Buying guides for exercise mats for home use
Are you in the market for a new exercise mat? If so, you’re probably wondering which one is the best. There are a lot of different options available, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best exercise mats for home use on the market today. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each one, so you can decide which one is right for you. Let’s get started!
Top 8 Exercise Mats For Home Use Should Buy In 2023
*Note: Score is based on our AI score (Editor’s choice and rating)
What are exercise mats?
Exercise mats are an important tool for any workout or fitness routine. They come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses to suit different types of workouts, from low impact activities such as yoga and Pilates to higher intensity exercises like HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and weightlifting.
Benefits of exercise mats
- Improve posture and balance: Exercise mats provide an extra layer of cushioning which can help users maintain proper form while stretching, doing yoga, or exercising. This helps to reduce fatigue and improve posture and balance.
- Injury prevention: Using a mat during workouts can help reduce the risk of injuries such as sprains, strains, and pulled muscles by providing a softer surface for exercises like crunches and push-ups that involve repetitive movements with resistance. They also give added support for weight-bearing exercises that put pressure on joints.
- Comfort: Exercise mats are more comfortable than hard surfaces like carpet or cement, making them ideal for those who need extra cushioning while they exercise or perform yoga poses.
- Easy to store: Exercise mats are lightweight and can be rolled up so they are easy to transport or store away. This makes them ideal for those who travel or don’t have a lot of space in their homes for bulky gym equipment.
- Versatile: Exercise mats come in different colors and sizes, making it easy to find one that meets your needs. They can also be used for activities like pilates, martial arts, stretching, and other floor exercises.
- Safety: Mats provide a non-slip surface which is important when exercising on hard surfaces like cement. This helps to prevent slips and falls that can cause injury during workouts.
- Hygienic: Exercise mats are made of easy-to-clean materials like vinyl, foam, and rubber which can be wiped down after use. This helps to keep the mat clean and free of bacteria and dirt.
- Affordable: Exercise mats are an affordable option for those looking to get a good workout at home or on the go. They also save time as they don’t have to be set up before every session.
- Motivational: Having a designated exercise space with a comfortable mat can help to motivate people who are trying to get fit. It’s also a way to add color and style to your gym setup!
- Durable: Quality exercise mats are made to last and can withstand repeated use over time. This makes them a great investment for anyone who wants to get the most out of their workout routine.
Pros and Cons of exercise mats
Pros
- Exercise mats provide a safe and comfortable surface for performing exercises. They cushion the body from hard floor surfaces, reducing the risk of injury due to slipping or falling.
- Exercise mats also help reduce noise levels in your home or gym as they absorb sound. This can be especially helpful during group fitness classes or when having conversations during workouts.
- Exercise mats are also great for providing extra grip and stability during certain exercises such as Pilates and yoga, helping you maintain proper form while performing the movements.
Cons
- They can be bulky and difficult to transport, making them inconvenient if you need to take them with you when traveling.
- Exercise mats may not provide enough cushioning for more intense activities like jump training, and they can be hard to clean after use.
How to use exercise mats?
- Place the exercise mat on a flat surface, such as a floor or a carpeted area. Make sure that the area is free of any clutter or objects that may impede your movements during your workout.
- Lie down on the mat and adjust yourself until you are comfortable. Depending on which type of exercises you plan to do, you may need to prop yourself up with pillows or other supports to ensure proper body alignment and support for your back and neck.
- Make sure that your feet are firmly placed on the floor before beginning any exercise routine. If needed, use towels or another padding to make sure the surface is not slippery and can provide a good grip for your feet while exercising.
- Begin your exercise routine on the mat, using slow and controlled movements to ensure proper form and safety. If you need to move around during the exercise, be sure to keep one hand or foot firmly planted on the mat before moving off it.
- After completing your workout, roll up the mat and store it away in a safe area until you are ready to use it again. Make sure that the surface is completely dry before storing it away to prevent damage, mildew, and bacteria growth over time.
- Finally, make sure that you properly clean your exercise mats after each use with an appropriate anti-bacterial cleaning solution or detergent to help them last longer and remain free of germs and bacteria.
Common Mistakes When Using Exercise Mats
Mistake #1: Not buying the right type of mat
The first thing to do when you’re looking for an exercise mat is to figure out what type of exercises you’ll be using it for. If your workout routine consists primarily of cardio, then you’ll want a thinner mat. If it involves more strength training and body-weight exercises, then you’ll need something thicker and more stable.
Mistake #2: Not considering the surface underneath
The second thing to consider is whether or not the floor or ground beneath your mat will be slippery or smooth. If so, then you’ll need an anti-slip material on top of your mat—otherwise, your form could be thrown off by having to balance yourself against the slickness below!
Mistake #3: Not checking for durability/quality
A third mistake people make when choosing their exercise mats is failing to look into how durable and long-lasting those mats will be. Quality matters! You don’t want to end up with a mat that disintegrates after a month or two because it wasn’t made with quality materials in mind from the start.
Mistake #4: Not wiping down the mat after each use
Finally, it’s important to remember to wipe down your exercise mats after each workout session. This will help keep them clean and free of bacteria buildup, prolonging their life and helping you maintain a healthy environment for your exercises.
Factors to consider before buying Exercise Mats.
Before you buy exercise mats, you need to know what’s out there and which factors are most important to you. Here are some of the most important considerations:
Durability: The durability of a mat is determined by its material and the thickness of its foam. If you’re planning on using your exercise mat for yoga or pilates, be sure to get one that is made with high-density foam, as this type of foam will not lose its shape over time.
Comfort: You’ll want to make sure that your exercise mat is comfortable enough for you to practice on for extended periods of time. You should also consider whether or not the texture of the mat can be distracting or uncomfortable during certain exercises.
Size: If you plan on doing floor exercises alone (like yoga), then you’ll need an exercise mat that’s big enough so that no part of your body touches the floor at any point in time during an exercise routine. However, if you plan on using an entire room for your workouts (like pilates), then having an extra-large mat might be more beneficial than having several smaller ones that take up less space but require more maneuvering around them when transitioning from one position to another during different types of exercises like squats or lunges etc…
Cushioning: The cushioning of the mat is essential for protecting your joints and muscles from straining or injury. Look for one that has a lot of bounce to it, as this will help absorb some of the shocks when you land on it after jumping exercises or other high-intensity activities.
Cleanliness: Keeping your exercise mats clean can be a challenge if they are constantly exposed to sweat and dirt. If you plan on using them frequently, consider getting ones that are easy to wipe down with cleaning solutions so you can keep them in tip-top shape after each use.
Portability: Exercise mats are generally lightweight, making them ideal for taking with you when traveling or visiting friends and family. However, if you’re planning on taking your mat with you on a regular basis, be sure to get one that is lightweight and has straps or another way of securing it for easy transport.
Grip: Whether you’re doing yoga, pilates, or some other type of exercise, having a good grip on your exercise mat is essential for maintaining balance and stability during exercises like warrior poses or planks. Look for mats with textured non-slip surfaces so that your feet won’t slip when transitioning from one pose to the next.
Ease of Use: A good exercise mat should be easy to roll up and store away after use without too much hassle. This will save you time and energy when setting up and packing away after each workout session.
Warranty: While buying an exercise mat, you should also consider the type of warranty it comes with. Most good quality mats will come with a lifetime warranty, ensuring that you can replace them if need be in case of any manufacturing defects.
Price: It is important to consider the price of an exercise mat before you buy one. Some mats cost more than others, depending on their size and quality. You should also take into account any additional features such as grips or special padding that could increase the overall cost of a mat.
Material: The material of your exercise mat is very important because it determines how durable and comfortable it will be when used for exercising. Look for exercise mats made from high-quality materials like foam, artificial leather, or rubber that can withstand regular use and provide good cushioning support.
Tips to use exercise mats.
- Make sure to use a mat that is comfortable and provides sufficient cushioning for your body. It should be thick enough to support your joints while performing any exercise.
- Place the mat in an area with ample space so you can move freely and perform movements without obstruction.
- Don’t forget to clean the mat before and after each use, as sweat or dirt can degrade its quality over time.
- Avoid rough surfaces when using an exercise mat, such as concrete or asphalt, which could damage it or cause injury if your body were to come in contact with them during movement.
- When storing your exercise mats, keep them away from direct sunlight or humidity which can cause discoloration and degrade the quality of the material.
- If your exercise mats are made from foam or other soft materials, keep them in a cool dry place when not in use. Avoid bending or folding them as this can damage their integrity over time.
- When using an exercise mat at home, ensure that it is placed on an even surface to reduce any slips during movement. Use safety straps to secure it if necessary.
- Always inspect your equipment before each use and replace any worn out mats immediately to avoid injury while exercising.
- Consider investing in two different types of exercise mats; one for stretching exercises and another for strength-training activities such as push-ups and sit-ups.
- To keep your exercise mats in tip-top condition, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and care. This will help extend their life and keep them looking like new ones for longer.
FAQs.
What should be the thickness of the exercise mat?
The thickness of an exercise mat depends on the type of workout you are doing and your level of comfort. For light stretching, a thin mat (1/4″ to 1/2″) should be sufficient. However, for more intense workouts such as yoga or Pilates, a thicker mat (3/4″ to 1-1/2″) is recommended for more cushioning and support.
It’s also important to make sure your mat is long enough to accommodate your full body when lying down or stretching out. When buying an exercise mat, it’s important to consider both the thickness and size that will best suit your needs for optimal comfort and support during any activity.
Which side is up with exercise mats?
Exercise mats typically come with a texture on one side and a non-slip surface on the other. The textured side should be facing outward when laying down the mat. This side of the mat will provide traction to help keep you in place during your workout, reducing any risk of slipping or sliding.
Additionally, this allows for a softer surface which may be more comfortable than the non-slip backing. When rolling up your exercise mat after use, make sure to roll it from the textured side inward so that you can easily identify which is the preferred facing when putting it back down again.
Knowing which way is up when using an exercise mat will help ensure you have the safest and most beneficial experience possible while working out!
Conclusion.
We hope that this article has helped you to better understand the different types of exercise mats available on the market and given you a few ideas about which one might be best for your needs.
We’ve also included our top three picks for the best exercise mats for home use, based on our own personal experience and research. Remember, when it comes to choosing an exercise mat, it’s important to consider your own individual needs and preferences.
Hopefully, this article has armed you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about which type of mat is right for you. Thanks for reading!
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