What To Look For In An Exercise Mat
Related Product: Gym Floor Workout Fitness Tile Pebble 3/4 Inch x 2x2 Ft.
What to Look for in an Exercise Mat
The following features are important in any exercise mat.Material
Start by considering the best material for your intended use. The following are some common materials:
- Vinyl Covered Foam: Often used in folding gym mats, vinyl-covered foam offers shock absorption and more durability than foam alone.
- Vinyl Bonded Foam: Many roll-out mats feature vinyl bonded foam, offering shock absorption and slip resistance.
- Carpet Bonded Foam: Some roll-out mats feature carpet bonded foam, providing a combination of shock absorption and a carpeted surface, creating a desirable surface for cheerleading and tumbling.
- PVC/Vinyl: Exercise equipment and multipurpose mats made of PVC and vinyl are durable and strong, ideal for protecting your subfloor.
- EVA Rubber Polymers: Personal exercise mats made of EVA rubber polymers provide cushion and shock absorption while also being durable.
- Foam: Foam, often used in interlocking tiles, provides shock absorption and cushion.
Traction
When training on a mat, you need a surface that provides the right amount of traction. Look for a mat with a surface that provides enough traction to prevent slips and falls; it will allow you to focus on your fitness while minimizing potential injuries.
Size and Thickness
The size and thickness of a mat need to be suitable for how you’ll use it. Generally speaking, thicker mats offer greater shock absorption, so think about which activities you’ll be using the mat for and look for a mat that’s appropriate for the job.
Cleaning
Choose a mat that’s easy to clean. A floor that you can simply wipe down with a typical household cleaning product will save you time, plus it will be easy to keep the space hygienic.
Strength
If you’re using an exercise mat underneath exercise equipment, make sure that the mat is strong enough to support that weight. Softer materials, like foam, can often be damaged by heavy exercise equipment, so double-check that the mat you’re buying is suitable for use underneath equipment.
Durability
Training and workouts can take a toll on your flooring. Choose a mat that is durable and long-lasting to maximize your investment in your flooring. That durability is particularly important if you’re going to be using the mat in a commercial space.
Portability and Storage
If you won’t be leaving the mat in place long-term, then look for a product that’s easy to move and store when not in use.
Different Exercise Mat Styles
To narrow down your search, consider which exercise mat style is right for you and how you’ll be using the mat. Here’s a quick overview:Folding Gym Mats
Folding gym mats are easily portable. They tend to offer a generous amount of cushion, and when you’re done with your workouts, you can fold them up and easily store them away. Products like our Gym Mats can be attached to each other and are ideal for spaces like schools and gyms where you need to temporarily increase the cushion and shock absorption of a multi-purpose space.
Roll Out Mats
Roll-out mats are also excellent for temporarily adding cushion to a space. These mats are often used for cheerleading and tumbling, and they can easily be attached to each other. When you’re done, the mats can be rolled up for easy portability and storage. They’re a lighter-weight alternative to folding gym mats and are available in multiple finishes. For example, the Dollamur Fitness Flexi-Roll Mat features a smooth finish, while the Home Cheer Mat has a carpet finish.
Exercise Equipment Mats
Exercise equipment mats tend to be dense and very strong. Options like the G-Floor Exercise Equipment Mat are capable of withstanding the weight of heavy gym equipment, and they help protect your subfloor.
Personal Exercise Mats
Personal exercise mats are designed for one person to use at a time. They add cushion and comfort to the subfloor, and they also provide the grip you need for standing exercises. These mats, such as the PaviGym ComfortGym Mats, can often be easily rolled up and moved.
Interlocking Tile
Interlocking tiles are very easy to install, and most can be dry-laid on top of your subfloor. Products like the Gym Floor Workout Fitness Tiles help protect your subfloor and offer excellent durability.