Amazon Basics Extra Thick Yoga Mat vs Fit Simplify Resistance Bands: Which Should You Buy? (UK 2026)
Published 19 October 2026 • 🎒 Fitness Accessories • Contains affiliate links
The gap between £7.90 and £35.55 buys you the same 4.5-star rating but a completely different training outcome. One item belongs under your body; the other goes around your legs or arms. If you are setting up a first home gym, picking the wrong one now usually means buying the right one six months later anyway.
🎒 Products Compared
Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat
£35.55
★ 4.6/5
Check Price ★Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
£7.90
★ 4.5/5
Check Price ★
📊 Specs Comparison
| Feature | Amazon Basics Extra Thick Yoga Mat | Fit Simplify Resistance Bands (Set of 5) |
|---|
| Price | £35.55 | £7.90 |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Material | NBR foam | 100% natural latex |
| Dimensions | 188 x 61 cm, 13 mm thick | 30 x 5 cm per band (mini loop) |
| Weight / Max Resistance | ~1.1 kg | ~450 g full set; 5 levels up to ~74 lbs combined |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | Lifetime guarantee |
✓ Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat
- ✓ 13 mm NBR foam delivers roughly twice the cushioning of a standard 6 mm gym mat, which makes a measurable difference for knee and wrist comfort during floor sessions
- ✓ 4.6/5 average from close to 70,000 reviews confirms consistent build quality is not an accident at this price
- ✓ Carrying strap is included in the box, so the mat rolls and travels to a class or garden without needing a separate bag
- ✓ Covers yoga, Pilates, stretching, and bodyweight circuits, so one £35 purchase replaces several pieces of floor padding
- ❌ Grip degrades noticeably when palms sweat, making a small towel a near-essential companion for high-intensity sessions
- ❌ NBR foam typically shows edge wear after around 12 to 18 months of regular daily use
✓ Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
- ✓ Five distinct resistance levels in one set, from extra light through to extra heavy, covering physiotherapy rehab through moderate strength work
- ✓ At £7.90 the cost per band works out to £1.58, which is the lowest realistic entry point into progressive resistance training
- ✓ Natural latex construction feels more substantial and grippy against skin than budget TPE alternatives at a similar price
- ✓ Lifetime guarantee means Fit Simplify will replace a band that snaps, removing the main risk of buying budget latex
- ❌ Bands roll up during exercises such as banded squats and hip thrusts, interrupting sets and requiring constant readjustment
- ❌ Resistance levels are not printed on the bands themselves, so the colour coding is the only way to tell them apart quickly
📝 User Reviews
Amazon Basics mat buyers consistently praise the cushioning and value for money, with slipperiness during sweaty sessions the most repeated complaint. Fit Simplify band buyers highlight the five-level convenience and lifetime guarantee, while rolling during lower-body work is the standout gripe.
🏆 Verdict
For floor-based training such as yoga, Pilates, or bodyweight circuits, the Amazon Basics mat is the more purposeful buy: the 13 mm foam delivers joint protection that a carpet or folded towel simply cannot replicate. The Fit Simplify bands are the smarter first choice for anyone adding variable resistance to bodyweight routines or warm-up protocols on a tight budget, particularly given the lifetime guarantee at under £8.
Amazon Basics Yoga Mat best for home yoga practitioners, Pilates beginners, and anyone with knee or wrist sensitivity training on hard floors. Fit Simplify Resistance Bands best for home exercisers who want progressive resistance on a minimal budget, physiotherapy rehab work, or a portable travel training kit.
❓ FAQs
Is the Amazon Basics yoga mat worth £35.55 in the UK?
For beginners and casual home users, yes. The 13 mm NBR foam offers genuine joint protection at roughly half the price of a premium cork or PU mat. If you train more than three times a week and sweat heavily, budget an extra £8 to £12 for a grip towel to place on top during intense sessions.
Will the Fit Simplify bands snap?
Under normal use the natural latex holds up well, and the lifetime guarantee covers you if a band does break. The main risk factors are UV exposure and heat, such as leaving the bands in a car on a sunny day, which degrades latex far faster than regular exercise does.
Can the mat and the bands be used together?
Yes, they pair well. The mat makes floor-based band exercises such as glute bridges, clamshells, and banded donkey kicks significantly more comfortable, as the 13 mm foam stops your hips and knees pressing directly into hard flooring.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices accurate as of 19 October 2026.