Fitness mats and gymnastics mats

The right fitness mat is suitable not only for sweaty workouts but also for sports such as Pilates and yoga.

Good cushioning is particularly important for fitness mats, because heavy weights are often used in intensive workouts. And the dimensions of the mat also play an important role. Bigger is definitely better in this case. You should look out for these features when buying your fitness mat:

• Cushioning: A good fitness mat should be at least 5 mm thick to ensure optimal cushioning
• Dimensions: Ideally, your favorite mat will be extra long and especially extra wide. It should be at least 66 cm wide so that you can move in all directions.
• Grounding: You will probably be working with heavy weights on your fitness mat and incorporating jumping into your workout more often. Therefore, perfect grounding is particularly important to avoid injuries caused by slipping.
  

What is a fitness mat made of?

A fitness mat, like yoga mats, is usually made of PVC or TPE and should be checked for ingredients by the manufacturer. Manduka yoga mats, for example, are produced in Germany and are subject to the high Oeko-Tex standard.

The material and the processed ingredients are important, because the skin comes into contact with the material again and again during training and you breathe deeply during training. In 2013, the consumer magazine Öko-Test tested various yoga and fitness mats that were available on the German market. Shockingly, this test revealed that all yoga and fitness mats contained harmful plasticizers, AZO dyes or anti-mold agents. If you want to be sure that your new yoga or fitness mat does not contain any harmful substances, the best thing to do is to go for the Öko-Tex Standard "Confidence in Textiles" certification. This is an independent testing and certification system for textile products at every processing stage.
The very well-known “Textiles Trust” label of the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 focuses on textiles that have been tested for harmful substances. A higher-value certification is the Oeko-Tex Standard 1000, which also certifies environmentally friendly production facilities, and the Oeko-Tex Standard 100plus product label, which stands for products that have been tested for harmful substances and are produced in an environmentally friendly way.

How do I find the right fitness or exercise mat for me?

The most important thing: don't be confused by the many different names. The names range from yoga, Pilates, gymnastics, aerobics, wellness to fitness mat. Ultimately, the decisive factors are the quality, the non-slip properties, the size and the feeling of well-being on the mat. But don't forget the appearance and design - although in case of doubt, these should play a subordinate role.

The size of the fitness mat

The fitness mat should not be too small or too long. Many people do well with mats that are a few centimeters longer than themselves - the standard dimensions in Europe are 180cm or 188cm. It is important that the head, spine and the pelvic, hip or knee area are not directly exposed to the hard floor. Depending on the exercise, arms or legs can also be outside the mat during practice.

Mat care for the fitness mat

Most fitness mats can usually be wiped down with a damp cloth. PVC, fabric and wool mats are often machine washable. The manufacturer has developed a special care product for the care of a Manduka yoga mat. In fitness studios, alcohol-based sprays are available to disinfect fitness mats, which should be applied to the mat after each use. These often make the mats porous and brittle. Therefore, our recommendation: buy your own yoga or fitness mat and take good care of it. More information on cleaning and care can be found in our care guide.