Tips for Choosing a Gym Mat

Do you know what requirements should be met by a gym mat for it to be considered good quality? Here, we'll tell you the main ones in order for you to make a good purchase and enjoy this accessory for many years. 

Choosing a gym mat is a task that deserves your time and attention. Although most of them look similar, you should know that there are many types. To make the choice simpler, we’ll explain which aspects you should take into account. 

Besides that, in this article, we’ll also discuss how important it is to choose a quality gym mat. As you’ll see, its importance is much greater than you might think.

We often focus on sports practice and put aside the necessary elements to carry it out. However, both are equally important. If one of them fails, it’ll be impossible to achieve the objectives we’ve set for ourselves.

The importance of a good gym mat

The gym mat is one of the most used sports equipment. It’s a key piece for Pilates, yoga, and many fitness routines. Additionally, you can use it both at home and in the gym and it’s easy to transport.

If you buy a good gym mat, you can use it for many years. Hence, it’s worth making a small investment and buying one that’s of high quality.

We must also bear in mind that the mat not only provides comfort; it prevents injuries and facilitates the practice of sports as well. Therefore, we recommend that you pay attention to the points that we’ve mentioned. If you apply them when buying your mat, the result will be a good purchase.

1. Suitable thickness

The first thing you have to take into account when choosing a gym mat is its thickness. Avoid those that are too thin because they’ll prevent you from exercising comfortably. Moreover, they increase the risk of suffering injuries.

It’s better to choose those that are thicker. These insulate from the cold or heat coming from the ground and maintain a constant temperature. They also support your weight better.

In case you perform impact exercises, the mat should definitely be thick. This way, it’ll absorb the blows and you’ll exercise more comfortably.

2. Choosing a gym mat that’s the right size

Lots of people choose a small mat to transport it more easily. This is a serious mistake since it’ll be impossible for you to perform each exercise comfortably.

It’s essential for the mat to be bigger than you. Before buying it, you must lie on it, stretching your legs out, to make sure that you fully fit.

A small mat prevents you from performing the exercises correctly. In addition, being in direct contact with the ground isn’t recommended. The temperature changes and the absence of protection against impact are two great safety risks.

3. Always go to specialized stores

When buying a gym mat, you’ll realize that you can find them in a lot of stores, both actual and online. The best advice is don’t buy the first one you see, but compare and choose a quality one. 

To make a good purchase, you must visit a specialized store. This doesn’t mean that it has to be an expensive mat or a specific brand. In these stores, you’ll find professionals who’ll advise you and help you to choose the best option.

Be wary of mats that are very cheap; most likely, their lifespan is much shorter. Additionally, they won’t let you perform the exercises correctly and comfortably.

4. Non-slip material

Another aspect to consider when choosing a gym mat is the material with which it’s made. Of all the available ones, we recommend that you choose one with non-slip properties.

It’s normal to sweat during an exercise routine. As a result, the mat gets wet. This isn’t an insignificant matter as it can cause slipping, resulting in injuries. A gym mat made of non-slip material will prevent these problems. 

If you don’t choose the right material, you’ll end up having to place towels on the mat to avoid slipping. This may make it impossible to perform the exercises properly.

Taking into account these tips for choosing a gym mat will give you a better idea of what you should look for. Get one and start doing your favorite exercises!