Exercise mats, frequently found in fitness centers and home gyms globally, are vital for ensuring safety and comfort during workouts. Their smart, padded designs help reduce injury risks, absorb shocks, and improve the overall exercise experience. However, selecting the ideal gym mat for your needs can be difficult due to the vast selection available. As such, it’s important to thoughtfully evaluate aspects like quality, thickness, size, material, and ease of cleaning.
The consultation of an authority in the scene becomes necessary to make the best-informed decision. Therefore, we embarked on a journey to put several gym mats to the test, based on their durability, support, grip, and ease of maintenance. Through this rigorous analysis, we aim to bring you the most ideal options that could take your workout regime to another level.
Best Gym Mats
Finding the perfect gym mat is integral to maximizing your workout routine and preventing unnecessary stress or injury. Whether for yoga, cardio, or strength training, the mat should be stable, provide excellent support, be easy to clean, and durably withstand constant use. With countless choices on the market, choosing the right mat can feel like a minefield. However, worry not, for we have done the hard work for you.
We have meticulously researched, rigorously tested and analyzed several gym mats in terms of their cushioning, grip, usability, and longevity. Our goal in doing so was to identify the best gym mats out there to aid in your quest for a healthier, more productive workout regimen. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to invest in a mat that suits your specific needs, elevates your workout experience, and stands the test of time.
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat
If you’re looking for a yoga mat that provides extra cushioning and support, the Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 1/2-inch thickness of the mat provides excellent cushioning and support for your joints during yoga or exercise.
- The textured top surface of the mat provides excellent grip and prevents slipping, even during intense workouts.
- The mat is lightweight and easy to roll up, making it convenient to take with you to the gym or yoga studio.
Cons
- The mat has a slight odor when first unrolled, but it dissipates quickly.
- The mat is not as durable as some other yoga mats on the market, and may need to be replaced after a year or two of frequent use.
- The mat is not as sticky as some other yoga mats, which may cause it to slide around on hard surfaces.
Overall, we highly recommend the Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat for anyone looking for a comfortable, supportive, and non-slip yoga mat. The extra thickness of the mat provides excellent cushioning for your joints, and the textured top surface provides excellent grip to prevent slipping. While the mat may not be as durable as some other options, it is a great value for the price and is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable yoga mat for their home or gym practice.
ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat ½”, EVA Interlocking Foam Floor Tiles for Home Gym, Mat for Home Workout Equipment, Floor Padding for Kids, Available in Packs of 24 SQ FT, 48 SQ FT, 144 SQ FT
If you’re looking for a versatile, waterproof, and durable workout mat, the ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The interlocking puzzle design allows for easy installation and customization of your workout space.
- The ½” thickness provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.
- The mat is waterproof and easy to clean, making it a great option for use in the bathroom or near a pool.
Cons
- The mat may have a slight odor when first unpacked, but it should dissipate quickly.
- Some users have reported that the tiles can be difficult to separate, which can make installation more time-consuming.
- While the mat is durable, it may not be as heavy-duty as some other options on the market.
Overall, we were impressed with the ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat. The interlocking design makes it easy to install and customize your workout space, and the ½” thickness provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption. Additionally, the waterproof and easy-to-clean surface makes it a great option for use in the bathroom or near a pool. While there may be some minor drawbacks, we believe that the pros outweigh the cons and would recommend this mat to anyone in the market for a versatile and durable workout mat.
ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat 6’x2’ with Carrying Handles for Tumbling, MMA, Martial Arts, Gymnastics, Stretching, Core Workouts
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy exercise mat, the ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 8mm thick high-density foam provides excellent cushioning for a variety of exercises, making it a great choice for people who want to protect their joints while working out.
- The folding design with carrying handles makes it easy to transport and store, which is a great feature if you have limited space in your home gym or workout area.
- The mat is made of durable, non-toxic materials, which means you can use it with confidence knowing that it won’t off-gas or break down over time.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the mat is a bit too thick for certain exercises, such as push-ups, which can make it difficult to maintain proper form.
- The mat is quite heavy, which can make it challenging to move around if you need to switch up your workout space.
- While the mat is water-resistant, it’s not completely waterproof, so you’ll want to be careful not to get it too wet.
Overall, we think the ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality, durable exercise mat that can provide excellent cushioning for a variety of exercises. The folding design with carrying handles is a great feature that makes it easy to transport and store, and the fact that it’s made of non-toxic materials is a big plus.
If you’re looking for an exercise mat that can handle all of your workout needs, from tumbling and MMA to gymnastics and stretching, the ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat is definitely worth considering.
Gym Flooring Set – Interlocking EVA Soft Foam Floor Mat, 18 Pieces Puzzle Rubber Tiles Protective Ground Surface Protection, Play Workout Exercise Mats Underlay Matting Sports Pool Home Fitness Garage
If you’re looking for a durable and easy-to-install gym flooring solution, the Gym Flooring Set by Gym Strong is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 18 puzzle mat pieces are easy to assemble and connect, and the interlocking design ensures a stable and secure surface.
- The EVA foam material is soft and comfortable to stand on, making it a great choice for workout spaces.
- The mats are waterproof and non-slip, making them suitable for use in wet areas like pools and bathrooms.
Cons
- The mats may not be as thick as some users would like, so they may not provide as much cushioning as expected.
- The interlocking design may not be as secure as some users would like, especially if you plan to use the mats for heavy weightlifting.
- The mats may not be as durable as some other gym flooring options on the market.
We’ve been using the Gym Flooring Set for a few weeks now, and we’re generally happy with how it performs. The interlocking design makes it easy to install, and the EVA foam material is definitely more comfortable to stand on than our old gym flooring.
One thing to keep in mind is that the mats may not be as thick as some users would like. While they provide enough cushioning for most workouts, if you’re planning to do a lot of heavy weightlifting you may want to look for a thicker option.
Overall, we think the Gym Flooring Set is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-install and comfortable gym flooring solution. Just keep in mind that it may not be the most durable option out there.
CAP Barbell All Purpose Folding Anti Tear Exercise Training Aerobic Fitness Gym & Gymnastics Balance Mat | Multiple options
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable exercise mat, the CAP Barbell All Purpose Folding Anti Tear Exercise Training Aerobic Fitness Gym & Gymnastics Balance Mat is a great option.
Pros
- The mat is made of high-quality materials that can withstand heavy workouts and won’t tear easily.
- It’s foldable, making it easy to store and transport.
- The mat is suitable for a variety of exercises, including yoga, Pilates, and bodyweight training.
Cons
- The mat is quite thick, which may not be suitable for some exercises.
- It’s not suitable for use with heavy weights or machines.
- The mat may not be as slip-resistant as some users would like.
We’ve been using this mat for a few weeks now and have found it to be a great addition to our home gym. The mat is made of high-quality materials that have held up well to our daily workouts. We appreciate that it’s foldable, which makes it easy to store in a small space. The mat is also suitable for a variety of exercises, which makes it a great all-around choice.
One thing to note is that the mat is quite thick, which may not be suitable for some exercises. Additionally, while the mat is marketed as slip-resistant, we’ve found that it may not be as slip-resistant as some other mats on the market. Finally, it’s important to note that this mat is not suitable for use with heavy weights or machines.
Overall, if you’re looking for a durable and versatile exercise mat, the CAP Barbell All Purpose Folding Anti Tear Exercise Training Aerobic Fitness Gym & Gymnastics Balance Mat is a great choice. It’s well-made, easy to store, and suitable for a variety of exercises.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best gym mat, there are several factors to consider. These factors will help ensure that you get a mat that is durable, comfortable, and provides the support you need for your workouts.
Thickness
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a gym mat is its thickness. A thicker mat will provide more cushioning and support for your joints, making it a better choice for high-impact exercises like running or jumping. However, a thicker mat may also be more difficult to move around and may take up more space.
Material
The material of the gym mat is also an important consideration. Mats made from high-density foam or rubber are often the most durable and provide the best support. However, these materials may also be more expensive than other options.
Size
The size of the gym mat is another important factor to consider. A larger mat will provide more space for your workouts and may be a better choice if you plan to do exercises that require more room. However, a larger mat may also be more difficult to move and store.
Texture
The texture of the gym mat can also affect its performance. A mat with a non-slip texture will help prevent slipping and sliding during your workouts, providing a safer and more stable surface. However, a mat with too much texture may be difficult to clean and maintain.
Price
Finally, price is always a consideration when choosing a gym mat. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s important to remember that a higher-quality mat will provide better support and durability in the long run. Look for a mat that offers a good balance of features and price to get the most value for your money.
In summary, when choosing the best gym mat, consider the thickness, material, size, texture, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can find a mat that provides the support and comfort you need for your workouts.
