Buying an exercise mat can be a confusing task. There are so many different mats out there, and finding the right one for you can be tricky.
If you’re new to exercising at home, you may not know where to start when it comes to buying your first mat. If you already have some experience working out with a home gym, you probably already have made a few purchases. But what type of mat should you buy?
The good news is that there isn’t just one kind of mat that will work well for everyone! But before we dive into the types of mats available, let’s take a look at how they differ from one another.
The person who plan to sportmatte kaufen must first of all have the clear idea of the types of the mats. A person can do the analysis and choose the best option. A person should check the various options with their sizes. At last choosing the best mats becomes easy. A person should do the complete checking and pick the best one.
Types of Exercise Mats
There are two basic types of exercise mats on the market today—rubber and foam. They both provide cushioning for your body while you do exercises like crunches or situps, but each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Rubber mats are typically thicker than their foam counterparts and are more durable as well. This makes them great for people who want to do heavier workouts, such as weight lifting. However, rubber mats are also harder on your joints because they don’t give much support in the way of padding. They’re best suited for beginners and intermediate exercisers who are looking to build up strength.
Foam mats are lighter, thinner, and softer than rubber mats. Because of this, they tend to be better for people who are new to exercising (or even if you’ve been doing it awhile) as they provide adequate cushioning without being too heavy.
Both rubber mats and foam mats come in various shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and densities. Let’s go over some of the different types of mats to help you decide which ones are right for you.
1. Yoga Mats
A yoga mat is designed specifically for yoga practice. It provides a soft surface on which you place your hands, feet, knees, etc., while you perform certain poses. The benefits of using a yoga mat include providing additional cushioning for your joints while strengthening your muscles by engaging the entire body.
2. Spinning Mat
Spinning mats are used during spinning classes. These mats are often sold separately from other types of mats since they’re meant to be placed directly on a floor instead of wrapped around a stationary bicycle. They’re usually thick enough to prevent slipping while still being thin enough to stay put.
3. Gymnastics/Trampoline Mat
Gymnastics mats (also known as trampolines) are designed for use with trampolines and similar spring-inflatable devices. They typically consist of a hard plastic base surrounded by a softer rubber or foam layer. The foam layer helps to absorb shock when jumping off the mat, making it safer for beginners who aren’t used to the bounciness of the mat.
4. Dance Floor Mat
Dance floor mats are used when practicing dance and gymnastics routines. Their purpose is to protect floors from damage and keep dancers from scratching the floor. Most mats are constructed of soft foam that absorbs impact and reduces friction so that dancers don’t scratch the floor.
5. Pilates Mat
Pilates mats are very popular among fitness enthusiasts because they offer a variety of advantages. They help strengthen and stretch the muscles in all areas of the body, including the spine. They also help improve posture and reduce back pain by giving you extra cushioning while doing lunges or planks.
6. Fitness Mat
These mats are ideal for any activity that requires both cardio and muscle-building exercise. Whether you’re getting fit for a race or just trying to get stronger, these mats are great options for helping you achieve your goals.
7. Running/Jogging Mat
Running and jogging mats are used while running or jogging. They help protect your shoes from damage and absorb impact to help make your runs safer. Some models also feature handles so that runners can hold onto the mat during a run.
8. Home Gym Mat
Home gyms are built to replicate a real indoor gym setting. These mats are also sometimes referred to as “home workout mats” or “home gym mats.” They’re usually made of foam and are used for performing specific exercises. Some models are specially designed to simulate treadmills, ellipticals, and rowing machines.
9. Balance Board
Balance boards are used when training on a balance board. They provide stability and safety while also protecting your balance board from scratches and dents. They’re not intended for regular use, but rather only when needed. Some are made of foam and others are made of rubber.
10. Boxing Mat
Boxing mats are used for boxing training. They help protect you from injury, especially on the shoulder, elbows, and head. They also provide extra cushioning while working out, which helps you avoid injury while improving your stamina.
Which Size Is Best For Me?
When deciding which size mat to purchase, consider your height and the size of your home gym. Also, think about how much you plan to use it for. Smaller mats are better for smaller spaces, whereas larger mats are easier to move around and store away. Another thing to consider is whether or not you plan on storing your mat inside or outside.
Here’s the breakdown of mat sizes:
Half-size mat: 6’x3’, 4’x3’, 3’x3’, 2’x2’, 1’x1’
Full-size mat: 8’x4’, 5’x4’, 3’x3’, 2’x2’, 1’x1’
Extra full-size mat: 10’x5’, 7’x4’, 5’x4’, 3’x3’, 2’x2’
Larger mat: 11’x6’, 9’x4’, 6’x4’, 3’x3’, 2’x2’
Extra large mat: 12’x6’, 10’x4’, 7’x4’, 5’x4’, 3’x3’, 2’x2’
Double-sized mat: 14’x6’, 11’x4’, 8’x4’, 5’x4’, 3’x3’, 2’x2’
Triple-sized mat: 15’x6’, 13’x4’, 9’x4’, 6’x4’, 3’x3’, 2’x2’
You can find many different brands of mats online. Some are inexpensive, while others cost thousands of dollars. Before purchasing a mat, always check the reviews to see what people have to say about the brand and model you’ve chosen.
How To Care For Your Mat
No matter the type of mat you choose, keep in mind that they need to be cleaned regularly. Here’s how to care for them properly so they last longer:
Keep it clean: Clean your mat after every workout to remove sweat and dirt. Never leave it sitting on a dirty surface or floor.
Wash it daily: Make sure to wash your mat at least once per week. Use mild soap and warm water to clean your mat. Don’t forget to rinse it thoroughly after washing to remove excess soap.
Keep it dry: Store your mat flat against the wall or stand it up against the wall when not in use. Avoid leaving it lying on a wet floor or on a damp towel.
Most mats are machine-washable, but only a few are dishwasher safe. Check the label on your mat for instructions regarding washing. Remember to read the instructions carefully because most mats cannot withstand high heat.