Yoga can do wonders to your overall well-being, but having bad knees is a big detriment. Injured or fragile knees can make yoga a painful experience. Fortunately, a little extra cushion provided by yoga mats can go a long way in having a pain-free yoga practice.
The best yoga mat for bad knees should be made from non-toxic materials and have good anti-slip traction and high-density. There are lots of yoga mats available on the market today, but only a few offer the right support for bad knees. Here’s our roundup for the five best yoga mats that you should try for your bad knees.
Quick Answer:
1. BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Exercise Yoga Mat
BalanceFrom offers the best yoga mat at a reasonable price. Its 1/2” thickness makes a great cushion to your back, hips, knees, and elbows on solid floors. We love its moisture resistant technology because it wicks away your sweat and makes cleanup easy.
2. Clever Yoga BetterGrip Yoga Mat
If you want a durable mat, the BetterGrip might be your best choice. It uses an anti-tear technology to make the mat resilient from wear and tear. It offers a 100% money-back guarantee which allows you to ask for a full refund or replacement if you’re not happy with the product.
The Manduka PRO is a high-performance yoga mat that guarantees to never deteriorate from yoga practice. It is 1/4” thick to give enough cushion to your bad knees. Unlike other yoga mats that use synthetic polyester to reinforce the construction, the PRO yoga mat uses a combination of natural cotton and polyester.
Editor’s Pick: Best Yoga Mat for Bad Knees
Yoga Mat for Bad Knees:
The Buying Guide
Here are the things that you should look for when buying a good yoga mat for bad knees.
Thickness
It’s important to consider the thickness of any yoga mat if you’re buying it for bad knees. The extra cushion can protect your bad knees from banging on the hard floor. The thickness may vary for each yoga mat but the minimum thickness you should look for is 1/8 inch.
Padding is really good for extra cushion but make sure you don’t end up with a low-quality foam. Look for PVC-free mats to keep you safe from toxins. Keep it light for easy travel and don’t be scared to spend more on a high-quality mat.
Density
Another thing you should consider is the mat’s density. Look for high-density mats to prevent your bad knees from touching the floor. They don’t indent with long-term use and they can efficiently keep your balance.
Material
Like yoga knee pads, the material used can make a huge difference. The best yoga mats are made of non-toxic materials that are free from phthalates and latex.
TPE, NBR, and natural rubber are among the best materials that you should look for because they’re eco-friendly and dense. If you’re sensitive to latex, watch out for natural rubber. Choose NBR or TPE if you want a durable mat that can last for many uses.
Anti-Slip Traction
The last thing you need is to have a yoga mat that slips on the floor when doing your yoga poses. While too much stickiness feels bad on the skin, you might need some of it to keep the mat in place. Your best bets are foam mats like NBR and TPE because they have the highest stickiness element.
Texture
Texture is crucial for overall comfort. You’ll want a yoga mat with a smooth texture if you have bad knees. Look for NBR or PVC yoga mats to enjoy the smoothness. If you don’t like PVC or foams, look for rubber mats that have raised, tangible patterns.
5 Best Yoga Mat for Bad Knees Review
1. BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Exercise Yoga Mat
BalanceFrom is a versatile premium exercise yoga mat that offers amazing resilience to maintain your balance during your yoga practice. It’s 71 inches long and 24 inches wide to give enough room for people of different sizes. With its latex-free NBR foam material, the 1/2-inch thick mat gives enough cushion to your back, knees, hips, and elbows on any solid ground.
What’s great about BalanceFrom is its double-sided non-slip surfaces which helps prevent injuries. It features a moisture-resistant technology to absorb sweat and make cleanup easy with water and soap. It comes with a strap for easy transportation and a 2-year warranty for your peace of mind.
Read Also: 5 BalanceFrom yoga mats
PROS:
- Lightweight and portable
- Good price
- 2-year warranty
- Excellent non-slip traction
- Easy to clean
CONS:
- It tends to collect dust
Best For:
The BalanceFrom yoga mat is perfect for beginners who want to spend less on their first yoga mat. It’s also great for those who want to travel with their yoga mat because it comes with a durable strap.
2. Clever Yoga BetterGrip Yoga Mat
The BetterGrip yoga mat is a bit larger than BalanceFrom with its 72” length and 25.25” width. Its 1/4-inch thickness protects your knees without compromising stability. Both sides provide nice non-slip traction while the wavy underside keeps the mat still on the hardwood floor.
This yoga mat has a subdued textured surface to keep your hands and feet from slipping during your yoga practice. It’s created from TPE foam which contains no PVC, phthalates, latex, and other harmful chemicals. With its anti-tear technology, you can be assured that this yoga mat won’t shred or rip.
PROS:
- Free from toxic materials
- Offers superior grip
- Doesn’t easily rip or tear
- Closed-cell surface prevents bacteria buildup
- 100% money-back guarantee
CONS:
- A bit hard to unfold
Best For:
The BetterGrip yoga mat is perfect for those who want a durable mat for yoga, Pilates, and meditation. It anti-tear technology makes it durable and last for very long.
3. Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat boasts some large dimensions: 85” x 26” x 0.25”. It’s made from tree rubber, which makes it devoid of any toxic fumes like phthalates and latex. It has a closed-cell surface that prevents moisture from leaking into the mat.
We love this PRO Yoga Mat because it’s very dense, allowing you to execute all yoga poses with great stability and support. It has a solid construction that can last longer than its foam counterparts. It comes in 15 attractive colors, from black to burgundy.
It’s also one of the best yoga mats for tall people.
PROS:
- Available in many colors
- Made from latex-free material
- Very dense and firm
- Durable and tough
- Has large dimensions
CONS:
- Very pricey
- A bit heavy to carry
Best For:
The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat is great for light perspiration yoga practice. Its high- density cushion offers great support to bad knees. Its large dimensions make it ideal for tall and plus-sized people.
4. HemingWeigh Yoga Mat
The HemighWeigh is another extra-thick yoga mat that you should consider. It’s 1.2″ thick and provides a comfortable cushion to your bad knees and spine on hard grounds. It’s available in six bright colors and 2-3 combos.
This high-density foam yoga mat is 71” long and 24” wide to ensure great comfort for people of all different shapes. It has a non-slip surface to prevent the mat from sliding to the floor and protect you from injuries. It includes a free carrying strap and a 2-year manufacturer warranty for a risk-free purchase.
PROS:
- Easy to carry around
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
- Made from high-density foam
- Free from latex and other chemicals
- Easy to clean
CONS:
- It has a slightly funky smell at first use
Best For:
The HemingWeigh Yoga Mat is great for people who want a brilliantly coloured mat for yoga. It's lightweight and comes with a self-strapping system that makes it ideal for travel.
5. Spoga Premium Exercise Yoga Mat
The Spoga Premium Exercise Yoga Mat is made from memory foam which doesn’t lose shape even after extended use. With its dimension (71 inches long and 24 inches wide), this yoga mat offers enough room for people of different sized. It’s made from high-density, moisture-resistant foam material to give sufficient cushion to your bad knees.
This Premium Exercise Yoga Mat is ultra-thick at 5/8 or 0.6 inches, making it very comfortable for various yoga poses and ab workouts. The surface is textured to keep your feet stable and the mat in place during yoga. It includes two elastic straps for easy travel.
PROS:
- Made from a high-density foam material
- Ultra-thick for maximum comfort
- Includes two elastic straps for easy transportation
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Textured non-slip surface
CONS:
- May easily rip over time
Best For:
If you like an ultra-thick yoga mat, the Spoga Premium Exercise Yoga Mat is best for you. It’s 5/8” thick to provide extra comfort for bad knees. With its carrying straps, you can take it anywhere.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a knee pad together with a yoga mat?
Yes, you can! The knee pad will add more cushion and support to your bad knees. You’ll be amazed at how any discomfort will truly disappear.
Q: What is the desired thickness for a yoga mat?
The desired thickness should be between 1/8 in to 1/2 in. While thick yoga mats offer the best cushion, some are too soft to keep your balance. To maintain your balance, look for high-density, thick yoga mats.
Q: How often should I clean my yoga mat?
Ideally, you need to clean your yoga mat after each class or session. To remove the bad odor from your yoga mat, spray it with a solution that’s made of white vinegar and water (1:2) and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. The solution will remove bacteria and odor buildup in your yoga mat.
Q: Can I wash a yoga mat in a washing machine?
Yes, you can wash your yoga mats in the washing machine only if it’s stated clearly in the label. If not, then wash it with soap and water. To use the washing machine, set the temperature to 30 degrees or colder and use the delicate cycle.
Q: When should I replace my yoga mat?
The general rule is to replace the mat every 6-12 months, but each person does his/her yoga practice differently, so it’s important to see the warning signs. Here are the clear signs that your yoga mat needs to go:
- Uneven edges.
- Small pieces falling off.
- Loss of traction.
- Hard time holding balance poses.
- Joint pains.
- Bald spots and holes.
- Stinking smell.
Conclusion
The best yoga mat for bad knees is from BalanceFrom because its 1/2” thick NBR foam material offers the best comfort and protection for your knees, back, and elbows. It offers great non-slip traction to keep your balance. Best of all, it’s affordable and easy to clean.
A good alternative is the Clever Yoga Mat which can endure the toughest yoga session. This yoga mat has a closed-cell surface to keep germs at bay. It’s made of an eco-friendly material that emits no toxic fumes when exposed to extreme temperatures.
Allen Wei is someone who believes in living his best life, focusing on balance, happiness, and relaxation. He fosters a positive lifestyle in terms of his body, mind, and environment, and he is a huge proponent of learning to be balanced via relaxation techniques integrated into our busy lives.
What do you think of the JADE thcker mat for Knees?
How does it compare with the 5 you have written about?
Thank you
Joyce