Many modern-day exercises require people to get down onto the floor and on their knees. On a tile floor and sometimes even a carpet floor, this can be sore and even harmful in some situations. Therefore, exercise mats were made to prevent that from happening.
Yoga mats ensure that people stay safe and comfortable whilst they are busy moving their bodies. It’s also a great way to exercise outside without getting dirt on your body or having to roll around in the sand. These mats are used for all kinds of movement, which is why you get different kinds of mats.
What is a yoga mat?
Yoga mats are a prop used in yoga to do the physical asana (poses) on. It was designed to be a comfortable mat that would stop people from slipping whilst practicing. The main intention for a yoga mat was to have grip and comfort whilst flowing.
The first yoga mat was made with rubber and was called a sticky mat. Nowadays, yoga mats are made with rubber, cork, plastic, and more. They are made with specific materials to ensure the mat has grip and padding for the knees because of how much kneeling is done in a yoga flow.
There are different-sized yoga mats and they usually come in a range of colours. The thickness of a mat varies depending on the brand. Usually, yoga mats are quite thick but a few of the brands make thinner-style yoga mats.
The pros and cons of a yoga mat
Starting with the pros, yoga mats are often made eco-friendly because the yoga community is eco-conscious. This means buying a yoga mat has less of an impact on the earth than other products. Another pro is that all yoga mats have good grip. This means no slipping on a yoga mat.
One of the cons of a yoga mat is that it can often be expensive. They’re made of high quality, which means they’re pricier. Another con is that because yoga mats can be quite thick and heavy, carrying them around can be a hassle. The bulkiness of a mat means it’s not easy to travel or store yoga mats.
The material of the mat and its grip makes it difficult to clean. It’s not something that can be thrown into the washing machine. It takes time and dedication to clean. There’s more waiting to be done after it’s been washed because the drying takes longer.
What is an exercise mat?
Exercise mats are known as workout equipment that’s not often needed but more wanted. They are designed to make any workout or movement more comfortable. The exercise mat is not necessary for a workout or for someone looking to get fit.
At the gym, there’s usually a floor that exercising can be done on but at home, many people don’t have that. The exercise mats help those who don’t have a comfortable floor to work out on or have slippery floors that can’t be exercised on safely.
The exercise mat is also referred to as a gym mat because that’s what it’s mostly used for. Some people also use it for gymnastics due to its thickness and the ability to land safely on it.
The pros and cons of an exercise mat
Often exercise mats are also extremely thick, which is good for joint protection and comfort. The con to this is that they’re not as grippy if they’re so thick. The thicker mats are harder to grip onto and can be slippery to move around on. They can also move around on the floor, which causes your gym time to move around the house.
Another pro of exercise mats is that using them protects your floors at home. When using an exercise mat, the floor stays clean and smooth. Whereas if you work out without one the floor often gets scratched and damaged by the workout equipment and yourself.
One of the biggest pros of an exercise mat is that it’s versatile. It can be used for many different sports and gym routines. It’s not catered to just one kind of movement and can therefore facilitate most exercises that are out there.
The similarities and differences between a yoga and exercise mat
One of the differences between a yoga mat and an exercise mat is the size. Yoga mats are usually thinner but bulkier, whereas exercise mats are usually thicker but lighter to carry. Yoga mats are heavier to carry unless the thinner one is specifically bought.
Yoga mats usually have more grip than exercise mats because of the poses that need to be held in yoga. The lack of grip in exercise mats makes the exercise mats easier to clean than yoga mats. Both mats are usually the same size, which accommodates an average-height person.
Both mats are made of good materials, which makes them good quality. Although yoga mats are often pricier than exercise mats. This is because yoga mats are more often branded and sell for a higher price for being eco-friendly.
Yoga mat vs exercise mat, which mat is best for you?
Both a yoga mat and an exercise mat have their pros and cons. It’s up to the individual looking to buy a mat, it depends on what they’re wanting and looking for. If they’re looking for some extra padding during a workout, then an exercise mat would work perfectly fine.
If someone is looking to do some more stretching as well as some other movement, then a yoga mat would work best. If you’re looking to incorporate daily movement into your life, then a yoga mat would also work because it encourages gentle movement rather than fast flow.
Summary
Whether you want a yoga mat or an exercise mat, both mats work well for what they’re used for. They both facilitate types of movements and can be interchanged between each other. Many places advertise the mats as the other and get them confused because of how similar they are to each other.
A yoga mat can be used for doing exercise and an exercise mat can just as easily be used to do yoga. They were designed for a similar purpose. However, they still have differences that make them unique to each other and better for their specific movement.
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