Sports and training get pretty rough regardless of your fitness level. People, especially newbies, tend to get hurt more often. This is why gym mats or exercise mats are generally necessary to promote safety during training. It is in fact mandatory that every sports gym, both for training or for competitions, use mats as part of their safety measures. Not only gym mats have been used in gyms as safety measures, but they also are a staple item in any home gym. Whether you like a stretch first thing in the morning, do yoga at night, or follow a home fitness regime, an exercise mat is a must for you.
Our Top 3 Picks
- HemingWeigh Gym Mat
-
Our rating - Thick
- Price: See Here
- Reehut Gym Mat
-
Our rating - Versatile
- Price: See Here
- Sunny Health & Fitness Mat
-
Our rating - Grab and Go
- Price: See Here
Table of Contents
- Why Do You Need One?
- What to Look For?
- Best Gym Mats Reviewed in 2018
- 1) Giantex 2’x6’x1.5” Gymnastics Mat
- 2) 4’x10’x2″ Gymnastics Gym Folding Exercise Aerobics Mat
- 3) SPRI Exercise Mats
- 4) Stamina Fold-to-Fit Folding Equipment Mat
- 5) Square36 Extra Large Exercise Mat
- 6) Thrive on Wellness Thick Exercise Mat
- 7) Spoga Premium Yoga Mat
- 8) Sunny Health & Fitness Tri-Fold Exercise Mat
- 9) Reehut 1/2-Inch Extra Thick High Density NBR Exercise Yoga Mat
- 10) HemingWeigh Extra Thick Foam Exercise Mat
- Decision Time
Why Do You Need One?
Exercise mats are special non-slip mats that can be used literally for any fitness activity to protect your hands, feet, back, and body while you perform your favorite exercises. Along with cushioning you from the hard surface underneath, gym mats can also help prevent workout injuries while keeping your hands and feet from slipping so you can get the most out of your workout and safely perform any stretch. Not only they are budget-friendly but they should last you a long time.
Almost every fitness enthusiast will benefit from having a gym mat for home use. The truth of the matter is a gymnast is never still and soon most of the furniture in your home will be used as equipment. Unfortunately, unlike the gym, your home floors aren’t cushioned or very forgiving. With a gym mat available to cushion falls, you will be able to encourage yourself to practice without getting bruises.
In addition, kids can sit on an exercise mat while they’re playing video games or toddlers can sit on them to avoid spilling drinks on the floor. Even your family members can recline on an exercise mat whenever they’re watching television or you can also use the mat as a porch cushion outdoors during the warmer months. Plus, if you live at the shore, an exercise mat’s windproof weight makes it ideal for the beach. The truth is these mats are multi-purpose and can be used for much more than just basic tumbling practice.
Up until the 20th century, personal exercise mats were little more than a flat pad that could be rolled up and tied together for carrying and storage. Flat mats became more resilient with the introduction of polyurethane foam during the 1950s, and as of the 1960s, a lot of folding mats were also being designed with Velcro fasteners. These fasteners allowed for connecting several mats along a hardwood floor. Today’s mats are designed to be more durable which the result of using high-quality materials, combined with better science.
What to Look For?
While common mats are simply covered foam, sometimes rubber, the specialized mats used for gymnastics training and intense cardio workouts are more intricate. If you need an exercise mat for your home, you’d like something that is thick enough to protect you from the hard ground underneath, but no so thick that it impairs your ability to complete a workout. If you are looking to buy a gym mat, you need to make several considerations before making the purchase. Below, we’ve listed the most important features of the best gym mats to consider to help you get what you need.
Use – The best exercise mat for you will depend on what you intend to use it for. There are gym mats specifically designed for yoga, Pilates, martial arts and gymnastic training, and exercising in general. These mats differ in weight, length, thickness and portability. You should decide first what activities you plan on using your mat for before making your purchase.
Structure – Gym mats are made out of carefully cut foam, which are thin lined with vinyl or plastic on the outside. The outside texture cannot be too slippery, which is why vinyl is sometimes more preferable than plastic.
Thickness – A mat too thin won’t provide the cushioning and protection you want if your gymnast falls while tumbling on it. The mats could be as thin as 1.5 inches or as thick as 28 inches, depending on the kind of sport the mats will be used for. Physically demanding sports require mats that are moderate in thickness, while those for younger athletes are made thicker.
Dimensions – Before buying a mat, you need to think where you’ll be using it. You also want to make sure it is big enough to practice exercises on. Any worthwhile should be at least 4 ft long and it should fold down for easy storage. Since mats are offered in a variety of different sizes, it shouldn’t be hard to find one that fulfills all your needs.
Best Gym Mats Reviewed in 2018
Exercise mats are important and every individual should own one for a better and healthy life. Whether it is yoga or other indoor exercises, exercise mats are versatile to meet your fitness needs. The market is flooded with all sorts of gym mats with different sizes and features. While there are several exercise mats available on the market to choose from, it is important that you choose the one that best suits your needs. We’ve curated the best gym mats for 2016 to guide you.
1) Giantex 2’x6’x1.5” Gymnastics Mat
Want a comfortable and perfect exercising experience? The Giantex 2’x6’x1.5” Gymnastics Mat is thick, durable and foldable with sewn handles, ideal for performing workouts such as yoga or Pilate.
This folding foam mat is perfect for your bed, sofa, and floor. You can easily place this mat in your living room, guest room, studio, mobile home, RV, or even boat to make a simple but comfortable bed. This is not just your usual run-of-the-mill exercise mat; it’s perfect for anyone who wants to do a light to medium workout. Plus, it folds up in half which is nice for storage and transport.
Features & Specifications:
- Color: Blue
- Material: PU Cloth and EPE Pearl Cotton
- Expand Size: 6’X24″X1.5″(LXWXH)
- Folding Size: 36″X24″X3.0″(LXWXH)
- Weight: 8.8lbs
- Sewn handles for simple transportation
- New design and high-quality material for increased durability
- Velcro flaps on both sides to connect to more mats for tumbling workouts
- Made with a high-density foam for long term usage
- Folding design for nice storage and transportation
- Provides great cushioning for indoor exercises
- Thick like a wrestling mat and firm, yet very light
- Great for anyone who wants to do a light to medium workout
- Perfect for piecing together in small pieces
- Convenient for elevate and storage with four folding panels
- Made with not-so-good cushioned foams
- Not great for sit-ups or Pilate moves
Our rating: 
4.3 / 5
2) 4’x10’x2″ Gymnastics Gym Folding Exercise Aerobics Mat
Best Choice Products presents this brand new 10-foot folding gym mat that makes it easier to workout at the comfort of your own home.
It’s made from high-density, foam providing you with a comfortable spot to do crunches, yoga, Pilates, and other indoor exercises. Best Choice Products design versatile and high-quality workout equipment that can fulfill a variety of fitness goals, providing a superb workout experience that is both convenient and budget-friendly. Take control of your fitness with this very versatile gymnastics exercise mat.
Features & Specifications:
- High-density, 2-inch thick EPE eco-friendly foam
- 4-panel design for easy storage and transportation
- Sewn-in handle
- Non-absorbent PU leather cover
- Velcro straps on each end of mat for attaching to other mats
- Expanded Dimension: 10’(L) x 4’(W) x2”(thick)
- Folded Dimension: 10”(L) x 43.5”(W) x 10”(H)
- Great for cardio workouts and lower body strength training
- Constructed with a non-slip surface and three height settings for challenging workouts
- Folding design so you can take it with to your next outdoor, aerobics class
- Versatile workout kit includes resistance bands and an air pump
- Assists in increasing core strength by working on balance, stability, and endurance
- Lightweight, portable design for convenient carry
- Made with high-density foam for comfort while doing gymnastics
- Easy to use at home or any location for physical activities
- Extremely versatile incline for learning basic tumbling skills
- Combines easily with other skill shapes, allowing many different setups for motor skill development
- It’s a little bulky to store
- Not ideal for intense workouts
Our rating: 
4.8 / 5
3) SPRI Exercise Mats
SPRI have pioneered the evolution of workout mats and is still considered today to be the leader in providing the fitness industry with innovative, effective, and professional-quality fitness solutions.
Owing to its dedication towards offering the highest-quality products and most prestigious athletic-training facilities, SPRI is considered the most trusted brand on the market. And the SPRI’s Exercise Mats are no exception. They are durable, cushioned and perfectly suited to support your body during any floor exercise program. When doing a lot of floor work, like stretching or yoga, you want a workout mat that will provide you the comfort your joints need while doing your exercises, and SPRI’s mats are specifically designed to accommodate all our needs.
Features & Specifications:
- Lightweight, easy to roll up and store
- Convenient carrying handle
- Thick poly-foam exercise mat
- Dimension: 48″x 20″x 1/2″
- Triple-layer high-density foam
- Dual panel makes for bulkier storage
- SPRI mats are durable, cushioned and perfectly suited to support your body during indoor exercises
- A versatile design that accommodates to a casual and active lifestyle
- Features spandex throughout the entire sock preventing bagging of the sock and slipping of the sock on the foot
- It adorns the Y-heel knit that creates a more anatomical fit to the heel
- Features extra spandex at mid foot for increased arch support
- Convenient storage and transport between home and the gym with the built-in handle
- The width is fine but the length comes up a little short
- You want something a bit thicker if you have concrete floors
- Not ideal for kids
Our rating: 
4.2 / 5
4) Stamina Fold-to-Fit Folding Equipment Mat
Protect your floor from unsightly blemishes and nasty gouges with this Stamina Fold-to-Fit Folding Equipment Mat.
Designed to sit underneath most exercise equipment or to serve as a shock absorber for aerobic workouts, the mat is made of a closed-cell foam material that’s tough yet equally soft, helping it absorb impact, eliminate vibration, and stop carpet fibers from migrating into the moving parts of your equipment. Additionally, it is large enough to accommodate stationary bikes, elliptical trainers, stair steppers, rowing machines, ski machines, Pilates reformers, mini trampolines, and home gyms.
Features & Specifications:
- Product Dimension: 84 x 0.25 x 36 inches (W x H x D)
- Weight: 7lbs
- 7 folding sections make it easy to customize
- Absorbs shock from aerobic workouts
- Textured, non-slip pebble surface cleans easily
- Made from closed-cell foam material
- Fold-to-fit equipment mat for protecting floors from unsightly blemishes and scuffs
- High-quality fold-to-fit equipment protects your floors from damage that workouts can conflict
- Closed-cell foam material is tough yet soft to absorb impact, eliminate vibration and keep out carpet fibers
- Ideal for stationary bikes, elliptical trainers, rowing machines, Pilates reformers, Gyrotonic Transformer, ski machines, home gyms, weight benches and mini trampolines
- Mat is divided into 7 folding sections so you can easily customize it to any size of machine
- The textured, non-slip pebble surface cleans easily
- Folds up for easy storage and transportation between home and the gym
- It’s a bit too long
- Equipment leaves indentations on the mat
Our rating: 
4.5 / 5
5) Square36 Extra Large Exercise Mat
Designed for home-based cardio and strength and conditioning workouts, the Square36 Extra Large Exercise Mat allows you to enjoy the freedom to enjoy your yoga sessions without the limitations of a standard-sized yoga mat.
It’s perfect for intense cardio workouts like P90X to dance workouts to home gym workouts. Square36 manufactures the largest exercise mats in the world. If you’re exercising at home, you need more space to maximize your workout. Square36 mats aren’t only the biggest, but they’re made with the best premium non-toxic materials and above all, they are backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
Features & Specifications:
- Product Dimension: 8′ wide x 6′ long x 6 mm thick (96″ x 72″ x 1/4″)
- Weight: 28 lbs
- Super durable top coating
- Scratch, rip and tear resistant
- Perfect for intense cardio workouts
- Material Top Surface: Natural Rubber
- Bottom Surface: Premium grade non-toxic foam
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects
- Easily mobile – throw down in living room and easily roll up to store
- Can be used for everything from intense cardio workouts like P90X to dance workouts like Zumba, to home gym workouts
- Works great over concrete, tile and protects hardwood and carpet
- Perfect for living rooms, home gyms, basement or garage
- Rolls out in living and easily roll up to store
- Made from premium grade non-toxic high-density foam
- Natural rubber provides shock absorption, cushioning and noise dampening specifically designed for home-based workouts
- Top surface is made of natural rubber and can withstand vigorous movements
- Constructed using the most advanced and sustainable methods possible for extra durability
- Good product but not worth the money
- Isn’t strong enough for rigorous workout sessions
- Needs occasional readjustment
Our rating: 
4.6 / 5
6) Thrive on Wellness Thick Exercise Mat
With the true premium Thrive on Wellness Exercise Mat you won’t feel the floor anymore because this versatile workout mat offers you unique balance of luxury, density and durability, which is hard to come by in those cheap mats.
You have plenty of room to stretch out on this large mat and it fits up to 6’4″ tall comfortably. Plus, the mat is extremely lightweight and rolls up to 7-inch in diameter, but lays flat when rolled out. If you’re serious about your fitness regime or generating wellness for home or at the gym, this yoga mat is just your thing. In fact, you’ll absolutely love sleeping and meditation on this padded mat that feels like a cloud.
Features & Specifications:
- Dimension: 72″ X 24″ X 1/2″ (183cm x 61cm x 1.3cm)
- Thick, extra-long and wide
- Rolls to about 7-inch diameter
- Easy on/off elastic strap for hassle-free storage and travel
- Non-toxic
- Easy to clean
- Moisture resistant
- High-density NBR foam
- Extra support for your spine and gentle on your joints
- Great for all ages and body types
- Ample space to move around and enhanced comfort compared to a standard yoga mat
- Follow your fitness routine with a single mat instead of the hassle of two stacked mats
- Great for people with joint or back problems and worry about feeling comfortable on the floor
- Thrive On Wellness logo for extra focus and concentration, or as a helpful mantra or affirmation
- Hassle-free storage and travel with the easy on/off carrying strap
- Perfect mat for both men and women at home or in the gym
- Ideal for strength training, Pilates, stretching, yoga or meditation
- Excellent workout mat but doesn’t come with the carrying strap
- It’s too squishy for any standing/balancing pose
- The material stretches lengthwise
- Produces a bad odor
Our rating: 4.3 / 5
If you’re looking for a great workout mat that provides utter comfort as well as supporting you all the way, the Spoga Premium Yoga Mat is just the thing for you.
The Spoga’s perfect texture gives you stability and strength without getting in the way of your flow between positions. Touted as the thickest yoga mat on the market, it gives you a padded exercise surface that offers support through a number of movements and poses. Plus, its large shape fits a variety of body types, and its non-slip surface keeps the mat and your feet in place. Storing and moving this mat won’t be a problem either as it comes with a drawstring bag, plus a carry strap for easy handling.
Features & Specifications:
- 71″ long 24″ wide yoga mat ensures comfort for people of all shapes and sizes
- High density thick foam for perfect cushioning for your joints
- Textured non-slip surface for great traction
- Moisture-resistant skin
- Works for a variety of exercise needs
- Large size to support your body during movements
- Easy to transport and store
- Cleans easily with soap and water
- Available in 5/8″ Ultra Thick and ½ inches Thick options
- High-density thick foam makes any workout session very comfortable
- Made of sticky and moisture-resistant foam
- Comes with a carry strap that you can just sling around your back and go about your business
- Drawstring makes it travel-friendly and ultra-for push ups convenient to store
- The non-slip surface on both sides helps keep the mat from moving during workout
- Textured surface helps keep feet and mat in place whether you use it for yoga, Pilates or other indoor exercises
- It offers a padded exercise surface ideal for many body types
- Ample surface to keep your back, knees, elbows, and hips cushioned during workout
- Easy-to-clean moisture-resistant material
- Too thick for newbies
- Feet seems to slip on the mat
- Not the greatest quality mat
- Very soft and spongy
Our rating: 4.3 / 5
8) Sunny Health & Fitness Tri-Fold Exercise Mat
The multi-functional Sunny Health & Fitness Tri-Fold Exercise Mat can be used for yoga, Pilates, and other floor exercises.
Its tri-fold design allows for easy storage, and the sewn-in handles provide convenient transport. Sunny Health & Fitness has been importing and distributing high-quality health and fitness products for over ten years. They stand behind the quality of every product that they carry, and their commitment to excellence in customer service has made them one of the fastest growing companies in the health and fitness equipment market.
Features & Specifications:
- Tri-folded design for easy storage and travel
- Sewn-in handles for easy transport
- 2-inch foam for optimal comfort
- Folded Dimensions: 5 x 23.5 x 5.5 inches
- Extended Dimensions: 24 x 72 x 2 inches
- Provides 2 inches of support and comfort for yoga and other floor exercises
- 3-panel, tri-fold design allows for easy storage and travel
- Sewn-in handles provide convenient transport
- Perfect for yoga, training, Pilates, and other indoor workout programs
- Perfect for grab and go exercise
- Not thick enough for rigorous training
- Not enough protection for a fall
Our rating: 4.2 / 5
9) Reehut 1/2-Inch Extra Thick High Density NBR Exercise Yoga Mat
An extra thick yoga mat for extra comfort, the Reehut Yoga Mat instantly adds comfort and support to your fitness routine, regardless of where you like to work out.
The textured design grips a wide range of surfaces, providing you with safety, balance and traction. Yoga is a great way to relax and connect with your body. The Reehut makes sure you get the most out of your stretches, Pilates, yoga and other aerobic activities. It can also be used for outdoor picnics as bedding or as a play mat. If you are always on the go, this mat is your perfect travel companion. Eco-friendly and luxuriously smooth, this mat is a welcome addition to Reehut’s line of premium yoga accessories.
Features & Specifications:
- 71 x 24-Inches wide mat ensures comfort for all-purpose
- Lightweight and easy strapping
- Non-toxic, eco-friendly and approved by RoHS, PAHs, 6P, and REACH
- A free yoga mat strap is included
- Non-slip and excellent stability
- Easy to transport and storage
- Made of high-density NBR material
- Double-sided textured surfaces
- Extra thick versatile yoga mat provides the traction you need to improve balance and effectively perform your exercises
- Lightweight and portable, it is great for travel and easy to store
- Available in 7 vibrant colors to choose from
- Enjoy working out like never before with the non-toxic, incredibly soft exercise mat
- Made of high-density NBR which is easy to clean and cushions the body
- Offers excellent insulation and helps block cold and dampness from the ground
- Perfect for push-ups or use as bedding or even for elderly fitness
- Ideal for yoga, Pilates, stretching and toning workouts
- Sling allows for effortless portability and storage
- Ensures comfort for people of all shapes and sizes
- Not so great for newbies
- It’s very thick
Our rating: 4.5 / 5
10) HemingWeigh Extra Thick Foam Exercise Mat
Take the time to get exactly what you need and you’ll never be disappointed with your purchase.
Take your fitness regime to the next level with a HemingWeigh Extra Thick Foam Exercise Mat, and see why this is the most popular exercise mat found in yoga studios, fitness clubs, and at home. It has an extra thick foam, hence the name, which perfectly cushions the joints as it is being used for various yoga poses or any kind of workouts. Its double-sided non-slip surface ensures users complete stability and comfort. Also included is a carry strap for easy handling from your home to your classes, or wherever you prefer to do your exercise routine. This high-quality deluxe mat will last longer than most standard exercise mats.
Features & Specifications:
- 23 inches wide by 70 inches’ long
- 5/8 inches’ thick mat for maximum comfort
- Non-slip cell material on both sides
- Self-strapping system for easy storage and travel
- Carry strap for utter portability
- Moisture-resistant surface
- Thick non-slip cushion provides more comfort
- Perfect for any kind of exercise especially for restorative poses
- Double-sided non-slip material keeps you safe from slip injuries
- Grips the floor to avoid unnecessary movement
- This one secures itself when you roll it after you finish your exercise
- Lightweight material and free carry strap make it easy to bring it around almost anywhere
- The moisture-resistant skin is easy to clean after use
- Not that durable
- Short mat for tall people
- Strap is not that easy to put on
Our rating: 4.6 / 5
Decision Time
This best gym mats buying guide gives only a concise, but direct impression of what gym mats/exercise mats are, how they can be used and why they are necessary. If you’re serious about your fitness regime, double check whether your home gym has all these, the next time you start your training.