The 8 Best Yoga and Fitness Mats

*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Modern sport includes many directions. Fitness and yoga can be singled out as the most popular and safe – they help not only improve physical fitness, but also increase self-esteem, and, in the case of yoga, also immerse yourself in an ancient spiritual culture. For effective training, you need the right sports equipment. Of course, the rug. We have compiled a ranking of the best of the best in their category.

How to choose the perfect option

Mat type

Let’s start with two important points. Firstly, there are many varieties of sports mats, and it is not always possible to replace one with another: professionals do not recommend using Pilates mats for yoga practice. But the fitness models of the mind body category are perfect for different types of training and yoga, including – they have a pleasant texture, excellent cushioning, etc.

Second – you need to consider the purpose for which the rug will be used. If it’s yoga, style matters. For soft techniques like hatha or yin, as well as meditation, a soft, comfortable mat of appropriate thickness is best. But for more active techniques (for example, ashtanga) with a powerful physical load, a “hardy” model with good grip, friction resistance and an absorbent surface (in case of intense sweating) is relevant.

If this is fitness, the type of load is important and, accordingly, the rigidity of the rug:

1. HAb mats are rugs of impressive thickness, quite hard – for pumping the press and the whole body.

2. Workout mats – with folding segments – ideal for gymnastic exercises.

3. Mind body – with a pleasant texture to the touch, excellent cushioning and grip with the floor – for various sports training (suitable for both fitness and yoga).

Material

One of the most important criteria when choosing a yoga and fitness mat, especially for those who are prone to allergic reactions:

1. TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) – flexible, wear-resistant material, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, odorless, easy to care for. An excellent option for relaxing activities.

2. PVC is an inexpensive material with sufficient strength, grip, and low weight. Suitable for any workout. Minus: if the top layer is damaged, it intensively absorbs dust (the problem is rare).

3. Rubber (latex) is one of the new trends in the yoga mat market. Natural or recycled natural rubber is used as a base. It is a biodegradable, hypoallergenic material with excellent adhesion and moisture absorption. But it also has its own characteristics: it is heavier than TPE or PVC, it is contraindicated in case of allergy to latex.

Organic materials are cotton, jute, cork and bamboo. The absolute advantage of such materials is 100% naturalness and hypoallergenicity. But they also have their own characteristics: cotton does not adhere well to the floor (sometimes it is rubberized to avoid this problem), the structure of jute can be annoying if you lean on it with your hands or body for a long time, and bamboo and cork are not so easy to find on sale. .

Council. When choosing a mat for fitness or intensive yoga, you should pay attention to models with antibacterial impregnation – relevant for activities that cause increased sweating.

Dimensions

It is necessary to take into account 4 parameters – length, width, thickness and weight. The standard size of a yoga mat is 180×60 cm. When choosing a suitable length, you need to add at least 10 cm to your height (but the main thing is not to overdo it), when choosing a suitable width, it is better to prefer a wider option. If you need a model for fitness, you can safely choose a mat 2 meters or more long for freedom of action.

The thickness of the product should be chosen based on personal feelings and sensitivity. It is important not to make a mistake, because a mat that is too thin will not protect the joints and bones during training, and a mat that is too thick will lose contact with the floor, making it difficult to balance on it. What thickness mats are available on the market:

1,5-3 mm – thin, light, easy to transport, because they are easy to fold. Suitable as a top cover for gym mats

1. clubs and yoga centers.

2. 3-4 mm is a classic option that provides an optimal ratio with the weight of the product.

3. 5-6 mm is the best option for those who have fresh injuries or sensitive joints.

4. 6-8 mm – the best option for outdoor activities, perfectly smooths out surface irregularities. There are also more massive options with a thickness of 10 mm or more.

The weight of the mat directly depends on the size and thickness of the canvas. It is important to correlate it with the weight of the user. The average calculation for a person weighing up to 60 kg is 1,5 kg. The type of workout also counts: fitness mats are heavier than yoga mats.

  Structure

Sports mats can consist of closed or open cells. When it comes to fitness, this characteristic is not important here, but yoga is a different matter. For static, calm styles, a smoother closed-cell model is more suitable. For intense styles, open-cell options are optimal: they are more sticky, soft, and absorb moisture. As a rule, the service life of such rugs is less.

Color and texture

Last but not least. For fitness, perhaps the color of the rug is not particularly relevant, but for yoga – more than. During yoga practice, the mat is always in front of the eyes, so its shade should be relaxing and soothing. It is worth paying attention to the surface of the product: some brands offer embossed models that increase grip on the rug.

Rating of mats for yoga and fitness

Ojas Shakti Pro

Rating: 4.9

A versatile fitness and yoga mat made from soft, environmentally friendly TPE. The product easily withstands intense loads, has excellent adhesion to the floor (even slippery), delicate surface, good moisture absorption. The highlight of the rug is two-texture (a bright rough side and a soft side made in a more neutral shade). If desired, you can choose one or another texture according to your mood (the properties are almost identical).

A convenient option for beginners and non-professionals. It will appeal to owners of thin, sensitive skin, as well as lovers of soft textures. Product size: 1830x600x6 mm. Weight – 1,2

OFT NBR black 1800x610x8

Rating: 4.8

The universal black mat from the Russian brand Original FitTools has proven itself among consumers. This model is suitable for aerobics, as well as intensive yoga practices. The product will be comfortable in operation (for yoga) for people up to 170 cm tall.

Ideal for hard, uneven surfaces or outdoor activities. The product is made of porous synthetic rubber, similar in structure to natural rubber: moderately dense, with good adhesion, the material is unpretentious in care and comfortable for the body. Product size – 1800x610x8 mm. Weight – 0,9 kg.

Bodhi Rishikesh 60

Rating: 4.7

The rug is made of PVC of the increased durability. Differs in resistance to wear, without problems maintains even the strengthened loadings. Universal model – suitable for yoga, fitness, Pilates (including outdoors – due to the increased thickness of the canvas). Bodhi Rishikesh 60 is very easy to care for: to clean it, just wipe the surface with a damp cloth (the product even withstands washing in a machine at a temperature not exceeding 30 ⁰FROM).

The mat for yoga and fitness is represented by a wide size range: width – 60 cm, length – from 175 to 220 cm. The upper and lower surfaces of the mat are different: the first is structural, prevents hands and feet from slipping; the second is smooth, very sticky for good adhesion to the floor. Feature of the model: during operation, the surface of the rug becomes a little softer, but does not stretch due to nylon reinforcement. Product weight (with a length of 183 cm) – 1,7 kg.

Starfit FM-301

Rating: 4.6

The most budget model in the presented rating is made of synthetic hypoallergenic rubber NBR (nitrile butadiene). Features a pleasant to the touch surface. The increased thickness of a cloth provides fine thermal insulation. The rug is presented in several bright shades.

This model is only suitable for light fitness workouts without shoes (ideal for stretching before and after training). This product will not withstand heavy loads, sudden movements and complex static yoga poses (the coating stretches a lot). The dimensions of the canvas are 1830x58x10 mm. Weight – 0,77 kg.

BRADEX SF 0402/SF 0403

Rating: 4.5

Stylish two-layer mat for universal use (suitable for yoga and fitness) is made of thermoplastic elastomer. The surface of the mat is quite soft, pleasant to the touch, moderately elastic, has an excellent friction index (the mat is firmly fixed on the floor). The product is resistant to wear, and the increased thickness of the fabric increases the comfort of intense workouts. The model is presented in two colors – gray-orange and violet-blue. The size of the mat is 1830x610x6 mm. Weight – 0,92 kg.

REEBOK RAYG-11022

Rating: 4.4

Made from a durable, non-slip polymer, this yoga mat is presented by a well-known American brand in a discreet style. The model of the mat is made in four colors (yellow, green, blue, red) with a neat “Reebok” inscription. A distinctive feature is the good stickiness of the fabric, which provides the user with safety when performing difficult asanas. The model is quite light, compact, soft, optimally balanced in size and weight. Suitable for people up to 165cm tall.

REEBOK RAYG-11022 is equally convenient for both experienced users and beginners. The upper and lower surfaces of the mat are different: the first is structural, preventing hands and feet from slipping on the surface; the second is smooth, very sticky for good adhesion to the floor. The manufacturer recommends using the mat not only for yoga, but also for physiotherapy, fitness, aerobics, even strength training. Product dimensions – 1730x610x4 mm.

Indigo IN106

Rating: 4.3

Comfortably shaped, double-sided universal rug made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) has excellent anti-slip properties, has a fairly dense, but at the same time pleasant to the touch structure. Features of the coating: does not fade in the sun, is not susceptible to moisture, resistant to the development of pathogenic bacteria. The model is made in a luxurious two-tone version: black-blue and coral-black.

Indigo IN106 is suitable for yoga, aerobics and fitness. But it is not recommended to practice on it in shoes – the coating may not withstand intense exposure (traces will remain). Product dimensions – 1730x610x5 mm.

Lite Weights 5410LW/5420LW

Rating: 4.2

The reversible model is made of hypoallergenic synthetic rubber (NBR) in a standard rectangular shape. A feature of the material is high strength with sufficient softness. The rug is equally suitable for both fitness and yoga practices. The mat has excellent grip: the risk of slipping during intensive training is minimal. For its fairly large dimensions, the model has an average weight.

Lite Weights 5410LW/5420LW can be used for exercising at home, in a fitness center or in the fresh air: thanks to its large thickness, the canvas compensates for surface irregularities. It is worth noting that the same thickness of the mat makes it not very convenient to perform complex yoga asanas, as it worsens the balance (therefore, it can be recommended, rather, to beginner yogis). Product dimensions – 1800x600x10 mm. Weight – 0,85 kg.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.