one of the topline yoga mat brands. Unlike the other brands that have closed cell fabric. It has an open-cell surface. But you will still not slip as it has a semi-sticky texture. The mat features a design that prevents injuries.
It is 8mm thick and suitable for people with sensitive knees. The rubber material makes it soft and comfortable when doing your poses. The mat is slightly more onerous because the rubber is the primary material.
Rubber makes this mat somewhat have a flaw. The smell of rubber is not pleasant for many people. If you are allergic to latex, then you should avoid this yoga mat. But if you aren’t, the smell of rubber will eventually wear thin, and ultimately, you will get to enjoy your mat.
It is also a good brand for tall people as it measures 74” inches long. The natural rubber is recyclable, and this is why Jade fusion is environment-friendly. It is non-toxic, and the surface is free from harmful chemicals.
Pros
- It is long and wide giving you a better workout space
- The material is natural rubber and is recyclable
- The thickness makes it suitable for people with sensitive knee joints
- Non-toxic
- It has a good grip and a semi-sticky surface to prevent injuries.
Cons
- Some people are allergic to latex
- When new the smell of rubber can be so distinct and irritating
- It is a dense mat
Conclusion
The best yoga mat is different for everybody. However, if you are looking for the best choice, consider the Liforme Yoga Mats. They are costly, but they do offer value for money.
These mats are durable and have grips that are aligned to ensure you get the poses right. They have the best safety feature ensuring you don’t injure yourself. They are durable and come with a bag to carry it.
You don’t have to wait anymore, take the step, and buy your choice best yoga mat for bad knees now!
Last update on 2024-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
