How thick should an exercise mat be?

It depends on your primary exercise type. For yoga and balance work, 4 6mm provides the ideal balance of cushion and stability. For floor exercises like ab work and stretching, 10 15mm gives comfortable joint protection. For heavy HIIT or weightlifting, a thinner, denser mat (6 8mm) prevents instability during dynamic movements. Mats thicker than 15mm can compromise balance and are typically only needed for physical therapy or exercises with significant knee contact.