Differences between Yoga Mat and Gym Mat

1. material difference:
Material of gym mat: NBR, PVC foaming, EVA
Material of yoga mat: NBR, PVC foaming, TPE foaming, TPE double-layer, linen PVC, flax TPE, flax rubber, pure linen, natural rubber

The biggest difference between the material is the price: the price of NBR material is far lower than EVA material. That’s the reason why gym pads adopt this kind of material. The other more important reason is that the gym pad is normally thick and the material used is relatively more.

2. thickness difference
The thickness of the gym mat: 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, 20mm above
The thickness of the yoga mat: 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 10mm

Why is have such a big difference in thickness between a yoga mat and a gym mat?

• the main function of a gym mat is protection and buffering. If it is too thin, it will not have the function of buffering, which will cause hurt or uncomfortable.
• main functions of yoga mat: anti-slip, protection, stability. If the yoga mat is too thick, beginners or even seniors can not stand stably. Therefore, a yoga mat can not be too thick and a gym mat can not be too thin.

3. size difference
Yoga mat has strict standard size: 610*1730 (international standard), 610*1830 (extra-long length), 800*1830 (broaden type), 1200*1830 (double) while gym mat has all kind of sizes. On one hand, a yoga mat is limited by strict body type, function, and body figures while a gym mat has no strict limits, normally decided by factories themselves. However, many factories make the same size as a yoga mat to confuse public opinion and sell gym mats as a yoga mats.

4. function difference
Yoga mat: anti-slip, protection, the final goal is to make yoga more accurate, and make the movement more stable to achieve the initial purpose.

Gym mat: cushioning, protection and the final goal is to reduce the motion buffer force to protect the joint.