Exercise Mats Materials Guide

Exercise mats materials guide

More important than what your exercise mat is made of is what you are going to do with it. Standing activities such as aerobics, boxing, step, and martial arts will require mats of different materials than pilates or yoga. Mats for use underneath workout equipment will be different as well.

Tough stuff for equipment

Generally, exercise mats for use with equipment tend to be thicker, closer to indestructible, and more expensive. They are usually made of recycled rubber or compressed PVC - both equally durable. Those intended for use with weights and heavy machinery can be as thick as 3/4 of an inch and cost around $150. Similar products use interlocking units of about 2 -square feet so you can customize your exercise mat to your room. Fortunately for the home fitness enthusiast, there is little reason to fork over such excessive sums.

More pliable workouts require pliable mats

Pilates and yoga mats cost anywhere from $15 to $50, and there is little advantage to paying more. Sensitive knees may require a thicker foam mat, but you'll find folding a thin exercise mat quickly under your knee provides the same results. Exercise mats for these uses should have sticky surfaces to prevent slippage when wet. Unfortunately, there is no reliable way to test if the mat will stick to you more than the floor (a good mat will stick to the floor, but still provide traction).

With yoga or pilates mats you should be able to roll them up without trouble. This requires a more flexible mat and a construction that is not as durable as stationary exercise mats. Look for mats that tout closed cell foam, high density, and mild compression. This gives you the cushion and flexibility you need. Things like cross-linked EVA foam will not roll, no matter how hard you try.