If you suffer from a knee issue, gentle stretching may help. If you’re considering taking up yoga to improve overall flexibility, health, and wellbeing, it’s a good idea to choose a thicker yoga mat.
Thick yoga mats will give your knees extra protection when doing poses that require you to kneel. This article will look at the top 5 thick yoga mats for bad knees. We’ll also tell you what to consider when choosing a yoga mat.
The best thick yoga mats for bad knees
People suffer from knee or joint pain for many reasons, the most common being injury or stress on the knee. As we age, many people often suffer from knee pain due to wear on the joints caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or tendonitis.
An injury such as trauma to the tendons or a torn cartilage, sprained or strained ligament can also cause knee pain. Here are the top 5 thick yoga mats for bad knees; they are all available from Amazon.
Our Favorite Thick Mat: Gaiam Mat Yoga
The Gaiam mat is a classic yoga mat with added thickness. It’s an excellent choice for those with knee pain and can be used for all types of fitness and exercise routines. This mat is great for yoga or Pilates and can also be used for another type of floor exercise. It has additional cushioning and provides added support for the knees.
This yoga mat comes with a carrying strap, making it easy to take your mat to yoga class.
Pro’s
- 2/5 inch thick
- Non-toxic and PVC free
- Dimensions: 72 inches in Length x 24 inches Wide x 2/5 Inch depth
Runner Up: HemingWeigh 1 inch Thick Yoga Mat
The Hemingway mat has been designed and manufactured to support all kinds of yoga routines. It has extra thickness making it great for those with sore knees. The surface of this mat is non-slip, which will help you to maintain perfect balance.
The HemingWeigh yoga mat is long enough to use for stretching and wide enough for all types of movement. It’s great for all kinds of yoga, including Ashtanga and Hatha.
Pro’s
- Eco-friendly, non-toxic
- Portable, easy to carry
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight and durable
- Extra width: 70 inches long by 23 inches wide with a thickness of 1 inch.
- Made from anti-tear foam
Great Value Choice: Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Yoga Mat
Amazon’s mat is cheap and cheerful; it’s a thick mat, which is excellent for those with knee pain. This exercise mat can be used for yoga, Pilates, and other seated or floor workouts. It has a textured surface, which means it’s non-slip and has enhanced traction.
This yoga mat is 1/2-inch thick and is very comfortable to use. It provides cushioning support to the knees. It’s made from a lightweight, durable foam.
Pro’s
- Measures approximately 74 L x 24 W x 0.5 H
- Thick and comfortable to use
- Non-slip
- Lightweight
- Durable and long-lasting
Thickest Choice: JELS Extra Thick Exercise mat
The JELS extra thick exercise mat is high quality and comfortable to use. It’s 2,5 inches thick and perfect for those with sore knees. The surface of this mat also contains cushion modules on for added grip and comfort during your yoga practice or workout. At 2.5″ it’s basically a thinner exercise mat. Here’s the exercise mats vs. yoga mats.
This mat is durable yet lightweight and is long-lasting. It comes with a carry strap, so you can easily carry your mat to the gym or yoga class.
Pro’s
- Environmentally friendly and non-toxic
- It comes with a carry strap
- Extra thick
2″+ Runner Up: BalanceFrom 2″ Thick Tri-Fold Exercise Mat
Balancefrom has created a long yoga mat with added width and depth. It’s great for anyone with sore knees as it is made from 2-inch thick firm, high-density foam. This mat is ideal for all types of workouts, from yoga, aerobics, Pilates, or even martial arts. The surface has been manufactured using non-toxic material, which is puncture resistant and non-absorbent.
It has a non-slip surface that allows you to balance even when doing challenging yoga poses. The mat has many features that make it portable; it has caring handles, is lightweight and foldable.
Pro’s
- Uses moisture-resistant technology, which makes it easy to clean.
- Has a foldable, three-panel design which makes it portable and easy to store
- Dimension: 6 foot long by 2-foot wide x 2 inches in depth.
- Comes with a 2-year BalanceFrom Warranty.
Things to consider when choosing a thick yoga mat for bad knees
If you have severe knee pain or are suffering from an injury or a medical condition, it may be a good idea to consult your doctor before starting a yoga practice. You can also seek advice from a trained yoga teacher, who may recommend that you use props or modify some of the positions so that you don’t cause further damage to your knees. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best yoga mat for bad knees.
Yoga mat thickness
Whatever the reason for your knee pain, one of the main things you should consider when starting yoga is the thickness of the yoga mat, as well as its density. Yoga mats come in various sizes. If you’re suffering from knee pain, you should choose a mat that’s between 1/2 to 1 inch in depth, depending on how bad your knees are.
If you’ve decided to go with a regular yoga mat instead, here’s our guide to standard yoga mats.
Non-slip
It may also be a good idea to choose a yoga mat that has non-slip grips. Grips can help with balancing and will mean that you are less lily to fall over, slip or trip, which could cause further damage to your knees.
Accessories
If you’re new to yoga or have bad knees, you may like to consider using some accessories, such as blocks or straps, which can help you get into trickier positions without causing further damage to your knees. There are many knee pads and props available from Amazon, and together with a good quality yoga mat, these may help you reduce knee and joint pain.
Conclusion: Thick Yoga Mat for Bad Knees
Yoga is an excellent exercise that’s gentle and brings many benefits. With the help of a thick yoga mat and special equipment, you may find that your knees start to feel better. It’s likely that your knees will improve in time, and you’ll be able to use a thinner yoga mat in the future, which will make balancing poses easier!