A yoga mat is an essential piece of equipment for any type of yoga practice. There are many colors and materials to choose from. While most are rectangular in shape, a few companies are now selling round yoga mats.
Round yoga mats are circular and about six feet in diameter. In most cases, a foam material is used, similar to rectangular sticky mats.
The biggest benefit of using a round yoga mat is the freedom of movement and the ability to move into poses easily. With the typical rectangle shaped mat, you sometimes need to stop and turn or move up on the mat to move into the next position. This is not a problem with a round mat. You can move in any direction and never interrupt the flow of your practice.
Another benefit of a round mat is that your entire body will remain on the mat in most poses. For example, with some reclined poses, your feet or legs may be off the mat and on the hard floor. With a round mat, you are completely on the mat for better cushioning in the asanas.
Round mats are often thicker than the standard yoga mat. This is beneficial for people who want a bit more padding. Whether you are looking for comfort or have a health condition that requires extra cushioning, a thicker round mat may be a good choice.
There are several of these products on the market and some are thicker than others. If you are looking for extra cushion, pay attention to the thickness when comparing mats. Usually the lower priced mats are thinner than the more expensive products.
Speaking of price, these mats are not cheap. You can find them advertised online for between $60 and $100, depending on the manufacturer and thickness of the mat. Whether the extra cost is worth the freedom of motion is a matter of personal preference. For some people, especially if you regularly practice a vinyasa style of yoga or do yoga and Pilates, this may be a good investment.