Have you been thinking about taking up the art of yoga? If so, you are not alone. It is currently estimated that there are incredible 300 million yoga practitioners around the world. Due to the numerous benefits associated with this lifestyle, these numbers will undoubtedly increase well into the future. I really miss my in-person yoga and pilates classes at the moment, online is not the same!
Of course, you will get the most out of any yoga session by choosing the right equipment. Yoga mats are very important items to purchase and yet, there is a bit of confusion to be highlighted. Many individuals are unaware of the differences between a yoga mat and an exercise mat. Let’s clear the air by examining some key disparities so that you can make the right decision.
1. Thickness
One of the main differences involves the relatively thin nature of yoga mats when compared to their exercise-driven counterparts. Exercise mats need to be thicker, as they tend to support many different activities (such as those who train with weights). Yoga mats are thinner, as they will not need to handle so much physical stress. The maximum thickness of the average yoga mat is around one-half to one inch.
2. Firmness
It only stands to reason that exercise mats are firmer thanks to their more rigid construction. While these surfaces can indeed be used when practicing yoga techniques, they may be slightly uncomfortable. Yoga mats are softer and yet, they are able to provide adequate levels of support. Having said this, it is normally possible to choose the firmness of the mat if you work with a quality supplier. Thus, you can find the firmness that is the most comfortable and able to accommodate the type of yoga that you perform.
3. Grip Surface
It is important to mention that yoga mats are intended to provide a strong foundation from which you can perform potentially complicated movements. Thus, another important difference involves what is known as the grip strength of the mat. Grip is not necessarily as critical when referring to surfaces intended for general exercise. Another benefit of yoga mats with a higher grip strength is that they can be used on numerous surfaces (such as a slick wooden floor) without being concerned about sliding around while you are attending a session.
4. Materials Used
Similar to a yoga bolster, yoga mats are made from a variety of materials. Some common examples include PVC (vinyl), rubber, organic cotton, and jute. Conversely, modern exercise mats are engineered from more durable substances; they will need to sustain more jarring forces such as if a weight happens to be dropped during a training session. It is said that the most comfortable material for a yoga mat is vinyl.
We can now see that there are a number of surprising differences between yoga mats and surfaces intended to be used for general exercise. If you wish to get the most out of your next yoga session, it is a good idea to purchase a high-quality mat from a trusted supplier.
