Buying guide for sports mats and mats to do sports
If you are thinking of buying mats for sports, we leave you a simple buying guide so that you can buy the one that best suits your needs. There are several points to keep in mind.
The best tool for pilates and yoga: the fitness mat
The mats considered as good yoga mats are those that allow you to perform the activity with total stability, therefore, you will need that the thickness of it is the minimum. This accessory is also perfect for activities such as pilates, but in this case it will not have to be as thin. In both activities, the mats prevent you from suffering injuries and make your workout more comfortable.
Non-slip yoga mats
The most recommended yoga mats are non-slip mats as they allow you to perform a variety of exercises safely. This type of mats are absorbent and have a material that has chemicals that make the mat more durable and resistant. It is important that your yoga mat has this feature as sweat can cause you to slip and suffer injuries.
Which mat should I buy: thin or thick?
Types of mats
On the one hand, we have the Pilates Mat. Generally, Pilates mats are much thicker than Yoga mats, between 1.5 and 2.4 cm, and the conventional measurements are from 58-100 cm wide by 140-216 cm long. Pilates mats have a smaller non-slip lower surface to ensure they will not move, while the upper surface slides easily to facilitate exercises. Normally they are made of very firm foam, and so they cannot be rolled up, they can only be folded up.
On the other hand, if the activity you are going to perform is yoga, you will be looking for Yoga mats. In addition to these activities, mats are recommended for any fitness activity that requires it. Yoga mats are much thinner than Pilates mats, generally they are between 0.3 and 0.5 cm thick. They are designed to grip the floor and avoid injuries, but so that the user can at the same time feel the surface of the floor below them. This is due to the fact that a large amount of Yoga exercises are carried out standing, and so it is necessary to have perfect stability. The size varies between 55-80 cm wide, and 120-180 cm long. In addition, as the mat is very slim and light, it can be rolled up and takes up very little space, making it easy to store and transport. There are yoga mats made of various materials: most are made of plastic or latex foam, but natural fibres are also common, such as jute, bamboo strips and recycled materials, although the best materials are the former because they have a longer life span and can be easily washed.
Therefore, there are recognized brands such as Reebok or Adidas that have this accessory. You can find them in their catalog, such as the Reebok fitness mat and the Adidas fitness mat.
Measurements, colour and design
There are a great variety of designs and colours on the market, so it is a question of finding one that suits you. What is important is the size, as people who are over 1.75 metres tall will need bigger mats.
Other characteristics
Depending on the use that you are going to give the mat, some users will have to bear in mind some additional characteristics when choosing one model or another: washable, resistant to humidity, odour, etc. Some high range models even have surfaces that have been treated with antibacterial agents. If the surface where you are going to place the mat is very flat (wood), it is recommendable that the surface be non-slip. And finally, it is a good idea to check whether the product includes a bag or accessories that make it easy to transport and store.
How often should I change my Pilates mat?
In general, regardless of whether they are cheap or expensive mats, you will need to periodically check the condition of your mat. If you notice that your mat is no longer firm and is not doing its job properly, you should change it. In addition, if it loses its non-slip texture, you will also have to replace it to avoid injury.
Why are sports mats so recommended?
Practicing sports on mats offers a multitude of benefits. In addition, it is one of the most sought-after accessories for athletes as it can be used in a multitude of training sessions. As for the available brands, if you are looking for the best fitness mats, you will find brands such as Tunturi, Adidas, Ziva or Reebok among others. For example, Reebok mats adapt to both advanced and amateur users with differentiated products for each of them. If you practice yoga, for example, mats with a thickness of around 4 mm are recommended by the brand for beginners. However, if you are looking for your mat to have great cushioning and you can use it for more advanced yoga, the 5mm mat will be the best option. In addition, they are designed to be very resistant and durable which makes more and more users rely on this accessory