While we often simply call them yoga mats, everyone knows they’re used for all sorts of different workouts. Yoga, Pilates, Tabata – you’ll most likely need a mat for any of these workouts.
Now, whether you’re just beginning your foray into fitness or you’re just looking for an upgrade, your mat is important. Not just any old piece of foam will do and not all mats are created equal.
Unfortunately, the options seem virtually endless, which can make shopping for a mat somewhat stressful. You don’t want to waste money on a mat you end up hating, so it’s important to consider several factors.
There are several types of exercise mats and some are better than others for certain workout types. The cushioning capabilities and thickness matter quite a bit depending on what you plan to do.
Yoga mats should be relatively sticky – as in, they need to have a good grip. They’re typically between five to seven feet long and between 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. (3/16 is also a common thickness.) As you know, most also roll up easily.
The right mat for Pilates, however, may be thicker – between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. They’re usually firm and are often somewhat less sticky than a yoga mat.
For higher impact workouts, you might want something even thicker – like a gym mat. These can be anywhere from 1 to 3 inches thick, sometimes even more.
For yoga, grip is perhaps the most important factor. The last thing you need is to be slipping around while trying to master your asanas.
Of course, even for other workouts, it’s still important to ensure your mat won’t slip around.
Looking at some of the prices, it’s often tempting to cheap out and get an inexpensive, generic mat. You may, however, regret this in the long run.
Often, you’ll want to avoid those made of PVC and look for those made with natural materials instead.
At the end of the day, what matters most is your happiness. When shopping for a mat, try to find one that resonates with you. The happier you are with your mat choice, the more likely you’ll remain satisfied.
Make sure you get a color, pattern, and/or design that you genuinely like.
