Okay, so I’ve been doing yoga for a while now, and I’ve always used a standard-sized mat. It was fine at first, but I started feeling a bit cramped, especially during certain poses. I’m not super tall, about 5’9″, but I like having enough space to move around without feeling restricted. So, I decided to look into getting a longer yoga mat.
First, I measured my height and figured I needed a mat that was at least six inches longer than me. That put me in the range of needing a mat around 75 inches long. The standard mats are usually around 68 to 72 inches, so I was definitely in the market for something a bit extra.
I started my search by checking out some well-known brands. I looked at Manduka and Liforme, which are pretty popular. They had some good options, but I wanted to make sure I explored all the possibilities.
My main goal was to find a mat that gave me more room to stretch out. I also wanted to consider the width. Some people like wider mats, like around 30 inches, which gives you more space to move side-to-side. I thought about it, but since I don’t have a ton of space at home, I decided to stick with a standard width of around 24 inches and just focus on the length for now.
Finding the Right Mat
Here’s what I did to find the right long yoga mat:
- Measured Myself: I double-checked my height to figure out the minimum length I needed.
- Checked Brands: I looked at popular brands like Manduka and Liforme to see their offerings.
- Considered Features: I thought about the material, thickness, and grip, but length was my main concern.
- Read Reviews: I read some reviews from other people who bought longer mats to see what they liked and disliked.
After doing all this, I finally found a mat that was 76 inches long. It seemed perfect for me. It’s a bit longer than what I thought I needed, but I figured a little extra space wouldn’t hurt.
I ended up ordering the mat, and when it arrived, I was pretty excited to try it out. I rolled it out and immediately noticed the difference. I did a few stretches and poses, and it felt so much better. I could fully extend in poses like downward-facing dog without my hands or feet hanging off the edge. It was a game-changer!
Using a longer mat has made my yoga practice much more comfortable. I have more space to move, and I don’t feel restricted at all. If you’re taller or just like having extra room, I highly recommend looking into a longer yoga mat. It might seem like a small change, but it can make a big difference in how you feel during your practice.
So, that’s my story about switching to a long yoga mat. It was a simple process, but it really improved my yoga experience. If you’re thinking about it, I say go for it! You might be surprised at how much of a difference it makes.
