Reviews and opinions of popular exercise mats
Benefits
- It provides safety and high comfort during exercise.
- It does not shift or roll.
- It effectively cushions the body.
- Protects joints.
- It has optimal dimensions.
- It provides full freedom of movement.
- Durable and tear-resistant.
- It does not absorb sweat and moisture.
- Lightweight and easy to transport.
- With attached strap.
- Easy to clean.
- Aesthetic design.
Disadvantages
- Available only in selected stores.
The Body Functions exercise mat is a versatile accessory that will prove useful for a variety of activities - from warm-up and strength training, to stretching and mobilization exercises. The optimal dimensions of the mat (183 × 61 cm) ensure high comfort and full freedom of movement during exercise, and the thickness of 1 cm effectively cushions the knees and elbows, guaranteeing joint protection in supporting positions. The Body Functions mat is made of tough and durable TPE material. This makes it resistant to tearing and abrasion, plus it does not absorb sweat or moisture. This makes it extremely easy to keep the accessory clean - just wipe it with a damp cloth. The mat perfectly adheres to the ground, does not roll or move, which increases the safety of use even during dynamic movements. The light weight and the attached practical strap mean that the mat can be easily taken to the gym, fitness room or outdoor training. The Body Functions mat is an excellent choice for those looking for a durable, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing mat for regular workouts.
Benefits
- Versatile application.
- Provides joint protection.
- Non-slip surface.
- Deformation-resistant material.
- Easy to clean.
- With a practical carrying strap.
- Several colors available.
- Favorable price.
Disadvantages
- The mat could be a bit longer.
- It can reduce the comfort of some exercises.
- Limited availability.
Exercise mat by Sapphire is a good choice for people who train at home, at the gym or outdoors. It will be perfect for yoga, Pilates or stretching exercises. Its non-slip surface provides stability and safety even during more dynamic positions or demanding balance exercises. The mat is made of PVC foam, which is durable, resistant to deformation and easy to clean. The dimensions of the accessory (173 × 61 cm) ensure comfort during exercises, the thickness of 6 mm guarantees adequate cushioning during various types of support exercises. The accessory comes with a practical strap for easy transportation. Unfortunately, the Sapphire mat is not readily available. However, its big plus is its favorable price and several colors to choose from. It is a practical solution for beginners and advanced people who value convenience and versatility of training accessories.
Benefits
- Universal application.
- It provides comfort for exercise.
- It has optimal dimensions.
- It cushions the joints.
- Good grip and stability during exercise.
- Durable and flexible.
- Easy to transport.
Disadvantages
- The uneven surface makes cleaning difficult.
- The printed inscription may wear off over time.
- Exorbitant price.
The Reebok exercise mat is an accessory designed for various forms of floor training. It will work well for strength training, stretching, general fitness, as well as for yoga or Pilates. The mat is made of 100% NBR (nitrile-butadiene rubber) foam, a material that combines flexibility and durability. As a result, it provides a comfortable surface for exercise. The dimensions of the mat are optimal (173 × 61 cm), and its thickness (7 mm) provides adequate cushioning and effective joint protection. The grooved (striated) surface increases grip and stability even during more demanding exercises. The mat is small when rolled up, which, along with its light weight and the included strap, makes it easy to transport and store. The main disadvantage of the Reebok accessory can be considered the exorbitant price.
Benefits
- Natural cork surface.
- Comfortable and pleasant to the skin.
- The mat has antibacterial properties.
- A layer of TPE foam provides stability and good grip.
- Appropriate dimensions.
- Lightweight and easy to transport.
- Aesthetic design.
Disadvantages
- Cork requires more careful cleaning than synthetic materials.
- It may not provide sufficient cushioning.
- Natural cork may suffer minor abrasion or discoloration over time.
- Very high price.
Spokey Savasana exercise mat is an option for those who value naturalness and aesthetics. The top layer of the mat is made of 100% natural cork providing good grip and stability during exercise. In addition, the cork does not absorb moisture and has antibacterial properties. On the other hand, for the underside of the mat, TPE foam was used, which is durable, resilient and holds well to the ground. The dimensions of the mat (183 × 61 cm) are suitable even for very tall people. However, the thickness (0.4 cm) does not guarantee sufficient joint protection and may not be suitable for people who need stronger cushioning. Spokey Savasana mat is lightweight, easy to transport, and its aesthetic appearance is an additional advantage.
Benefits
- It provides good cushioning during exercise.
- Two sides with different textures suitable for exercise.
- Non-slip surfaces.
- It guarantees stability during training.
- Durable and easy to clean.
- Possibility to hang the mat on a hanger or stand.
Disadvantages
- Small dimensions.
- No carrying strap.
- It is mainly available in specialized sports stores.
- High price compared to larger mats.
The Tiguar Workout mat is a versatile accessory that will work for both gym and home workouts. The mat has two sides with different textures. The top layer of laminated, welded foam features high durability, while the PVC coating ensures exercise comfort and easy cleaning even after workouts with athletic shoes. Both materials have a non-slip surface to guarantee stability regardless of the type of exercise. Although the dimensions of the Tiguar mat are small (100 × 50 cm), its thickness (1 cm) provides effective cushioning, which increases comfort and safety during training. The accessory is equipped with two metal grommets for hanging the mat. Unfortunately, the price of the Tiguar Workout is very high compared to larger, classic exercise mats.
Exercise mats - comfort, stability and safety during training
An exercise mat is an essential accessory for any person who cares about regular physical activity. A properly selected mat provides not only comfort, but most importantly stability and safety when performing a variety of exercises - from calm yoga and Pilates, to stretching, to dynamic functional training. It protects the joints and spine, absorbing shocks and insulating the body from the hard, often cold ground. Thanks to its non-slip surface, it allows you to focus on proper movement technique, and its lightweight, roll-up design makes it easy to take to the gym, fitness studio or outdoor training.
How to choose the best exercise mats?
When creating our ranking of the best exercise mats, we considered the following criteria:
Is the mat comfortable to use?
Does it provide adequate cushioning and joint protection?
Is the surface of the mat non-slip?
Do the dimensions of the accessory allow you to freely perform various exercises?
Is the mat made of durable and skin-safe materials?
Is it easy to keep clean? Is it easy to keep it clean?
Is it lightweight and convenient to transport?
Is it aesthetically pleasing in appearance?
Is the quality/price ratio favorable?
What materials are exercise mats made of?
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) - The most commonly recommended material of modern exercise mats. It combines elasticity and strength, making the mat lightweight, resilient and durable. It provides excellent shock absorption and does not absorb sweat or moisture, making it easy to keep clean. TPE is skin-friendly and often free of harmful substances.
Natural cork - An eco-friendly, natural material that is gaining popularity. Cork has anti-bacterial properties, is non-allergenic and does not absorb sweat, so it provides a hygienic training environment. Its slightly rough texture guarantees excellent grip, even when the surface is slightly wet. Cork mats are distinguished by their elegant, natural appearance, but require slightly more careful care and can be more expensive.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) - A commonly used material that features high strength and abrasion resistance. PVC mats tend to be more affordable and work well for regular, intense workouts. Some models are additionally coated for easy cleaning. However, it is worth paying attention to ensure that the chosen product is free of harmful phthalates.
NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) - A soft and resilient material that provides excellent shock absorption. Ideal for those who need strong joint protection, such as in rehabilitation exercises or high-intensity fitness. NBR is resistant to deformation and relatively easy to clean. The downside may be the slightly higher weight compared to TPE mats.
Natural rubber - An environmentally friendly material with excellent grip and high flexibility. It provides solid cushioning and is very durable, making it an ideal choice for advanced users and those who train intensively. However, natural rubber mats can be heavier and require regular maintenance to maintain their properties.
Exercise mats - applications
Exercise mats are versatile accessories that are used in many activities - both at home and in fitness clubs or yoga studios. First of all, they provide a safe and comfortable floor, protecting joints and absorbing shocks during exercise. They are perfect for yoga, Pilates, stretching and relaxation exercises, where the stable, non-slip surface makes it easier to maintain correct position and balance.
The mats are also indispensable in strengthening, functional and general training. Thanks to different thicknesses and materials, they can be adjusted to the nature of the exercises: thinner and lighter models are ideal for quiet practices, while thicker and more resilient ones provide better cushioning for dynamic movements.
Additionally, the exercise mat provides a protective barrier between the body and the floor, which is appreciated by those who train outdoors or on hard surfaces.This accessory not only increases comfort, but also promotes hygiene and safety of training, becoming an an indispensable part of both home and professional exercise space.
What is the best exercise mat?
The best exercise mat should be made of high-quality, durable material that provides adequate cushioning and resistance to deformation. It is important that its surface is non-slip, which guarantees stability and safety during various forms of training. The ideal mat should be sized according to the user's height to allow free movement, and thick enough to provide comfort and joint protection. It is good if it is lightweight and equipped with a strap for easy transport and storage. It is also important that it is easy to clean and can withstand regular heavy use.
How to use exercise mats?
Exercise mats are extremely easy to use and do not require complicated handling. Before starting your workout, simply roll out the mat on a level, stable surface, making sure it lies flat and does not move during movement. After exercising, roll it up again for easy storage and to protect it from damage. To make sure the mat retains its properties and is hygienic, it is a good idea to wipe it with a damp cloth after each workout, removing sweat and minor dirt. Regular cleaning not only prevents the growth of bacteria, but also extends the life of the accessory. Thanks to such care, the mat will remain in good condition and provide comfortable conditions for subsequent workouts.
What are the benefits of using exercise mats?
The most important effects of using exercise mats include:
- Protection of joints and spine.
- Improved cushioning during exercise.
- Stability and safety.
- More comfortable workout.
- Hygienic separation of the body from the ground.
- Faster maintenance of balance.
- Possibility to exercise at home and outdoors.