Is a fitness mat a stylish accessory or a necessity?

Currently, there are many articles on choosing yoga mats, but all of them do not reflect modern realities. The market for yoga mats is growing rapidly, and in recent years quite a lot of new products have appeared about the features of which a wide range of yoga lovers are not so aware.

In this article we will try to understand in detail how to choose a yoga mat in 2021. What to pay attention to, what trends and new products exist, how to save money without overpaying for the brand and ultimately choose a reliable and high-quality rug for yourself.

Which brand of yoga mat is best to buy?

According to experienced instructors, the best yoga mats are produced by the following brands:

• Starfit is a famous Australian company engaged in the production of exercise equipment and fitness products. Its yoga mats are distinguished by their durability, reliability and stylish design along with very affordable prices. The company's products became particularly popular due to the involvement of famous athletes and fitness instructors in their creation and testing.
• Bodhi is a German company that has been supplying its products to the CIS market for more than 20 years. The company produces mats and other related products for yoga, Pilates, and meditation. The brand's high-quality and environmentally friendly products meet strict international standards and are widely popular among customers.
• Manduka is a famous American brand specializing in the production of yoga products. The range of products of this brand is constantly updated with new textures and colors. Taking into account the wishes of its customers, the company produces training mats for indoor and outdoor training. Yoga mats from this company are famous for their high quality and natural materials.
• Ojas is a world-famous brand, one of whose priority activities is the production of yoga products. The list of its products includes special clothing, rugs, as well as a large assortment of cases and bags for them. The company sets itself the task of making this spiritual practice as pleasant and enjoyable as possible.

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Natural raw materials

Rugs made from natural raw materials have one big advantage. They are durable, so they are purchased for intensive long-term training.

A sports mat made of natural rubber with an additive in the form of jute or rubber does not electrify, does not absorb the odor of sweat, and is characterized by excellent thermal insulation. It is prevented from sliding on the surface. A natural fitness mat, the price of which depends on the raw materials used in its manufacture, may also contain natural cotton, wool, polyurethane, latex.

Rating of the best yoga mats

When choosing a yoga mat, most buyers are guided not only by the price category of the goods, but also by their practical qualities. According to numerous reviews on forums, the following characteristics are important for a comfortable yoga mat:

• Quality and environmental friendliness of materials;
• Good grip on the floor and the ability not to slip on its surface;
• Elasticity and softness of the coating;
• Degree of susceptibility to deformation;
• Durability and wear resistance;
• Light weight;
• Moisture resistance;
• Flexibility;
• Optimal ratio of parameters (length, width and thickness);
• Availability of models with several colors;
• Price.

After analyzing the opinions of customers and the demand in online stores for yoga and fitness mats, we selected 6 of the most popular items from more than 20 models offered. All of them have good reviews and have the above qualities.

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Mid-price mats (TPE mats)

Along with German-made PVC mats in the mid-price category, TPE mats

(thermoplastic elastomer).

Unlike PVC mats, they are lighter, often double-sided (both sides are working), and have a perforated texture.

The length of such rugs is usually up to 183 cm, thickness 4-6 mm

TPE mats are easy to care for, easy to clean, quite durable and have good anti-slip properties

.

Of the minuses, it is worth noting that the edges of the mat may bend slightly after long-term storage rolled up, but this is not a big drawback.

Also mats 6 mm thick

They are quite large when storing and carrying; for compactness and ease of storage, it is recommended to use a special
tie for rugs
.

Such rugs are produced in China and sold under different brands, including European, Russian, and American.

These rugs are very convenient to take with you. Perfect for both beginners and professionals. It should also be noted that there are many bright, interesting colors in each model.

Best Inexpensive Yoga Mats

If you are just starting to understand the basics of yoga and are not sure that this spiritual practice will appeal to you and will become a hobby for a long time, there is no need to spend money on purchasing an expensive gymnastic mat. In this case, you should opt for more budget models. Based on the opinions of experienced teachers, we have selected the best yoga mats in this price range.

Starfit FM 102

According to online stores, Starfit FM 102 is one of the most popular mattresses. Made from high-quality PVC material, it is also ideal for stretching. Its bright colors and original floral design help create a good mood during training. To avoid damaging the integrity of the surface, the manufacturer recommends working barefoot or wearing special sports shoes with soft soles.

Advantages

• Elastic and dense coating;
• Bright color that does not fade over time;
• Does not curl during exercise;
• Good length;
• Does not slip on the floor;
• Affordable price.

Flaws

• Doesn't wash out very well.

Reviews about this inexpensive yoga mat are mostly positive. Some users note that the surface becomes slightly deformed over time during training. However, this is only possible when exercising on a mat in shoes with rough soles.

Bodhi Asana Mat

This effective and lightweight yoga mat has all the properties that are so important when practicing yoga and fitness. It does not slip, washes well and does not stretch, it is convenient to roll up and carry during training. The ideal thickness allows you to feel comfortable in any asanas. The mat is made of high-quality reinforced PVC and has good abrasion resistance. The presence of the Oeko-Tex 100 Level 2 certificate for this product guarantees its complete harmlessness to human skin. Externally, such a mattress can be easily recognized by the Bodhi brand logo applied to its surface.

Advantages

• Durable;
• Quite long;
• Smells nice;
• Soft and elastic coating;
• Cleans well.

Flaws

• Hands slip slightly.

This almost non-slip yoga mat is appreciated by lovers of stretching, where flexibility and stretching are very important. And the fact that you can slide slightly on it is considered just an advantage.

FM-301 NBR

...We tested this yoga and fitness mat, and, as the manufacturer promised, it turned out to be soft and elastic, comfortable for a person even taller than 170 cm, and its price is quite reasonable...

Expert opinion

The FM-301 NBR mat is another product of the Starfit brand. Like all the company’s products, this yoga mat is durable, soft, reliable and of excellent quality. The use of innovative NBR material in the composition gives the mattress also hypoallergenic properties.

The product is intended for practicing any type of yoga, as well as for fitness training, during which stretching exercises are performed. The manufacturer advises using it without shoes and, if necessary, wiping it with a damp cloth. With proper use, this accessory can serve the athlete for quite a long time.

Advantages

• Elastic;
• Wide range of colors;
• Reacts well to water and can be wiped clean;
• Increased thickness;
• Good thermal insulation;
• Low cost.

Flaws

• Some floor coverings are electrified;
• During dynamic loads it sometimes slips.

The mat tolerates moisture well, but wet palms can slip slightly, so this option is not the best for those who sweat a lot during classes.

Cotton

Cotton is a hypoallergenic material that does an excellent job of absorbing moisture. A cotton sports mat has one feature - the more it gets wet, the more reliable the grip. A cotton rug is used as an overlay for a plain carpet. As a result, the surface becomes much softer, and thermal insulation provides comfortable conditions for exercise.

Our company produces rugs from various materials. If you want to buy fitness mats inexpensively, we are pleased to offer you a wide range of yoga mats made from natural and synthetic raw materials in various colors.

The Best Natural Yoga Mats

Yoga is a spiritual practice aimed at “reuniting” the soul and body. Therefore, many people for whom such activities are an integral part of their lifestyle prefer high-quality mats made from natural materials. These mats are more convenient to use and last much longer. This category presents the best yoga mats, selected according to customer reviews.

Rishikesh

Like any Bodhi product, the Rishikesh yoga and fitness mat is distinguished by true German quality. It holds its shape well, does not wear out, and can withstand impacts, so it is suitable not only for training in the gym, but also for training at home or outdoors. The manufacturer has provided the possibility of washing it in a machine, while the mat does not lose color or stain the surface. The Rishikesh yoga mat is suitable for those who choose comfort, durability, light weight and good value for money.

Advantages

• Made from natural materials;
• Dense;
• Sticks well to the floor;
• Does not slip;
• Rich color range;
• Wear-resistant, suitable for various types of training;
• Has two working surfaces.

Flaws

• The weight of 1.6 kg seems considerable to some users.

Experienced yoga teachers praise this model for the ability to select the required length; there are various options on sale, from 175 cm to 220 cm. Due to the fact that this yoga mat is non-slip, you can easily make various stances on it.

Manduka PRO

For the past 15 years, Manduka yoga mats have been considered one of the best. The dividing line in the center helps to correctly arrange the asanas. The accessory is made of high-quality stable PLUS foam, which guarantees safety for health. The surface pores are securely closed, which prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. Many buyers appreciate these yoga mats for their environmental friendliness and high quality.

Advantages

• Light weight;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Dense;
• Nice texture.

Flaws

• Travel models not available.

Both instructors and their students respond very positively to Manduka rugs. Such yoga mats last about 3-4 years, do not break or wear out. However, buyers pay attention to the fact that they are not very convenient to carry, so it is better to leave such mats for hospital practice.

Ojas Salamander Optimum rubbery

The Ojas Salamander Optimum rubber yoga mat is suitable for all types of practice. This yoga mat is created from natural material in accordance with the requests and recommendations of professional instructors. It is strong, durable, elastic, completely non-slip and odorless.

Another distinctive property of this mattress is its ability to absorb moisture. Thanks to the large number of microscopic pores on its surface, which create a sponge effect, sweat quickly seeps in and then evaporates without leaving any unpleasant odors. The manufacturer has provided the possibility of washing the rug in a machine with gentle detergents at a temperature of +30°C.

Advantages

• Soft covering;
• Wear-resistant;
• Good grip on the floor and palms;
• Doesn't smell;
• Machine washable;
• High-quality thermal insulation.

Flaws

• The kit does not include a carrying case;
• High price.

Judging by the reviews, this mat is appreciated not only by yoga practitioners, but also by Pilates fans. It does not slip at all and, if desired, by purchasing an additional cover, you can carry it with you to group classes at fitness clubs.

Rules of care

In order for the rug to last as long as possible, it needs to be properly cared for. A few general recommendations will allow you to enjoy it for more than one year:

1. Carefully study the manufacturer's recommendations.
2. You can only exercise in socks or barefoot.
3. Fold it only if there are segments, otherwise roll it up.
4. The roll should not be too dense; roll it from a different side each time.
5. Synthetic materials are rinsed by hand once every 1-2 months (depending on the intensity of exercise) in a warm soapy solution and dried in a vertical position.
6. Natural products are wiped with a damp cloth.
7. To avoid odor, after each workout the mat should be hung out in the fresh air for a couple of hours.
8. As soon as peeling and creases appear, purchase a new one.
9. This is the same personal hygiene item as a towel or comb, so do not let other people use it.

The service life is 50% dependent on proper care. The remaining 50% depends on the intensity of training and the quality of the product.

Which yoga mat is best to choose?

For those who often exercise outdoors, it is better to choose a yoga and fitness mat made of synthetic materials. It weighs less than natural products, which are more suitable for gym practice.

Based on the results of our rating, we can draw the following conclusions:

• The most popular among professional yoga practitioners is the Manduka gymnastic mat.
• If you need an unpretentious mat for practicing yoga while traveling, then the most suitable travel model is Rishikesh.
• For Pilates, the Ojas Salamander Optimum rubber mat is best suited.
• Fans of stretching and stretching most often prefer Bodhi Asana Mat.
• Those who choose a gymnastics mat for children will certainly like the design of Starfit FM 102.
• Beginners should opt for the budget option FM-301 NBR for trial lessons.

There are many different offers on the modern market of fitness products. So, when making your choice, remember that the best yoga mat should encourage you to start practicing as soon as possible.

The importance of choosing the right fitness mat

Fitness training, like any other type of physical activity, for example, balance training, yoga, crossfit, requires the use of certain equipment. Most sports require a special rug (mat).

You need to buy a rug for two main reasons:

• For reasons of hygiene. Bacteria and even fungus can live on a public rug. One touch is enough, not to mention systematic training, to harm your health.
• A personal mat can provide you with comfort, and sometimes this is very important. Comfort is provided by two factors: material and thickness of the product. In order to save money, sports facilities use the most budget models with minimal thickness.

Therefore, before choosing a fitness mat, you need to take into account the thickness of the product and the material, as well as its size, which we will discuss further.

DIY rugs

Many people are concerned about the question of whether it is possible to make a fitness mat with your own hands. This is a difficult procedure, since it is difficult to obtain an accessory that will be ideal for performing exercises. If a person decides to make such a thing on his own, he is recommended to first go to sporting goods stores and inspect the rug. Next, you should purchase special materials from which the required size is cut, but a homemade mat is not always ideal for practicing. Fitness mats are an indispensable item. With their help, you can safely and effectively practice yoga and fitness. They make it easier to do certain exercises. But you should carefully purchase this product, since sellers do not always offer rugs that are suitable for activities.