Yoga mats are often mistaken or used interchangeably with exercise mats but as a matter of fact, they’re two separate items meant for different purposes. In general, yoga mats are the thinnest among them, usually between 0.3cm to 0.6cm, and their sole purpose is to provide grip so that you don’t slip and slide whilst doing the downward dog pose.
On the contrary, exercise mats are made to support your body and prevent long-term injuries like your kneecap wearing out prematurely, bruising your tailbone, etc. So strap up your yoga mats, it’s time to consider your health and safety first! Here are some of the best exercise mats with various features and different sizes:
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Although the specifications read “mat for gym equipments”, this mat is really more versatile than that. It has a good grip to it, making it ideal for planking. However, with a thickness of 4mm, it may not be the best for any high impact workouts that involve jumping, but it is definitely apt for yoga, pilates and low impact exercises.
Thicker exercise mats provide better cushioning and shock absorption for the joints, particularly on our knees and ankles. Finding those with a minimum thickness of ½ inch (approx. 1.27cm) would be adequate, but if you’re full of vigour and perform high-intensity workout frequently, it’s recommended to get a thicker one like this 5cm thick tri-folding mat.
Doesn’t this look similar to the kiddie puzzle mat with alphabets and numbers that parents would install in their kids’ playroom? These mats function to prevent injuries from solid surfaces such as tiles, cement, hardwood floors, etc. They are made of high-quality EVA rubber foam and are suitable for many other sports such as wrestling and martial arts too. P.s., unlike specialist rubber fitness floor tiles, these mats are unfortunately incapable of withstanding heavy weights when dropped.
Soft surfaces such as carpets will allow you to do more than just basic stretching and warm-ups with this mat. It’s manufactured with a piece of soft foam wrapped in PVC. While it can be an exercise mat that provides minimal support and cushioning for the body, it’s still a good layer to have as protection for your carpet from your dripping sweat.
This exercise mat by Everlast comes with a carry handle and fold away straps which makes it extremely easy to travel with. On top of that, it has an added motivational slogan that reads “Greatness is within” on one end to keep you moving forward each time you feel like giving up. Now, you can travel without skipping any of your workout routines and stay motivated throughout!
Gxmmat’s exercise mat is made for people who enjoy working out at home barefooted. Besides its anti-tear feature, it is also anti-slip which makes it suitable for pilates, yoga, light cardio workouts and slow aerobics. Furthermore, Gxmmat mats are 100% free from latex, phthalates and heavy metals which means that simply put, they’re a much healthier choice for your health and the planet!
This Johnson Rubber Mat may not be the lightest in terms of weight, but it is when it comes to the type of material used—Vinyl. This makes it an incredibly durable exercise mat that is super easy to clean as well. Additionally, it also has superb shock absorbing abilities to reduce the impact on your knees whilst doing any cardio-aerobic related stunts.