1. What is the difference between a yoga mat and a sports mat?
In order to maximize exposure, merchants add keywords for sports mats in the product titles of yoga mats and add keywords for yoga mats to sports mats. No matter which one you search for, they are mixed together in the end.
To choose a mat that really suits you, you must first figure out the difference between the two. Let me take you to re-recognize yoga mats and sport mats.
The main differences between sports mats and yoga mats are as follows:
1. Different functions and features:
Yoga mat: It is mainly used for practicing yoga, mainly with static stretching, relaxation, and gentle movements.
Fitness mat: It can be used for all fitness exercises, such as aerobic exercises such as rope skipping, jumping Insanity, and various strength exercises such as push-ups, presses, and dead-lifts.
2. Different materials
In order to adapt to different sports needs, their materials are definitely different.
Yoga mats: There are many materials, but after so many years of updating, iteration and elimination, the mainstream materials of yoga mats are mainly NBR, TPE, linen, PU, natural rubber, etc.
NBR material
Advantages: NBR is light in weight, small in density, thick in thickness, relatively resistant to wear, and low in price, suitable for beginners;
Disadvantages: The anti-slip performance is average, especially on wooden floors, it will slip, the resilience is not particularly good, and it is difficult to exert force smoothly.
TPE material
Advantages: TPE is recognized as a pollution-free material, and it is also the most used material for yoga mats. It is characterized by very good resilience, good slip resistance, and is more durable than NBR.
Disadvantages: Not suitable for hot yoga or summer sweating, because it will reduce the anti-slip performance when wet, sweat will also corrode, it is not easy to maintain, and has a short service life.
Linen is not mentioned here, because linen is always used with TPE or natural rubber.
Natural rubber material
Advantages: Natural rubber is the most advanced yoga mat material, with good elasticity, good grip performance, non-slip, waterproof surface, easy maintenance, environmentally friendly materials, and long service life;
Disadvantages: expensive; pure natural rubber material is not suitable for high-temperature yoga. To do high-temperature yoga, you need to match the linen surface or suede leather.
Fitness mat: Relatively speaking, the material of the fitness mat is relatively simple. Its material must be resistant to exercises and must have a certain degree of protection for human joints. The main materials are NBR, rubber and PVC.
NBR has been introduced above, so I won’t talk about it here. Most of the NBR mats on the market above 8mm can be used as fitness mats, but their service life is relatively short.
PVC and rubber floor mats
Advantages: PVC and rubber floor mats are almost the same, the surface is rough and non-slip, the texture is slightly hard, wear-resistant, resistant to operation, shock resistance, can reduce the cushioning and protect the joints, and can also provide sound insulation.
Disadvantages: Because it needs to be impact resistant, it does not need strong elasticity, the smell is relatively large, and the slag will fall after a long period of use.
3. Different thickness and size
Yoga mat
The thickness ranges from 1.5-8mm. According to the level of training, the required thickness is also different. Yoga mats are not as thick as possible.
The size is 173cm*61cm (suitable for height less than 170), 183cm*61cm (suitable for height less than 180). There are many widened yoga mats on the market, suitable for home use by yourself, not suitable for use with friends in a yoga studio.
Fitness mat
The thickness is generally 8-10mm, and gym mats are generally about 1cm-2.5cm;
The size is more flexible and can be purchased or customized according to needs.
In short, yoga mats and fitness mats are completely different products, it is recommended not to mix them, especially yoga mats must not be used as fitness mats, but fitness mats can do little simple yoga exercises, be sure to distinguish clearly when purchasing.
If you are still not sure, please continue to the part of how to choose.
4. How to pick your ideal Yoga mat?
1. Entry-level yoga trainer
Entry-level yoga trainers are not difficult to do. They pay more attention to sports comfort and joint protection, so the mat is slightly thicker. We usually choose a yoga mat with a thickness of 6-7mm, and the material is TPE.
It is not recommended to use NBR mats for yoga.
2. High-level yoga trainers
Advanced level trainers can already complete all the difficult yoga movements and have high requirements for core and balance. Therefore, a thinner and stronger yoga mat is required. It is recommended to use a 1-5mm natural rubber yoga mat or PU Rubber yoga mat.
PU layer on the surface, moisture absorption and non-slip, bottom natural rubber, strong grip, providing elastic cushioning, a layer of Nonwoven technology woven fabric in the middle, insulates sweat and facilitates the discharge of moisture. In general, the cost performance is very high.
