When you're putting together a home gym or workout area, don't forget the basic items. Exercise mats are a staple item for any workout area, even if it is just a basic home gym. They provide a comfortable barrier between your body and the floor, and can make some exercises such as pushups, sit-ups and other floor exercises, much easier to perform. Mats come in different styles so you need to match the style of mat with the type of workouts you want to do.
Sticky Mats
Yoga mats, often referred to as sticky mats, are a staple for any lover of yoga or Pilates. These mats are made of cotton, rubber or recycled material and are designed to be used with bare feet. The friction between bare feet and the surface of the mat helps to prevent sliding. Sticky mats can be rolled up and taken on trips and yoga retreats or back and forth between classes.
Foam Mat Tiles
Interlocking foam flooring mats are a popular option for those with home gym setups, especially in a garage,basement or other unfinished space. These are smaller foam squares with edges that interlock like those of a puzzle. They can be from 3 to 5 inches thick and are designed to absorb shock and impact. This is a good mat covering for hard floors or for high-intensity exercise. Foam mat tiles also come in a variety of thicknesses, colors and styles, making them easy to coordinate with your taste and decor.
Padded Exercise Mats
Padded exercise mats are another option for your home workout. Often made of cotton and batting, these mats are not usually designed to prevent slipping, and are more for comfort. Padded exercise mats are made for floor exercises that might otherwise be uncomfortable, such as sit-ups. These mats are usually pretty inexpensive and can be rolled up and stored in a corner, in a closet or under a bed. Padded mats are lightweight as well, making them ideal for traveling.
Heavy Duty Fitness Mats
Heavy-duty floor protector mats serve two principal purposes: they protect the floor from being damaged by fitness equipment and prevent sliding at the same time. They can be placed in regular workout areas for comfort or placed under heavier pieces of equipment, like a treadmill or an elliptical. Heavy-duty fitness mats like these can be purchased at a sporting goods store. These mats are sometimes sold as an accessory with heavy duty fitness machines that might otherwise damage your floor.
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