What’s the Difference Between a Yoga Mat and an Exercise Mat?
Ever rolled out a yoga mat and thought, “Why do my knees hurt?” Or tried an exercise mat and felt like you were sinking into it? You’re not imagining it - there’s a real difference between the two. Choosing the right one can make all the difference to how comfortable (and effective) your workouts are.
1. Thickness
Yoga mats are generally thinner, usually around 4-6mm, giving you that grounded feeling and stability for standing poses. Exercise mats, on the other hand, are thicker - often 6-10mm, offering extra cushioning to protect your joints during higher-impact exercises or floor workouts.
Our Karma Fitness mat strikes the perfect balance. It’s thick enough to protect your knees, back, and joints, yet firm enough to keep you stable for yoga, Pilates, or HIIT. No more wobbling, and no more sore knees. More on this in the next section – Material is all important here!
2. Material
Most cheaper yoga mats are made from NBR foam which is soft and spongy, but not very stable and quite poor durability. If you buy an NBR mat you will find that you feel the floor underneath you and the mat is very lightweight so it moves around whilst you’re on it.
Premium mats (like ours) use high-grade TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer). TPE is denser, more durable, and more eco-friendly than NBR, offering both grip and comfort without the “sink-in” feeling.
It’s the kind of material that makes a mat feel reliable - it stays firm under pressure, holds its shape over time, and wipes clean easily.
3. Surface Texture
Grip matters - a lot! Yoga mats tend to have a non-slip texture to help you hold poses like Downward Dog, while exercise mats often have a smoother surface for mobility work or stretching.
Our mat uses a diamond-grip texture on both sides, giving you the traction you need for balance without feeling sticky. It’s ideal for flowing between yoga poses or holding planks and mountain climbers.
4. Use Cases
A yoga mat is designed for low-impact, controlled movements. An exercise mat is built to handle more dynamic workouts, like HIIT, core training, or bodyweight circuits.
The Karma Fitness mats do both. They’re large enough for full-body workouts, supportive for floor exercises, and still slim enough for yoga sessions. That’s why personal trainers, gym studios, and Pilates instructors across the UK use Karma Fitness mats daily.
5. Portability
Yoga mats are often lighter and easier to carry. Exercise mats can be bulkier due to their thickness. Our mat is designed to give you the best of both - thick, supportive, and still easy to roll up and carry in its included carry bag. Whether it’s for home workouts or trips to the gym, you can take it anywhere.
6. Cleaning & Maintenance
Both yoga and exercise mats need regular cleaning, especially if you’re sweating on them. Thanks to TPE’s non-porous surface, our mats don’t absorb sweat or odours. Just a quick wipe-down with mild soap and water or our mat cleaner, and it’s as good as new.
7. Price Range
Yoga mats can range from £10 budget options to over £150 for branded versions. The price usually reflects the brand more than the performance. Our mats offer the same (or better) quality as those high-end mats, but at a fair price — durable, long-lasting, and designed for every kind of workout.
In Summary
So, what’s the difference between a yoga mat and an exercise mat?
It comes down to thickness, material, and purpose - but with the right design, you don’t have to choose. Our Karma Fitness mat combines the best of both worlds: stability for yoga, cushioning for workouts, and comfort for every move in between.
Featured in Men’s Fitness, Women’s Health, The Guardian, The Sun, Buzzfeed, and The Recommended, our mats are trusted by trainers and fitness studios across the UK.
It’s more than just a mat - it’s the foundation of your fitness journey.