10 Best Yoga Mats For Bad Knees, According To A Fitness Pro (2024)

The older we get, the more critical it becomes to be active and have a consistent workout routine. But, not everyone can readily embrace heavy-duty strength workouts because of bad knees or other issues that may hinder their performance. This means that you have to embrace low-impact exercises to be in shape and prevent additional stress on your knees or joints. Thanks to the best yoga mat for bad knees, now you can do all your yoga asanas and pilates exercise pain-free.

To prevent your knees from buckling after your workout, we have listed the 10 best yoga mats for bad knees that will dissipate your pain overnight and let you work out in peace. In this article, we have listed a bunch of mats that provide adequate cushioning and are long, and have a non-slip surface. So, keep reading to know which mat will suit your needs the best.

10 Best Yoga Mats For Bad Knees To Dissipate Your Pain

1. Best Overall: BalanceFrom GoYoga+ Yoga Mat

4.5

Image: Balancefrom

BUY ON AMAZON | $13.49

This mat has made it to our list of thick yoga mats for bad knees because it checks all the boxes. It has double-sided non-slip surfaces, suitable for all low-impact workouts that require balance, and it comfortably cushions your spine, knees, and hips. The slip-resistant feature makes it perfect for hot yoga workouts, so no matter how sweaty you get, you won’t risk any injury on the mat. Also, this mat comes with a knee pad for extra protection and comfort. This yoga mat with carrying straps for convenience is lightweight, making it travel-friendly. The mat comes with a strap and is lightweight, making it travel-friendly. Look at this video for a detailed review of the BalanceFrom GoYoga+ Yoga Mat and the reviewer’s experience of using it.

Certified Yoga Therapist, Michelle Thielen, suggests stepping off the mat and onto the floor if practicing balancing postures. Balancing postures are often challenging on thicker mats, but they make great cushions for other postures, especially seated or kneeling forms.

2. Best Tear Resistant: BEAUTYOVO Yoga Mat With Strap

4.5

Now 14% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $39.62

People love this yoga mat for bad knees because it is super comfortable and offers the best joint/back support during low-impact workouts. The premium-grade materials are made from eco-friendly thermoplastic polymers that are much better than conventional rubber and plastic mats. This means that the mats have a higher elasticity than traditional yoga mats, and they are abrasion and tear-resistant while being durable. In addition, it is 1/3 inch thick, which means whatever pose you perform, you will be supported comfortably, without any pain or discomfort. The stylish knee-friendly yoga mat with a non-slip feature is due to the bumpy texture on the underside of the mat that increases traction, giving the mat a firm connection to the floor. Several reviewers state that the product has good thickness and cushioning, offers stability, and relieves stress on joints.

3. Best Travel-Friendly: Clever Non-Slip Essential Yoga Mat

4.4

Image: Cleveryoga

BUY ON AMAZON | $39.99

The Clever Non-Slip Essential Yoga Mat is considered one the best yoga mats for bad knees this year, and with good reason. The extra-wide yoga mat for knee room is extra thick and is designed to provide a comfortable workout experience. This yoga accessory is 72 inches long and 25 and a half inches wide, making it suitable for people of all heights and body types. Also, it is pretty lightweight and travel-friendly, so you can use it anywhere at home or carry it to your yoga class. The easy-to-clean knee-friendly yoga mat has an effective double-sided design which makes it slip-proof and gives your hands good traction for yoga practice. No matter how much your stretch or how frequently you use the mat, it won’t tear or rip.

4. Best Budget-Friendly: Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat

4.5

Image: Gaiam

BUY ON AMAZON | $26.27

Fitness experts and yogis have been raving about this yoga mat for bad knees and for good reason. It is 2/5-inch thick and rolls up beautifully, making it comfortable for bad knees and convenient for traveling. Not only is it good quality, but this is also an affordable yoga mat for bad knees, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. Choose from 9 fun colors to coordinate with your other yoga accessories. The non-toxic material makes it safe for use at home, especially if you have pets or kids. The portable knee-friendly yoga mat comes with a carrying strap, so you can roll it up and go wherever you want. Since this quality yoga mat is nice and thick, it is perfect to use on hardwood floors because it will provide extra cushioning on your knees without sinking. The reviews mention the product is lightweight, firm, and stable.

5. Best Slip-Proof: TENOLS JELS Extra Thick Yoga Mat

4.5

Now 8% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $44.99

The TENOLS JELS Extra Thick Yoga Mat is perfect for people looking for formats that won’t slip or slide. This is because the cushioned yoga mat has a unique anti-slip feature consisting of suction cup designs that ensure the mat stays on any floor surface. It’s also popular for its durable, anti-tear design, making it long-lasting. It comes in various color options. In addition, the long-lasting yoga mat for knee support is thick enough to offer your knees and joints relief and it is supportive enough to not trigger any pain. No matter how much you sweat during the workout or yoga exercise, your slip-proof design will keep you safe.

Quick Tip

Rub the mat with a wet cloth and air dry it before folding it to avoid damaging the material.

6. Best Eco-Friendly: Ewedoos Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat

4.5

Image: Ewedoos

BUY ON AMAZON | $29.99

This unique yoga mat is quickly becoming a cult favorite among fitness enthusiasts. The innovative material is made from eco-friendly thermoplastic elastomers, making it flexible and durable. This yoga accessory is unique because it has a body alignment system, and it helps you focus and adjust your pose accurately. The mat has fantastic non-slip technology on both sides, with a wavy underside providing traction on any floor surface. The non-slip textured surface on the yoga mat for knee grip has a top that is also sweat-resistant, so whenever you sweat, your grip on the mat will get stronger, keeping you safe during the workout. Since the material is PVC-free, you don’t have to worry about any chemical smell that will assault your senses when you work out. Lastly, the mat provides proper knee cushioning without triggering any pain. There are also alignment guides on the yoga mat for knee positioning. The hands-on experience of the reviewers shows that the lines on the map help them to stay aligned when doing yoga poses.

7. Best Shock Absorbing: Amazon Basics Exercise Yoga Mat

4.5

Image: Amazon

BUY ON AMAZON | $25.56

The Amazon Basics Yoga Mat is available in 7 unique colors and is half-inch thick, so it looks great and feels comfortable on bad knees and aching joints. The reversible yoga mat for knee support also has a shock-absorbing feature that reduces stress on the knees and minimizes pressure on your joints. Furthermore, the convenient carrying strap makes the mat travel-friendly. The anti-fatigue yoga mat also has a textured foam surface which is supremely helpful to people who get sweaty palms as it prevents you from slipping and sliding during your yoga asanas. And if this was not all, this extra padding yoga mat is quite comfortable for doing yoga poses like cat/cow, especially when placed on hardwood floors.

Quick Tip

Mix one part of vinegar to three parts of water in a spray bottle and spritz the solution on the mat. Wipe the mat with a microfiber towel to eliminate foul sweat smell.

8. Best Lightweight: NOW YOGING Unbeatable Yoga Mat

BUY ON AMAZON | $0

This yoga mat by NOW YOGING is not only budget-friendly but is made from premium-quality TPE. This doesn’t have a strong chemical odor, won’t shred, is super durable, and is slip-proof as well. The odor-resistant yoga mat for fresh practice is lightweight and comes with a strap, making it travel-friendly. In addition, this quality yoga mat has alignment lines etched into it that will guide you during your yoga session and ensure that your posture is correct, so you don’t hurt yourself. This joint-friendly yoga mat with cushioning system is great because it offers superior elasticity and shock absorption, which won’t trigger any knee or joint pain.

9. Best Durable: ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Exercise Mat

4.6

Image: Prosourcefit

BUY ON AMAZON | $40.09

If the thought of kneeling or putting pressure on your wrist makes you twitch, you must purchase this thick yoga mat for bad knees. The foam interior is durable and by far one of the thickest workout mats in the market right now. It has a 1.5-inch thick surface that feels amazing and offers much support for weak knees. However, this extra thick mat with its dense material does not roll up like traditional yoga mats; instead, you have to fold it into a square. It also has convenient carrying handles that make it easy to travel. Lastly, the soft surface yoga mat for knee comfort is covered in vinyl, which provides good, superior traction for your hands and feet and makes it easy to clean. Watch this video for an honest review of the ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Exercise Mat and a tester’s experience of using it.

Quick Tip

Wet a sponge with soapy water and wipe the mat clean with the solution. Then, wipe it with a dry absorbent cloth to remove residue.

10. Best Harsh Chemical-Free Material: Sivan Health And Fitness Foam Yoga Mat

BUY ON AMAZON | $0

The Sivan Health And Fitness Foam Yoga Mat is a popular and well-loved fitness mat thanks to its non-slip surface that offers reinforced stability. This yoga accessory has a 1.2-inch thickness, gentle on bad knees, and aching joints. The non-toxic yoga mat for sensitive knees is safe to store at home, especially if you have kids or pets. The thick foam surface is suitable for workouts on any hard floor. Besides being easy to clean and durable, you can choose from three fun, versatile colors. The reviews mention the product is comfortable to use and easy to wash. If you want a mat that will help you focus on your yoga exercises and not your pain trigger points, you must go for this one!

Now that you know about the best yoga mat for bad knees available online, you must know the essential factors that make a good mat. Keep reading our buying guide to know which one will suit your needs the best.

How To Choose The Best Yoga Mat For Bad Knees

• Thickness

This is one of the key features you need to look for when searching for yoga mats. A good amount of thickness will protect your joints and knees from aching, especially if you have hard floors. Look for mats at least 1.2 inches thick to provide additional support without causing discomfort.

• Cushioning

Thickness and cushioning go hand in hand. If one is compromised, it will affect the other. So look for mats with optimal cushioning and some resistance so that your hands and knees don’t sink in when working out.

• Texture

Thickness and cushioning go hand in hand. If one is compromised, it will affect the other. So look for mats with optimal cushioning and some resistance so your hands and knees don’t sink in when working out.

Infographic: Hacks To Keep Your Yoga Mat Odor-Free

As important as it is to find the best yoga mat for bad knees, it is equally important to keep it fresh and odor-free. After all, nobody loves bad odor during their workout sessions! Check out the infographic below for tips you need to follow to maintain a clean yoga mat.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Why Trust Stylecraze

Shreya Viswanathan, the author, is a beauty and health enthusiast who is always on the lookout for trying new products that can help you with your health, style, comfort, and convenience. She has scoured through several health and beauty forums and done an in-depth review before recommending these top yoga mats for bad knees. These anti-slip yoga mats are especially designed to provide you the right cushioning and support for your knees, to help alleviate the pain and discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any special yoga mat just for bad knees?

We recommend that you try out Gaiam’s premium mat because it is an extra thick 6mm yoga mat perfect for sensitive knees. Also, the mat is quite lightweight, which makes it travel-friendly too.

Why should we use a yoga mat if we have knee pain?

Yoga mats are suitable for low-impact exercises; good-quality mats will minimize the amount of stress on the joints and provide you with a good workout experience.

How often should we wash a yoga mat?

It depends on the intensity of your sessions. Usually, you can work out for a week or so before your mat needs a good cleaning.

Which yoga mat is more comfortable for bad knees?

The premium yoga mat by Gaiam is extra thick that makes it perfect for sensitive knees. In addition, a grip-enhancing yoga mat for knee stability is also ideal for bad knees as it has a textured sticky surface that offers a good, extra grip for when your palms or feet get sweaty.

How thick should a yoga mat be for bad knees?

Purchase yoga mats that are 1.2 inches or more in thickness to keep your knees comfortable.

Can yoga help bad knees?

Yes, yoga reduces chronic pain in your knees and improves mobility. It improves your overall physical fitness and minimizes stress.

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Michelle ThielenCertified Yoga Therapist

   

Michelle Thielen, R-CYAMT, is a yoga therapist who has been teaching somatic movement through dance and yoga for over 25 years. She is also a keynote speaker and the author of Stretching Your Faith and Exit Wilderness. She founded the Christian Yoga Association in 2018 to act as a bridge between faith-based yoga practitioners and educators. Michelle helps individuals deal...more

Shreya VishwanathanCommerce Writer

 

Shreya is a commerce writer who is passionate about reviewing products related to fitness, health, and home. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, and has four years of experience. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in applied psychology from Amity University, Gwalior. Her intrigue in human behavior and extensive years...more

Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest...more

Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor

Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products. She has previously worked as a scriptwriter for an educational technology company and...more