Commercial Exercise Mats – Definitive FAQ Guide

If you are searching for exercise mats, we’ve got everything you have to know, from yoga and pilates exercises on the mat to gymnastics or general fitness training.

As the owner of gym equipment who wants to equip it with high-quality products, then take note because we have an FAQ guide just waiting to answer all those questions.

Let’s break them down one by one.

Table of Contents

Exercise Mats Types

There are many types of exercise mats out there for different kinds of workouts. The most common ones include :

• Fitness mats
• Pilates mats
• Yoga mats
• Professional gymnastic mats
• Foam mats
• Air exercise mats

Fitness Mats

Fitness mats are always among the most widely sought-after pieces of equipment in any gym all over. They’re large and thick, perfect for stretching workouts like yoga or pilates.

Manufacturers know that they need to offer some number of protection against a hard floor during training – which is why these long strips have been designed with just enough cushioning between you and the ground.

Figure 1 The exercise mat

Pilates Mats

Pilates mats are medium thick and typically longer. The increased firmness of the mat is fit for calm movements, kind to use, also provides more protective support during workouts.

It has some texture on them if you want a better grip while performing your workout routine, which reduces slipping from occurring with this type of surface material that isn’t sticky like other types out there would be so that it won’t interrupt your flow at all.

Figure 2 The pilates mat

Yoga Mats

It is thinner than Pilates Mats and also provides for less intense workouts. They’re made sticky, so they grip great above the floor while providing a safety cushion that won’t slipper or cause injury during training. Yoga practitioners have to own these different mats, especially if they want safety in their practice.

Figure 3 Exercise mat for yoga

Professional Gymnastic Mats

It is usually used in professional gymnasiums or sports halls. It can be thick and help absorb any shock that may hurt the spine, neck, ankles, or knees.

Gymnastic mats come with different designs, but most look bulky because they’re foldable though it could sometimes be hard to storing them if you don’t have a lot of storage space at home for your gym gear.

Figure 4 The exercise mat for gymnastic

Foam Mats

It is typically square-shaped and produced with interlocking ends. These can be used as cushioning while doing high-intensity workouts. These foam mats’ thickness is to absorb shocks effect and protect from injury on your joints.

Figure 5 The foam mat

Air Exercise Mats

The inflatable, internal pressure, and tough construction make an air gymnastic training mat as good as the foam mats. However, the price of this mat is higher than the typical one and can be hard to store with ease. Some athletes use this outside the official place.

Figure 6 The air exercise mat

Exercise Mats Thickness

The exercise mat comes in various levels of thickness. The thicker the mat, the more foam it will contain, and this increases its firmness level. Here are some common types :

Yoga mats are among the thinnest and lightest mats. These pads come in various sizes ranging from 3mm to 10mm but typically measure 5mm. Those who want thinner yoga mats for focused or active poses should go thicker to provide stability during a balance pose.

Pilates mats are thicker than the yoga mat because they have to protect the back and hips. It means that it works as cushioning for less strain on your body during exercise time. The minimum required thickness has to be at least 10mm (0.5″), but 20mm would provide more protection and help with strain relief during exercises.

Gymnastics mats are the thickest of all to prevent most injuries. Quality gymnastics mats need at least 50mm thickness, but high-quality ones need at least 55mm. These mattresses offer high firmness and density that are perfect for intensive training sessions.

Foam mats have thick same as gymnastics mats. They have rigid foam and provide a raised surface of more than 35 mm of thickness so practitioners can practice for therapeutic objectives without as much strain on their joints or pressure from the mat below them, which leads to lower impacts in the body when practicing.

Figure 7 The exercise mats thickness

Exercise Mats Length

The length of the exercise mat can range between 157cm and 182cm. The standard measurement is 144cm, but some mats are as long as 218cm.

Figure 8 The exercise mat length

Is it important how wide the exercise mats are?

Yes, it is. You need to provide different sizes of mats as a gym owner. You have many types and levels of athletes in your gym that will not find the right size for them without multiple options.

They will notice if their mat isn’t perfect because they won’t get optimal training since their body parts could hang over or on one side, which is never good.

Figure 9 The exercise mats width

Exercise Mats Material

The usual material for exercise mats is foam. It’s inexpensive, easy to clean, and a great way to cushion joints when exercising on hard floors.

Fitness mats used in fitness classes are made from dense foam that has been covered with vinyl for easy maintenance.

Pilates mat is usually made with foam of closed-cell TPE, a thermoplastic elastomer. It is resistant to intensive use and more durable than other types, such as open-cell polyurethane or PVC foams typically found in cheaper mats.

Gymnastic mat is made from either extra-dense or standard foam, but they have a dissimilar construction method that ensures firmness. Their vinyl surface also helps in ensuring safety when practicing routines on them.

Foam mat is designed to have maximum shock absorption because of the extra-dense foam in these mats.

Figure 10 Firmness foam example

Knowing which Exercise Mat with Natural Material and Synthetic

The material of the exercise mat is classified into two broad categories: synthetic materials and natural eco-friendly fiber.

Natural fiber is a more comfortable fabric to touch. It includes bamboo, cotton, hemp, and jute which irritate or inflame the skin. Nevertheless, latex material is excluded because it can lead to skin allergies.

Synthetics can be made of rubber, microfiber, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These materials have their unique characteristics. Ensure you are well informed before purchasing it.

Not all exercise mat material lasts long. These plastic-like rubber sheets made of PVC are hard to recycle and have to be disposed to specific places where they can’t pollute the air, water, or land that we rely on day by day.

Yanre Fitness is committed to making your workout and home use experience as comfortable, safe, and eco-friendly as possible. That’s why our mats are made of premium materials that promote healthy living for both you and the environment.

Figure 11 The jute exercise mats

Does the exercise mat material dangerous?

There are many options for picking an exercise mat. PVC is a harmful material to both the environment and your health, but there are other materials available you can also use in gyms, such as fabric or non-PVC mats.

Some manufacturers recommend covering their workout area with microfiber to protect athletes from exposure to toxic substances like PVC.

You also have to think about the exercise mat manufacturing process. Manufacturing a large mat uses industrial adhesive to stick materials together, which could be dangerous and may release poisons while using it.

Yanre Fitness is a fitness equipment supplier that puts health first. We provide mats made of natural fibers perfect for repelling moisture, bacteria, and odor so our customers can be safe while working out on them. Our advantages include :

• Non-toxic
• Non-smell
• Anti-slip
• Anti-tear
• Non-solvent bonding

How is the process of exercise mat manufacturing for yoga?

A yoga mat has three layers of natural fibers glued or bonded together to get a single sturdy surface. Here is the breakdown :

• The first layer of natural rubber is essential to maintain the mat attached to floors securely.
• The second layer of cotton is called the stay-dry layer. This material prevents bacteria from growing, which ensures an antibacterial function and is also more comfortable when in use.
• The third layer of eco-friendly polyurethane ensures the exercise mat has a lot of grips.

When it comes to choosing a yoga mat, people should take into account the manufacturing process. Many manufacturers use dangerous industrial glue, leading to health and safety concerns for those practicing on them and any nearby person.

A great way of finding out about this is by asking your supplier what their manufacturing process entails.

Yanre Fitness produces high-quality grade yoga mats with superior cushions. Our durable and cushioned mats come with non-slip surfaces, makings them perfect for any wet or dry environment.

As a bonus, the famous center line on our professional-grade mat aids athletes through their training sessions to make sure they maintain proper posture throughout each pose.

Figure 12 The three layers material of the yoga mat

The Main Difference Between the Standard and Gymnastic Exercise Mat

The construction of a gymnastics mat is different from that of an exercise mat. Gymnastic mats have polyethylene cores, while most other mat is made with foam.

Gymnastic exercise mats have to provide a high firmness, not just softness. Most mats use cross-linked construction methods to provide enough firmness. It results in stable surfaces that are perfect for practitioners.

Gymnastic mats are not only good for reducing the risk of foot, ankle, or wrist injuries by acting as a thick layer of padding against the ground, but they also provide some amount of shock absorption.

The standard exercise mat is much thinner than the yoga mat and usually made from a softer foam. Manufacturers introduced this design to give cushion while yet connecting with the ground below you. However, most mats are built in a way that resists many uses.

Figure 13 The gymnastic mat section

The Main Difference Among Manufacturing of Closed and Open-cell Foam Exercise Mat

The final material density is different in the two manufacturing processes. The process to make an exercise mat with firmness and durability, for example, are essential when creating many yoga and Pilates foam materials out of closed-cell foam.

Open or Closed cell foams are both appropriate for getting exercise mats of good quality.

Open-cell foam indicates that the cell is not entirely encapsulated. The result soft and flexible material is more durable than other types of foam, but it’s also permeable to water vapor.

Closed-cell is completely encapsulated, and the result is firmer and harder. However, it is less water-resistant and less springy.

Polyurethane is a type of foam that you can find on the highest quality exercise mat. The compound is also organic, which makes it both qualitative as well as sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Figure 14 Closed-cell foam vs Open-cell foam

The Main Difference Between Exercise Mats and Floor Mats

These two mats are very different in terms of function.

The floor mat is a protective layer for the ground, which absorbs shocks from intense exercise. It has applications in sports, where athletes practice their skills above other mats made of shock-absorbing materials.

It is recommended that trainees don’t work on the floor mats directly because this can lead to bacteria spreading fast. The bottom of the mat has non-slip material, so it stays sturdy on the ground for workouts.

The exercise mat is the base for any gym exercise type. They’re padded, and vinyl-covered matting is to clean it easier.

Figure 15 The floor  mat

Figure 16 The exercise mat

Does the exercise mat is waterproof?

Yes, it does. Because it is frequently used for fitness, it must not have any risk of getting wet. That is why a vinyl-encased on exercise mat should be implemented. They provide a comfortable feel during use.

The surface of the mat is covered with vinyl, a highly resistant material that also isn’t absorbent. These are perfect for repeated use in the gym or fitness centers. Nevertheless, if the exercise mat is only covered with carpet or vinyl, it might not be waterproof. Therefore, the exercise mat can permeate water through the bottom side.

Figure 17 The exercise mat vinyl cover

Is there any difference between the two exercise mat surface sides?

Yes, it is. A primary difference is an endurance. The top surface has a finish that will last through the rigorous demands of training sessions. The bottom surface has a little circle pattern with a different texture for protection against wear and tear.

Athletes often use the top surface for training purposes. It’s smooth and shiny, promoting the logo of the gym. You can use it both without or with shoes. Given its resistance and durability, it’s ideal for doing intense workouts on it.

For the bottom surface of the exercise mat, you’ll find a dense foam. It is unlike the top side of your mat because it is more prone to wear and tear. However, this makes for one very secure spot for placed to the floor, and there’s no slipping at all.

Both surfaces of the exercise mat have surface stickiness that helps keep the trainee in place and prevents them from slipping. The top surface is also sticky to help the person if they are sweating.

For the last couple of years, some suppliers have started making exercise mats that work on both surfaces. It enables the top layer and the bottom layer to share similar characteristics.

Figure 18 The top and bottom surface of the exercise mat

Best Flooring Type to Placing Exercise Mat

The ideal flooring material for an exercise mat is the hard-type surface floor. Laminate, cement, tile, or wood will work well.

Installing a commercial exercise mat can be tricky if you have carpeting. Be mindful of shifts. These mats are better “grabbed” with heavier and larger exercise mats which are less probable to shift throughout training.

Figure 19 The concrete floor

Best Exercise Mat for the Floor That Not Even

If the gym floor is uneven, ensure you buy a mat at least 0.6m thick. It will provide comfort during use and ensure that people with delicate joints can train without harming their joints.

Note: The standard thickness for a mat is typically about 1.5mm to 3mm on flat surfaces.

How much is the price of exercise mat wholesale?

Exercise mats cost a fortune because they can’t be cheaply made due to the materials to produce them.

Low wholesale prices start from $3 for one piece, but the higher quality you want and the eco-friendly design you choose, the higher price they cost. For example, a high-quality exercises mat features $12 for one piece.

Foams are considered a complex material for production. It also carries a high cover price. All these factors make it costly to manufacture exercise mats, which often increases their wholesale cost.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing an Exercise Mat

Purchasing mats in mass can be difficult. It would be best if you considered the activity type, level of durability, comfort, and size.

Activity type

It will guide you to determine which mats are suitable for your type of exercise. The majority of gym owners get mats for general fitness and training.

Before you attract other sorts of athletes, like gymnasts, you ought to give more. Extra thick foams of exercise mat is a necessity to have for some competitive athlete.

Comfort

You need to get suitable material for your mats. You want them to feel great when touched and comfortable throughout training.

Size

Providing the best size mat is essential, so make sure you carry a few different sizes. You’ll be able to satisfy more customers this way.

Durability

Buying the highest-quality mats is more expensive but will last longer than cheap alternatives. It will save you money in the long run by eliminating the need to replace them, as seen with gym owners who must avoid the low-cost product due to safety concerns.

Is there any handle available for carrying the exercise mat?

To make carrying the mats around comfy, some come with straps or handles. But you’ll find those only on pricier ones.

If you require to be included with your mat purchases, please get in contact with Yanre Fitness.

Figure 20 The strap on the exercise mat

Does exercise mat scent bad?

The exercise mat has a specific smell, the majority of these coming from rubber. This scent is due to VOCs in the materials used during the production process. The smell will fade over time, as most of it comes from rubber compounds and some other material used to produce these fabrics.

Manufacturers mentioned a faint hint of rubber come from the mats, which is not harmful. However, with a PVC mat, the chemicals can be dangerous for your athletes.

Figure 21 The exercise mat smell

How to sanitize and clean exercise mats?

The exercise mat is easy to maintain. Just vacuum the mess away for daily cleansing or use a wet towel if you need a deeper clean.

To prevent bacteria from growing, you should keep your mat clean by sanitizing it after and before each use. It will help kill any bacteria that might have grown on the mat’s surface.

Disinfect it with appropriate cleaner (use a disinfectant solution, which has no smell and doesn’t leave residues), and then wipe dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. For the top surface of the exercise mat, use specialized shampoo-type cleaners to remove any possible germs.

Figure 22 Sanitize the exercise mat

Guide for Storing Exercise Mats Properly

To prevent damage, make sure to store your mats in a rolled-up position unless otherwise specified. Leaving them stretched out can cause folds and creases, which is not suitable for the product’s longevity.

However, it is best to store them in an open space. Placing the exercise mat in bags can lead to rapid board damage.

Figure 23 The exercise mat storage

Can a custom-size of exercise mat order from the manufacturer?

Yes. To better suit spaces with uncommon flooring or designs, custom-sized mats are the perfect solution.

Yanre Fitness is a gym equipment manufacturer that also manufacturing exercise mats. We can provide custom-sized mats that meet your every need. Also, we can imprint your logo or symbol on your mats. It will give your equipment a professional impression.

We offer a wide range of customizations for exercise mats. You can have them in your choice of thickness, colors, layers, etc. Our factory aims to cover all your requirements, and we guarantee that you will get the best out of us.

Final Words

With this guide, you should be well on your way to finding the best exercise mats for your establishment. If you have any questions about your fitness training or need professional advice, contact Yanre Fitness.

Now that you’ve opted to order a mat, it is time to get right down to business. We have a team of dedicated sales agents at your service. Get them working for you and equip your gym now!