large exercise mat
As the surface of any floor, even carpeted, can be hard on the joints, a thick exercise mat may be your best option.

In order for any weight loss program to be successful, it’s best to include some form of exercise.

The simple rule of thumb is that diet + exercise = weight loss. If you are already well into an eating program, such as the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet plan, you should have already noticed a change in your weight and energy levels. In order to see more progress towards your weight loss goals, you will need to add an exercise program.

The level of physical activity you are able to incorporate into your weight loss plan will be dependent on your current level of mobility. For many beginners is it wise to start with a series of different floor stretching exercises, and having a decent exercise mat is a good start. It is for this reason that we will look at some different mats that are available to get you moving and stretching.

Note: before starting any exercise plan, make sure that you check in with your doctor to make sure that you have the all-clear to proceed.

How Exercise Assists With Weight Loss

What exercise does to a diet is simple. It helps your body to burn off additional calories that have been stored from the foods you eat. By getting your body to move through exercise you will not only burn more calories, but you will also increase mobility. The more mobile you become, the more you can exercise and move around.

With the addition of increased physical activity from an increase in mobility, you will begin to tone muscles which will build strength. The stronger your body becomes, the more energy and stamina you will develop. These things are all possible through a healthy eating plan, like the 5:2 diet, used in conjunction with an exercise program.

Why You Would Need A Workout Mat

If exercise is a new activity for you, the best way to slowly introduce your body to it is through stretching. This can be a series of exercises performed on the floor that you use to increase flexibility such as through yoga or Pilates. As the surface of any floor, even carpeted, is hard on the joints, a thick exercise mat is recommended.

One of the main advantages of using a large exercise mat is that it is portable, allowing you to exercise virtually anywhere there is a flat surface in your home or yard. This also means you do not have to visit a gym just to use mats for stretching. It allows you to perform your stretches, kettlebell workouts, and many other floor exercises, in the comfort of your own home whenever you desire.

The Benefits Of Using An Exercise Mat

Gym floor mats are comfortable allowing you to exercise on a hard floor, and they are safe to use as they usually come designed with a surface that grips the floor. This will give you confidence knowing the mat will not shift or slide as you begin adding more complicated movements into your stretching routine.

Also, as they are portable, mats can be either rolled up or folded making them easy to store in minimal space. They do not require any additional setup or equipment in order to function so home gym mats are easy to use. The surface material is designed to be water-resistant and is simple and extremely easy to keep clean.

Indoors or outdoors, in sunshine or on a rainy day, you will never miss a workout day with the portability of a mat for stretching exercises. One will provide you will the ability to add physical movement into your 5:2 fasting diet program which will increase the progress towards your goals. Plus, an exercise mat will give you an easy way to maintain that weight loss as well.

So with that being said, here are our picks of:

The Best Exercise Mats On The Market…

Sivan Health and Fitness ½-Inch Extra Thick NBR Comfort Foam Exercise Yoga Mat

Reehut ½-Inch Extra Thick High-Density NBR Exercise Yoga Mat

Featuring a non-toxic, eco-friendly surface, this thick exercise mat measures half an inch thick. It is also a large workout mat at 24-inches wide and 71-inches in length. The size allows you to use it for virtually any kind of stretching exercise imaginable.

The high-density NBR foam keeps it comfortable and safe on the knees, elbows, hips, and spine. The double-sided textured surfaces ensure it will sit precisely where you put it and won’t move when you do. Lightweight and portable, this mat comes with a yoga mat strap so it is easy to carry and store.

For more information on the Sivan Exercise Yoga Mat, click here.

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HemingWeigh Extra Thick Foam Mat

HemingWeigh Extra Thick Foam Exercise Mat

In addition to having one of the most interesting company names, this extra-thick, extra-long large workout mat is made with a moisture-resistant skin keeping it easy to clean.

It measures 23-inches wide by 70-inches long with a foam pad that absorbs impact and forms to the shape of whatever comes in contact with it providing a maximum amount of comfort. It has a double-sided surface made of a non-slip material that provides a floor grip to keep it securely in place when being used. A self-strapping system is integrated into the design so that this mat is easy to carry and store.

For more information on the HemingWeigh Mat, click here.

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ProSourceFit 2’x6’ Folding Mat

Everlast 2X6 Folding Mat

This folding exercise mat comes from a company with a long history in the exercise equipment field so you know there is some quality in their products.

It features a durable, thick design measuring 24-inches wide by 71-inches long. The shell is non-absorbent making it easy to clean and a carrying handle is sewn into the design.

It folds and unfolds quickly and easily and is lightweight making this mat easy to carry to wherever you need it and as easy to store away when you are not using it.

For more information on the ProSourceFit Folding Mat, click here.

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Gorilla Mats Premium Large Yoga Mat – 7′ x 5′ x 8mm Extra Thick

Premium Large Yoga Mat Extra Thick

Here is one of the largest pieces of abdominal exercise equipment on this list. It measures a massive 5-feet wide by 7-feet long with an 8mm (approx. 1/3-inch) thick pad. This mat has a textured shell made with a non-slip material providing comfort and stability. It also means you can use it with or without exercise shoes.

The material is also non-toxic and latex-free as well as tear and rip-resistant making it durable. This mat can also be rolled up for storage and will not develop creases. As it is lightweight, transportation to wherever you plan to use it is a breeze.

For more information on the Gorilla Mats Yoga and Fitness Stretching Mat, click here.

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ProSource Puzzle Exercise Mat, EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles

ProSource Puzzle Exercise Mat, EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles

This is the most unique concept for gym floor mats. It uses a series of easy to assemble lightweight puzzle pieces that connect and disconnect quick and easy. Each puzzle tile measures 24-inches by 24-inches and are ½-inch thick. This packaging of the puzzle pieces includes six tiles and a dozen end borders which will become a 24-square foot mat when assembled.

The durable textured tiles are non-skid designed to protect flooring and keep you safe and comfortable during any kind of workout. The tiles are also water-resistant so they are easy to clean and use a noise-reducing design to allow you to workout anywhere in or out of your home without distracting others nearby.

For more information on the ProSource Puzzle Exercise Mat, click here.

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And for some further tips on different exercises you can do, make sure that you check out the video below…

Thick Exercise Mat Or Folding Exercise Mat?

The choice of which kind of stretching mat is best for you will depend on many factors. This will include the amount of space you have available to use and store the mat properly. It will also depend on the type of exercises you intend to use it for. Once you determine your needs, you will be able to choose the one that is best for you.

Regardless of the type of mat you choose, the main idea is that you are exercising safely. And because you are increasing your physical activity, you will assist your weight loss program. Your diet is a critical part of your weight loss program, but to supercharge your results, you need to incorporate exercise. This is why it is essential to combine physical activity, even stretching exercises on one of the exercise mats mentioned above, with a healthy eating plan.

The Healthy & Delicious 5:2 Low Calorie recipe book is full of tasty recipes.

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