Thermoplastic elastomer yoga mat. Choosing a fitness mat

30.11.201927.05.2017

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How to buy the right yoga mat?

Do you really need a personal yoga mat? After all, the gym has communal mats, so is it worth spending the money? "Necessarily! — the “LIVE!” instructor convinced me. according to hatha yoga. - You have a toothbrush, comb, deodorant. A yoga mat is also a personal item because it absorbs sweat. And then, knowing your mat, you will be sure that you won’t “go anywhere” on it during complex exercises or asanas.”

What is the difference between cheap and expensive yoga mats?

The price range for yoga mats is from 300 to 3000 rubles. “The difference is in the quality of the material: the more natural, the more expensive,” says Andrei Epikhin, a consultant for one online store. - In addition, cheap rugs often do not have a quality certificate. The certificate guarantees that the yoga mat does not emit toxic substances, is safe and will not poison the air in the house. Therefore, before you buy, find out if there is a certificate.”

Synthetic mats

Denis Bykovskikh

The cheapest option: such mats cost from 300 to 1000 rubles and are suitable for yoga, fitness, Pilates and aerobics. “People buy them when they are not sure about the duration of classes,” says the “LIVE!” instructor. according to “Children's Yoga” Elena Rozhkova. “It’s not a shame to throw away such a yoga mat after a couple of classes.” It is made of PVC - an elastic, durable synthetic polymer. These mats are not suitable for yoga because they are too slippery. They serve for a maximum of two years. Mats made of thick PVC may be suitable for yoga; they are quite rough, but they also cost more, from 1100 to 1300 rubles.

Thermoplastic elastomer mats

Denis Bykovskikh

Suitable for fitness and yoga, they are softer, lighter and more elastic than PVC mats, more pleasant to the touch, and retain their shape well. They do not fade in the sun and are resistant to frost. They do not slip and absorb sweat better, so they are suitable for yoga. Because of their softness, they are also called “female”, although men love them no less. Such a rug costs 1,400 to 2,000 rubles and will last four to five years.

Natural yoga mats

Denis Bykovskikh

These mats are made of natural rubber with the addition of jute or rubber. Rubber is not so light, but it does not electrify at all, does not slip and does not store unpleasant odors. These mats are thicker than synthetic ones, so it doesn’t hurt to put your elbow or knee on them. The rubber mat does not allow the cold from the floor to pass through, it is very sticky and does not slip, which helps to do the same “downward-facing dog” and other asanas with the emphasis of the hands. One of the disadvantages is that natural rugs are heavier. Price - from 2000 to 3500 rubles. They are bought by those who are committed to intensive long-term practice.

How to care for a yoga mat?

PVC yoga mats are durable enough to be machine washed. The rest are best wiped with a damp cloth or alcohol. The main thing is not to wash with soap. Any detergent is absorbed into the yoga mat and is difficult to rinse out. During intense exercise, the soap absorbed into the mat mixes with body moisture, which is why you can roll on the mat as if on ice.

For better squeezing, you can stomp on the mat. After this, air dry.

How to choose a yoga mat?

The length of the rug is chosen by adding 10 centimeters to the height. For some classes you need a longer mat, for example, for Ashtanga yoga it is better to buy a mat 200-220 centimeters long.

Currently, there are many articles on choosing yoga mats, but all of them do not reflect modern realities. The market for yoga mats is growing rapidly, and in recent years quite a lot of new products have appeared about the features of which a wide range of yoga lovers are not so aware.

In this article we will try to understand in detail how to choose a yoga mat in 2017-2018. What to pay attention to, what trends and new products exist, how to save money without overpaying for the brand and ultimately choose a reliable and high-quality rug for yourself.

Budget rugs (PVC rugs)

When choosing a yoga mat, many beginners initially pay attention to budget options, which is especially logical for those who are not yet fully confident that they will practice regularly and are not ready to spend more than a certain amount on a new hobby. Let's start with what requirements must be met:

1. Don't slip on the floor

2. Prevent slipping during practice

3. Be durable enough

4. Have a comfortable length, width and thickness for a yoga practitioner

The first 3 points depend directly on the material from which the rug is made. There are 3 generally accepted base materials from which rugs are made. These are: PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and rubber. They can also be combined.

1.PPE. In fact, this is a tourist foam, which, firstly, slides heavily on the floor, and secondly, is not at all wear-resistant. Considering it a yoga mat is completely wrong, even if the seller claims it as a yoga mat

2. Izolon. It’s also more like a travel mat that slides on the floor, is very bulky during transportation, has poor anti-slip properties, and wears out quickly

3. EVA. It slides on the floor and wears out quickly.

The optimal budget options that meet the basic requirements for a yoga mat include, first of all,.

Until 2013, the niche of budget PVC rugs consisted mainly of Chinese rugs. Their advantages include acceptable stickiness to the floor, large number colors, not heavy weight.

Of the minuses, it is worth highlighting: not the best anti-slip properties. But everything is learned in comparison, especially with mats made of PPE, EVA and other unsuitable options.

The main disadvantage These rugs are wear-resistant; these rugs wear out very quickly and crumble.

The characteristic texture for these rugs is the texture of pimples.

Similar rugs are available in many stores, including chain stores.

They are available under different brands, in different colors and thicknesses. In fact, any company can make such a rug under its own brand. The price of such rugs depends on the pricing policy of the company, brand, size of the rug and sometimes the design on it.

The most important difference between these mats is their density, which determines their wear resistance.

There is also a big misconception about the thickness of such rugs. Very often, beginners try to choose a thicker mat so that they can practice comfortably, but this is a double-edged sword. The optimal thickness for such rugs is 4 mm.

Often such rugs are found with a thickness of 6 mm, 8 mm and even 1 cm. Such thicknesses in this case will most likely not bring comfort, but on the contrary will interfere with practice.

The fact is that with such thicknesses, the mat is simply very foamed, but its density is very low, due to this it is difficult to maintain balance on such mats. They are also not suitable for dynamic practices, the mat is pressed through. Also, similar rugs often have a length of 173 cm. The standard European length is 183 cm

We leave all reviews, including criticism, but we should not forget that this budget option, and you won’t be able to get a flying carpet for 550 rubles.

But in terms of price-quality ratio, these rugs will definitely not disappoint their customers.

Mid-price rugs (PVC rugs)

Just a few years ago, in many articles one could very often find the opinion that PVC mats belong specifically to mats entry level, i.e. the simplest, for beginners, the least durable, etc.

In fact, this is a big misconception, even premium class mats, for example, all mats in the series are made of PVC.

So what is the difference between rugs in the middle price category, and accordingly more high quality from not expensive ones?

Due to their texture, German rugs have better anti-slip properties; due to their denser material, they are more durable. These rugs also have European quality certificates, which also state that the rug is safe for the skin of children under 2 years of age.

In personal practice, such rugs serve for 3 years or more.

As a rule, German mats have 2 thicknesses: 3 mm for more static practices, such as Iyengar yoga, and 4.5 mm for a more universal thickness.

The width of such rugs is standard 60 cm or. Length from 175 to 220 cm.

The most popular models in this price category

Mid-price mats (TPE mats)

Such rugs are produced in China and sold under different brands, including European, Russian, and American.

These rugs are very convenient to take with you. Perfect for both beginners and professionals. It should also be noted that there is a large presence of bright, interesting colors in each model.

Natural yoga mats (premium mats)

Rugs made from premium natural materials have recently achieved the greatest variety.

And it becomes quite difficult for an ordinary consumer to understand them. In this price segment, the price does not directly reflect the quality of the rug. The number of different brands and new products can be confusing when choosing a rug. Therefore, we will analyze all the available varieties of natural rubber rugs to help our customers choose the right model for themselves.

1. Rugs made from 100% natural rubber.

Classic models of rubber mats. 100% rubber mats were one of the first to appear on the Russian and world markets, and have won recognition among yoga practitioners.

These mats, as a rule, have an open-pore texture, which is aimed at absorbing moisture. Solid weight, depending on the size of the rug. A standard 100% rubber mat measuring 183 x 60 cm x 4 mm weighs about 2.5 kg

These rugs very durable, have excellent anti-slip properties and adhere perfectly to the floor.

All are produced in one factory in Taiwan. Their cost depends on the size, for example, the most inexpensive of this category are thin ones. Despite the fact that a rug made of the same material will cost 2 times more.

The brand under which the rug is produced also plays a big role.

For example, rugs from well-known American brands will be slightly more expensive than rugs from well-known European brands. Although their quality is 100% comparable

And rugs from Russian brands, with identical quality, will be even more affordable. As a rule, the only difference between brands is the design. The larger and more famous the company under whose brand the rugs are produced, the wider and more diverse the color line of models.

This is due to the minimum number of rugs per color that the plant is ready to sell to wholesale distributors.

We can conclude that they are still one of the best and time-tested yoga mats.

2. Yoga mats made of rubber using latex.

Because The main disadvantage of yoga mats made of 100% rubber is the considerable weight of the mats. Since 2014, they have appeared on the world market new mats from the Spanish factory using latex. Adding latex to the rubber allowed the weight of the mat to be reduced by about 20%

The texture of the rug has also changed. Unlike 100% rubber yoga mats, the texture of a latex mat is closed cell, making the mat easier to maintain. Also, rubber mats with the addition of latex often have perforations similar to the perforations of TPE mats, which creates additional anti-slip properties. The manufacturing plant claims that the latex coating has an antimicrobial effect.

The price for these mats depends, just as with mats made from natural rubber, on the size of the mat and the brand under which it is sold. There are German, Russian, Spanish brands.

We conclude that a rubber mat using latex will be an excellent alternative to 100% rubber mats due to more light weight, easier care of the rug.

In terms of price, the cost of mats made from 100% natural rubber and mats using latex are approximately the same.

3. Yoga mats made of natural rubber with NON Slip coating

In 2016 on Russian market a new product has appeared - . Literally NON Slip can be translated as “anti-slip”

A layer of polyurethane is applied to the rubber base, which is a non-slip coating.

This coating has a completely closed texture, on which markings or a pattern are applied, which helps beginners in adjusting asanas. Many patterned rugs are a little more slippery than regular rugs because... applying a layer of paint to the rug changes its texture and

Anti-slip properties. The pattern on the Non Slip coating does not change the texture of the coating itself, because made using a laser. Thus, we get a mat with excellent anti-slip properties, interesting design and markings.

It is worth noting that mats with such a coating have the disadvantage of classic rubber mats - they are quite heavy. Non Slip mats weigh about 3 kg because, among other things, they have an increased width of 66 cm (6 cm wider than classic rubber mats)

All Non Slip mats are identical. The only difference is in the design and the brand under which this rug is produced.

Thus, we conclude: this mat has excellent anti-slip properties and an interesting design.

4. Yoga mats made of natural rubber with microfiber

Just like mats made of natural rubber with Non Slip coating, a thin layer of microfiber is applied to the rubber base, which in these models performs 2 main tasks:

1. Microfiber perfectly absorbs moisture, which is especially important when sweating profusely, as well as during some types of yoga, such as Bikram yoga.

2. Using microfiber, a colored pattern is applied to the rug, which makes these rugs very interesting in terms of design. Microfiber can be used to apply a pattern of any complexity with any color rendition.

In addition, microfiber has pleasant tactile properties, soft and pleasant to the touch, and does not irritate sensitive skin. Well suited for practices where there are a large number of sliding elements. Beginners with dry palms may find these mats a little slippery compared to classic rubber mats.

Microfiber rug prices vary depending on the brand and size of the rug and the quality of the print. But there is no fundamental difference between them.

5. Cork-coated rubber yoga mats

Just like in previous models, a thin layer of natural cork is applied to the rubber base. Cork absorbs moisture well, and a pattern is also applied to the cork using a laser.

Compared to microfiber mats, they have better anti-slip properties; the cork coating gives such mats an additional eco-friendly look.

The price also depends on the brand and size of the rug.

Also classified as natural yoga mats, but placed in a separate category. As a rule, they are made in India, but, from a practical point of view, it is difficult to work on them, because Cotton rugs glide across the floor and fold like an accordion. Rather, they are suitable for meditation, rather than for yoga practice.

Svetlana Markova

Beauty is like a precious stone: the simpler it is, the more precious it is!

Such sports equipment, like a yoga mat, is suitable not only for performing asanas, meditation, but also for fitness classes. The choice of carpet depends on many factors, for example, the location of the activity, as well as the type and level of difficulty. physical activity. You need to choose a yoga mat that suits all your criteria and serves as additional motivation during your workout.

Why do you need a yoga mat?

Many people believe that ordinary travel mats, a blanket or a towel will do for yoga, but this is a misconception. Only special sports equipment will provide comfortable, safe exercise, because it has good grip on almost any surface, which prevents slipping while performing complex asanas. This foamed polymer bedding will reduce pressure on knee joints, and during relaxation it will not let you freeze from the cold floor.

Types of yoga mats

Today there is a wide selection of products from this group; they can be divided into two large categories: synthetic and natural. The separation is due to the nature of the materials used. Sports equipment in its category differs according to this principle, as well as in color, texture, and dimensions. Through trial and error, choose the best option, and additional information will help to do right choice right the first time.

Synthetic

The synthetic group includes products made from PVC. TPE (TPE), PES (PER) and synthetic rubber. Distinctive feature This category is the presence of a synthetic odor. Over time, its intensity decreases, but does not disappear completely. PVC products are not strong enough, can tear during exercise, and are not subject to secondary processing, i.e. pollute the environment. And those made using TPE, PTR technology, using synthetic rubber are environmentally friendly and can be recycled.

Natural

When people talk about natural yoga mats, they mean rubber, jute and cotton varieties. Models made of rubber and jute fibers have good adhesion to the surface, which guarantees safety while performing complex asanas, while cotton ones are more suitable for relaxation and meditation. Natural equipment “breathes” well and does not absorb moisture or odors, but they require special care.

How to choose the right yoga mat

To choose the right special mat for yoga, you need to take into account several basic selection criteria: size, quality of adhesion (degree of stickiness), moisture absorption, thickness, strength. Taking into account all these criteria, you can choose the ideal option, thereby ensuring comfortable, safe, effective classes in any yoga practice, Pilates and fitness.

Size

Standard yoga mats are 60-61 cm wide, which is enough for most practitioners. There are also 80 cm wide, they provide greater comfort and space for practitioners. When purchasing equipment, it is worth considering the difficulties of storage and transportation, since its dimensions and weight are larger than standard products. The length depends on the type of activity and the person’s height: add about 5-10 cm to the height for calm practices, and 20-40 cm for dynamic practices.

Grip quality

The more intense your classes, the more emphasis you need to place on this point. In order to avoid injury while performing asanas due to the “leaving” of the mat from under your feet, you need to choose equipment with a good level of stickiness. It is worth emphasizing that this parameter is inversely proportional to the durability of the product, because the soft coating wears out quickly.

Moisture Absorption

If your palms or whole body sweat a lot during classes, then you should give preference to breathable natural yoga mats. In this case, you should discard the option of purchasing synthetic products, because they will only provoke sweat production. If your budget does not allow you to purchase a model made from natural raw materials, then it is better to buy semi-synthetic equipment.

Thickness

Thin products are light and compact, but they are rigid and do not retain heat well. The ideal thickness here is 4.5-6 mm; it will provide sufficient comfort during training and will not allow you to freeze. Thick products significantly lose in stability, which can affect during balance poses. If you constantly transport equipment, then give preference to products with a maximum thickness of 4 mm.

Strength

The equipment should not stretch, so almost all products inside or outside have a frame mesh. It increases the service life of the product and prevents the carpet from stretching. There are lightweight models, without a frame, they are lighter in weight, but lose in stability and strength. Suitable only for quiet practices or meditations.

Which yoga mat is best to choose?

Sports equipment must be selected based on the type of activity, physiological characteristics and the parameters of a particular person. For static and relaxation practices, the Shakti model is suitable; for more dynamic types, use the Rishikesh and Kailash yoga mats. The choice is also made based on cost, because there is a budget segment, and there is also luxury.

Latex

Models made of latex or rubber have the most high level strength, they are wear-resistant, non-toxic, recyclable, and do not pollute the environment. The mat is sticky, holds its shape perfectly, breathes, repels water, and is suitable for yoga and intense fitness classes. Manduka, for example, gives a lifetime guarantee on rubber yoga mats. Popular models include Mat La Reina from Manduka and Ecopro Travel from Bodhi.

Cotton sports mat

Linen or cotton mats are often used as a second mat (base), because they are soft and pleasant to the touch; yoga mats have poor adhesion to the surface. As a separate mat, a linen or cotton carpet is suitable for light exercise, meditation or Shavasana. Popular cotton mats: Shavasana, Ecru from the Bodhi brand.

Jute yoga mat

Jute carpets can be classified as semi-synthetic products. Jute models are based on natural fibers and some synthetic compounds. Overall, the product has good characteristics, it is very durable, sticky, but not completely natural. Jute yoga mats are produced by the popular company Bodhi - Jute Pro, Samurai.

Thermoplastic elastomer meditation mat

TEP (thermoplastic elastomer) is a class of materials designed to replace silicone, rubber, and vulcanized plastic. Rugs are soft, pleasant to the touch, and often consist of two layers: the top layer is sticky, the bottom layer is made of reinforced mesh, which increases the service life of the product. Different models of TPR yoga mats have varying degrees of stickiness. The disadvantage is the presence of a synthetic smell. Popular models: Lotus Pro from Bodhi, Pro Vasuda from the manufacturer Manduka. Such famous brands of sporting goods as Adidas, Reebok, Nike make yoga mats from TPR.

PVC yoga mat

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a colorless transparent plastic; PVC carpets are low cost. The product is pleasant to the touch, quite sticky, weight varies between 1-1.5 kg depending on the size and thickness. The mat is suitable for beginner yogis who have not yet decided whether they will continue their classes. The main disadvantage of PVC models is the strong synthetic smell. PVC products are not biodegradable and emit carcinogenic substances when burned. PVC Rugs: Rishikesh by Yin-Yang Studio, Bodhi.

Buy yoga mats

The answer to the question of where to buy a yoga mat with delivery to Moscow, St. Petersburg and other regions of Russia is very simple. As a rule, you can buy a yoga mat inexpensively in specialized sports stores or order mats in an online store, for example, on the popular Aliexpress resource. New products are coated with a special lubricant, which must be washed off with soap before first use. Some materials can be safely machine washed, preferably separately from clothes and other items. So the attribute will provide comfortable, reliable practice at home.

Salamander

This brand's Carbon Travel is made from natural rubber, which ensures reliable grip during intense practice. Experienced craftsmen prefer rubber products:

Model name: Carbon Travel;
price: 3915 rubles;
product characteristics: material – rubber (natural rubber), dimensions (LxWxD) – 185x66x0.2 cm, weight – 1200 g;
advantages: super-stickiness, increased strength, lightness, small dimensions, environmental friendliness;
Cons: Light marks may remain after intense practice.

The Slim yoga mat is the thinnest, made of environmentally friendly materials, well suited for yoga lovers, convenient to take on trips, can be rolled up or folded into an envelope:

model name: Slim;
price: 3638 rub.;
product characteristics: material – rubber, dimensions – 185(200)x60x0.2 cm, weight – 950 g;
pros: lightweight, hypoallergenic, foldable, high-quality material;
Cons: not soft enough, heavy load on the knees.

Wunderlich

The strength of the Expert model is that it increases grip with dry and wet hands, because... has a bumpy coating. It is characterized by a low price due to the budget material of manufacture, suitable for beginners:

model name: Expert;
price: 2500 rub.;
product characteristics: material – PVC, dimensions – 200(220)x60x0.5 cm, weight – 1.5 kg;
pros: good grip, ability to choose length;
cons: short service life.

Kurma Pro is a professional carpet of the highest quality, approved by experienced trainers. It is made of rubber, of great thickness, bags-covers are specially sewn to it, and is intended for regular activities:

Model name: Kurma Pro;
price: 9070 rub.;
product characteristics: material – rubber, dimensions – 200x100x0.65 cm, weight – 5.5 kg;
pros: ideally compensates for the load on joints, made from natural materials;
cons: heavy weight of the product.

AeroFit

Eco-mat from Aerofit has metal holes for hanging storage. The product is soft, it has an optimal thickness for people who practice yoga in various varieties - 6 mm:

Model name: FT-YGM-TPE-6-V-P;
price: 3720 rub.;
product characteristics: material – TPE, dimensions – 180x60x0.6 cm;
pluses: non-slip surface (ribbed), holes for storage;
Cons: There is a synthetic smell.

The Aerofit folding mat is designed for yoga and aerobics. It is durable, of standard width, has a short length, but sufficient for individual lessons, provides comfortable conditions:

Model name: EM-RK-307E;
price: 2040 rub.;
product characteristics: material – EVA, dimensions – 135x52x0.8 cm;
pros: non-slip ribbed surface, soft, foldable;
cons: short length.

Hawk

One of the cheapest PVC options. The material is certified, does not contain harmful substances, is hypoallergenic, and can be used as a children's play rug. With a weight of less than 1 kg it provides good grip:

Model name: HKEM212;
price: 720 rub.;
product characteristics: material – PVC, dimensions – 173x61x0.6 cm;
advantages: low cost, light weight, optimal dimensions;
Cons: wears out quickly.

The model is suitable for practitioners who practice moderate intensity yoga. Eco-friendly PVC is free of unpleasant synthetic odor and has good performance properties. The carpet is printed with:

Model name: HKEM113;
price: 590 rub.;
product characteristics: material – ECO PVC, dimensions – 173x61x0.5 cm;
pros: budget price, original print;
cons: not suitable for intensive practices.

Nike

The textured surface of the product prevents slipping even during execution difficult poses. The presence of a carrying cord ensures comfortable carrying of the mat. Breathable, open-cell mat:

Model name: Fundamental Yoga Mat;
price: 2460 rub.;
product characteristics: material – EVA, TPE, dimensions – 168x61x0.3 cm, weight – 0.46 kg;
pros: slightly larger than standard width, lightweight, lanyard for carrying;
Cons: not soft enough.

Just Do It Yoga Mat 2.0 is designed for yoga and Pilates. The special bottom layer provides reliable adhesion to the surface. The carrying cord makes it easier to transport, and folding the mat is more convenient. The top layer is decorated with the branded inscription “JUST DO IT”:

name: Just Do It Yoga Mat 2.0;
price: 3330 rub.;
product characteristics: material – TPE, dimensions – 173x61x0.3 cm, weight – 0.55 kg;
pros: good grip, light weight;
cons: insufficient depreciation.

O.J.A.S.

A dense, eco-friendly, absolutely hypoallergenic carpet of increased thickness provides comfortable yoga classes. One side of the mat is lighter than the other, they have different surface relief, based on the degree of intensity of practice:

name: Shakti Pro;
price: 3225 rub.;
pros: two working surfaces, environmentally friendly material;
cons: bulky, has an impressive specific gravity.

A universal mat of optimal size and thickness. Made from natural rubber without impurities, absolutely hypoallergenic, does not contain toxic substances, provides reliable, comfortable practice:

name: Optimum;
price: 4490 rub.;
product characteristics: material – rubber, dimensions – 185(200)x60x0.4 cm;
advantages: optimal dimensions;
cons: poor color palette.

Reebok

Original yoga mat with printed logo. A model with increased thickness, it will not allow you to freeze on a cold floor, and it perfectly compensates for the load on the joints during practices on a hard surface:

name: Fitness Mat Blue Lo;
price: 4693 rub.;
product characteristics: material – polyurethane, dimensions – 183x61x0.8 cm; weight – 0.3 kg;
pros: very soft, absorbs well;
Cons: wears out quickly.

The texture of this mat is very sticky, making it possible to perform complex balances without the risk of injury. The rug is lightweight, easy to care for, has medium length and increased width. It features the original Reebok logo:

Model name: RAYG-11022BL;
price: 1790 rub.;
product characteristics: material – polyurethane foam, dimensions – 173x61x0.4 cm;
advantages: optimal thickness;
cons: may tear during intense training.

High quality equipment, the “little brother” of the legendary Black Mat PRO from Manduka. Both mats are manufactured at the same factory from the same material (closed cell), but differ in dimensions:

model name: Comfort Pro;
price: 5535 rub.;
product characteristics: material – PVC (high density), dimensions – 200x60x0.6 cm, weight – 3.3 kg;
pros: lifetime guarantee, very soft, hygienic;
cons: high specific gravity;

This rug will be appreciated by people who attach great importance appearance products. The mat has an original color palette and an openwork pattern on top. Bottom and top layers of different shades:

model name: Lotus Pro;
price: 3399 rub.;
product characteristics: material – TPE, dimensions – 183x60x0.6 cm, weight – 1.2 kg;
pros: large selection of colors, good stickiness;
cons: gets dirty quickly.

Ashtanga Master

The mat is designed for the most intense, severe practices. It has an extended length and width to provide maximum usable space for yoga. The coffer is thin and perfectly absorbs:

model name: Ashtanga Color;
price: 3299 rub.;
product characteristics: material – PVC, dimensions – 185(215)x66x5.5 cm, weight at 185 cm – 3.2 kg, weight at 215 cm – 3.7 kg;
pros: choice of two lengths, good level of stickiness;
cons: heavy weight of products.

The mat is strong and durable, suitable for daily workouts. Optimal sizes will ensure comfortable, safe yoga, fitness and other types of physical activity, does not contain toxic substances:

model name: Ashtanga;
price: 4200 rub.;
product characteristics: material – PVC, dimensions – 183x60x0.55 cm, weight – 3.2 kg;
pluses: hygienic, with good shock absorption;
cons: poor selection of colors.

Video

How important is a mat for training? Is it worth spending money on it, or is it nothing more than a marketing ploy by the manufacturers? sporting goods? And are there really those who buy them for $50, or even more? Approximately the same doubts concern newcomers who have chosen this type sports For those who have been interested in it for many years, the answers to such questions are clear and obvious: it is necessary, functional, and definitely not worth saving on.

Functionality

The fitness mat ensures the safety and comfort of training by performing the following functions:

absorbs sweat;
provides comfort for classes (the floor is hard and uncomfortable);
protects the spine, knees, palms, feet, head from injuries and pain;
prevents colds during the cold season due to drafts moving across the floor;
lifts the mood;
an expensive and stylish thing can serve as a good motivation for regular exercise.

In the halls you may be offered mats for common use so that you do not have to bring your own from home each time. But think about the fact that they are rarely washed (if washed at all) and how many bacteria from other people’s bodies accumulate there. In addition, when performing exercises from a lying position, there is always a risk of ending up with your head where someone’s legs were recently. There is only one way to get around these unpleasant moments - buy your own rug.

Species

Before you go looking for a fitness mat, you should understand the range on offer and evaluate the pros and cons of each type.

By material

Synthetic (PVC)

PVC - polyvinyl chloride, a synthetic polymer. It is durable and lightweight. One of the cheapest materials: such mats cost around $17. They last no more than 2 years and are used mainly at home. For professional fitness are not suitable, as they have one significant drawback - they slide across the floor during intense movements. May also produce an unpleasant odor over time.

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)

Mid-price segment: These mats will cost about $20. Thermal Plastic Elastomer is a synthetic but hypoallergenic material. It is elastic and soft, has an anti-slip effect, and absorbs sweat well. The surface does not fade. Service life - more than 3 years.

Rubber with the addition of rubber / jute

A high-quality rubber mat is quite expensive - from $35. They are heavier than the others, but they are recommended to be chosen for fitness classes in the gym. They do not slip, do not electrify, are quite thick, moisture-proof, do not emit any odors, and have thermal insulation properties. The disadvantage is the impressive dimensions, with which public transport it won't be easy.

From natural materials, in addition to rubber, latex, polyurethane foam, wool, and cotton are also used. All of them are very light, have excellent shock absorption and thermal insulation. You can take them with you to classes outdoors. True, they are quite expensive and not so easy to find.

Thickness and softness

Ab mats (simple)

Small, but dense, hard, rather thick rug. Ideal for, but when performing other exercises it can cause inconvenience (slips). The approximate cost is around $17.

Workout mats (sports)

Much larger in size than Ab mats, softer. They consist of several segments, have an anti-slip effect, and provide good shock absorption. Ideal for home fitness. Price category - average: up to $20.

Mind body (for body)

Such mats can be called professional; they are perfect for training in the gym. They can be used for both fitness and yoga. Excellent shock absorption. They belong to the premium class (can be very expensive, $50-70). For example, the Manduka SuperLite Travel Mat is listed for $69.

Other types

"Smart"

The age of computer technology and mobile applications I also got to fitness. It is worth paying attention to a new product that was developed quite recently. This is a smart mat that looks completely normal in appearance. But underneath the top layer of polyurethane foam is a mesh of conductive material with embedded software. This mat is called “smart” because it knows when its owner is standing and when he is lying down, what his ideal and actual weight is, what load is placed on different parts of the body in certain positions. All this data is sent to the Android application and allows you to more accurately adjust your workouts to improve their effectiveness. This new product costs $300.

Folding

The size of fitness mats should be such that the body fits comfortably on them and there is no risk of rolling onto the floor with any wrong movement. That is, they must be large enough. For ease of transportation from home to the gym and back, manufacturers offer mobile folding models. They are divided into segments, along the lines of which they fold and turn into a small and compact package, convenient for transportation. A very interesting option is the Original Fit Tools PVC folding mat for only $13.

Mat-bag

A variation of the previous option. After classes, you can fold it into segments (usually 3-4) and get a convenient bag with handles. It’s not a problem to travel with this one even on public transport. But this is perhaps the only plus. Otherwise, it is inferior to other models: it does not absorb moisture, slips heavily on the floor, and is made of synthetic materials. Cost - up to $17.

When choosing a mat, think about suitable fitness sneakers. About this in.

Selection criteria

To choose the right fitness mat, take into account several criteria that allow you to evaluate the product from different angles and purchase the best option.

Size

A beginner adds 5 cm to his height and gets the optimal length, a more experienced one adds 10 cm. You shouldn’t take one that is too wide (80 cm) - it takes up a lot of unnecessary space and is inconvenient for transportation. 60 cm is the ideal width. The thicker, the safer (6-8 mm is the recommended parameter).

It all depends on your physical training. There are light products (250-300 g), and there are massive ones (5-6 kg). The first ones are convenient for transportation, but they slide on the floor. So for the gym, look for the golden mean (1-2 kg).

Grip on floor and body

Move your favorite model across the floor. A sliding mat is dangerous, it will constantly fidget under you and move in waves. The rubberized base, on the contrary, is a guarantee of safety.

Moisture permeability

During fitness you have to sweat, and it is very unpleasant if by the end of the session the mat gets very wet. Therefore, choose porous structures (latex, cotton) that absorb moisture well.

Elasticity

If the mat stretches in different sides, like rubber, it won’t last long. Choose a durable frame, for the creation of which manufacturers include lavsan fibers in their products.

Color

Fitness should give good mood, so you shouldn’t choose black and dark shades. Manufacturers offer the brightest colors - from lemon yellow to deep blue.

Mobility

For the home, regular tape is suitable - heavy, dimensional, thick. For the hall, it makes sense to choose a lighter, thinner model that quickly folds into segments and comes complete with a case (bag).

Purpose

For abdominal exercises, ab mats will be enough. For more complex fitness, it is better to choose folding segmented workout mats. For Pilates or stretching - elastic mind body.

Material

If you are working out temporarily for weight loss, inexpensive PVC options are suitable. If you love comfort, if you are a professional Pilates or stretching enthusiast, buy TPE. Those for whom fitness has become a hobby can splurge on natural textures.

A wide range of fitness mats are sold on online resources. But this is a thing that, when purchased, you need to touch, spread, and check for adhesion to the floor. Therefore, go shopping to a good sports store. The product is certified there, and consultants will clarify the characteristics and answer questions about a particular model.

Rating

It's difficult to choose the best rug. For some, the main criterion is price, for others - the country of origin, for others, quality characteristics come first. A small rating will help you get your bearings.

Adidas (Germany). Synthetics. $88.
Spirit Fitness (USA). PVC. $79.
Reebok (USA). Ecopena. $67.
Torneo (Russia). Synthetics. $47.
Yogamat (China). PVC. $18.
Bradex (Israel). Foamed ethylene vinyl acetate. $15.
Fitness Tools (China). PVC. $15.
LiveUp (China). PVC. $14.
EVA Hawk (China). Foamed polyethylene. $7.
Demix (Russia). Polyethylene. $4.4.

There is no need to explain why Adidas and Reebok are so expensive: these pillars sports equipment They know a lot about the production of such goods. However, you will also have to pay extra for a famous name. Therefore, it is worth thinking about more mundane numbers. For example, there is no need to be prejudiced towards Chinese goods. Many fitness instructors suggest buying Yogamat and Fitness Tools brands, which have a good price-quality ratio.

Rules of care

In order for the rug to last as long as possible, it needs to be properly cared for. A few general recommendations will allow you to enjoy it for more than one year:

Carefully study the manufacturer's recommendations.
You can only exercise in socks or barefoot.
Fold it only if there are segments, otherwise roll it up.
The roll should not be too dense; roll it from a different side each time.
Synthetic materials are rinsed by hand once every 1-2 months (depending on the intensity of exercise) in a warm soapy solution and dried in a vertical position.
Natural products are wiped with a damp cloth.
To avoid odor, after each workout the mat should be hung for airing. fresh air for a couple of hours.
As soon as peeling and creases appear, purchase a new one.
This is the same personal hygiene item as a towel or comb, so do not let other people use it.

The service life is 50% dependent on proper care. The remaining 50% depends on the intensity of training and the quality of the product.

Alternatives

If you do fitness at home, the mat can be replaced:

blanket;
blanket;
thin mattress;
wicker path;
yoga mat;
large towel;
tourist cabin.

For fitness in the gym, only a yoga mat is suitable from this entire list.

With your own hands

Theoretically, you can make a fitness mat with your own hands. Theoretically, because this process is complicated by acquiring the necessary material, which is not so easy to find. But if you find it, everything else is easy to do.

Purchase the necessary material: PVC, TPE, rubber. The length of the piece is 2 m, the width is no more than 1 m.
Add + 10 cm to your height and + another 2 cm on top and bottom (for stitching). Either leave the width or shorten it to the standard 60 or 80 cm, but do not forget to leave 2 cm for the stitching on the left and right.
Make markings with chalk.
Cut with scissors.
Sew the edges with a sewing machine, otherwise they will quickly fray and the mat will fail.

The only advantage of such a hand made product is that it turns out inexpensively. Disadvantages: without special inserts in the form of lavsan fibers, the product will be fragile; without a rubberized base, it will be slippery.

If you want to enjoy fitness and minimize the risk of injury, be sure to purchase a mat. On those days when you are too lazy to get up from a cozy sofa and go to class, look at it and let it serve as a motivator not to give up training. After all, the end result will be beautiful figure and excellent health.

Have you sorted out the rug? Then we suggest choosing and studying.

When a person first comes to a yoga class, he sees other students and the teacher performing various poses on a special mat. This sports equipment can also be seen in fitness training. It is extremely inconvenient to perform exercises on a bare floor, and in some cases even dangerous. To make your practice comfortable, it is important to choose the right yoga mat.

Why do you need a yoga mat?

Beginners often underestimate how important a yoga mat is. At home, people unknowingly often use blankets and towels. However, they cannot compare with special sports equipment. The bedding, made of foam material, provides comfort and safety in performing various elements. When taking relaxing poses, a person will begin to freeze on the bare floor, and when performing complex elements, there will be strong pressure on the joints. A yoga mat will protect you from these problems.

Determining mat requirements

When choosing a bedding for practicing relaxation techniques, you should consider a number of characteristics:

The bedding must be made of wear-resistant materials.
The material must also have elasticity in order to restore its original shape after mechanical stress.
To prevent the mat from slipping and moving on the floor when performing exercises, you need to choose equipment with “corrugated” surfaces.
The density of the mat should be such that during lying poses you do not feel the hard floor. At the same time, the material should be pleasant to the touch and not cause pain when performing lying asanas.

We also must not forget about the environmental friendliness of the selected equipment. The bedding should not emit unpleasant odors when used or leave marks on clothing and skin.

What criteria should you consider when choosing a rug?

When purchasing bedding to perform various exercises, it is necessary to take into account its main indicators. If they were chosen correctly, we will practice more comfortably. First of all, we need to talk about the material. Experienced trainers They advise not to skimp on the quality of the rug.

Material

It is advisable to choose natural rather than synthetic material. Synthetics have significant disadvantages:

Low wear resistance. If synthetics are actively used and subjected to constant mechanical loads, they will lose their original characteristics in 2–3 months.
Poor shape retention. Synthetic material will lose its shape after 7-10 sessions.
It is difficult to find non-slip synthetics.

Size

To correctly calculate the length of the rug, you need to know one trick. It is enough to add 15 cm to a person’s height. Experienced trainers recommend that students purchase large mats, 220 cm long. It is more difficult to carry such a mat, however, there is much more space for doing exercises. If we talk about width, then the optimal parameter is 60 cm. For people of large build, you can choose a wider rug.