Yoga is an excellent form of exercise that strengthens body, mind, and soul, but it can be challenging to enjoy all the benefits if you barely fit on a yoga mat. Some try to add a bundled yoga towel to a small mat, but gliding everywhere definitely impedes the experience due to lack of focus.
As a big guy, you need a mat that has enough length and wingspan to adjust your body to any pose, enough density, and grip to keep you comfortable and stable.
What to Look for in a Yoga Mat for Big Guys
Think about Quality over Money
Never pay attention to money when buying a yoga mat. Be prepared to spend well and wisely, but comfort should be the focus.
Buy Bigger Yoga Mats
Note the desired length and width before you buy your yoga mat. You need a mat that will provide enough space for multiple yoga poses.
Choose the right Thickness and Cushioning
The right thickness and firmness are essential, as these qualities will help you improve your yoga positions. It should be thick enough to support your whole body too. Therefore, check the padding material and the thickness of the mat before purchasing. Check the size, shape, and other characteristics of a yoga mat to make sure it fits your needs well.
Prioritize Yoga Mats with alignment Guidelines
Better alignment provides a better balance. The alignment guidelines marked on yoga mats are also a good option as they help you stay focused while maintaining the correct posture.
Remember to check Durability and Portability
Try to look for mats that are sturdy and easy to carry. Additionally, buy mats that can be easily washed and dried as they will help you to have a good yoga tool.
Sticky mats enhance gripping
Your yoga mat must provide you with enough grip to prevent you from slipping and falling; the same will help you have a good and safe time in yoga.
Width and Height
Big fellows easily handle mats that are at least 72 inches tall, but if you have problems with your health, it should be your highest priority when buying a mat. Measure your shoulder width and leg width to decide how large your mat should be.
The default width for a wide mat is approx. 25 “but if you need extra space, you can reach up to 36” We’ll also discuss the 72-inch large options, which is what we’re looking for.
Density and Material
Big guys typically need at least 1/4 inch thickness.so, you can look for a 1-2 inch thick mat like a little extra cushion when you have trouble with joint pain.
Check for high-grade, tear, and scratch-resistant fabrics with antifungal properties that prevent the accumulation of bacteria. Avoid household mats using toxic or cheap foams.
- Square36 Large YOGA Mat
We recommend the Square36 big yoga mat because of its high-quality fabrics and outstanding longevity if you’re looking for an extra-large yoga mat.
Such mats also have plenty of padding to support your joints and muscles, so they are the right choice for you. They measure 72 x 72 m2, have sufficient space, and should be very long-lasting when appropriately used with bare feet.
Nevertheless, the company does not encourage the use of shoes or exclusive mats, although they should cope with cardio wear and exercise shoes.
- Clever Yoga Better Grip Yoga Mat
The Better Grip Yoga Mat is designed to give the most exceptional comfort during stretching and exercise. It is a material which resists wear and tear. The closed cells on the surface lock dirt, germs and moisture away, keeping odors and bacteria out of the pad.
The sides have a slide-free surface that makes it easy to reach the joints without losing strength or flexibility at the right level of safety and comfort. The hands and feet will, therefore not slip to any spot or pose.
- Yoga Accessories Deluxe Yoga Mat
Take a look at this list of the best yoga mat for big guys in the yoga world if you are over 6 feet. These Mats are slightly thicker but not wider than the regular XL mat, which is 72 inches in height. They are wider than the standard, and helpful for stretching, irrespective of how big you are.
- DAWAY Professional TPE Yoga Mat
The DAWAY TPE Yoga Mat is made of T PE material that is non-toxic in comparison to PVC, latex, and harmful chemicals and is high-density recyclable. This 1/4 inch luxurious pad has a tear-proof surface withstanding years of use and an outstanding compressing surface for joints and back of the body.
The mat also uses a high-end polyethylene (PE) material to make sure the back, shoulders, hips, legs, and feet are comfortable and easy to stretch. It is made of a durable material which is sufficiently elastic to project and stretch the joints.
The mat offers a system for alignment of the body to allow you to adjust your hands and feet and to position them correctly for natural posture.
- Basically Perfect Cork Yoga Mat
If you want a unique and convenient solution, we suggest the Cork Yoga Mat by Basically Perfect. The high-quality cork material is blended with a durable, high-density rubber tree by a unique process of high-temperature bonding. It does not utilize adhesives or hard chemicals and is more durable, flexible.
This material also provides a firmer grip because heat and sweat make it gripper. Actually, the hands and foot are rooted in a way that has never been felt before by the combination of natural rubber and C-cork.
This mat also disinfects itself, as cork is antimicrobial naturally, so you still have the benefit of being clean, safe, and comfortable.
- Manduka Pro
It is offered in various colors and sizes, including an extra-long and wide version, which is suitable for big people.
Manduka mats have a lifetime warranty, so you don’t need to buy a yoga mat if it is damaged. It is also an extremely durable, 6 mm thick mat made of solid PVC.
We like the mat because it is a little sturdier than most mats, particularly those with a width of up to 26 inches. If you are a man who regularly does yoga or plans to do yoga a couple of times a week, then that’s worth it.
Jade Fusion
For men with big bodies, Jade Fusion has become one of the most common Yoga mats. They are heavier mats because they are made from natural rubber, and when opened for the first time, they smell rubber. Over time, the smell will diminish, but you can take a new direction if you hate the smell of rubber.
Jade is 8 mm wide and can be used in almost any yoga setting. The natural rubber surface has an extraordinary grip and is very thick so that when pressure is applied in the opposite direction, it can expand.
Conclusion
The significant difference is the width of the mat, but if you want to have a little more room, you can try Deluxe. This is the best option for me, and it is a perfect choice for a big man or a small person who has plenty of space in the yoga room.
For a full 72×72 experience, use the Square36 Broad Yoga Mat and the Deluxe for more versatility.