Sports equipment in the form of a mat is the first necessary thing in yoga and fitness classes. It doesn’t matter whether you work out at home or in the gym - the training should be as comfortable as possible, and this is impossible when using public props.
To choose which mat is most comfortable and suitable for you, you need not only to evaluate it in terms of comfort, but also to understand whether it meets the basic requirements of efficiency. There are several important criteria that must be met.
Material composition
What kind of requirements are imposed on the material from which the mat for training and exercise is made:
- It is non-slip regardless of the composition of the surface on which it lies.
- Has high elasticity and wear resistance.
- Soft and pleasant to the touch, it does not hurt to rest your knees and elbows on it.
- Dense enough to not feel the hardness of the floor.
- It has no foreign odors and does not emit toxins.
Rugs are made from a wide variety of materials. Most popular:
- Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) – elastic, lightweight, resembling rubber;
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – dense, soft, most popular among fitness enthusiasts;
- Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) – ideal anti-slip properties, except in contact with water. Better suited for yoga;
- Rubber (latex) is the choice of professionals. Natural material provides ideal grip, but wears out faster
Also in production can be used:
- Cork or jute as a thin top layer;
- Polyurethane;
- Microfiber;
- Cotton.
What types of gymnastic mats are there?
There are several main differences between the mats in sports stores, and they are selected depending on the type of sport.
Fitness mats
They are long (about 2 meters) and short (140 cm), designed for performing exercises while lying down, for example, for the abs, legs and buttocks. The width is usually at least 50 cm. The thickness of such mats is about 1 cm. An important feature of fitness mats is that they soften the surface and reduce pain when twisting, resting on the knees and elbows. The materials of folding gymnastic mats are often non-natural, such as polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic, elastomer, rubber, rubber. Such materials are able to repel liquid well, without getting wet under intense loads, and prevent the development of fungus and bacteria.
Yoga mats
They are made from the same materials that are intended for fitness, and foam is also often used. Quality mats often use jute fibers and cotton threads to provide a dense frame while making the mat more durable. Such rugs are no less than human height in length, from 170 to 200 cm, and 60 cm in width. The thickness usually does not exceed 6 mm. The main purpose of yoga mats is a non-slip, slightly sticky surface that provides high-quality grip of the hands and feet with the mat when performing unstable and complex asanas.
Travel mats
Made specifically for hiking, the main material is foam, on one side there is a heat-saving surface - aluminum foil. This type of mattress is designed specifically to retain heat and protect against cold soil and dampness. Their cost is the lowest, but this option is much less suitable for fitness and yoga, since it does not provide the necessary grip of the hands on the surface of the mat. But it can be used in home workouts for the abs and other exercises on the floor where a dense but soft surface is needed. The thickness of the mats is approximately 1 cm and the length is about 180 cm.
Rigidity and tenacity
This is where your own preferences play the biggest role. It is assumed that for yoga you need a softer mat with good tenacity, for fitness - a harder one, but the tenacity may be lower.
The hardness of each mat is indicated on its marking. There are three varieties:
- Hab Mats are the toughest;
- Workout Mats – medium hard;
- Mind Body – universal firmness.
In addition to all of the above, it is worth paying attention to the color - pleasant, non-irritating, as well as whether the rug you have chosen can be washed and washed, or whether it can only be treated externally with antibacterial treatment.
OFT NBR black 1800x610x8 mm
The mat is made of nitrile butadiene rubber and is suitable for yoga and aerobics. There is a choice of colors on sale, but black is most in demand, due to its universal quality to suit different styles. The material of the mat provides it with excellent grip on the floor, and if you lay it on sand or grass, then all the unevenness on the surface will be less noticeable.
Pros:
- Practical black color;
- Good grip on the floor;
- Optimal size;
- Affordable price;
- Wear-resistant material;
- Good rigidity.
Rating of TOP 7 rugs
Which fitness and yoga mat is better to choose? It is necessary to determine the purpose of the acquisition, as well as understand the level of goods presented in this market segment. Here you will be helped by a rating compiled taking into account the optimal price and quality of products, including all the necessary characteristics, as well as customer reviews presented in open sources.
7 - Torneo
A popular mat among lovers of not only yoga, but also simply physical exercise. Sold together with a case, that is, there is no need to look for separate packaging. Size 172 x 61 cm, thickness 4 mm. Composition: foamed polyurethane.
Torneo mat
Rating - 4.2.
| pros | Minuses |
|
|
6 - Aolikes
This manufacturer is extremely popular mainly due to its low cost: rugs measuring 173 x 61 cm are available in five different colors and the price range is only from 400 to 700 rubles. Composition of EVA material. Reviews of the product can be found on various websites.
Aolikes rug
Average rating in ratings 4.4.
| pros | Minuses |
|
|
Choose a useful gadget with us. The best smart watches for Android 2021 - TOP 6 →
5 - Starfit
There are models of this brand in different price segments, but the inexpensive ones that are most often purchased are one of the most successful options for hobbyists. Material composition: synthetic rubber (NBR), size 183 x 58 cm.
Starfit mat
Rating: 4.5.
| pros | Minuses |
|
|
4 - Qubabobo
Yoga mats from this brand are made of thermoplastic elastomer, their size is 183 x 61 cm, thickness is about 6 mm. The mat is made of two layers, with different surface ribs, it is convenient to use both for yoga and for fitness or, for example, sports dancing. Products from this brand are ordered quite often.
Qubabobo rug
His score is 4.6.
| pros | Minuses |
|
|
3 - Kailash
A German brand that has been producing sports equipment for a long time. The sizes of the rugs vary from 175 to 220 cm, thickness 3 mm. Composition: PVN foam. Due to its affordable price it is popular.
Kailash rug
Rating: 4.6.
| pros | Minuses |
|
|
This is interesting: there are separate women's and men's yoga mats. Based on the results of social surveys, it was found that men do not like mats in bright and pastel “feminine” colors; practicing on them causes psychological discomfort, so mats for men’s yoga classes in “brutal” colors were produced especially for the “stronger half.”
2 - Rishikesh
In second place in the ranking are mats from a world-famous brand that produces yoga and fitness equipment. This is one of the most affordable mats, but intended for professionals, made of polyvinyl chloride. It has high wear resistance, the quality is suitable for both light and the most intense loads. The size varies from 175 to 220 cm in length, width 60 cm, thickness 1 cm.
Rishikesh mat
Rating: 4.9.
| pros | Minuses |
|
|
Read about the most effective way to lose weight →
Mats for fitness, yoga and Pilates: how to distinguish?
Sports mats vary in length, thickness, hardness and are suitable for different types of training. Inventory should be chosen based on personal goals and preferences.
Fitness
Fitness mats are universal, thicker and softer, which is good when performing lying exercises. As a rule, such mats tend to stretch, that is, increase in size during exercise - for example, planks. A thickness of 10 to 15 mm is quite optimal for fitness.
Express training at home. Five effective exercises from a fitness trainer
Yoga
Yoga mats should be much thinner to provide support for the practitioner, and have little or no stretch. Almost all yoga mats are reinforced, that is, they have a mesh frame or textile core inside them. It prevents things from stretching and also increases strength and durability.
Thickness varies from 3 to 6 mm. The thinner, the more stable, but harder. Therefore, it is necessary to select equipment based on your experience and the level of comfort to which you are accustomed.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Pilates
Pilates mats are thicker than yoga mats - from 15 to 19 mm. Their back side should fit tightly to the floor and not slip. The upper one, on the contrary, should allow you to slide - this is important for the correct execution of the exercises.
Yoga in motion: everything a beginner needs to know about energy practices
Best Yoga Mats of 2021
Devi Yoga Fruits
The Devi Yoga Fruits double-sided mat is made of thermoplastic polymer, due to which it has high strength, wear resistance and good adhesion to the work surface. The sides of the rug have different surface structures: one is more embossed, the other has a finer texture. Thanks to convenient markings on the surface, the model is suitable for both advanced users and beginners. For more comfortable transportation, the product is equipped with laces.
Pros:
- high strength;
- ease of carrying;
- light weight;
- non-slip surface;
- easy cleaning;
- environmentally friendly
Starfit FM-301
The Starfit FM-301 model is made of elastic synthetic rubber. It is characterized by its low cost, pleasant-to-touch surface and high degree of thermal insulation. However, it is not particularly reliable. Well suited for low-intensity home workouts. The product will not withstand heavy loads and may simply break. In addition, the surface of the mat is quite slippery.
Pros:
- bright colors;
- big size;
- high thermal insulation;
- low cost;
- The surface texture is pleasant to the touch.
Minuses:
- short service life;
- electrifies and attracts dust;
- does not tolerate high loads.
OFT NBR
The OFT NBR mat has dimensions of 1800x610x8 mm and a thickness of 8 mm. It can be used at home, in the gym or for outdoor activities. For ease of storage and transportation, there are 2 holes with plastic rims, which, moreover, prevent the bedding from stretching during training.
Pros:
- versatility - can be used outdoors, in the gym and at home;
- there are hangers for storage;
- affordable price;
- easy to care for;
- moderate hardness;
- made of wear-resistant rubber.
Bodhi Rishikesh
The mat, made of dense PVC, is suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities. The material is reinforced with nylon tape and has very high wear resistance: it is not afraid of intense loads and is resistant to mechanical damage. The model is very comfortable in the sense that dust, sand and other contaminants do not stick to it. If the surface gets dirty, the mat can be easily washed in the washing machine.
Pros:
- high strength and wear resistance;
- soft surface;
- easy cleaning.
Reebok RAYG-11050
This impressive rug model from the famous company Reebok has a very unusual design for such products. The rug does not roll into a roll, but has sectional divisions and folds like an accordion. This is very convenient for storage and transportation. The model features a non-slip base and a special top layer that has dirt-repellent properties and is easy to clean if necessary. The product is also not afraid of punctures and scratches, and is resistant to breaking loads. Thickness - 6 mm.
Pros:
- versatility;
- folding design;
- slip resistance;
- easy cleaning;
- high strength;
- light weight.
Manduka PRO
A product from one of the market leaders - Manduka. Consumers value these rugs for their environmental friendliness and high quality. The model is made of high-quality stable PLUS foam and is highly wear-resistant. The surface structure is closed, which avoids the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Special markings will help beginning athletes build asanas correctly.
Pros:
- light weight;
- hypoallergenic;
- dense;
- presence of markings;
- nice texture.
Minuses:
- stationary model.
Types of rugs
It is best to look for a special mat specifically for the type of activity you are going to do; Many properties of the mat will depend on this. For indoor exercises, the mat can be thinner, but outdoor exercises require a thicker coating - from 8 mm: this way they will protect you from moisture and cold from the ground, and will also smooth out the unevenness of the natural terrain. For active fitness, which provokes heavy sweating, you need non-slip mats (for example, made of rubber) so that even wet hands do not move on its surface; if the training is not so energy-intensive, you can pay attention to other criteria.
By the way, there are also separate mats for different types of fitness training. For example, an abs mat is a special pad for abdominal exercises that looks like a small pad for the lower back. You can also find transformable flex mats, which are cut into several sections on one side. This allows you to fold them several times and get the most convenient covering option for a particular exercise.
ezflexmats.com
A common mistake is to buy travel foams made from EVA material (ethylene vinyl acetate). Their main advantages are softness and thermal insulation: when hiking, they are placed on the ground or on stones so as not to sit on cold and hard things. These foam mats do not have other properties that are needed during fitness classes. They get wet easily and also slide on the floor.
Manduka PRO
The mat is made of PVC. The material will help provide sufficient softness during yoga classes, as an excellent support for the knees and elbows. The mat does not absorb sweat odors and is also easy to clean and wash. It has excellent grip on the floor and on the surface of the palms and feet, but if the legs and arms are sweaty, it will start slipping.
Pros:
- Universal hardness;
- Optimal thickness;
- Good quality material;
- Does not absorb sweat odors;
- Elastic and durable material.
Minuses:
- Heavy weight.
