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The exercise mat ensures comfort and safety during training. It is irreplaceable in the case of popular fitness exercises, as well as yoga and pilates. Our guide will tell you how to choose a mat adapted to your sports discipline.

Before buying, it is worth taking a closer look at the types of mats so that you can choose the one that suits you best. It's better to invest in a good mat, as training on a slippery floor or carpet may pose a risk of injury or cause painful abrasions.

Types of exercise mats

There are mats on the market:

  • protective - are used to stabilize sports equipment, e.g. some strength equipment, stationary bicycles, elliptical cross trainers. When placed under the equipment, they have an anti-slip effect. They protect the floor against scratches and muffle sounds.
  • training - the most universal, intended mainly for fitness, pilates and aerobics training. They protect against abrasions and bruises, do not allow slipping, and insulate against cold surfaces. They are most often made of synthetic neoprene foam.
  • gymnastic - large and thick mattresses, an indispensable element of equipment for school gyms. Used during rehabilitation, corrective and acrobatic exercises.
  • yoga mats - the thinnest type of mats, their thickness ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 mm. Specially designed for yoga training. They mainly protect against slipping during exercise.
  • tatami mats - traditional Japanese mats, formerly made of straw, today made of durable synthetic materials. Designed for judo, karate, jiu-jitsu and other martial arts training.

Workout mats - what should you pay attention to when buying?

The most popular type of mats are training mats. Used both at home and in fitness clubs, they are the most universal. They usually come in two sizes: 200x100 cm and 200x120 cm, they can also be smaller (e.g. 50x140 cm). They are 5 to 6 mm thick. Which mat we choose depends on the types of exercises we do, especially their intensity.

When buying, it is worth paying attention to the following features of training mats:

  • thickness- thin matsthey are suitable for light recreational exercises. Thicker mats will prove themselves in the case of more intense fitness workouts and exercises that require greater cushioning. It is worth noting that not only the thickness is important, but also the density of the material from which the mat is made. The optimal parameters will allow you to comfortably perform exercises in the supine position - on the stomach or back and sides, or in a kneeling position. A good quality mat can be taken on the back to the park and used for exercise, or you can just sit on it and relax.
  • dimensions of the mat- it is best for our whole body to lie on the mat during exercise, so its length is equal to our height.
  • flexibility- the mat should roll easily, making it easy to store or transport. The flexible mat is easy to put in a bag or backpack and take to training. The mat should not break as it is easily damaged in a short time.
  • material- a fitness mat should be made of durable and ecological material, easy to clean, on which bacteria, fungi and mold will not grow. The mats usually lie on the floor, so they get dirty easily, and they come in contact with human sweat, so it's best if they are made of a material that can be washed in a washing machine.
  • grip- good mats are characterized by a high degree of adhesion to the ground, which increases safety during training - especially those intense ones that require dynamic movements and quick changes of position. Some have a herringbone pattern on the underside, which means that the mat does not change its position and does not curl around the edges.
  • price- this factor is no less important than the others, and for many buyers it will be the most important criterion for choosing a fitness mat. However, it is worth taking into account the fact that a good-quality mat will serve us for years. So it's worth investing in a reputable product to enjoy it every day.
  • accessories- cuffs and belts are a very practical solution in the mats - they facilitate transport and prevent the mat from unrolling.
Worth knowing

What features should a good training mat have?

  • universal and practical- it should be suitable for various types of exercises, both general and yoga or Pilates;
  • comfortable to use- easily rolled, with additional straps that prevent it from unrolling;
  • easy to clean- preferably with a smooth surface andone that can be washed in the washing machine;
  • ecological- unfortunately 95% of mats on the market are PVC mats, which, after throwing away, decompose for hundreds of years and litter our environment. By buying a few cheap mats throughout your life, we greatly accelerate the littering of the world. Rubber mats are biodegradable and environmentally friendly - this is the best possible solution;
  • aesthetic- if you are already investing in a mat, it is worth choosing one that will be simply pretty and the appearance of which will additionally motivate you to exercise. Exercise mats come in many colors and designs - which one you choose depends on your charisma, temperament, preferences and the type of discipline you are practicing.

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ABC of exercises