- 1. Why is a mat essential in your training routine?
- 2. What to consider when choosing?
- 3. How to choose the right mat for your training
- 4. Find your ideal mat with Indigo
- 5. Your perfect mat
1. Why is a mat essential in your training routine?
Mats are much more than an accessory: they have become an essential tool for anyone who exercises regularly, whether at home, in the gym or even outdoors. They offer a comfortable, safe surface that protects your joints, insulates you from the cold or the hardness of the floor and helps keep you hygienic during your workout. Whether you're doing gymnastics, yoga, pilates, stretching or other routines, a good mat improves your training experience and reduces the risk of injury. This versatile piece of equipment is useful across a wide range of disciplines and training styles, allowing you to perform movements with greater stability, cushioning and control. What's more, today you can find mats in different materials, thicknesses, textures and sizes, and even with attractive designs that reflect your personality or style.
2. What to consider when choosing?
Choosing the right mat is more important than it might seem. Here are the key factors:
Thickness: If you do high-impact exercises or spend time resting on your knees and elbows, look for a mat between 10 and 15 mm thick. For mobility or balance routines, a thinner mat gives you more stability.
Grip: Make sure it is non-slip so you don't slip while training. The greater the grip, the greater the safety.
Material: The material of your mat affects comfort, grip, durability and also its environmental impact. These are the most common:
- PVC: Widely used because it is affordable and durable.
- Natural rubber: An eco-friendly, biodegradable option. It offers excellent grip and stability, although it tends to be heavier and more expensive.
- TPE: A synthetic rubber that is lighter and more environmentally friendly than PVC. Soft, comfortable and easy to carry.
- Microfibre (on rubber): A soft, absorbent surface, ideal for intense sessions or sweaty workouts.
- EVA: Lightweight, affordable and resistant. Used in puzzle mats and basic mats.
Size and weight: It should be comfortable to use, but also easy to roll up and store. If you're going to carry it, make sure it isn't too heavy. Most mats suit all users in terms of size, but check that you're buying the one best suited to your height and, of course, your preferences.
Easy to carry: The light, portable nature of the mat is also worth considering, as it will make it easy to take wherever you like without any hassle.
3. How to choose the right mat for your training
Not all mats offer the same thing, and choosing the one that best suits your type of training can make a big difference in comfort, performance and durability. Each discipline has its own needs:
Yoga:
If you practise yoga, good grip is essential to prevent slipping. Opt for non-slip materials such as TPE or cork, and thicknesses of between 3 and 6 mm so you can keep your balance without losing contact with the floor.
Pilates, gymnastics and stretching:
These practices usually require more support for the knees, back and hips. A more cushioned mat (6 mm or more), such as those made of NBR, is ideal for protecting your joints during extended floor exercises.
Functional training or HIIT:
In high-impact routines (jumps, burpees, etc.), you need a resistant, dense surface that won't deform with use. EVA puzzle mats are a good solution if you train at home and want to protect the floor with a stable, cushioned surface.
Meditation or restorative yoga:
For gentle practices, where relaxation is the priority, you can choose a more padded, comfortable mat, such as an NBR mat or a cork mat with a TPE base, which offer a warm, stable feel without sacrificing comfort.
4. Find your ideal mat with Indigo
INDIGO NBR Yoga and Fitness Mat 183 * 61 * 1.5 cm
If you're looking for a mat that adapts to different types of exercise, this is an option to consider carefully. Its 183 cm length provides enough room to train freely, even for exercises where you need to stretch out fully. It also comes in two thicknesses (1 cm and 1.5 cm), so you can choose the level of cushioning that best suits your practice, whether yoga, pilates or functional training. Its NBR material offers a comfortable, lightweight surface that is easy to clean, ideal both for training at home and for taking to the gym.
INDIGO Bilateral TPE Yoga and Fitness Mat 173*61*0.5 cm
For those looking for a lightweight mat that is easy to carry and has good grip, this TPE option is an excellent companion. At 0.5 cm thick, it offers a firm, stable base that helps with balance in yoga poses, pilates or mobility exercises. Its bilateral design lets you use both sides, and its material is more environmentally friendly than traditional PVC, making it a functional and conscious alternative. Compact, comfortable and with a non-slip surface, it is perfect for those who train regularly and value both quality and sustainability.
INDIGO TPE and Cork Yoga and Fitness Mat 173* 61* 0.6 cm
If you value comfort during your practice and also care about the environmental impact of your choices, this TPE and natural cork mat is an excellent option. Its cork surface offers a warm, non-slip and antibacterial feel, ideal for yoga, pilates or stretching sessions, even when you sweat. Thanks to its TPE base, it is light, flexible and easy to carry, without sacrificing the cushioning you need. At 0.6 cm thick and 173 cm long, it strikes a good balance between firmness and comfort, while its natural design adds an aesthetic and functional touch to any training space.
INDIGO 9-Piece Puzzle Fitness and Gym Exercise Mat
If you're looking for an alternative to traditional mats, this puzzle mat set is a functional and very affordable option. Made up of 9 interlocking pieces, it lets you build a padded surface to your own size, ideal for training at home with more comfort and protection from hard floors. It is perfect for strength exercises, stretching or routines with equipment, and an excellent choice if you need to cover a larger area without spending a lot. It also assembles and disassembles easily, so you can adapt it to the space you have or store it taking up very little room.
5. Your perfect mat
Choosing the right mat is not just a matter of comfort, but of looking after your body, improving your performance and adapting your space to what you really need. Whether for Rhythmic Gymnastics, yoga, pilates or simple stretching at home, a good mat will make all the difference. The best advice is to take the factors above into account but, above all, to adapt to the practice you do, to your body and to you.
At Indigo we offer versatile, sustainable and functional options so you can find the one that fits you.
