Long hailed for its positive effects on the mind and body, yoga is a wellness workout that promotes relaxation while allowing you to build strength and flexibility at the same time. Compared to other fitness activities, yoga requires minimal equipment to get started. While most yoga studios provide everything you might need to start your mindful journey, having your very own exercise mat, and other related items can definitely heighten your overall mind and body experience. 

Apart from yoga, your exercise mat can even be used for other workout routines including Pilates, HIIT and even cardio. So, when it comes to purchasing a mat, finding the right one can be a struggle. With so many styles and sizes to choose from, it’s hard to know where to even start. To help you with your search, here are some factors to consider when purchasing an exercise mat.

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1. Texture

The texture of your mat will determine the traction it offers as it affects how much slipping and sliding you do. If you tend to sweat a lot, make sure to avoid PVC mats and opt for rubber, jute or cotton mats that have a raised, tactile pattern. The added grip from the raised texture stops you from skidding and helps you maintain your alignment, as you perform your exercise routine. 

2. Material

When it comes to material, you can choose anything from affordable PVC to environmentally friendly natural rubber. The material you pick will affect the mat’s price, weight, grip and durability. Here are the different types of materials you can choose from. 

• PVC - a plastic-based material that is highly durable, easy to clean and offers excellent floor grip. However, this material is non-absorbent, giving you a slippery situation to deal with when you start sweating heavily. 

• TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) - a man-made blend that is usually made from plastic and rubber polymers. TPE is good for the environment and some are even fully recyclable. While they are less durable than PVC mats of the same thickness, they still deliver good traction. 

• Eco/ natural mats - made from a variety of sources, including natural rubber, organic cotton and jute. Compared to the other options, eco mats are not as grippy on the floor, but their natural texture provides enough traction for your body and if sustainability is your priority, eco mats are the way to go! 

3. Thickness

With regards to thickness, do keep in mind your exercise routine. For example, a standard yoga mat is a thin exercise mat, typically about 0.125 inches in thickness. However, a general fitness mat would be slightly thicker, measuring about 0.5 inches, which would help you perform dynamic movements such as sit-ups and planks without hurting your back or your knees. 

If you would like to bring your exercise mat along to your fitness or yoga classes, you can purchase wafer-thin exercise mats, often known as ‘travel yoga mats’ with a thickness of 0.0625 inches. These mats fold easily and don’t weigh much, making them a perfect carry-on. 

The exercise mat that you ultimately choose should not be a hindrance to your workout routine, whether you are doing yoga or cardio. Looking for the perfect mat that will boost the quality of your routines? You’ve come to the right place! At Homefitness, we offer superior quality fitness equipment that will help you reach your fitness goals. From yoga mats or squat racks, we have all the sports equipment you need. Contact us today to know more.