The best exercise mat can make your yoga, pilates, and HIIT sessions at home more effective. Workout mats are essential as they cushion your joints, help prevent falls and slips, and protect your floor from impact. These mats are ideal for your high-intensity workouts and firm enough to hold your advanced yoga poses.
Robert Savin, a fat loss expert and muscle hypertrophy specialist, adds, “Exercise mats provide a comfortable, stable, anti-slip, and cushioned surface that reduces the impact on joints during high-impact movements. They are ideal for home workouts and on-the-go training and can be used for a range of exercises, making them an essential piece of equipment for any fitness enthusiast.”
Whether you are looking for a HIIT exercise mat that provides support during your intense HIIT movements or a mat to get you through your pilates class, we have the top picks for you. These are suitable for different levels and types of fitness enthusiasts.
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11 Best Exercise Mats For All Your Floor Exercises
1. Best Anti-Tear: BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Mat
With double-sided non-slip surfaces, this lightweight and superior-quality foam exercise mat is sure to stick to the floor till you are done with your workout. Made with anti-tear and eco-friendly materials, and measuring up to 68” long and 24” wide, it acts as a great cushion for your spine, hip, knee, and elbow. As an added advantage, this high-intensity workout mat features anti-slip resistance so that you don’t lose your balance while holding postures. The moisture-resistant technology of the mat makes it very easy to wash.
Specifications
- Thickness: 1/4-inch
- Material: High-density foam
- Portability: Comes with a carrying strap for easy transport and storage.
Pros
- Lightweight build
- Comes with yoga mat strap
- Anti-tearing net adds durability
- Two years warranty included
Cons
- May not be suitable for heavy workout
- May start disintegrating over time
Quick tip2. Best Anti-Fatigue:ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat
Create an ideal home gym or workout room with the ProsourceFit puzzle exercise mat that covers 24 Sq Ft. The set includes six tiles and 12 end borders to give the mat a polished finish. Its thickness and high-density foam feature prevent fatigue as you do push-ups, stretching, sit-ups, and other exercises. The noise-reducing and water-resistant features of the multi-purpose workout mat for high-intensity exercises make it suitable for play areas and home fitness rooms.
Specifications
- Thickness: Half inches
- Material: EVA foam
- Portability: Detachable tiles design
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Easy to clean
- Interlocking feature – easy to assemble/disassemble
- Available in various colors
Cons
- May be softer than expected for some equipment
- May have a peculiar smell
3. Best Versatile: Gaiam Essentials Yoga Fitness & Exercise Mats
Although this mat is specially built to support all types of yoga, it is proven time and again that it is a great option for pilates and floor exercises as well. The extra-thick, foam-built versatile exercise mat for intense exercises provides added cushioning to support your joints for a pain-free workout. The dual-sided, textured ridges reduce slipping and provide stability. This cushioned workout mat for high-intensity training is also free from any kind of toxicity.
Specifications
- Thickness: 2/5-inch
- Material: NBR Foam and is also 6P-free
- Portability: A nylon carry strap is provided
Pros
- Comes with an easy-cinch strap
- Includes extra-sticky hook and loop fastener
- Both sides can be used
- Available in nine colors to choose from
Cons
- May have a peculiar which may take some time to offgas
- May be smaller than expected
4. Best Long-Lasting: Gorilla Premium Large Exercise Mat
Are you someone who does some heavy pilates and yoga workouts? This extra large exercise mat from Covacure is sure to satisfy all your workout requirements because this mat is the result of a lot of research on customer feedback. The PVC-free workout mat for intense exercises has a multi-layer structure for durability and double-sided textured surface to avoid slipping on hard floors. The high-density gives you 50% more cushioning than any other in the market. This long-lasting exercise mat for high-intensity workouts is an easy recommendation as it is soft, lightweight, waterproof, eco-friendly, and toxin-free.
Specifications
- Thickness: Eight millimeters
- Material: SGS-certified PVC-free TPE material
- Portability: Includes a carrying Velcro strap
Pros
- Designed to provide support for knees
- Helps in body alignment while working out
- Features circle-pattern bottom grips
- Comes with an anti-tear finish
- Latex-free design for a soft feel
Cons
- May not be suitable for use on carpet
- May be cumbersome to roll up
5. Best Easy-To-Store: Gruper Yoga Mat
This one is highly recommended by most yoga lovers due to its durability, high elasticity, and anti-slip functions. On both sides of the mat, they have a special sticky non-slip texture which is more durable and more resistant to tearing and deformation. They are made from premium materials and have a double layer structure that is soft and provides an excellent grip and comfort. They also have a Rubber Pro Yoga Mat variant, for your convenience. If you are wondering how difficult it might be to clean, we assure you it is really easy — spot clean it with cold water and a bit of detergent along with it. It is suggested that you don’t expose the non-slip workout mat to the sun for a long time.
Specifications
- Thickness: Six millimeters
- Material: Eco-friendly TPE foam
- Portability: Includes a carry bag with an elastic band
Pros
- Suitable for pilates
- Crack-resistant finish
- Water-resistant
- Comes with one year warranty
- Available in five colors
Cons
- May not be stain-resistant
- May not be suitable for workouts with shoes
6. Best Non-Skid: Gxmmat Large Exercise Mat
What is on your schedule? Be it sit-ups, yoga, pilates, stretching, meditation, or anything else, a mat from Gxmmat is surely an ideal match for all your fitness activities. You can work out with or without shoes and receive the same level of comfort and experience. The mat’s thickness provides you protection from any hard impacts during your extreme training sessions. They are very spacious with double-sided non-skid surfaces with grooved and matric-circle grips for superior traction. These heavy-duty exercise mats for intense workouts are also latex-free, phthalate-free, silicone-free, and toxin-free.
Specifications
- Thickness: Seven millimeters
- Material: High-density micro-foam
- Portability: Includes a carry bag with three velcro straps
Pros
- Reduces noise and vibration
- Has a subtle texture to prevent slipping
- Abrasion- and scratch-resistant
- Available in three colors
Cons
- May not flatten at the edges
- May be prone to flaking over time
Caution7. Best For Outdoor Use: ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat
You don’t necessarily need a gym to stay fit, you can do it right from the comfort of your living room or patio. Whether it is for your kid’s gymnastics practice or your core workout, this exercise mat makes every fitness activity safe. The vinyl surface prevents the mat from tearing or stretching, and the foam interior keeps the mat durable for years to come. The durable exercise mat for intense workouts comes with two handles for easy storage. They have four other color variations — Black, Blue, Pink, and Purple.
Specifications
- Thickness: 1½ inches
- Material: Dense EPE foam
- Portability: Tri-fold design with handles for easy transportation
Pros
- Thick build for joint protection
- Retains shape
- Easy-to-clean vinyl surface
- Comes with added cushioning
Cons
- Some may find the mat a bit stiff
- May become slippery upon excessive sweating
8. Best Portable: Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat
It is neither easy nor is suggested to workout on hard or uncomfortable surfaces, so why take all the trouble? Transform almost any hard surface with Retrospec’s premier extra-thick yoga mat. It assists you with great support and comfort while you stretch your body for those elongated poses. The non-slip surface helps you retain your posture and balance. The mat also helps in easing all the stress points during the activity. Feel the reduced or non-existing soreness in your joints, neck, back, and knees once you start using the Solana Yoga Mat.
Specifications
- Thickness: One inch
- Material: Small cell foam rubber
- Portability: Includes a carrying strap
Pros
- BPA-free
- Suitable for all workout intensities
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Available in more than ten different colors
Cons
- May have a peculiar odor
- Color may fade over time
Quick tip9. Best Foldable: Sunny Health & Fitness No.048 Tri-Fold Exercise Mat
If you are searching for a premium-quality mat and have the freedom to perform any fitness activity, then this six feet length mat is the one for you. This foldable and sweat-resistant exercise mat provides excellent cushioning during activities like yoga, stretching, pilates, and martial arts. It is a great option for all skill levels; from beginners to advanced, exercising at home is now so much fun! And the surface is extremely easy to clean off the sweat and debris. The mat is lightweight and very transport-friendly so that you can work at the studio, living room, or out on the balcony. This lightweight workout mat for high-intensity workouts can also be used as a spare bed or as a floor mat.
Specifications
- Thickness: Two inches
- Material: Foam for padding and nylon canvas for the covers
- Portability: Tri-fold design with two nylon handles
Pros
- Tear-free
- Comes with zippers for easy storage
- Suitable for jumping exercises
- Works on carpeted floors
Cons
- May not be adequately wide
- May develop divots upon usage
10. Best Grip: Tylenol’s Jels Yoga Mat
Having sore joints from workouts is bad enough already, tearing the exercise mats during the session just takes it up a notch. This superior-quality extra thick exercise mat for high-intensity exercises from Tenol has excellent tear resistance properties. This is a combination of aesthetics and technology with the help of 3D molding technology “Andud+”. The 10,000 dots on the bottom ensures a powerful grip. The grippy exercise mat for high-intensity training not only supports your yoga needs but also other exercises as well. It has twice the density of other mats which in turn provides extended durability.
Specifications
- Thickness: Ten millimeters
- Material: TPE foam
- Portability: Tri-fold design with two nylon handles
Pros
- Made from SGS-certified materials
- 3D floating point design
- PVC-free
- Available in more than five colors
Cons
- May be prone to scratches
- May have a peculiar odor
11. Best Color Options: Toplus Yoga Mat
With double-sided non-slip surfaces, this lightweight foam exercise mat is sure to stick to the floor till you are done with your workout. Made with anti-tear and eco-friendly materials, and measuring up to 68” long and 24” wide, it acts as a great cushion for your spine, hip, knee, and elbow. As an added advantage, the eco-friendly exercise mat for high-intensity training features an anti-slip resistance so that you don’t lose your balance while holding postures. The moisture-resistant technology of the mat makes it very easy to wash.
Specifications
- Thickness: 1/4-inch
- Material: High-density foam
- Portability: Comes with a carrying strap for easy transport and storage
Pros
- Durable TPE material offers good resilience
- Non-toxic and odorless
- Available in five colors
- Backed by one year warranty
Cons
- May pick up dirt
- May be prone to scratches over time
How To Choose The Right Exercise Mat?
Since your body needs the right support during workouts, choosing the right mat matters. So, here are a few points to look for in the mats.
- Thickness: Comfort is extremely important while you are working out. If you are someone who does high-intensity workouts, then you should be looking at a padded exercise mat that offers adequate thickness to avoid stress on your joints or hips. Without the right amount of thickness, you will feel the floor beneath you while jumping or stretching which could prove to be very uncomfortable and may lead to sore muscles. For instance, if you need mats only for yoga and light exercises, you should be fine with mats with 6mm thickness. For something more intense, tri-foldable mats from Sunny Health & Fitness would be a great option for you.
- Size: Mats are available in various sizes and depending on your activity you can choose the right size for you. People who use a single mat for all their training, usually prefer extra-large mats since they provide ample space for activities like yoga, pilates, aerobics, HIIT, and more. If you are someone who is looking to do the same, look for a multi-functional mat that is extra-large in size. Or if you just need it for yoga, you can probably go for a regular size mat.
- Material: The material determines the stickiness, sturdiness, and eco-friendliness of the mat. It is advised to use eco-friendly mats which are PVC-free and non-toxic. A lot of these mats are made either from vinyl or rubber. Vinyl is a great material that lasts for a long time and rubber is ideal for comfort.
- Anti-skid Bottom: Mats with an anti-skid bottom are highly recommended since it prevents the mat from slipping on the ground. To ensure your body balance and stability, a mat with an anti-skid feature is a must.
- Portability: Let’s be honest, those mats in the gym always stink of sweat and they are worn-out. So, it is ideal to carry your own mat to the gym. So in such situations, mats that can easily be rolled or folded into smaller forms are life-saving. If you travel to the gym on a bicycle, then a rolling waterproof workout mat for intense exercises is a great choice since it is lightweight and takes less space. If you are traveling by car, then you should look at a folding exercise mat that provides extra thickness.
Tips To Effectively Use An Exercise Mat
- If you are practicing Yoga or something simple you should take your shoes off. The texture on the mat surface provides you enough grip to maintain balance.
- Always use the carrying bag or strap to travel with the mats.
- You should always keep your mats clean so that they do not emit any bad odors.
- Do not expose the mat to direct sunlight for a long time.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah, our experienced writer and reviewer of fitness products, knows the significance of the right exercise mats when working out or meditating. He has looked through multiple websites to bring you some of the finest quality mats. These products have been mentioned with detailed descriptions and specifications so you can compare and shortlist the most suitable ones. He has also included a buying guide at the end to help you choose the right one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I benefit from an exercise mat?
Using an exercise mat reduces the stress on your joints and other parts during your training session. An impact-absorbing exercise mat can also protect you from any kind of injury without requiring a knee pad.
2. How often should I clean my mat?
Use a damp cloth for spot cleaning with a little bit of detergent and dry it out. Do not expose the mat to direct sunlight for a long time.
3. How thick should an exercise mat be?
The thickness of the mat usually depends on your training intensity. For yoga and pilates, you can use 6mm mats and anything beyond that is ideal for high-intensity workouts.
4. What’s the difference between a yoga mat and an exercise mat?
Yoga mats are much thinner than the exercise mats. Exercise mats can absorb a lot of impacts while yoga mats could be prone to tearing for the same level of workout intensity. It is advisable not to use shoes while using yoga mats as opposed to exercise mats.
5. Is it necessary to do exercise on a mat?
Having an exercise mat is very beneficial for your regular floor-based workouts. They provide you with paddings that support your body and prevent you from having sore muscles.
6. Can I exercise on a yoga mat?
Yes, you can. A lot of the products on our list are multi-functional to meet your workout prerequisite.
7. Do you bring your own yoga mat to the gym?
It is a great idea to take your own mats to the gym since the ones at the studio are used by multiple people.
8. Is it bad to workout on carpet?
Carpets are okay to be used for yoga and pilates, but for your cardio-related training, an exercise mat is mandatory.
9. What is the better choice — thicker or thinner mats?
Thinner mats provide stability which is great for yoga, but thicker mats provide extra cushioning meant for the harsher workout regimes.
10. Are the exercise mats hard to clean?
No, the mats are very easy to clean. With a damp cloth and a little detergent, you can keep your mats fresh.
11. Are the yoga mats latex-free?
Some of the mats on our list are made from materials that are latex-free. Please read the product specifications before finalizing your purchase.
12. Are the mats good for a hardwood floor or will it slip?
These are some of the best exercise mats for hardwood floors. Most mats have an anti-skid feature that prevents the mats from sliding.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just starting to work out at home, there is an exercise mat for you. Besides providing a clean and safe spot to work out, the best exercise mats also offer an extra layer of padding that prevents your joints and hips from irritation. Ensure the one you choose offers adequate thickness, is sized based on your needs, and is made of PVC-free and non-toxic materials. It is also wise to choose a lightweight and portable exercise mat for intense workouts with an anti-skid bottom.
Infographic: How To Clean And Maintain Exercise Mats Properly?
Exercise mats are essential accessories for fitness enthusiasts, providing comfort, support, and stability during workouts. However, proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial to extend their durability and reduce the risk of skin infection. Explore our infographic below to learn how to clean exercise mats.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I clean my mat?
Use a damp cloth for spot cleaning with a little bit of detergent and dry it out. Do not expose the mat to direct sunlight for long durations.
2. How thick should an exercise mat be?
The thickness of the mat usually depends on your training intensity. For yoga and pilates, you can use 6mm mats. Anything beyond that is ideal for high-intensity workouts.
3. What’s the difference between a yoga mat and an exercise mat?
Yoga mats are much thinner than exercise mats. Exercise mats can absorb a lot of impact while yoga mats could be prone to tearing for the same level of workout intensity. It is advisable not to use shoes while using yoga mats as opposed to exercise mats.
4. Is it necessary to do exercise on a mat?
Having an exercise mat is very beneficial for your regular floor-based workouts. They provide you with paddings that support your body and prevent you from having sore muscles.
4. What is the better choice — thicker or thinner mats?
Thinner mats provide stability which is great for yoga, but thicker mats provide extra cushioning meant for harsher workout regimes.
6. Are mats good for a hardwood floor or do they slip?
Mats with an anti-skid feature can help prevent them from sliding when used on hardwood floors.
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