Yoga Mat v. Fitness Mat: Which is Better?

1. What is a yoga mat and who buys this product?

When Ann Pizer was asked to produce an article for the Very Well Fit website blog, she informed her readers that "Not all yoga mats are created equal!" A fascinating comment for what most people believe to be basic gear yoga practitioners pick up without giving much thought to product differences.

The Fact is, yoga mats are as unique as the people who buy them for both cushioning and traction. And by acquiring one that you'll use exclusively, you won't expose yourself to bacteria or fungus that may be prevalent on mats shared by multiple people at gyms, clubs and studios.

As a rule, the standard yoga mat size is 24- by 68-inches, though longer ones for taller people aren't hard to find. They fit every budget. What differentiates the cheap from the pricey? The quality of the workmanship and components used to craft each one. Some are even made using environmentally responsible production methods and materials.

These three materials "dominate" the market, writes Pizer, and you can use these descriptions to choose one best suited to your needs and sensibilities:

1.1 PVC mats are manufactured of non-biodegradable synthetics, deliver excellent traction and they're a bit thicker. Give a PVC mat extra break-in time because the material is relatively stiff.

1.2 Rubber mats offer lots of grips, great traction and are heavier than PVC and TPE due to the nature of this natural, renewable, biodegradable material. New rubber mats can be smelly, but the odor dissipates with use. Currently, shoppers are discovering rubber/polyurethane hybrids that offer great practice surfaces.

1.3. TPE mat is the natural selection of yoga fans who worry about biodegradability. This man-made synthetic isn't very durable, but you may not care once you see how soft and lightweight these mats are. The TPE stands for thermoplastic elastomer, an odorless biodegradable material that is soft and slips-resistant.

Yoga mat uses transcend studio work and a more diverse universe of people than you may imagine exists, according to the website Society6 where editors keep track of market trends. Among those most often found shopping for these mats are:

Exercise mats come in a variety of types. Some help exercisers stabilize themselves on rubber gym floors, so they don't drop weights while others are designed for Pilates advocates that not only curb slipping but also cushion the body during the workout. All exercise mats can prevent or reduce aches and pains, they're easy to clean and store.

For folks who focus on weight training -- either at gyms or home -- exercise mats that last longest and perform best are those proven to be durable, water- and odor-resistant, and proficient at reducing harmful impact on the body and the floor. They come in myriad sizes, styles and a wide range of price points. If you've got a home gym, you could find an invaluable exercise mat.

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of yoga mats?

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of exercise mats?

5. Different needs determine which mat to choose

The subtle differences between yoga and exercise mats may seem inconsequential but there are reasons these two types of products are marketed to specific users who have very different needs and requirements. Perhaps the most distinct difference is the "sticky" nature of yoga mats.

Thicker exercise mats can hamper those undertaking yoga poses, but a thin mat won't interfere with moves requiring precise balance. Fitness mats, as a rule, tend to be thicker and shorter, offer a smoother surface and don't provide as much "grip" as practitioners of yoga required.

Further, yoga poses frequently require both hands and feet to be placed on the mat, which is why experts say that a mat for yoga that measures less than 2m (5.56 feet) may not be your best choice.