When it comes to exercise, the human body needs at least half an hour of exercise each day to remain fit and healthy. Whether that be through yoga or another form of exercise, staying in shape is the ultimate goal. In order to reach that goal, you may need some fitness equipment to practice your exercises properly. Mats are extremely versatile in their use and provide the right amount firmness and cushion to get the job done. They can make a hard floor, soft and comfortable to exercise on. The question is, do you have the right mat? You may need to choose between an exercise mat and a yoga mat.
Some people might not know that there is difference between a yoga mat and a general exercise mat. Yoga mats are specifically designed for low impact exercises. Compared to exercise mats, yoga mats tend to be thinner and can be found somewhere in the middle of the firmness scale. The thinness of a yoga mat gives yoga enthusiasts enough cushion to still be able to feel the floor without feeling any pain associated with just using the floor. When picking a yoga mat, there are a variety of different materials to choose from. Yoga mats made with PVC material are preferred by some experts because it offers the right level of stickiness and a slightly softer texture.
Exercise mats, on the other hand, are designed to be thicker for those who do not want to feel close to the ground. They are commonly used in other general exercise practices such as gymnastics, martial arts training, and gyms. Fitness enthusiasts at gyms use exercise mats to do floor-based training such as abdominal workouts. The thicker design of an exercise mat absorbs more of the shock that comes from slipping, falling, and jumping. Using an exercise mat can also prevent a whole lot of injuries that may occur from exercising on a hard floor. When choosing an exercise mat, there are a lot of different options. They can vary in comfortability, thickness, and moisture resistance.
With so many fitness mats available on the market, it can be hard for a customer to choose the right mat that fits their individual needs. The main difference between a yoga and exercise mat is the thickness, so if your main use is practicing yoga, choose the yoga mat. Whichever mat you choose, just know you are achieving your goal of staying physically fit.
For more information on the difference between yoga and exercise mats, click here.
Article written by William Graves.