When thinking of beginning an exercise regimen the first investment in equipment should be in the exercise mat. Too many of us run out to buy weights or other accessories before deciding we need to purchase an exercise mat. Yet, the exercise mat is the most basic of workout tools, even before the workout wear.
When engaging in exercises at home or at a gym, the exercise mat is the essential personal tool, the emphasis should be on personal. Most exercise programs involve some floor work such as laying on the side performing legs lifts or stretches or crunches.
Being realistic, most of us have some loose clothing such as sweat pants or something similar to wear. We all have soda bottles, telephone books, a footstool or cans that we can readily use for weights until we are sure we are sure we are going to continue the daily workout.
However, few of us have an exercise mat or anything that can really act as one. We have beach towels or quilts or other things we can use to improvise but none of our home articles will serve the purpose of an exercise mat. A towel offers no cushion. A quilt is bulky but offers little cushioning. When working out on the floor or ground, modest cushioning is a necessity.
For $25.00 or less a good exercise mat can be purchased. Most mats are about 24" wide and 72" long and anywhere from 1" to 2" in thickness. Of course, for those who are committed to exercise there are mats that cost up to a hundred dollars or more. Whatever the price range, the important quality of a good exercise mat is the thickness and the "bounce back" quality of the material.
The exercise mat is designed to have sufficient spring in the material that it can come back to its full shape after a good workout. While the mat is not going to provide a soft surface, it should take the stress off the joints, such as the hip or the knee. Think about being on your side lifting one or both legs. The pressure is placed on the hip and the elbow for support. If the hip is uncomfortable or the elbow is digging into the floor, chances are the workout will be cut short or eliminated altogether.
The exercise mat should be of sufficient density to provide a cushion while not being so thick or bulky as to cause you to lose your balance.
Most exercise mats today come with handles for easy carrying once they are rolled up.
One of the favorite choices in exercise mats is the mat produced for Gold's Gym and readily available in most retail department stores in the exercise equipment department. Recently, a Gold's Gym exercise mat was spotted for $19.00. That is a great buy in that it is a good price range for someone just starting out and it is so inexpensive that it can affordably be replaced each year if need be.
Exercise mats do not have to be expensive. They have to be thick enough to offer comfort during a workout without sacrificing stability.
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