10 of the best workout mats
Medically reviewed by Jake Tipane, CPT — By Stefano Iavarone — Updated on Apr 6, 2022
Workout mats provide a comfortable surface for working out that can prevent slipping and injuries. Many different workout mats are available to buy online, so people should be able to find one suitable for their needs.
In this article, we discuss what to look for in a workout mat and how to choose one. We also list some of the best workout mats available to buy online.
Best for weights: BEAUTYOVO Puzzle Exercise Mat
Best for fast movement: ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat
Best for slippery floors: Warrior Mat
Best for yoga: IUGA Non Slip Yoga Mat
Best for stretching: HemingWeigh Extra Thick Foam Exercise Mat
Best for relaxation: Sunny Health & Fitness Tri-Fold Exercise Mat
Best for comfort: BalanceFrom Tri-Fold Folding Exercise Mat
Best for balancing: Yoga Cloud Moisture-Resistant Exercise Mat
Best for budget: Amazon Basics Foam Interlocking Exercise Gym Floor Mat Tiles
Best for mild yoga: Liforme Original Yoga Mat
What to look for in a workout mat
There are several different types of workout mats, and each one has a different use. For example, most gyms have rubber flooring, especially around the free weight areas. This material can absorb the impact when people drop weights, preventing damage to the concrete or wood underneath.
Another type of mat is a Pilates or yoga mat, which is a nonslip mat that prevents people from falling and injuring themselves and provides cushioning for the body. Exercise mats cushion the body to prevent aches and pains while people exercise.
Therefore, the type of workout a person is likely to do will determine the type of mat that will be most suitable for them.
Other factors that are worth considering include the size of the mat and how easy it is to store and clean.
How to choose a workout mat
A 2015 study notes that a suitable workout mat should provide grip, balance, and comfort. However, certain characteristics may be more important depending on how a person intends to use the mat.
If a person is considering weight training, a rubber mat similar to the rubber flooring in gyms may help protect the floor from damage.
Ideally, the mat should offer durability, water and odor resistance, and impact reduction.
Individuals may wish to include strength training in their workouts, as it can benefit the body by:
increasing lean body mass
increasing metabolic rate
increasing bone density
decreasing the risk of injury
rebuilding lost muscle tissue
Strength training is also essential in allowing people to maximize their performance in sports that require speed, power, and strength.
Pilates and yoga
Pilates or yoga mats may be essential for individuals who include Pilates and yoga moves in their workouts. These two forms of exercise have many benefits, including:
improving posture and flexibility
improving muscle tone and heart health
helping people manage their weight
Other studies also note that performing Pilates on a mat can help improve balance and reduce back pain.
Pilates and yoga may also improve mental health by helping a person focus on positive thoughts and promoting mental clarity. These effects can boost people's ability to cope with stressful life events.
People may use exercise mats to train their core muscles by doing crunches, pushups, and more. The benefits of core exercises include:
improving spine stability
reducing the risk of injury
increasing the control and support of the extremities, such as the hands, and the limbs
improving oxygen consumption
Some of the best workout mats
Price: around $79.99 on Amazon
Material: ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam
Colors: black and gray
This mat comprises 12 interlocking tiles that cover approximately 48 square feet (ft2) of floor space, making it a suitable option for people to use gym equipment or practice free weights.
The mat consists of soft, flexible, and impact-resistant 0.4-inch (in) foam, which should help protect flooring from damage.
The company states that the mat meets U.S. CPSIA, U.S. ASTM, and E.U. EN71-1-2-3 safety requirements. It is waterproof, and people can simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth to clean it.
The brand also suggests that the mat suits a variety of exercises, from yoga to gymnastics and cheerleading.
Buyers say that this product is good, but they also mention a few caveats. For instance, they claim that the mat provides enough cushioning but that the tiles come apart with heavy or fast exercise, such as burpees.
Price: around $63.95–104.99 on Amazon
Material: EVA foam
Colors: black, blue, and gray
This mat comprises several interlocking tiles that can cover 24–144 ft2 of floor space. This large surface area makes it a suitable option for home gyms, floor workouts, and more.
The mats are durable and nonskid, which may reduce the likelihood of injury. Each tile is 0.5 in thick, providing cushioning to joints and helping protect house flooring from damage.
The company states that its EVA foam does not contain any toxic phthalates. The tiles are water-resistant and noise-reducing, making them a versatile purchase.
Overall, this product receives very positive reviews. One buyer recommends using tape to make sure the tiles hold together and do not come apart during running or intense exercise.
However, some customers point out that they were unable to extend on the brand's mats they bought previously. The company changed the sizes of the mats, making them incompatible.
Material: polyurethane leather and rubber
Colors: black, jungle, hot pink, honeydew, highlighter, smoky quartz, powder pink, eclipse, dove gray, and white
This yoga mat is anti-odor and slip-free on wet or dry surfaces. It may be beneficial for individuals who engage in workouts such as hot yoga. The mat is nontoxic and free from formaldehyde and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
The Warrior Mat does contain rubber, but the company states that it ethically sources its all-natural, premium rubber. The top layer of this mat is 100% polyurethane leather, and the bottom layer is 100% rubber. It measures 6.2 ft x 2.2 ft x 5 millimeters (mm) and weighs approximately 6 pounds (lb).
The company suggests wiping the mat with a microfiber cloth or using a mixture of soap or vinegar and warm water.
Consumers like the fact that this mat does not slip. However, they also say it is very heavy to carry around and retains stains and wrinkles fast.
Material: polyurethane and rubber
Colors: dark blue, gray, meteor blue, meteor purple, and red
This yoga mat is a nonslip and non-slide option, which may keep people safe during their workouts. The company states that this mat is suitable for all forms of yoga, including Bikram, Vinyasa, and various types of hot yoga.
The company uses SGS-certified and odorless material, which means that this yoga mat contains biodegradable and sustainable tree rubber. It is completely free from PVC, latex, and other such materials.
The mat is lightweight and durable, so people should be able to use it regularly without it flaking, stretching, or falling apart. It measures 72 x 26 x 0.2 in and weighs 2.8 lb.
Most buyers agree that this mat does not slip while providing enough cushioning that it even comforts consumers who had knee surgeries. Most negative reviews mention odors that do not go away and squeakiness on wooden floors.
Colors: black
This all-purpose exercise mat is 1 in thick and contains high-density, anti-tear foam. It is nonslip to prevent injuries, and the anti-tear foam increases its durability. This mat is suitable for indoor and outdoor exercises.
The company states that this mat is eco-friendly, contains nontoxic nitrile butadiene rubber, and is easy to clean. It measures 70 x 23 x 1 in and weighs 3.15 lb.
Buyers say that this mat is too squishy for doing activities that require a lot of movement, such as jumping and running. Also, they feel this product is more suitable for stretching and other exercises that require an individual to lie down.
This exercise mat is lightweight and portable, with two nylon carry handles. It folds into a square for easy storage. The mat is suitable for a range of activities and exercises, including yoga, core strength, and martial arts.
The outside features a vinyl cover that the brand says is tear-resistant. It is also removable for cleaning.
The company states that this mat is easy to clean and suitable for both indoor and outdoor exercises. It measures 72 x 24 x 2 in and weighs 4.5 lb.
Individuals can also choose a 72 x 36-in model, at a higher price point.
The reviews are mixed. Buyers praise the handles, price point, and cushioning for sleeping and passive movement. However, they also say the material causes indentation with movement over time, and the cushioning is insufficient for poses where the knees are on the floor.
Colors: black, blue, and pink
This exercise mat folds into a square. It has handles on both ends, which allows for easy carrying. It measures 27 x 24 x 2 in and weighs 3 lb. It takes 24 x 24 x 8 in of space when folded.
According to the company, the thick-density foam is ideal for slow and intense exercise, including yoga, aerobics, and martial arts. The surface is free from lead and toxins and resistant to both moisture and puncture.
Reviewers seem to agree, with most saying they were impressed with the quality and comfort of both the padding and the stitching of the mat. One buyer says that this mat supports their body weight of 300 lb well during exercise.
Some customers argue, however, that this product holds indentations and may have too much cushioning for exercise that requires constant stable support.
Colors: black, blue, pink, and red
This mat has ridges to prevent slipping and a moisture-resistant surface to assist individuals in poses and intense workouts.
It measures 72 x 24 in and is 1 in thick. The brand says that this thickness is suitable for those concerned about joints or knee support. It suggests using this product for Pilates, yoga, and other exercises performed on the floor.
The mat comes with a carrying strap for easy transport.
Buyers say that this mat is dense enough to provide cushioning while not being too soft. This can help with balancing, as mats that are very soft can make performing yoga and other balance exercises difficult.
The authors of negative reviews note the mat is bulky and question the material. Some also say that it smells and breaks down over time.
Colors: black and blue
Amazon sells these in a pack of six, and together, they cover 24 ft2 of floor space. Each weighs 300 grams and is water-resistant and easy to hand-clean.
The company says that individuals can assemble these puzzle-style mats very quickly, and their high-density foam helps reduce noise and protect the flooring. The cushioning can improve comfort when doing exercises on the floor, such as yoga.
Amazon says that these are 0.5 in thick and have a nonslip surface. However, some reviewers found these mats to be very slippery when doing high intensity interval training workouts or active sports, such as kickboxing.
Price: around $149.95 on Amazon
Material: eco-polyurethane and rubber
Colors: blue, gray, green, and pink
This eco-friendly, biodegradable mat is one of the longest mats on the market. It covers 72 x 26 x 0.2 in of floor area, is 4.2 mm thick, and weighs 2.5 kilograms (kg).
The brand has a few patents for its mat technologies, specifically for grip and nonslip materials. This may decrease or eliminate the likelihood of the mat slipping during workouts.
Most reviews are very positive. Buyers say that this mat holds its grip and firmness well even during sweaty workouts. It also comes with a carrying bag, which makes it easy to take to classes.
However, negative reviews mention that this mat takes a long time to dry after sweaty workouts. Some reviewers also claim that it was quite slippery during intense classes.
Another reviewer notes that this product is not padded enough for certain workout positions. Those with knee or hip issues may want to look for alternatives.
Workout mat comparison
This table shows how the above products compare with one another:
Dimensions (length x width)
BEAUTYOVO Puzzle Exercise Mat 24 x 24 in per tile 0.4 in unknown EVA foam black and gray $68.99
ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat 24 x 24 in per tile 0.5 in around 2 kg per 24-tile pack EVA foam black, blue, and gray $63.95–104.99
Warrior Mat 74.4 x 26.4 in 0.2 in 6 lb polyurethane leather and
rubber black,
jungle,
hot pink,
honeydew,
highlighter,
smoky quartz,
powder pink,
eclipse,
dove gray,
and white $100
IUGA Non Slip Yoga Mat 72 x 26 in 0.2 in 2.8 lb polyurethane and rubber dark blue, gray, meteor blue, meteor purple, and red $69.95
HemingWeigh Extra Thick Foam Exercise Mat 70 x 23 in 1 in 3.15 lb foam black $38.99
Sunny Health & Fitness Tri-Fold Exercise Mat 72 x 24 in 2 in 4.5 lb plastic black $29.95
BalanceFrom Tri-Fold Folding Exercise Mat 27 x 24 in 2 in 3 lb foam black, blue, and pink $46.42
Yoga Cloud Moisture-Resistant Exercise Mat 72 x 24 in 1 in 2.45 lb foam black, blue, pink, and red $42.99
Amazon Basics Foam Interlocking Exercise Gym Floor Mat Tiles 24 x 24 in per tile 0.5 in 300 g per tile foam black and blue $31.94
Liforme Original Yoga Mat 72 x 26 in 0.17 in 4.2 kg rubber and eco-polyurethane blue, gray, green, and pink $149.9
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about exercise mats.
What is the best workout mat for at-home use?
This depends on the individual's needs, health conditions, and available space. People who want to set up an at-home gym may benefit from tiles that they can assemble.
However, moving these may be impractical. Those with limited storage space may prefer regular mats, which they can take out from storage when they are ready for exercise.
What is the best thickness for a workout mat?
Individuals with concerns about their knees, ankles, or back may want to choose thicker mats.
One downside of thick mats is that they can be more slippery or provide too much cushioning. This in turn can make it difficult to perform fast exercises or stretches and may impact balance.
Is there a difference between an exercise mat and a yoga mat?
Exercise mats often provide more support for intense or fast exercises. They can help reduce the risk of injury by ensuring the material can adapt to the feet and back quickly during movement.
By contrast, yoga mats typically focus more on balance and grip.
Exercise mats may be beneficial for people who exercise at home.
Different mats may be better for certain kinds of exercises. For example, a person may benefit most from a yoga mat for yoga or Pilates, from a padded mat for core exercises, and from a thick mat for free weights to prevent damage to the floor.
Other factors to consider include the size, cost, and material of the mat.
Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Sports Medicine / Fitness
Effects of a mat pilates exercise program on elderly women with chronic nonspecific low back pain. (2022).
Eliks, M., et al. (2019). Application of Pilates-based exercises in the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain: State of the art.
https://pmj.bmj.com/content/95/1119/41
Exercise. (n.d.).
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/
Hung, K.-C., et al. (2019). Effects of 8-week core training on core endurance and running economy.
Hyun, J., et al. (2014). The effects of pilates mat exercise on the balance ability of elderly females.
Le Flao, E., et al. (2015). Perceived grip, balance and comfort of yoga and gym mats correlate with biomechanical and mechanical assessment.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281055997_Perceived_grip_balance_and_comfort_of_yoga_and_gym_mats_correlate_with_biomechanical_and_mechanical_assessment
Lim, E. J., et al. (2019). The effects of Pilates and yoga participant's on engagement in functional movement and individual health level.
Thomas, M. H., et al. (2016). Increasing lean mass and strength: A comparison of high frequency strength training to lower frequency strength training.
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