Thick Yoga Mats For Elderly Practitioners, Tried and Tested by Yoga Teachers For Maximum Support

As a yoga teacher with let’s just lots of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how the right mat can make all the difference, especially for our more seasoned practitioners.

Let’s face it, our joints aren’t getting any younger, and a little extra cushioning can go a long way in making yoga accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

So, grab a cup of chai, and let’s check out the best thick yoga mats that’ll have you saying “Namaste” with a smile!

How Thick Should a Yoga Mat be For Seniors?

Now, you might be wondering, “Just how thick is thick enough?”

Well, let me tell you, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.

Standard yoga mats are usually about 3mm thick, which is fine for those spring chickens out there.

But for our wise owls, we’re looking at a minimum of 5mm, with some mats going up to a cushy 12mm or more.

How We Tested the Best Thick Yoga Mats For Seniors

We didn’t just pick these mats out of a hat, folks.

Our team of yoga teachers (including yours truly) put these mats through their paces.

We’re talking multiple yoga sessions, from gentle Hatha to more challenging Vinyasa flows.

We tested them on various surfaces, checked for grip, cushioning, and durability.

We even had our senior students try them out and give us feedback.

It was like The Great British Bake Off, but with yoga mats instead of cakes!

Best 6 Thick Yoga Mats For Seniors That Need A Bit of Extra Support

Without further ado, let’s roll out our top picks!

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat

Pros

• Ultra-dense 6mm cushioning
• Excellent grip
• Lifetime guarantee (outlasts most of our New Year’s resolutions!)

Cons

• On the heavier side (might need to recruit a grandkid to carry it)

Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat

Pros

• A whopping 12.7mm thickness
• Budget-friendly
• Includes a carrying strap

Cons

• May be too squishy for balance poses (no toppling allowed in my class!)

Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat

Pros

• 4.7mm thickness strikes a balance between cushion and stability
• Closed-cell material repels sweat and bacteria
• Lighter than its PRO sibling

Cons

• Pricier than some options (but quality comes at a cost, right?)

Gaiam Extra Thick Yoga Mat

Pros

• 6mm thickness provides ample cushioning
• Affordable
• Comes in fun designs (because who says seniors can’t be stylish?)

Cons

• Some users report a slight initial odor (nothing a little sage can’t fix!)

Liforme Rainbow Hope Yoga Mat

Pros

• 4.2mm thickness with excellent grip
• Eco-friendly materials
• Alignment markers (for when your bifocals are playing tricks on you)

Cons

• On the pricier side (but can you put a price on rainbow happiness?)

Thick Yoga Mat Shopping Tips For Seniors

When choosing a mat, consider the following:

1. Material: Look for non-toxic, eco-friendly options. Your lungs will thank you!
2. Grip: Nobody wants to slide around like a penguin on ice.
3. Weight: If you’re carrying it to class, lighter is better.
4. Size: Make sure it’s long enough for your height. Tall yogis, I’m looking at you!
5. Ease of cleaning: Because let’s face it, we all get a bit sweaty sometimes.

As yoga instructors, we know exactly what our students want in a yoga mat.

And let me tell you, sliding around during Downward Dog is not it!

A good grip is essential, especially for our senior practitioners.

I once had a student whose mat was so slippery, she ended up doing accidental splits in Tree Pose.

Hilarious for the class, not so much for her hip flexors!

Yoga Blocks

Don’t forget about these handy helpers! Blocks can be a senior yogi’s best friend, bringing the floor closer when those toes seem miles away.

Knee Cushions

For those poses where knees meet mat, a little extra padding can be a game-changer.

I’ve seen students go from grimacing to grinning just by adding a small cushion under their knees.

Remember, yoga is about finding what works for you. It’s not about touching your toes – it’s about what you learn on the way down.

So, choose a mat that makes you feel comfortable, supported, and ready to embrace your practice.

And hey, if all else fails, there’s always Savasana.

After all, napping is just horizontal meditation, right?

Happy mat hunting, and I’ll see you on the mat!