Is an Exercise Mat the same as a Yoga Mat?

We normally get confused while buying a yoga mat that is an Exercise Mat the same as a Yoga Mat. Usually, mats look the same to a new person or beginner but in reality, a fitness or workout exercise mat has huge differences from a yoga mat in functionality and usage.

As per studies, a normal human (who is not suffering from diseases) requires at least half an hour of exercise daily to remain in shape and healthy. A healthy body has a healthy mind are crucial for success.

Various exercises are normally practiced for different purposes like yoga for mental and physical health along with inner peace. To achieve the goals, we require some equipment and the mats are one of them.

Is the mat necessary for exercise?

No matter which type of exercises you are performing like yoga, pilates, weight loss, etc the reality is the mats help us a lot with grip and protection which is required to perform well. Especially, if you are performing yoga, you need a non-slippery surface with a proper thickness level for cushioning and joint protection.

Secondly, the type of material through which the mat is built also matters a lot for a healthy environment. Apart from that, mats save us from direct contact with the floor which is necessary to stay safe from heat, coldness, or harsh weather. So, that’s why mats are necessary during exercises.

Workout / Exercise Mat vs Yoga Mat

Yoga Mat

A yoga mat is specially designed for yoga exercises with extra support and cushioning. Non-slip with a good level of grip to stay safe while performing yoga. Apart from this, a specific level of thickness for different purposes is crucial such as a high thickness level for those who are suffering from joint or knee pains and a low thickness level for travelers. So, thickness level provides a comfort level with yoga exercises.

Workout / Exercise Mat

Whereas, exercise mats are designed to support and protect the body during exercises. Exercise mats are built with thin material with a low thickness level which is why they are usually flat as compared to yoga mats. Because in a normal exercise, we don’t require much cushioning. On the other hand, yoga mats have a higher density level whereas normal workout/exercise mats are not much dense.

Can You Use An Exercise Mat for Yoga?

This is not preferable to use an exercise mat for yoga because both have a huge amount of differences. So, you should use the different mats for both.i

Is a Pilates mat the same as a Yoga Mat?

Pilates mat and yoga mat both have a lot of similarities but still, they are different.

Pilates Mat vs Yoga mat

First of all, if I talk about mat’s thickness level, pilates mats are thicker than yoga mats because we require extra protection to our joints during high-impact movements. Usually, a pilates mat is thicker between 10mm to 15mm.

Material: In the same way, If I talk about the material, the pilates mat is built with softer and more padded material whereas a yoga mat is usually built with more grippy material for better traction during performance.

Texture: yoga mats have different textures that increase the griping level whereas pilates mats have bit smooth surfaces.

Size: Both mats are different in size concerning the poses or exercises. A pilates mat size between 185cm x 60cm whereas a normal yoga mat comes in 180cm x 60cm.

Hot Yoga Mat vs Regular Yoga Mat

The main differences between a Hot Yoga Mat vs Regular Yoga Mat are:

Support & Thickness: A hot yoga mat is thicker as in hot yoga we need more support and cushioning. Normally a hot Yoga mat is around 5mm to 6mm thick and a normal recommended mat that can easily carry during transport is around 3mm to 4mm.

Grip: a regular yoga mat is less grippy as compared to a hot yoga mat.

Material: A hot yoga mat is usually built with material that has quick-drying properties to manage moisture during exercise.

Final Words

This is not recommended to use the same mat for different exercises. Always use the mat as per your exercise means if you are doing hot yoga, you should buy a mat built for hot yoga and the same for other exercises i.e pilates, etc.

Finalize your requirements before buying any mat then you have to choose a perfect one that fulfills your needs.

Anyway, I have tried to explain today’s question Is an Exercise Mat the same as a Yoga Mat? Share your thoughts in our comments section.