Exercise mats are an extremely simple piece of fitness equipment that can significantly increase the comfort of your workout. Depending on the specific style you choose, exercise mats usually travel quite easily, making them ideal for hotel workouts, fitness classes and working out at home. Although they are simple in design and function, you should understand the important information on exercise mats before buying one.
Types
When selecting an exercise mat, consider the type of exercise you plan to do on the mat. Although most exercise mats look quite similar, they can actually vary quite drastically in terms of length, width and thickness. For example, a Pilates exercise mat tends to be thicker, longer and wider than a yoga mat. According to the Better 4 Fitness website, a Pilates mat is approximately 1.5- to 1.9-cm thick, 140- to 216-cm long and 58- to 100-cm wide. On the other hand, a yoga mat is generally 0.3- to 0.6-cm thick, 120-cm to 190-cm long and 55- to 80-cm wide. However, yoga mats have a gripping surface on both sides of the mat, whereas Pilates mats only have a gripping surface on the underside. If you only plan to use the exercise mat for basic exercises, such as situps, pushups and stretching, a general purpose exercise mat should be sufficient. Often covered in vinyl, these mats are similar in size to Pilates mats. However, they tend to be much narrower at just around 60-cm wide. Professional exercise mats are extremely thick and are able to absorb a high amount of shock. Often made from vinyl-covered foam, these thick mats are most commonly seen in gyms and fitness centers.
Cleaning
Before cleaning your exercise mat, review the care instructions included with the packaging. Although most mats can be easily cleaned using this simple process, reviewing the care instructions can help you prevent unnecessary damage to your mat. After each exercise session, wipe the mat with a clean wet cloth. Every few weeks, wash the exercise mat in a tub with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid using too much soap, as it could leave a slippery residue on the surface of the mat. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and quickly roll a dry towel inside the mat. Gently step on the rolled mat to squeeze out excess water. Allow the mat to air dry completely before storing or using it.
Storage
Most exercise mats can be easily rolled or folded up for storage. The thickness of the yoga mat typically determines the best method of storage. Thin mats, such as yoga mats, can be easily rolled up and transported from one place to another. Thicker Pilates mats, on the other hand, are more difficult to roll and may require folding. General-purpose exercise mats tend to require folding for storage and are not easily moved around. Due to their large size and extreme thickness, professional exercise mats typically cannot be stored easily. Although some professional exercise mats can be folded, they are still quite difficult to move or store.
Special Features
If you plan on using the exercise mat for an extended period of time, it may be worth it to spend the extra money for a few additional features. Choose an exercise mat made from a durable material that is resistant to both odors and moisture. If you plan to use the exercise mat on a slick floor, such as hardwood or linoleum, opt for a style that grips the surface of the floor. Without this grip, the exercise mat will slide around and increase your risk of falling.
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