It depends on the mat whether you will be comfortable performing exercises with emphasis on your elbows and knees, doing abdominal folds, maintaining balance in balance asanas and not sliding in downward-facing dog pose.
To choose a suitable model, it is worth considering what materials it is made of, thickness, anti-slip properties and other parameters. We will analyze them one by one and tell you what to expect from different products and how to find the ideal option for yourself.
What materials are rugs made from?
Knowing the characteristics of different materials, you can at least roughly imagine how the mat will feel during exercise. At the same time, there is no guarantee that the product will be of high quality, even if it is made from 100% natural polymer and is not cheap.
Due to the difference in composition and manufacturing technologies, two models made from the same material can differ greatly in strength, odor and anti-slip properties.
Polyvinyl chloride
One of the most popular options. Most cheap rugs are made of PVC, although there are also quite expensive models. For example, from the brand Manduka or Reebok, popular among yogis.
Even cheap mats can provide good grip on the floor, so the product won’t move with you as you exercise. However, most models cannot provide as good a grip on your hands. As soon as your palms get wet from sweat, they begin to move along the surface of polyvinyl chloride.
First of all, this can interfere with those who are planning to practice yoga. For example, you will have to put a lot of effort into doing Downward Facing Dog pose correctly. Instead of pushing the floor with your palms, you will try to keep your arms and legs in place.
Even the official distributor of Manduka warnsthat PVC mats are not the best choice for those who primarily value grip.
Products made from polyvinyl chloride often have an unpleasant odor, which disappears after a few days.
In addition, such models are not particularly durable – with regular and intensive practice, they can begin to crumble, so that the floor will be littered with PVC particles.
And the last drawback is not environmentally friendly. PVC counts the most dangerous polymer that causes great harm to the planet. So if you are concerned about the environmental situation, it is better to choose a rug made of a different material.
What to buy
Polyethylene foam
Travel mats, so-called foams, are made from this material. Some manufacturers indicate that such models can be used for training.
You can actually work out on them. For example, if you are going to do exercises in nature, laying a mat on the grass, damp from dew. Or throw a mat on the floor to make it easier to pump your abs.
But such models are not particularly good for yoga and home fitness. The palms slide strongly on the PPE mats, so when performing the same downward-facing dog, you want to grab the edges so as not to fall.
In addition, models made of polyethylene foam have poor adhesion to smooth surfaces, such as linoleum or laminate. So whether you’re doing burpees, jumping jacks, or rock climbers, the mat is likely to move with you.
What to buy
Thermoplastic elastomer, TPE
Thermoplastic elastomer has properties similar to rubber and is more environmentally friendly than PVC. At the same time, the cost of TPE mats does not exceed the price of models made of polyvinyl chloride.
The advantages of such products include good slip resistance. Even wet palms and feet in socks do not ride on TPE mats. Also, the products lie tightly on the floor and do not move when performing cardio exercises such as jumping jacks or burpees.
However, not all TPE models are created equal, so it’s best to check reviews before purchasing. Especially if your palms sweat quite a lot and anti-slip properties are a priority.
Such products do not stretch during plank or warrior poses. But rugs are often short-lived – they get scratches from nails or hard objects. Some models have a chemical smell that disappears in a few days.
What to buy
Rubber
Rubber is a natural material made from the sap of the Hevea plant. There are also several varieties of synthetic rubber, and manufacturers often do not specify which one is used.
Of course, if we are not talking about an expensive brand that boasts about the environmental friendliness of its products. These include the company Jade from the USA, beloved by many yogis, whose representatives claimthat the rugs are made of natural rubber, and for each product sold, money is allocated for planting trees.
As a rule, mats made of this material lie tightly on the floor and resist slipping well, and do not stretch during poses. In addition, rubber models are often supplemented with special coatings, such as jute or cotton, which makes them even more natural in appearance and pleasant to the touch.
What to buy
Synthetic rubber, NBR
Such mats can often be found in gyms. They are dense, have good adhesion to the floor and can withstand significant loads.
You can accidentally scratch the product, but it is almost impossible to erase it with sneakers.
Such mats are well suited for fitness and Pilates classes; they will not move on a smooth floor or bend. But for yoga they are not particularly good, since they are often thicker than necessary for good balance and stability.
In addition, the products are often quite heavy and not particularly flexible, so rolling them will be difficult and inconvenient to carry.
What to buy
What kind of coating do rugs have?
Rugs made of rubber and TPE are often supplemented with different coatings, due to which slipping is reduced, and the product itself becomes more pleasant to the touch and beautiful to look at.
Microfiber
These rugs are pleasant to the touch and often have a beautiful pattern, but the top layer makes them more slippery. So if your palms sweat, it’s best not to consider this option.
One of the advantages of the coating is that it does not show creases or scratches from nails, and it does not crumble.
What to buy
Cork
Cork looks great, feels good, and is highly slip resistant. So, if your hands become sweaty during exercise, your grip on the mat will not deteriorate.
As a rule, such models are quite dense, they do not stretch and do not curl up at the edges.
High-quality cork-coated products last a long time, but in some cheap models the top layer may come off in pieces or crumble. In addition, creases may remain on the rug if it is stored rolled up.
What to buy
Polyurethane
The polyurethane coating provides good hand grip on the mat. This can be a lifesaver for people with wet palms and feet that slip on all other surfaces.
What to buy
Jute
Natural fiber that looks good, absorbs moisture and is non-slip. Suitable for hot yoga.
What to buy
How to choose the thickness of the rug
It is important to consider the characteristics of the exercises and your physical capabilities.
For yoga
Yoga has many balance exercises that are best done on a flat, hard surface. Therefore, for such activities it is better to choose a mat with a thickness of 0.4–0.6 cm.
If you have joints that are sensitive to hard surfaces and it hurts you to stand on your knees and elbows, as well as roll onto your back, consider a thicker option – 0.8-1 cm. This will not necessarily have a negative impact on your balance, and as you get used to it, it will lose its significance altogether .
For Pilates
This system involves a lot of back movements, rolls and leg lifts. To prevent pain in the spine and hip joints, it is better to choose a thicker mat – 1.2–1.8 cm.
For fitness
If you experience back discomfort during crunches or cannot stand on your knees and elbows on a hard surface, it is better to choose a mat with a thickness of 1.5–2 cm.
Such models are also suitable for those who plan to exercise on hard surfaces, such as tiles. A thick mat will protect your joints from pain and protect your floor from damage from sports equipment.
What else to consider when choosing a rug
1. Compactness and weight. If you plan to wear the mat to the studio or take it with you on trips, it is better to choose thin models made of PVC and TPE. They usually weigh between 0.6 and 1.2 kg, while rubber ones can be 1.7–3 kg.
And the NPR models can be a little stiff, so even rolling them can be difficult. Carrying these with you will be inconvenient.
2. Easy to carry. Many rugs are sold with a case or bag for storage and carrying. If such an addition is not included in the kit, you can buy a tightening strap – a sling about 3 cm wide, which is put on the rolled up mat on both sides and allows you to carry it on your shoulder.
Size 3. Most yoga and fitness mats are 173–183 cm long and 61–68 cm wide. If your height exceeds 180 cm, it is better to take a larger model – 200–220 cm in length and 80 cm in width. It will be more comfortable to exercise on this.
4. Marking. If you’re new to yoga, markings can help you create symmetrical poses. Although some people, on the contrary, are distracted by it.
Regardless of which mat you choose, read reviews about it before purchasing. Yes, they can be contradictory, but if several people at once write that the rug smells terrible or slips, there is most likely some truth in this.
And share your experience in the comments. Tell us what mats you tried to practice on and which models do you like best?
More tips for those who play sports 🧐
