The Benefits of Using Mats in Exercise
Today, living fit and staying healthy is becoming a trend, and exercise and fitness have become the new mantra for most people. Along with the art of fitness, another thing that is gaining popularity is the use of exercise mats. In fact, it has become a must-have piece of fitness equipment. It’s because you can use an exercise mat in many different ways, for different exercises to keep your body comfortable during the routine.
If you want to be truly fit, you need to find an effective workout. At the same time, you also need to find a good exercise mat to make you feel comfortable with your workout because most workout routines include floor exercises. Exercise mats come in different shapes and sizes for various types of workouts.
If you are wondering how important the use of exercise mats is, then you’re in the right place. Today, we are going to let you know the importance of each type of exercise matand the benefits you can get from using them.
Benefits of Mats in Each Type of Exercise
There are many different types of exercise and workout routines out there that most people enjoy practicing. While not all of them require the use of mats, here are some where they are beneficial.
Gym Floor Mats
Gym floors are usually covered with rubber mats. Aside from protecting the floor, they are there to serve a greater purpose in some exercises. For example, when you are training near the maximum level, it is sometimes required to drop weights at times to avoid injuries. Therefore, if you will be doing dumbbell bench press, overhead press, barbell, or dumbbell deadlifts, at the maximal level or near that, make sure that there’s a mat beneath you. Because if there’s none, you are at a high risk of being injured.
Yoga and Pilates Mats
Yoga and Pilates are two types of exercises that require mats. They are beneficial for these workouts because they provide a non-slip surface. Aside from that, mats are important for Pilates as they serve the purpose of giving cushion to the spine and joints while performing the exercises. Mats for Pilates are usually 1/2-inch thick, which can provide enough cushion while offering support at the same time. Since many Pilates moves require rolling the spine, it can be painful and damaging if you do not use a properly cushioned mat.
Yoga, on the other hand, also requires the use of mats because you also need support when doing different poses. But for yoga, thinner mats are needed as you need to feel the floor for the proper execution of movements, and for balance, as well. It will also help in keeping you in place while doing a pose and will prevent you from slipping, as well. If you want the perfect mat for yoga, the best option is polyurethane fitness mats.
Exercise Mats
If you are doing floor exercises, either at home, in a studio, or at the gym, you certainly need to use an exercise or workout mat. It’s because when you place your hips, knees, tailbone, or spine on a hard floor without using a mat, it may cause you pain, which might keep you from pushing through a difficult part of your workout routine.
Most exercise mats are inexpensive, but will surely keep you pain and injury-free in the long run. Exercise mats are very important, especially when you regularly do crunches, leg lifts, fire hydrants, donkey kicks, and other exercises that require you to lie on the floor on be on your knees.
Benefits of Using Mats in Exercising
After knowing the importance of mats in different types of exercises, here are the benefits you can get from them in general:
- Mats can give you support and safety when exercising: Using a mat when exercising can provide you with support and safety, particularly when performing workout routines on a slippery floor or surface. Aside from that, mats can also help when it comes to balancing and stabilizing the body. When you find the right workout mat for your exercise routines, it can ensure that your body will stay in place, no matter what moves or pose you do.
- Mats can give you comfort during exercises: A workout mat will give additional padding between the floor and your body. This is essential for people who have knees, hips, and wrists that are sensitive to hard floors and surfaces, and also with heavy loads.
- Mats can give you a personal space: When you use a mat in the gym, studio, or in your yoga class, you can use it as your separation between your personal workspace and the space of other people in that place. You can also use the space around your mat to place your other exercise equipment tightly while giving room for more exercisers in the room at the same time.
- Using mats promote cleanliness: When working out, some people do not mind getting dirty. However, if you are one of those who want to keep a layer of protection between the floor and your body, then using a mat when exercising is beneficial for you. This is essential for those who usually do their exercises elsewhere, aside from their homes. When you are attending yoga classes, it’s better to have your own mat with you. Yes, there are studios that provide their students with mats that they can use, but it is more hygienic to have your own. The same goes when working out in gyms and other places.
These are the benefits you can get from using mats in exercising. Therefore, if you are looking into getting more fit by doing exercises regularly, you might consider buying your own exercise mat. It will surely help you get the most out of your routines, and keep you safe and comfortable, as well.