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. Plus, these mats are portable and compact so that you can hit your workout session in a small space or while on the go. Whether you are looking for a mat that provides support during your intense HIIT movements or a mat or gets you through your pilates class, we have the top picks for you. These are suitable for different levels and types of fitness enthusiasts.
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, it 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
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
2. Best Durable: Covacure TPE Non-Slip Yoga 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 product has a multi-layer structure for durability and double-sided textured surface to avoid slipping on hard floors. The high-density TPE material gives you 50% more cushioning than any other in the market. This 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
Alignment lines offer better resilience No PVC, latex, and harmful chemicals Anti-tear mesh for long lasting use Specially made to reduce impacts on joints
Cons
May not roll flat all the way May absorb stains easily
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 mat provides added cushioning to support your joints for a pain-free workout. The dual-sided, textured ridges reduce slipping and provide stability. This mat 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 product 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 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 it 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 mats 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
7. 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. It 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
9. 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 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 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 Caomes 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 from Tenol has excellent tear resistance. 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 mat 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, it 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
So, that was our list of the top 11 best exercise mats on the web. Although, color and how good the mat looks do matter, they are just contributing factors. Let us point out a few other important features that you need to keep in mind before buying them.
Buying Guide To Choosing The Best Exercise Mat
Although exercise mats are very simple fitness equipment, they are very fundamental too. And, since your body needs the right support during workouts, choosing the right mat matters. So, here are 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 are someone who travels to the gym on a bicycle, then rolling mats are a great choice since they are lightweight and take 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?
We know the significance of the right exercise mats when working out or meditating. We have 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. There’s a buying guide at the end that tells you how to go about picking the right one. Recommended Articles:
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