Are you an avid fitness enthusiast? If so, chances are that you need to invest in the right gear and equipment to help further your progress in your health and fitness journey. One product that might be helpful for any workout routine is a Workout Mat, which can protect from injury while adding comfort. Not sure where to start when selecting the best exercise mat for your needs?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything about workout mats, including materials used, benefits of each type of material, thickness recommendations, and size considerations. Read on for more information!
What is a workout mat
A workout mat is an essential piece of fitness equipment that can provide cushioning and protection for your body while engaging in physical activity. It helps to reduce the risk of injuries as it absorbs the impact from any movements or exercises you do, such as sit-ups, push-ups, planks, yoga poses, or stretches. The mat’s thickness will depend on the type of exercise you’re doing and your personal preferences. It also provides a barrier between yourself and the floor or other surfaces to keep your body clean and free from dirt, dust, and germs.
The materials used for workout mats can vary; some are made of foam padding, while others combine closed cell foam with rubber or vinyl. Foam mats are usually the most affordable option and provide decent cushioning. If you’re looking for something more durable, however, you can opt for rubber-backed mats, which offer a firmer surface and more protection from impact. Vinyl mats come in various thicknesses but generally have less cushioning than Eva foam or rubber-backed mats.
Nike Training Mat 2.0
The Nike Training Mat 2.0 is an excellent choice for any fitness enthusiast looking for a lightweight workout mat that still provides ample cushioning and protection from impact. At just two pounds, it’s the lightest of its kind on the market, but don’t let the size fool you– this mat is made with high-density foam, so it can still keep up with your toughest workouts. The textured, grippy surface makes it suitable for various activities, from yoga and Pilates to high-intensity training and stretching.
Thanks to the adjustable carrying strap, this mat is easy to carry around for added convenience. You can also quickly roll it up when you’re done using it for an even more compact size that’s easy to store away or take wherever you go. And when it’s time for cleaning, all you need is a damp cloth and some elbow grease – this mat is extremely simple to clean and maintain! Just ensure the mat is completely dry before rolling it up again, as some users have reported that the stable surface can become slippery if wet.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Made with high-density foam for ample cushioning and protection from impact
- The textured, grippy surface is suitable for a variety of activities
- Easy to roll up when not in use
- The adjustable carrying strap makes it easy to transport
- Simple to clean and maintain
Cons:
- It may become slippery when wet
- Not as thick and cushioned compared to some other options
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Mat
The Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Mat is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and portable exercise mat without sacrificing quality. It’s made with thick material with deep ridges to provide good traction and stability, helping you keep your footing during workouts. Plus, it comes with a carrying strap, so you can easily take it to the gym or any other location where you might want to get a good workout.
The mat is also very easy to roll up for storage, which makes it convenient if your home gym is short on space. However, one downside of this mat is that it may not be as durable as other options; users have reported that it’s prone to dents and scrapes. Additionally, it may not be the best for use on slick hardwood floors as it’s been known to slide around on those surfaces.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Affordable
- Portable with carrying strap
- Thick material has deep ridges for good traction and stability
- Easy to roll up for storage
Cons:
- It may not be as durable as other options
- Prone to dents and scrapes
- Not the best choice for slick hardwood floors as it can slide around
- Not the most cushioned option on the market compared to others in its price range.
Hugger Mugger Earth Elements Yoga Mat
The Hugger Mugger Earth Elements Yoga Mat is an excellent choice for any fitness enthusiast looking for a lightweight, sweat-wicking exercise mat. This closed-cell construction mat offers great traction and a soft surface, making it ideal for yoga and other workouts. It’s reversible, giving you two color options at the price of one! Plus, it’s made from non-toxic, biodegradable, and recyclable materials.
Along with being lightweight and portable, this fitness mat also comes with a carrying strap for added convenience. We especially love that the lightest mat is easy to clean if you sweat during workouts – wipe it down using dish soap and a water cloth.
Several lightweight yoga mat bags and straps are available for convenience and portability, making carrying your workout mat a breeze. Most bags have extra pockets for small items like keys, phones, or other workout accessories. They also come in various colors and styles to match your personal preferences.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Light and portable
- Sweat-wicking closed-cell construction mat
- Reversible design with two color choices for the price of one
- Made from non-toxic, biodegradable, and recyclable materials
- Easy to clean with a cloth and dish soap and water
- Comes with a carrying strap for added convenience
Cons:
- It can’t be left in extreme hot or cold temperatures as it is biodegradable
- Not as cushioned compared to other options on the market
- Breaking down faster when exposed to direct sunlight than other mats on the list.
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
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The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat is our top pick for a well-cushioned exercise mat. It’s thinner than other mats on the market but still offers plenty of cushioning and support thanks to its thick, dense surface that has been broken in according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It also features a closed-cell construction that removes moisture, making it a great choice for those who sweat during workouts.
The PRO Yoga Mat is quite heavy and bulky, weighing between 7.5 and 9.5 pounds, which might be a downside for those looking for portability options. Despite its size and weight, this best exercise mats is worth the investment due to its durable construction and lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer. Various earth tones and sizes are available, making it easy to find the perfect mat.
The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat is ideal for various activities, from yoga to Pilates. Its thick cushioning offers extra comfort and support, while its non-slip surface provides stability throughout your workouts. The dense material also helps absorb shock, protecting your joints during even the most intense exercises. Plus, its special coating repels dirt and moisture from sticking, making cleaning easy after each use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Well-cushioned
- A thick, dense surface provides great traction and support
- Closed-cell construction seals out moisture
- A variety of earth tones and sizes are available
- Lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer
- Ideal for a wide range of activities such as yoga or Pilates
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky
- Expensive investment
- Not the most portable option on the market.
Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat
The Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat is perfect for a supportive, comfortable, lightweight workout mat. Weighing just over 3 pounds, this mat is easy to carry wherever you go, thanks to an included carrying strap.
This mat’s non-slip surface features deep ridges that help you stay firmly in place during your yoga or other workouts, allowing you to focus on achieving the best results from your workout. Additionally, this mat is 10 millimeters thick, providing cushioning and support for your joints during more intense exercises.
The Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat is designed with affordability in mind – making it a great choice for those who don’t want to spend a fortune on their workout mat. In addition, this mat is easy to clean and maintain with some simple wiping down after each use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry with the included carrying strap
- Non-slip surface with deep ridges for better grip
- 10 millimeters thick to cushion joints
- Budget-friendly option
Cons:
- It can slide around on some surfaces
- Not as durable compared to other mats on the market.
HemingWeigh 1 Inch Thick Exercise Mat
ForThemingWeigh 1 Inch Thick Exercise Mat is a great choice. W for those looking for extra cushioning and support, this mat provides ample cushioning for your body during floor exercises, taking pressure off of r knees, wrists, and tailbone. Plus, it includes a strap system that makes it easy to roll up and take with you on the go, making it a great choice for those who value convenience and portability.
Made from moisture-resistant material, this exercise mat is easy to care for and maintain, while its non-slip surface makes it suitable for a range of activities both at home and in the gym. Though the HemingWeigh mat is highly durable due to its extra cushioning, it does come in only one color option.
At over 3 pounds, this mat ranks among the heaviest on our list of top picks s. also isn’t as wide as many of the other mats we reviewed, so bear that in mind when deciding whether or not it’s right for you. If you’re looking for extra cushioning and support during your workouts, the HemingWeigh Exercise Mat is worth considering.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 25 millimeters thick for extra cushioning and support
- Included strap system makes it easy to carry on the go
- Moisture-resistant material is easy to care for
- Non-slip surface suitable for a range of activities
Cons:
- Heavy – one of the heaviest mats on our list
- Not as wide as some of the other mats on our list
- Comes in only one color option.
Liforme Original Yoga Mat
The Liforme Original Yoga Mat is a great investment for any yogi looking for an exercise mat that offers comfort and support while still being worth the money. It’s made from biodegradable materials, making it sustainable and eco-friendly. This mat also features a unique alignment system of markers that helps keep your form straight, enhancing your flow during yoga sessions.
The non-slip, sweat-wicking surface of the Liforme Original Yoga Mat gives you better grip and control during your workouts while also drying quickly so that it’s easy to clean after each session. It’s longer and wider than other mats on the market, giving you large space to move freely in your practice. Plus, it comes with a carrying bag to store it away when you’re done or take it with the studio.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Biodegradable materials make it sustainable and eco-friendly
- A system of alignment markers helps keep form straight
- Non-slip, sweat-wicking surface offers good grip
- Dries quickly and is easy to clean
- Longer and wider than other mats on the market
- Comes with a carrying bag
Cons:
- One of the heaviest mats on the list
- Expensive investment.
ProsourceFit Extra Thick Yoga Pilates Exercise mat
The ProsourceFit Extra Thick Yoga Pilates Exercise Mat. This 25-millimeter thick foam mat gives users a plush, high-density surface that feels comfortable standing or sitting. It’s also sweat-wicking and durable, making it a grueling-term investment.
The ProsourceFit mat includes a carrying strap, so it’s still relatively portable – although not as much as some of our other top picks. The mat is larger and heavier than lightweight alternatives like the Gaiam Dry-Grip Yoga Mat.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 25 millimeters thick with high-density foam support
- Sweat-wicking and durable
- Comes with a carrying strap for portability
- Available in a range of bright colors
- Waterproof, easy to clean.
Cons:
- Larger and heavier than other mats on the market, making it less portable
- It cannot be machine-washed.
Manduka Begin Yoga Mat
Manduka’s Begin Yoga Mat is a great choice for those looking to practice yoga in the comfort of their home or at the gym. This mat has a unique alignment stripe that runs down the center, helping you to y in proper form when practicing poses ad leading you through complex postures.
The Begin Yoga Mat provides ample cushioning for your feet and joints while staying lightweight at 2.5 pounds. Manduka offers plenty of color options to find one that suits your style. Additionally, the mat is reversible and features a textured surface with good traction, so you can be sure it won’t slip away from beneath you while practicing your poses.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Alignment stripe down the center helps with proper positioning
- Closed-cell construction prevents sweat and moisture from seeping in
- 5 millimeters thick provides plenty of cushioning
- Lightweight at 2.5 pounds for portability
- Plentiful color options to choose from
- The reversible, textured surface has best traction.
Cons:
- Does not come with a carrying strap.
FAQs
How do I clean my workout mat?
It’s important to keep your workout mat clean, and the best way to do this is to wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use. You can use a mild detergent mixed with warm water for extra-tough dirt or sweat stains. After cleaning, let the mat completely air dry before rolling it up and storing away.
What should I look for when buying a workout mat?
When shopping for a workout mat, you want to make sure that thick enough to provide adequate cushioning while still being lightweight and easy to carry around. You should also consider the type of activities you’ll be using the mat for – some mats are designed specifically for yoga or Pilates and might not work as well for other exercises.
How long does a workout mat last?
Depending on the type of material used, the lifespan of your workout mat can vary greatly. If you take good care of your mat and avoid over-stretching it, you should get several years of use. Higher-quality mats are usually more durable and will last longer than cheaper options. Just clean it regularly to keep it in the best condition possible.
Is there a way to make my workout mat non-slip?
Most workout mats are designed with a non-slip surface, but if you find that yours isn’t providing enough grip, you can try using an anti-slip spray or powder to make it more secure. Read the instructions carefully and test a small area before spraying your mat.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you understand workout mats’ different features and benefits and how to shop for one that fits your needs. Ultimately, the best mat is the one that works for you and offers enough support and cushioning during your workouts. Don’t be afraid to try a few different ones out before making a final decision – after all, investing in the right exercise equipment can make all the difference in your workout experience.
