How to choose your fitness mat?

Whether you're looking to do toning exercises or gentle stretching, you'll need a suitable fitness mat. Which one should you choose?

To choose a fitness mat, the most important thing to think about is the type of activity you plan to do on it and how frequently you train.

There are three main criteria to consider: comfort, size and durability.

Fitting comfort

The level of comfort you will require for your fitness mat will depend first and foremost on how frequently you train. The more often you train, the more comfort - i.e., mat thickness - you'll want.

The thickness of your mat will also depend on what kind of activities you need it for.

For example, if you're doing gentle exercises such as stretching or Pilates, during which you will be barefoot and often in contact with the floor, you should opt for a soft mat that is at least 5 mm thick.

It will be more comfortable and protect you from the floor.

Sizes

The size of your fitness mat is also important for working out comfortably.

Obviously, you'll need to take into account how tall you are when choosing a mat, but you'll also want to consider the activities you'll be doing.

If you're doing exercises where you're frequently in contact with the floor, you'll want a longer mat than if you're mostly seated or kneeling.

Durability

How frequently you train will also influence how durable to wear your mat needs to be.

If you use your fitness mat on a regular or intensive basis, choose one with a protective coating to improve its resistance to wear from sport shoes.

Check our fitness mats range

We hope you found this article useful in choosing the right fitness mat for you!

In the meantime, check out our article on 8 exercises you could do on your fitness mat below.

Written by: terence cheah

Fitness digital sports leader, decathlon singapore

If you plan to take your mat with you to do exercises when not at home, opt for an easy-to-carry model that has a carry strap and rolls or folds up easily. At home, you'll want a mat that is easy to store, such as a mat that folds up.

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