Fitness routines can be tough without the right equipment. There’s nothing worse than exercising on bare floor and having to fight against the hard ground! And if you’re on carpet, say hello to carpet burn! Fortunately, you can avoid these issues and stay comfortable while you exercise by using an exercise mat.
We recently purchased the OYO Fitness reversible exercise / yoga mat and decided to share our thoughts. It’s lasted us a few months, but is it really worth it? Let’s take a look and see how the OYO Fitness mat measures up!
Before We Begin
FAQ
What is an exercise mat?
Exercise mats are specialized mats that provide a safe surface for you to exercise on. They’re commonly used in professional and home gyms for calisthenics, cardio, and yoga.
How do they work?
Exercises such as jumping jacks and sit ups can wear on your joints and bones as your body repeatedly connects with the ground. Fitness mats give cushioning and relief from the bare floor, making exercise easier on your body and healthier over all.
Can I use an exercise mat on carpet?
Yes! While it may feel a little odd, using an exercise mat on carpet will help reduce your chances of experiencing carpet burn. Keep in mind many people take their mats to the beach and use them on the sand. If sand is okay, carpet is too!
Who needs one?
Anyone who exercises at home or on the go should have one! You can roll them up and store them easily. When you’re ready to exercise, all you have to do is unroll your mat and get your fitness on!
Can I do yoga on an exercise mat?
Of course you can! In fact, some yoga mats are made with the exact same material as the OYO Fitness reversible mat. The biggest difference between exercise mats and yoga mats are their designs. Exercise mats typically resemble rugged gymnasium floors; whereas, yoga mats are often whimsical and softer in appearance.
OYO Exercise Mat Breakdown
Overview
We’ve used all sorts of mats throughout the years, from Lululemon to Jade to Yogasana. We’ve even tried out the $5 mats can you purchase at places such as Walmart and Five Below. For this reason, we had a baseline standard to reference for our review, and it made our job easy.
The OYO Fitness reversible exercise mat brings gym-quality turf to the inside of your home. Both sides offer unique designs with different textures you can select based on personal preference. On one side, you get a black sandpaper, non-slip finish that’s meant for serious exercise. On the other, you get a grey design with a softer coating that’s reminiscent of your typical yoga mat.
Durability [5/5]
The OYO Fitness exercise mat features 6mm of strong PVC material that’s held up extremely well. We’ve used it for more than 6 months and cleaned it a few times without any issues. Cheap fitness mats tend to break down easily, especially if you perform exercise movements that rub against their surfaces. This one shows no signs of breakdown.
Functionality [4/5]
We love how the mat is reversible, giving you the best of both words concerning texture. As mentioned previously, one side is best for exercise while the other is best for yoga. You can use the mat for virtually any fitness activity you have in mind, making it extremely functional. It feels like 2 exercise mats in 1, but at the end of the day, it’s still just a mat.
Ease of Use [4/5]
Thin fitness mats can be flimsy, making them a challenge to roll up. You can end up with what looks like loose fabric that’s difficult to store and looks messy wherever you put it. The OYO Fitness exercise mat’s thick 6mm material makes it a breeze to roll and unroll. The only thing we could ask for is a strap to keep it help together.
Price [5/5]
The OYO Fitness exercise mat comes at a fair price, especially compared to top of the line yoga mats. You’d easily pay double the price for a Manduka or Jade yoga mat. With a reversible design and material that’s proven to hold up well so far, we feel you get your money’s worth with the OYO mat.
Pros
- Made of quality PVC
- Non-slip finish
- Easy to clean
- Reversible
Cons
- One color option
- No accessories
Cleaning & Care Tips
- Rolling up and storing your exercise mat after each use will extend its life. Never understate the impending threats of kids and pets!
- Folding (instead of rolling) your fitness mat for storage can cause creases that are difficult to iron out. Make sure to roll it for best results.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean your mat. A little of the basics goes a long way!
How to Clean Your Exercise Mat
- Mix 1 cup of white vinegar or hazel with 4 cups of water in a spray bottle.
- Spray your exercise / yoga mat with the cleaning solution. Areas with stains or grime may need extra attention.
- Using a damp rag, wipe your mat until it is throughly clean.
Note: It’s okay to sun dry your OYO exercise mat after cleaning, but avoid leaving it out in the elements for more than is necessary.
The Verdict [4.5/5]
The OYO Fitness reversible yoga / exercise mat is everything we wanted it to be. As a core component of our home gym setup, it’s held up phenomenally and provided an excellent surface for exercise. If OYO Fitness had included extra accessories or information as a bonus, we’d have easily given this exercise mat a perfect score. However, it wasn’t necessary, and we’re still 100% satisfied with our purchase. If you’re ready to take your workouts to the next level, check out the OYO Fitness exercise mat. You’ll be glad you did!