Exercise Mats

What Can My Pilates Mat Do That Your Yoga Mat Can't, And For The Love Of My Body, What Is That Smell Coming From Those Gym Mats

Exercise mats come in many sizes, shapes and degrees of comfort. There is a mat for every type of workout. They are a necessity for any serious fitness enthusiast and can make your workout more comfortable and easier on your body.

With the popularity of Yoga and Pilates rising, the need for a good mat is essential. We’ve all seen the photos of the celebrities leaving the gym or exercise class. They are inevitably carrying a rolled up mat under their arm. It’s not only an important piece of equipment, but now it’s a fashion accessory!

Yoga mats are the number one tool for a good Yoga workout. They allow the practitioner to really feel the floor through their feet. They’re thin, sticky and come in all colors imaginable. There are some with beautiful pictures of trees, birds, or a Sanskrit writing. And now more than ever, eco friendly green products are all the rage. Mats can now be made with bamboo, cotton or hemp.

Pilates mats are thicker and a have a bit more cushion. In Pilates mat work, there are rolling exercises that require a softer surface to roll on so as not to bruise ones spine. They come longer now to accommodate a taller person and to give you more room to stretch out on.

Floor mats in gyms can cover the entire surface of the gym’s floor to provide cushion and stress reduction on the joints. It also provides a certain amount of noise reduction in what can sometimes be a noisy place. But I have noticed a certain smell a gym mat has. Most likely, they aren’t cared for. A sweaty mat that is rolled up and put in a closed closet is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Spend the money for a good mat cleaner or at the very least, make sure the mat is dry before rolling it up.

Exercise mats are a portable addition to your home workout area. Some fold up and some roll up. The relative inexpensiveness of this very important exercise tool makes it a great value. So invest in a good exercise mat and invest in a healthier you.

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