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Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we find useful to our readersWe all must indulge in some delightful and relaxing time for ourselves every day at least for a few minutes. Especially because of everyday stress, it engenders a negative impact on your body and mind. Therefore to work through it, you need a few minutes to appease into yoga and relax. Although yoga has a lot of benefits like improved muscle strength, flexibility, higher energy level, and many more. But something like a bad knee may not allow you to take complete benefit of yoga.
The important thing while practicing yoga is the use of a yoga mat, how good it is? Does it make your knee pain better or does it worsen it? If you have a mat that feels like a newspaper while you do your yoga, it can add to your joint and knee pain issue. Having a yoga mat that has proper cushioning helps to support your knee and makes it better. Therefore, in today’s article, we will discuss the best yoga mats that can help you with bad knees so you can easily choose the best one for you from the list.
Can You Do Yoga With Bad Knees
Yoga actually helps to improve muscle strength and flexibility yoga is a low-impact exercise that means it increases heart rate while reducing the amount of stress on the joints. So if someone has a bad knee it can help to minimize the pain and reduce it while increasing and improving knee and joint mobility, physical fitness, and flexibility. Of course, precautions need to be taken into consideration when practicing yoga by investing in the best mats.
Aging and stress caused on the knees are some of the common causes of bad knees. Other causes of knee pain are trauma to the tendon, knee sprain, strained ligaments, and torn cartilage. So yoga will actually help you to recover from these issues and also strengthen your legs and improve mobility which can help your knees that is why yoga is not bad for knees.
However, while practicing yoga if you try to put access pressure on your joints it can cause pain that is why it is best to stick to low-impact movements or you can also take help from a fitness instructor who can help you and instruct yoga poses that are comfortable which can benefit you.
Best Yoga Mat Thickness for Bad Knees
Thickness plays an important role while choosing a yoga mat you need to make sure that it has cushioning which will help you with knee pain or joint pain. The yoga mat thickness should ideally be around 1/2 to 1 inch and it should also have non-slippery formula as you do not want to slip while practicing yoga pose or due to sweat. Which can ruin or worsen the knee pain
However, the thickness of the yoga mat also depends on the level of your knee discomfort so make sure to check the thickness of the mat while buying and go for the one which has a soft and stable surface that could be comfortable for your knee pain.
Best Yoga Mat for Bad Knees
1. Balanceform goyoga all-purpose high-density yoga mat with knee pad
A yoga mat from balance form is a great option as it comes with a regular mat along with a knee pad which is best for people with bad knees. It comes with a thickness of ½ inch that ensures comfort for people of all shapes and sizes. It comes with double-sided non-slip surfaces, this all-purpose premium exercise yoga mat comes with an excellent slip-resistant advantage to prevent injuries. It also comfortably cushions the spine, hips, knees, and elbows on hard floors. It comes with the best support feature. Moisture-resistant technology makes the mat to be easily washed with soap and water. For easy transport and traveling it comes with storage that is lightweight and easy to carry and also very easy to clean.
- Comes with a mat and knee pad
- Comes with a strap which makes it easy for transportation
- Non-slip
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Can have better stability
2. Everyday essentials high-density yoga mat with knee pad
Everyday essential mat ensures comfort for all shapes and sizes people, it is made up of high-density extra foam that comfortably cushions the spine, hips, knees, and elbows on hard floors. This premium mat comes with double-sided non-slip surfaces, this all-purpose premium exercise yoga mat comes with an excellent slip-resistant advantage to prevent injuries. It also comfortably cushions the spine, hips, knees, and elbows on hard floors. It comes with the best support feature. Moisture-resistant technology makes the mat to be easily washed with soap and water. It comes with a strap that is adjustable and that makes it easy to carry and travel anywhere you want.
- Comes with a mat and knee pad
- Portable
- Non-slip
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Might tear up if applied too much weight
3. Prosource thick trifold thick yoga mat
Prosource Mat comes in a trifold design and is very comfortable for people with joint pain. It provides a cushioned, supportive surface for workouts, stretching, martial Arts, or outdoor fitness routines. Resilient foam interior keeps its shape for long-term usability and protects knees, wrists, elbows & back. It is made up of dense EPE foam that provides thick comfort and is covered in easy-to-clean vinyl material. The vinyl surface also resists tearing or stretching. It has a portable design that folds up easily and has hands which makes it easy to carry and store anywhere, you do not need a bigger space for it. Also comes in three different color options which you can choose from.
- Comfortable design
- Portable
- Easy to clean
- Resists tearing
- Durable
- Provides good support
- Can be a bit hard initially to practice yoga on
4. Amazon basics extra-thick yoga mat
Amazon basic mat is one of the best-imported yoga mats for you to choose from. It is made up of 100% NBR foam which is sturdy, light-weight, and strong. Ideal for yoga, Pilates, and floor exercises, the textured surface provides reliable traction for movement and poses. This extra-thick mat offers added comfort and padding support to the body and also makes it easier for you to exercise on wood floors and hard surfaces. Elastic straps secure rolled-up mat includes a shoulder strap for easy carrying. This mat provides extra support, shock absorption, and comfort.
- Lightweight
- Sturdy mat
- Easy to exercise on hard floors too
- Portable design
- Imported mat
- Provides support
- It May have an odd smell
5. Gaiam yoga mat for all types of yoga
Giam yoga mat is perfect for all types of yoga and it is made of man-made materials. Manufactured free of the top six most harmful phthalates which makes it safe for you and the planet too. This thing is not seen in any other yoga mats. This mat is durable, yet lightweight exercise yoga mats are extra-thick for the additional cushioning your joints need during any yoga or fitness routine. The yoga mat features a textured sticky non-slip surface for excellent traction and superior grip with a stylish design that helps you to stay focused while doing yoga. It also ensures the safety and comfort you need to enhance proper alignment and maintain poses. The mat has a thickness of 6mm which makes it a great option for people with bad knees.
- Lightweight
- Sturdy mat
- Easy to exercise on hard floors too
- Portable design
- Imported mat
- Provides support
- It May have an odd smell
6. Plyopic all in one yoga mat
Plyopic all in one yoga mat- as the name says it is suitable for types of yoga. It helps you to improve your balance and stability in any pose with a dense non-slip 3.5mm rubber base that firmly grips the floor that ensures comfort for people of all shapes and sizes. This extra-thick mat offers added comfort and padding support to the body and also makes it easier for you to exercise. It is an environmentally conscious product with SGS certified materials. This mat will definitely be soft against your skin and better for your health. The best part is the materials used are all non-toxic and non-allergic.
- Eco-friendly materials
- Comfortable
- Durable
- SGS certified
- Variety of designs
- Non-toxic
- Nonallergic
- Can have an odd smell initially
7. Liforme eco- friendly yoga mat
Liforme eco-friendly yoga mat is a Premium yoga mat designed to be the most innovative & comfortable mat for all your yoga experiences. It is one of the best products when it comes to grip. This mat is durable, yet lightweight exercise yoga mats are extra-thick for the additional cushioning your joints need during any yoga or fitness routine. Because of its best grip quality it guides and prevents you from being injured. The company designs the most engineered eco-polyurethane and rubber specialty for the body. These mats are PVC-free, biodegradable, and made using high-quality non-toxic materials that keep the mat clean and hygienic. It is great for anyone of any shape and body size
- Durable
- Non-allergic
- Can be used by anyone
- Revolutionary grip
- Great alignment and balance
- High-quality material
- Nontoxic
- None
8. Hemingweigh extra thick yoga mat
Hemingweigh yoga mat is thoroughly engineered to support all types of yoga routines. It is made with high-density foam and has thickness of 1″ anti-tear premium foam material. No need to worry about comfort as the mat has thick cushioning specially designed for superior impact and absorption. It also ensures support and joint comfort. Comes with a nonslip feature that allows you to maintain perfect balance. This exercise jump rope mat is lightweight but durable. It won’t fray, rip, or tear like inferior knock-off yoga cushions. It is also long enough to practice any yoga movements. It is made with soft, flexible, and nontoxic NBR material to keep your health safe. Very durable mat and may last for a long time.
- Lightweight
- Sturdy mat
- Easy to exercise on hard floors too
- Portable design
- Imported mat
- Provides support
- May leave marks on the mat
9. Mundako pro-ultra-thick premium yoga mat
Mundako mat is one of the best professional quality ultra-supportive 6mm thick yoga mats. Ultra-dense cushioning provides superior support, stability, and joint protection. This 6mm thick exercise mat provides cushion and support on any surface. It is made from PVC that has been certified and responsibly crafted in a sustainable emissions-free facility. Closed-cell technology material wicks sweat and moisture, and is easy to maintain and clean. . Comes with a nonslip feature that allows you to maintain the perfect balance. It provides the best support and stability to perform any yoga and the dot pattern on the mat helps to hold the mat in place easily.
- Durable
- Revolutionary grip
- Great alignment and balance
- High-quality material
- Nontoxic
- Provides the best support
- Easy to clean
- None
10. Toplus eco-friendly upgraded yoga mat
Toplus eco-friendly is a premium quality mat. This upgraded yoga mat is made with a patent-pending new eco-friendly material. It is not made from any cheap or standard material instead is made with TPE material offers the latest technological improvement over traditional yoga mats. 6mm in thickness offers the most comfortable experience for all levels of yoga. This new TPE yoga mat has been upgraded with a non-slip texture for yoga, which requires anti-slip performance. A double-layer structure coupled with a non-slip textured surface provides optimal grip without sacrificing comfort. This makes it suitable for many forms of Yoga. The mat is easy to carry and the best part is it comes with one year warranty too
- Newly upgraded mat
- 6mm thick
- Comfortable to use
- Non-slip texture
- Anti-slip
- Provides optimal grip
- Comes with a warranty
- None
11. MRO high-performance thick yoga mat
The Yoga Mat is designed to give you the most comfortable yoga experience possible. The extra-thick 6mm mat protects joints without compromising support or stability. You do not have to worry about sore knees and elbows; Ideal for use on hardwood floors. It has a pattern at the top that provides unparalleled grip and comfort, makes it easy to hold poses no matter how vigorous your practice gets. At the bottom, it has a circle dot design that prevents the mat from sliding around and offers stability on hard or soft surfaces.
This durable mat will hold up to the wear and tear of regular practice. Constructed using non tear technology, it won’t rip, shred or stretch with use. It comes with a premium sports stretching strap. The mat is made of premium, sustainable materials, and advanced manufacturing practices.
- Comfortable yoga mat for knees
- Extra thick
- Can be used on hard floors too
- Non-slip
- Anti-tear
- Made from sustainable material
- None
12. Now yoging unbeatable yoga mat
This unbeatable mat by Now yoging is a premium quality mat. It has an extra thick cushion that offers superior elasticity and shock absorption to help protect joints. If you compare the cheaper PVC, NBR material mat those may slip but this is made from TPE which is the latest improvement of a yoga mat. The mat has an immediate grip, is lightweight, durability. Its closed-cell waterproof design means it is easy to clean. It won’t absorb your sweat or get smelly from mold. Yogings yoga mats are extra soft and cushiony, which has 8mm thickness. It is designed to protect and support your vulnerable knees and joints. . It comes with a premium sports stretching strap and is easier to clean.
- Premium quality mat
- 8mm thick
- Comfortable to use
- Non-slip texture
- Anti-slip
- Easy to clean
- Absorbs sweat
- None
13. Aurorae classic yoga mat
Aurorae classic yoga mat is an all-purpose yoga mat that can be used by anyone. The 1/4 inch thickness provides the perfect surface to protect your knees and joints while still allowing you to grip the floor for balance poses. It has a focal point icon that helps you focus on your poses. This durable mat will hold up to the wear and tear of regular practice. Constructed using non tear technology, it won’t rip, shred or stretch with use mats structure is coupled with a non-slip textured surface provides optimal grip without sacrificing comfort. This makes it suitable for many forms of Yoga. Mats have been tested and are safe as it has no phthalates, phenols, pahs, latex, silicone, or rubber. The mat is easy to carry and the best part is it comes with a two-year warranty too
- Suitable for everyone
- Non-slip texture
- Durable
- Provides better grip
- Nontear technology
- Made from safe ingredients
- Comes with 2-year warranty
- May slip a bit from the bottom
14. Gorilla premium large yoga mat
Gorilla premium mat is very spacious and one can perform any activities easily. This spacious mat is large enough for any yoga pose, meditation, stretching, light cardio workout, or barefoot bodyweight exercise. The sticky, textured, non-slip top provides unmatched grip and comfort. Unique, circle-pattern bottom grips and prevents the mat from sliding around. Crafted from premium, eco-friendly, non-toxic materials with no latex, odor, or smell.
The mat perfectly balances as it has comfortable cushion and stability which your feet, knees, elbows, ankles, and spine will like to have. It has 8mm thickness with high-density, double-thick padding that provides plenty of cushions to protect your knees and joints. It includes a 100% microfiber towel to wipe away moisture and a carry bag and two velcro straps. The mat also works great on any type of flooring. These Gorilla Mats are constructed from the highest grade non-toxic material.
- Durable
- Provides better grip
- Great alignment and balance
- High-quality material
- Nontoxic
- Provides the best support
- Easy to clean
- It may give an odd smell in the beginning
Things to Consider While Purchasing Yoga Mat for Bad Knees
If you feel knee pain while you are doing yoga it means that the mat might not be the best fit for you and that is why you must look for a mat that has proper cushioning, thickness, and texture. Let us understand about these factors in detail below
1.Thickness
The thickness of the mat matters the most because if you have a thin yoga mat that is around 2mm thick it would be suitable for different yoga poses which would not be comfortable for your knees and the disadvantage here is it would not have enough cushioning and support which is needed id you have bad knees
Go for a yoga mat that is around 3mm thick as it would be comfortable for you while performing yoga. Also, the advantage here of having a thick yoga mat is that it provides the perfect cushioning which is required and you may be able to practice yoga easily
2.Cushion
Yoga mats for bad knees are made up of vinyl, natural rubber, or PVC material as they offer durability and softness which is required. Having the right amount of cushion for your yoga mat offers you stability and support which can help you while performing yoga. While buying check for its durability as that determines the quality of your yoga mat.
3.Texture
You may be excited to try and buy a yoga mat that has texture and designs but let us tell you it may not benefit you as much. Because yoga mats that have irregular patterns and designs may not offer stability for your knees and it may even add to your knee pain. Therefore go for a mat that has even lines, a soft texture, and has a smooth surface.
Conclusion
Knee pain or joint pain can cause hindrance to you for your yoga sessions. Yoga is best for all age groups and it keeps your mind and body relaxed, but when a bad knee causes discomfort you may lose your focus and yoga may not be as effective. That is why performing yoga on a mat designed for such issues as knee pain or joint pain is important. Hope this article has helped you to choose the best yoga mat from the top 10 list. Thank you for reading.