An exercise or Yoga mat is a cushioned non-slip surface that helps you practice exercise safely and comfortably. It can be used for other exercises like Pilates, weight training, and meditation. We have put together a list of the best exercise mats available because we think they are an essential piece of equipment when considering pregnancy safe exercise.
Here are our top 5 Yoga / Pilates mats and what we love about them:
A few tips before we begin:
- Don’t buy mats that are less than 6mm in thickness (protect your knees and hips).
- If you are using the mat for Pilates type workouts then aim for a mat that is above 8mm in thickness.
- Yoga mats can be thinner as there tends to be less kneeling.
- If you have any pains in your knees, hips, wrists (i.e. bursitis / patello-femoral pain, carpal tunnel syndrome) then opt for a thicker mat (10mm+).
Core balance Mats
What we love about them:
- Core balance are a UK based company with a good reputation and long history behind them.
- Different thicknesses are available but THIS 10mm one we think should suit everyone because it provides a lot of cushioning.
- They are one of the cheaper mats on the market, you can get one for as little as £14.99 here, this one is just a little thinner.
- It comes in 5 different colours which are all plain (we have found that the patterned mats can look worn a lot quicker than plain).
- The mats all come with a carry strap so can be used when you are travelling.
- It’s really reasonably priced considering the quality of the mat (we have used a lot of Core Balance products and always been happy with them).
Best feature:
- Quality
Meglio Mats
What we love about them:
- Same thickness as the core balance mat at 10mm so you’ll definitely feel the cushioning, have a look at the design here.
- You might recognise the name Meglio as they supply (our much loved) NHS with fitness equipment.
- Comes with a free shoulder carry-strap meaning it can be rolled up into a compact size and carried on the go to your yoga or fitness workout classes or suitable for hanging and storing.
- Meglio started life supplying Physiotherapists with their much needed equipment, working with healthcare professionals to provide just what they need (we have used them in our clinics also)!
- The company are a large supplier of fitness equipment so it’s good to see that they are certifiably a ‘green’ company as awarded by the International Standards Organization.
Best feature:
- Cost remains low
Navaris Cork Yoga mats
What we love about them:
- There’s not a lot to not love about these mats (if you love the planet as much as us). Made of soft natural cork and TPE, the mat is free of harmful substances like latex and PVC. Cork is naturally hypo-allergenic and breathable and does not absorb water and sweat.
- The lines on the mat help with your alignment when doing your workouts.
- The mat works really well in hot / sweaty environments (remains non-slip) and it doesn’t stick to your skin like some of the others (we’ve been there).
- Whether at home, on the terrace, in the gym or in an outdoor space, the yoga mat weighs only 1 kg. It comes with a practical carrying strap.
- The eco-friendly sports mat not only accompanies you during yoga, but because of it’s durability, it is also perfect for Pilates exercises, workouts and weight training, stretching and gymnastics.
Best feature:
- Good for the environment and durable.
Yoga Bliss mats
What we love about them:
- We have included this mat with a pattern because it seems to be one of the more durable but good looking ones (my advice would be not to wear trainers on any of these mats).
- Good value for money.
- Great thickness and cushioning.
- Simple wipe clean but non-slip surface.
- Other colours are available if you just want a plain one.
Best feature:
- Variety available
JLL mats
What we love about them:
- If it’s thickness that you’re after then these are the mats for you! These are one of the only 15mm workout mats available (thick enough for camping).
- They come in lots of different colours, take a look here.
- They have an antibacterial finish, are easy to Clean and durable.
- They don’t come with a pattern so won’t look ‘worn’ quickly like some other mats.
- JLL are a UK based company that have been going for 10 years and supply a lot of equipment to gyms, so they know their audience.
Best feature:
- Thickness
Summary
There are lots of Yoga or exercise mats out there, but the best exercise mats available to us, are the practical ones that won’t impact common pregnancy conditions such as wrist pain and hip pain, as much as other mats.