Fitness Mat VS Yoga Mat
Do you think fitness mat and yoga mat are different? The answer is sure. Their functions and uses are completely different. Although the debate about yoga mats and fitness mats may not be the most exciting as they share some similarities, the differences in the advantages and disadvantages of using yoga mats or fitness mats can determine the level of enjoyment you enjoy during exercise.
一、Sports Mat Advantages
No matter which exercise method you prefer, the sports mat helps achieve your workout results while keeping you comfortable throughout the entire exercise process.
The benefits of using a sports mat may not directly increase your muscle mass, help you burn fat, or enhance health, but by using it, you can strengthen your confidence in exercise by providing floor protection, anti-slip protection and joint protection.
1. Floor Protection
Floor protection is one of the main reasons for using mats during exercise. When you exercise, you often move dynamically and may even jump or lift heavy objects. Therefore, there must be a durable, moisture wicking, and shock-absorbing barrier between your body and the floor.
Your mat needs to be able to withstand the requirements of exercise, so that the floor won’t withstand the intense impact of open and close jumps and dumbbell presses. In addition, as exercise can cause you to sweat, if sweat starts to drip into the floor, it may cause the floor to emit an unpleasant odor or even worse, it may be damaged. Therefore, protecting the floor during exercise is crucial.
2. Anti-Slip Protection
Anti-slip is another important major benefit of using mats. It can provide a great grip and stable surface for your feet and hands. Moreover, it will provide slip resistance protection for your yoga posture and practice. When exercising, using a cushion to provide traction for active exercise, this not only prevents you from slipping, but also reduces the risk of injury.
3. Joint Protection
During exercise, Joint protection is also an important advantage for using fitness mats. Due to the fact that most of us can only withstand moderate pressure on our knees, elbows, and spine, fitness mats can cushion your joints and soften the hardness of any floor. Therefore, mats can reduce your concerns during fitness activities.
二、The Difference Between Fitness Mat and Yoga Mat
Yoga mats and fitness mats are different in many important aspects. When choosing a cushion, these key points can be considered.
1. Thickness
The thickness of the fitness mat should be thicker. The thickness of a standard yoga mat is usually between 3mm to 6mm. If you need to practice yoga, it’s best to choose a slightly thicker yoga mat, it can maintain more stability with doing yoga. If practicing yoga at home, the thicker mat is also acceptable. If you often carry a yoga mat for outdoor practice, you can choose a thinner yoga mat for easy carrying and transportation.
On the contrary, the thickness of fitness mats is usually between 10mm and 15mm. Due to the usually heavy workload during fitness, thicker cushions are more comfortable.
2. Density
NBR is the abbreviation of rubber foam material nitrile rubber. Its main feature is lightness and low density. Therefore, this fitness mat is thick and light, soft, elastic, comfortable and sponge-like to use. The thickness of this fitness mat is usually between 8-10mm. When practicing on it, it is much more comfortable than other materials. It is also very cheap. However, This kind of exercise mat is not durable and can only be used for static exercises. You can use it to stretch and relax, do planks, and sit-ups. On the contrary, there is no way to do aerobic movements that require high stability, anti-skid and wear resistance.
3. Structure
Yoga mats have a better surface structure than fitness mats. In yoga practice, you usually have to maintain certain postures, so you need to grip the mat more. So the structure of the yoga mat is relatively rough. On the other hand, because of sweating a lot during regular workouts, the fitness mat is smoother and easier to clean.
4. Material
Most yoga mats are mainly made of natural rubber, suede, cork, and PVC materials. These materials are sturdy, high-quality, and having good rigidity, It can last for many years under normal use and good maintenance.
Fitness mats are usually made of rubber, polymer, or chloroprene rubber materials. Therefore, it is thicker than PVC and more suitable for your elbows and knees during exercise. Furthermore, even if you practice applying more load to the mat, it will not easily slide under you.
三、The Choosing of Fitness Mat and Yoga Mat
1. When Choosing a Fitness Mat?
If the exercise you are doing will put more pressure on the mat like abdominal exercises or weightlifting exercises, it is best to choose the fitness mat. The cushion is thicker, it will provide more support. Practice becomes more comfortable.
2. When Choosing a Yoga Mat?
If you are practicing yoga at home or outdoors, a yoga mat is your ideal choice. Yoga mats are more comfortable. Hands and feet are warmer, and it can prevent slipping. In addition, it is also relatively hygienic because yoga can make you sweat a lot.
Conclusion
Therefore, whether to choose a fitness mat or a yoga mat depends on your actual use. If you are simply doing yoga exercises, you can choose the yoga mat. If you are doing abdominal exercises or weightlifting exercises, choosing a fitness mat is your best choice.
