Many different forms of fitness require working out on the floor. To have a comfortable space, it is vital to have an adequate workout mat. You will find an assortment of these ranging in colours, sizes, thicknesses, and on, meant to be accommodating for performing fitness regimens.
Two specific options available for fitness enthusiasts are yoga mats and the general exercise mat, distinct in numerous ways. Most noticeably, the exercise mat is thicker than a yoga mat, but each has the objective of supporting the body throughout the workout routine.
Let us look closer at these versions plus other reasons to incorporate mats into exercising, whether at home or in the gym environment.
Yoga vs. Exercise
While yoga and exercise are considered two forms of fitness many people incorporate into their wellness regimen, yoga deems more of a practice, a lifestyle, than an exercise or workout. The poses mean to optimize the body, mind, and spirit and promote healing.
That does not mean that general exercise does not promote well-being, involve intention, or that the mind is not a key component of working out because it certainly is. The two are simply on a different level, as is the equipment like the mats. Let us look at the two a bit more closely.
Yoga
Yoga is a practice many people have participated in for thousands of years. The routines mean improving the body physically and enhancing the mind and spirit. The suggestion is that it originates from India and has spread worldwide, bringing a sense of calm, balance, and healing to those who indulge.
The intricate poses require a great deal of strength and a supportive area on which the limbs can rely. That means a mat needs to be sturdy and non-slip. A slippery surface could be dangerous considering how the body’s weight is carried with many of the positions.
Some will consist of PVC material or vinyl, while others comprise organic cotton, jute, and even rubber options. Choosing a material is a personal choice since it needs to suit your needs and feel comfortable as you move.
The suggestion with yoga is to always go with the most natural material. See here what you should look for when shopping for yoga mats.
Exercise
Your fitness regimen will either be at its best due to your chosen product or be challenging to perform. The many options allow different levels of support for the varying activities. As a rule, you want to ensure the mat you choose provides optimal comfort and support when working at the peak of your routine.
Exercise mats tend to be thicker than yoga varieties. The firmness is based on the type of activity. For instance, some individuals will need an extra sturdy surface for working with weights like kettleballs, barbells, or other training tools.
When incorporating bodyweight routines strictly, a softer, more comfortable material is appropriate.
Why Mats Are a Necessary Component of Fitness
People often associate mats with only certain fitness regimens like yoga or weight training. Still, using the proper equipment when working out in any capacity is essential to avoid accidents or injury and provides optimum support and comfort.
Plus, it protects the surrounding area whether you train in your home or the gym environment. Find out why you need mats at https://exercise.lovetoknow.com/exercise-equipment-clothing/do-you-need-exercise-mat.
The mat as a tool is critical for the body’s overall functionality and well-being to protect the joints primarily and prevent injury in these areas as much as possible. That means avoiding workouts on hard surfaces, which encourages joint damage.
It puts pressure on the joints each time there is a movement on an exposed solid surface.
Not only is it a component of your well-being, but it acts as a safety device. The non-slip surface prevents falls and keeps you stable when in varying positions or when handling exceptional weight; plus, it acts as a protectant for the flooring if a weight were to drop or another exercise tool were to fall.
Final Thought
Yoga designates more of a “practice” than it is considered as an exercise regimen, with the positioning and the manoeuvres being very intentional and the mind being an exceptional part of the process.
The practice boasts enhancing the body, mind, and spirit, and notes, having done so for many people for thousands of years acting under the concept that yoga has a “healing” capacity.
In fact, exercises of any kind are beneficial for health and well-being. It is a critical component of overall wellness.