I’ve always been a big guy. I started doing yoga a few years back, but I always felt cramped on those regular-sized mats. My elbows and knees kept going off the edges, and it was pretty distracting. So, I thought, “Why not try a wider mat?” I did some digging around and found out that there are yoga mats specifically designed to be wider than the standard ones. They are usually around 36 inches wide, which sounded perfect for me.
I went ahead and ordered one online. I was pretty excited when it arrived. I unrolled it, and man, it was spacious! I could finally stretch out without worrying about landing on the hard floor. I started with some simple poses, like downward dog and warrior II, and the difference was night and day.
With the extra space, I felt more stable and balanced. I could really focus on my form and breathing. In the past, I was always adjusting my position on the mat, but now I could just flow from one pose to the next without any interruptions. It was like a whole new world of yoga opened up for me.
I’ve been using my wide mat for a few months now, and I can honestly say it’s been a game-changer. I feel more confident in my practice, and I’ve even started trying out some more advanced poses that I wouldn’t have dared to do before. I can now fully extend my arms and legs without any restrictions. It’s amazing how such a simple change can have such a big impact.
- More space to move: This is the most obvious benefit. I can finally do all my poses without feeling restricted.
- Better stability and balance: With a wider base, I feel much more grounded and secure in my poses.
- Improved focus: I’m no longer distracted by constantly readjusting my position on the mat.
- Increased confidence: I feel more comfortable trying out new and challenging poses.
- Enhanced comfort: It might sound trivial, but having that extra cushion under me makes a big difference, especially during longer practices.
It’s Been Worth Every Penny
I used to think that a yoga mat was just a yoga mat, but now I realize how wrong I was. Getting a wider mat has made my yoga practice so much more enjoyable and effective. If you’re a bigger person or just someone who likes a bit more space to move, I highly recommend giving a 36” wide yoga mat a try. It might just be the best investment you make in your yoga journey.