Differences between Yoga and Fitness Mats
Are fitness mats and yoga mats the same? No! Although
these two tools may seem similar in many ways, they have differences.
Before we begin, let's talk about how these mats are used. As the name suggests, the yoga mat is best for the ancient practice of yoga. However, the yoga mat can be great for many other workouts, as long as they are low-impact. If you are going to have a very intense exercise session, a fitness mat is the best choice; in fact, the latter are designed to support high-intensity exercise.
The main differences between yoga mats and fitness mats, what distinguishes them?
Yoga mats and fitness mats may be made from the same material, but they often have different compositions. Let's see what materials are most commonly used for these mats.
Yoga mats can be made from different types of materials. Plastics such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) are often used in their construction. For some types of yoga, it is possible to purchase eco-friendly mats made from natural materials, such as cotton or jute. Natural rubber yoga mats are also a popular choice among yogis.
Fitness mats are also often made of PVC and TPE, but many manufacturers use other materials, such as NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber).
Thickness and support: fitness mat and yoga mat
Thickness is perhaps the most significant difference between yoga mats and fitness mats. Regardless of the materials or surface characteristics, the thickness of the mat determines the type of mat.
Let's analyze the typical thickness of fitness mats and yoga mats:
Thickness of fitness mats
Typically, a fitness mat is built to withstand more intense, high-impact workouts than a yoga mat. For this reason, fitness mats are generally thicker than yoga mats. However, there is a wide range of thickness levels for fitness mats. Some athletes prefer a medium texture (5-7 mm), while others want a thicker mat. "Thick mats" include a wide range of sizes, from 8 mm to 5 cm, or even thicker.
How thick is a yoga mat?
Generally, yoga mats are thinner than most fitness mats and are around 5 or 6 mm. The thinness helps yogis feel the floor beneath them and can facilitate better stability and smooth movement.
Although most yoga mats are thin, thick ones are also available and are often used for specific practices, such as restorative types of yoga. They are also a good option for therapeutic purposes and to help athletes with aches and pains.
Search the WEB
The Internet is full of comprehensive reviews of products of all kinds, including those of yoga and fitness mats. On the manufacturer's website you can then examine specific features (such as exact thickness, material and special features).
In this regard, one must first evaluate the quality of the materials, be wary of prices that are too low as they refer to products that are generally harmful to the environment and to those practicing on the mat.
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