Fitness mat – why is it needed, how is it different from a tourist mat, existing sizes and materials

People who visit gyms or train at home often purchase a fitness mat. Cheap and incorrectly selected products can tear and slide across the floor surface. All this negatively affects the quality and productivity of training.

Why do you need a fitness mat?

The product has many purposes, so there are several variations of what a fitness mat is called, for example, a mat for yoga and crossfit, equipment for balance training. There are reasons why you need to purchase the product:

1. Compliance with personal hygiene rules. Shared equipment may contain pathogenic bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms can harm human health if they come into contact with the skin.
2. Providing comfort. To make it comfortable to practice on the mat while performing different exercises, you should choose the optimal option in terms of thickness, length and other characteristics.

What is the difference between a fitness mat and a travel mat?

The types of products under consideration have different coatings. A sports mat can be made from foam, cotton threads or jute fibers. These materials are distinguished by their quality and density, so rugs based on them seem dense. The main task of such products is to ensure high-quality adhesion of the mat to the floor.

Tourist equipment consists of foam. On one side it has a heat-saving coating. This allows campers to sleep on the ground without the risk of freezing. Foil is used as a heat-saving material. This option is not suitable for sports because it does not provide adequate grip on the floor surface.

Fitness mat - dimensions

This parameter depends on the type of training and physical characteristics of the practitioner. What should a training mat be like:

1. The length
   of the product varies from 120 to 220 cm. If training takes place at a calm pace, then add another 10 cm to your height indicator, if at a dynamic pace, then 30 cm.
2. The width
   of the equipment ranges from 50 to 80 cm. A wide fitness mat is inconvenient when moving on public transport.
3. Thickness
   1.3-8 mm. The optimal indicator for comfortable training is 3-4 mm. It will not be cold and soft.

Do it beautifully!

The aesthetic component is also an important point. Working out on a beautiful mat is always especially pleasant. You can also take beautiful photos, although this, of course, is not the main thing in yoga.

In addition, for the convenience of beginners, some mats have markings to guide you when performing asanas.

Now you know which yoga mat is best to choose.

Where can you buy a good yoga mat inexpensively? We have prepared for you a mini-rating of the 10 best options for yoga mats that can be ordered on Ali Express at an affordable price - from 500 to 4000 rubles.

Fitness mat - material

In the sports equipment market, you can choose a variety of quality products. Popular types of materials from which a gymnastic fitness mat is made:

1. PVC
   - does not fade, is easy to clean from dirt, but is not suitable for yoga.
2. Thermoplastic
   is soft to the touch, suitable for various types of training, but is more expensive than PVC.
3. Rubber
   is a natural material that does not absorb moisture, but it is heavier than other types of rugs.
4. Cotton
   - the products are pleasant to the touch, but they are uncomfortable to exercise on because they slip on the floor.

Review of optimal models

• Folding mat Sveltus 1324. It has very convenient dimensions: 170 × 70 × 1.3 cm and weighs only 615 grams. Made from foam material (polyester and polyethylene), which can be washed without fear. The model boasts an average density of 33 kg/m3. Ideal choice for aerobics, fitness, stretching. This model can be viewed in detail in our catalog.

• Mat Tunturi Yoga Mat Persian Carpet. Yoga mat dimensions 173x61x0.5 cm. Pleasant to the touch material, made from environmentally friendly materials (PVC) 5 mm thick, weight - 777 g.

• Functional mat RSMT-40030. Designed for yoga and fitness. As a result of numerous tests, it has withstood the most intense loads. The surface is smooth (not porous), so it can be easily washed with a regular cloth. Overall dimensions: 173 × 61 × 0.8 cm.

How to choose a fitness mat?

There are a number of requirements to consider in order to make the right choice when purchasing sports equipment. To understand which fitness mat is best, you should pay attention to the following nuances:

1. For length
   - ideally, the product should exceed height by 10 cm for beginners and 20 cm for professionals.
2. By weight
   – sports equipment whose weight ranges from 1 to 2 kg is considered comfortable.
3. For moisture permeability
   – it is not comfortable to practice on surfaces that do not absorb moisture well.
4. Elasticity
   – it is important that the mat does not stretch, otherwise its service life will be short.

Thick fitness mat

It is imperative to pay attention to the thickness of the product before purchasing. Too thin options can cause injury to the joints and spine. Which fitness mat will be better should be chosen individually. Older people are advised to purchase thick products, this will prevent pain during training.

Thickness of mats and their purpose:

• 1.5-3 mm
  – suitable for classical yoga and aerobics training;
• 3-4 mm
  – optimal thickness of universal sports equipment;
• 5-6 mm
  – suitable for people with sensitive joints;
• Over 6 mm
  - used during exercise on uneven surfaces.

Foldable fitness mat

Products of this type are well suited for people who independently transport the product to the gym. The folding mat for fitness and gymnastics is divided into several sections, making it easier to fold and pack in a case. The products are made from materials that are resistant to mechanical stress: microfiber or synthetic raw materials. One of the options for folding sports equipment is a mat-bag. It differs from traditional options by the presence of handles on one or both sides of the canvas.

Non-slip fitness mat

If the product is used only to soften the floor surface, then the level of its adhesion to the floor surface is not paid attention to. It is suitable for training in the gym, which involves performing exercises while sitting or lying down. Such mats are not suitable for yoga, aerobics and active training, as there is a high risk of injury.

Mats for fitness and yoga are used only with an anti-slip coating. They allow you to train more effectively and prevent possible injuries during exercise. The materials from which anti-slip mats are made can repel moisture. The rugs have relief patterns on the surface, due to which the product firmly adheres to the floor surface.

Children's fitness mat

The optimal mats for children's gymnastics are 140x60 cm in size. They are suitable for both preschool children and teenagers. It is important that the thickness of the children's fitness mat is at least 10 mm. It provides softness to the back during exercise and protects against impacts. It is advisable to purchase mats of a single color for children. They will not distract the child from gymnastics.

Suitable materials that can make the best fitness mat:

• thermoplastic;
• rubber;
• PVC.

Fitness mat - rating

The best training mats optimally meet the price-quality criterion. According to customer reviews, the best products are offered by the following companies:

1. Torneo
   . Suitable for any type of training. The mat is sold with a case, so you won't need to purchase a separate carrying bag for it. The dimensions of the product are 172x61 cm. Its main advantages include heat-preserving functions and ease of carrying.
2. Aolikes
   . The manufacturer's rugs are presented in various colors. Their price range varies from $5 to $10, so they are accessible to a wide segment of the population. The advantages of the mat include light weight and convenience for any activity.
3. Demix
   . The manufacturer offers mats not only for sports, but also for tourist destinations. Demix fitness mats are small in size and light in weight. They are made of polyurethane foam, which does not allow cold to pass through. You can purchase inventory at an affordable price – up to $5.
4. Qubabobo
   . A distinctive feature of the product is the presence of two surfaces: smooth and ribbed. It can be used for various purposes: for fitness, Pilates and dance sports.
5. Rishikesh
   is a world famous brand specializing in the production of sports equipment. The rugs of this company are made of PVC. They are intended for professional athletes, as they can withstand severe mechanical loads. The line of models includes rugs for women and men, differing in colors and sizes.

Comparison table of characteristics

The table below shows the main characteristics of the mats in question. Compare them with each other and choose the item that meets your personal requirements.

How to care for a fitness mat?

Like any other sports equipment, the mat needs regular maintenance. This especially applies to cleaning the product. It absorbs sweat released during exercise and accumulates dirt and dust on the surface. You should follow simple rules with which you can maintain the quality of fitness and yoga mats:

1. Carefully study the instructions for use after purchasing the product: they indicate how to store, clean and use the mat.
2. Do not use tight elastic bands to roll products that do not easily regain their shape.
3. If possible, store mats unrolled.
4. Do not wash synthetic rugs using powders or other household chemicals with an aggressive composition.
5. After washing, hang the mats in fresh air to prevent the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
6. Change the product if peeling or creases appear on it.

Top 7. Starfit

Rating (2021): 4.59

417 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, Ozon, Wildberries

The most popular manufacturer regularly gets into all sorts of tops, and different models of rugs already have more than 400 reviews on online store sites.

• Characteristics

  Price range: 539–9594 rub.

• Country Russia
• Year founded: 2017
• Thickness: 0.3–1.2 cm
• Materials: polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic elastomer, natural rubber
• Weight: 0.53–1.3 kg

Advantages and disadvantages

• Does not wrinkle or tear under pressure
• There are rugs with a thickness of more than 1 cm
• Wide range of prices
• Good stickiness and knee protection

• Inconvenient to carry with you to class
• There is a strong smell at first
• Glides in certain asanas

How to replace a fitness mat?

To play sports at home or outdoors, it is not necessary to purchase special mats. Alternative products can be used instead. List of items to replace a fitness mat with:

• plaid;
• blanket;
• thin mattress;
• wicker path;
• beach litter.

When choosing an alternative option, it is also necessary to take into account the conditions in which the training will be carried out. For outdoor activities, you can use blankets, blankets and other thin surfaces. If training is carried out on a slippery floor, then it is better to give preference to blankets or mattresses up to 8-10 mm thick. In the event of an accidental fall, the risk of injury on such surfaces will be minimal.