Best Exercise Mats Reviewed & Rated for Quality

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
 HemingWeigh
Test Winner: HemingWeigh
Amazon Link
Are you into fitness and exercise? Do you find yourself needing to do activities on the floor, but the floor is too uncomfortable? Well if so, an exercise mat would be a great addition to your workout routine. Many fitness activities are done on the floor. Fitness mats can be used for stretching, yoga, sit-ups and sometimes even weightlifting. When you are working out, you want to make sure you are comfortable and safe as possible. For this reason, exercise mats are a great investment! Most exercise mats are very versatile. They can be used for many types of exercise, but they are also using cost-efficient and lightweight and can easily be rolled up, carried and stored in your car. But in order to make sure that you’ll choose the right option, we’ve prepared you a list with the best ones.

Standout Picks

 Gorilla
Gorilla mats are a great option for a home workout solution. They are insanely large so that you can do exercises such as Zumba, P90x or similar routines. You won't have to worry about them sliding around either because they grip your floor tightly which will reduce the chances of the mat slipping and causing you injury. It also gives you padding so that your joints are protected.
Amazon Link
$209.95
 Square36 Cardio
The Square35 is an authentic product that you can use for any area in your home fitness area. It's the perfect thing to use for activities such as cardio, yoga, Zumba or similar exercises. You can use with or without shoes depending on what you are doing and it will give you plenty of cushions while you are working out on it.
Amazon Link
 Sivan Health and Fitness
The Sivan Health and Fitness Sivan Health and Fitness 1/2-Inch Extra Thick NBR Comfort Foam Yoga MatTh is is a great choice for Exercise, Yoga, and Pilates. It's lightweight and even comes with a carry strap so that you can carry it without effort. You can purchase it in eight different colors so that you can easily show it off while you are at the health club and identify it from other people's mats.
Amazon Link
 HemingWeigh
HemingWeigh is an easy to carry workout mat. You can use it for a variety of different exercises such as yoga or stretching. You can just roll it up when you have finished using it an take it with you since it comes with a carrying strap. The strap also keeps it rolled up when it's being stored which makes it into a great option.
Amazon Link
$59.99
 Yoga Design Lab Combo
This mat was designed with Yoga in mind but you can use it for other exercises as well. It's a great item to have when you are working out since it absorbs moisture and can be machine washed. This lets you leave your towel at home since you can dry yourself off with the mat when you have finished your workout.
Amazon Link
 BalanceFrom GoYoga
The GoYoga is a great item for a wide variety of different fitness activities. You can use it for exercises such as yoga, pilates, stretching, or other related activities. The mat is a great accessory to have at the gym. You also won't have any trouble telling which mat is yours since it is sold in a variety of different bright colors.
Amazon Link
$19.99
 Spoga
If you are someone who has sensitive joints, then you will love the Spoga for its memory foam. Memory foam is a pressure relieving as is much easier on your body as opposed to hard mats that are made of rubber. You will love the feeling that you get from the Spoga and its ability to provide you with a soft cushion and relieve impacts.
Amazon Link
 ProSource Puzzle
Anyone who is looking to outfit a fitness area will want to take a look at this product. Each square is 2ft x 2ft and it has a locking puzzle shaped edge on all four sides. This is the perfect thing to get when you want to cover a fitness area in your home with a gym-like floor.
Amazon Link
$30.30
 Reehut
The Reehut is a great choice for people who are looking for support and stability. You won't have any trouble carrying it with you because it's lightweight and comes with carrying straps. You will love out long it will last thanks to the NBR foam used to make it. This is the perfect thing to have for yoga, pilates, or other workouts.
Amazon Link
 Gaiam Print Yoga
This mat is stylish and offers a great feel while you are exercising with it. It's free of many of the common toxins that are typically used in competitor's products so you won't need to worry about exposing yourself to toxins. You can easily roll it up when you are not using it which makes it easy to store and carry it.
Amazon Link
$34.99

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Comfort

Thickness

One thing that you are going to need to decide on is how thick you want your mat to be. Exercise mats are typically sold at any thickness between 1/4 of an inch thick all of the way to 1/2 of an inch. You may also be able to find mats that are thicker than 1/2 an inch but they are not as common. There are a few tradeoffs that you are going to want to consider as your mat gets thicker.

There are a few reasons why you would want to own a thicker mat. A thicker mat is going to provide you with more cushion between you and floor. This will help to relieve pressure points, absorb impact, and make it easier on your joints. A thicker mat also weighs more and will be less prone to slipping than a thin mat will be as well. Finally, mats that are thicker are less prone to wear and tear than thinner mats.

However, the thicker the mat gets the less you are going to be able to feel the floor. This will reduce the amount of stability that you have as you are exercising which can make certain workouts more difficult. Thicker mats are not as easy to pack and carry with you either so if you are looking for something to take to and from the health club than you are going to want to look for a mat that is thinner. Your goal in picking out an exercise mat will be to find the perfect balance in thickness that allows you to work out in a comfortable fashion and make your exercising on the mat enjoyable.

Size

Surface Area

The surface area is the part of the mat that touches your body and the floor so it's a critical area that you are going to want to think about when you are shopping for a good mat. You can get textured mats, smooth ones, and sticky mats. All of them have a significantly different feel to them so you are going to want to try a few different ones out in different styles to figure out which ones are the most comfortable for your body.

A textured mat is one that has a bumpy surface. The idea of the bumpy surface is to make sure that the mat doesn't slide around on you. Textured surfaces can come in the form of bumps or raised patterns that will let the mat grip the floor and your body. This will reduce the likely hood of you slipping and falling but for some people, the texture can feel uncomfortable.

If you find the texture to be uncomfortable, you can try a sticky mat. This kind of mat works by creating a suction between the mat and the floor so that the mat doesn't slip. Typically the mat will be smooth on the top and sticky on the bottom so this design accommodates people who want to feel a smooth surface on their skin. However, you may feel the mat start to stick to your body while you are using it which can be annoying to some people.

A final option is to get a one-sided mat that is smooth on the top and sticky or textured on the bottom. This makes it possible for you to get a non-slip surface but still have a smooth surface for your skin. You will need to pay attention to which side is the top and bottom when using this kind of mat.

Portability

Storage

You aren't going to be using your mat all of the time throughout your day so you are going to want to put it away when you are finished using it. That means that you are going to want to take a look at what it takes to store the mat between uses. Of course, this can vary a little bit depending on what sort of mat you happen to buy but most of them are stored similarly.

For many mats, you simply need to roll them up when you are not using the mat. Better designed mats will have straps included with the mat that will keep it rolled up so that it doesn't unroll. You may find that the straps will also give you a handle so that you can carry the mat. Such a feature can be useful when you want to carry the mat between your car and the health club.

Large mats may not have a carrying handle. Instead, they will normally have straps so that you can keep the mat rolled up and then a storage bag for the mat. This design is normally used for workout mats that are intended to cover a large area in your home. For example, a 36 square foot mat may be stored in a bag. Also, when it comes to home mats, they may not have a storage option. For example, there are puzzle cut mats that are intended to be placed on your floor and left there. These are usually put underneath a piece of large exercise equipment or a weight bench so that your floors are protected from your workout activity.

Drainage

Cleanup

One of the main reasons to use a workout mat is so that you have a clean surface to lay one rather than on the floor. However, you will need to clean your mat between uses in order for this to continue to be the case. This is why you are going to want to look at the cleaning instructions to make sure that you can wipe your mat clean when you have finished using it. The main kind of mat has a moisture resistant surface and there are also mats that have an absorbing surface. Each of them is cleaned differently.

The moisture resistant surface is a surface that will not allow moisture from sweat or other sources to soak into the mat. Sweat has salt in it which can degrade the foam over time and cause it to break down which is why it's important to wipe the sweat off of the mat quickly. When you have a mat with a moisture resistant surface, you will usually use some sort of a moist towel and just wipe the surface off until it's clean. Many health clubs have moist towels throughout the club which is why this design is popular.

Alternatively, the mat can be designed to absorb sweat. This helps to reduce slipping and can be popular for this reason. Normally, you will wash this kind of mat in the washing machine and then line dry it when it has finished washing it. While it may sound convenient, there is a drawback to this style of a mat. Line drying it can take several hours so you will need to plan accordingly in order to use this kind of mat.

Durability

Durability

Durability is a common problem when it comes to foam mats. The problem comes from the fact that while foam is a pressure relieving and shock absorbing, it is not strong and is prone to shredding and tearing. This can result in the mat ripping if you are doing an intensive workout or you may experience permanent indentations forming into the mat after you have used it for a while. Other problems come from the surface losing its grip and you may also experience issues where the sides no longer remain flat and start to curl up.

There isn't a lot you can do other than research the mat that you are interested in purchasing. Generally speaking, thicker mats are more likely to be stronger and less likely to tear. When it comes to textured mats, a rougher surface will be able to maintain its grip for a longer period of time as opposed to a smoother surface. This is because it will take longer for a rough surface to wear down from getting rubbed against.

Some mats have mesh in the foam that will reinforce the foam and help it last for a longer period of time. The mesh effectively limits the amount the mat can stretch which will help to prevent tearing and ripping. If you move a lot on your mat, you will want to look for such a feature to help it last longer. Finally, impressions can be avoided by looking for a rubber core or a high-density foam. Rubber is unlikely to form permanent impressions while high-density foam is more likely to resist impressions. Generally speaking, more expensive and higher quality mats are more likely to be durable but this isn't always guaranteed.

10 Best Exercise Mats

1. Gorilla

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$209.95
 Gorilla
Amazon Link

Gorilla mats are a great option for a home workout solution. They are insanely large so that you can do exercises such as Zumba, P90x or similar routines. You won't have to worry about them sliding around either because they grip your floor tightly which will reduce the chances of the mat slipping and causing you injury. It also gives you padding so that your joints are protected.

Double Side Design

The bottom of the mat has a circle pattern that grips your floor tightly while the top of the mat gives you a non-slip surface so that you don't have to worry about falling.

Towel

Gorilla mats are sold with a microfiber towel that you can use to wipe it off when you have finished using it. This will help it last longer and stay free of sweat and dirt.

Cost and Value

Thanks to its large size and premium quality, you will find the gorilla mat sold at a price that is much higher than the average price which is justified by its quality.

Amazon Link
$209.95

2. Square36 Cardio

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Square36 Cardio
Amazon Link

The Square35 is an authentic product that you can use for any area in your home fitness area. It's the perfect thing to use for activities such as cardio, yoga, Zumba or similar exercises. You can use with or without shoes depending on what you are doing and it will give you plenty of cushions while you are working out on it.

Storage Bag

The Square36 is easy to put away since all you need to do is roll it up and then put it in the included storage bag so that it stays nice.

Non-Toxic

It's made of non-toxic materials which means that you won't have to worry about it bothering your skin if you touch it or producing chemical smelling odors in your home.

Cost and Value

You will need to plan on spending an above average price on the Square36. It's a large mat so it costs more to make and the premium materials justify the higher price tag.

Amazon Link

3. Sivan Health and Fitness

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Sivan Health and Fitness
Amazon Link

The Sivan Health and Fitness Sivan Health and Fitness 1/2-Inch Extra Thick NBR Comfort Foam Yoga MatTh is is a great choice for Exercise, Yoga, and Pilates. It's lightweight and even comes with a carry strap so that you can carry it without effort. You can purchase it in eight different colors so that you can easily show it off while you are at the health club and identify it from other people's mats.

Wipe Clean

Cleaning this mat is as easy as wiping it down with a clean cloth. This will help you get sweat, dirt, and dander off of the mat with just a minimal amount of effort.

Carry Strap

It comes with a carry strap that you can use to roll it up and then sling it over your shoulder. This makes it really easy to take this mat anywhere you need it.

Cost and Value

You can purchase this item at a price that is lower than the average price. The lower price makes it into an excellent value since you won't have to pay a premium to get it.

Amazon Link

4. HemingWeigh

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$59.99
 HemingWeigh
Amazon Link

HemingWeigh is an easy to carry workout mat. You can use it for a variety of different exercises such as yoga or stretching. You can just roll it up when you have finished using it an take it with you since it comes with a carrying strap. The strap also keeps it rolled up when it's being stored which makes it into a great option.

Double Sided

The mat is double sided and has been designed to prevent slipping. This will help it stay put when you are using it and will also help to prevent injuries.

Thicker Foam

The foam used for this mat is thicker than what is typically used. The extra padding will provide you with more cushion which will help to make workouts a more comfortable experience.

Cost and Value

The HemingWeigh is sold at a price that is lower than the average price. The lower price makes it into an excellent value and is easy for anyone to afford it.

Amazon Link
$59.99

5. Yoga Design Lab Combo

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Yoga Design Lab Combo
Amazon Link

This mat was designed with Yoga in mind but you can use it for other exercises as well. It's a great item to have when you are working out since it absorbs moisture and can be machine washed. This lets you leave your towel at home since you can dry yourself off with the mat when you have finished your workout.

Microfiber Layer

The top of the mat is made of microfiber which will absorb sweat and moisture as you are working out. This will allow you to use this item as a mat and a towel.

Odor Free

All of the materials used in the production of this mat are non-toxic. This will eliminate chemical smells that are commonly associated with fitness mats so that you can breathe healthier.

Cost and Value

You can purchase this item for an amount that is only slightly higher than the average price. The little extra money makes it well worth it when you consider that it's also a towel.

Amazon Link

6. BalanceFrom GoYoga

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$19.99
 BalanceFrom GoYoga
Amazon Link

The GoYoga is a great item for a wide variety of different fitness activities. You can use it for exercises such as yoga, pilates, stretching, or other related activities. The mat is a great accessory to have at the gym. You also won't have any trouble telling which mat is yours since it is sold in a variety of different bright colors.

Moisture Resistant

The surface has been designed to resist moisture which is important because it will make it easy for you to clean the mat up when you have finished using it.

Carry Strap

There is a strap feature that makes it easy for you to keep the mat rolled up when you have finished using it. You can also carry it by the strap.

Cost and Value

The low price of this mat turns it into a bargain buy. You will be able to get one at a price that is well below the average so it's highly affordable.

Amazon Link
$19.99

7. Spoga

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Spoga
Amazon Link

If you are someone who has sensitive joints, then you will love the Spoga for its memory foam. Memory foam is a pressure relieving as is much easier on your body as opposed to hard mats that are made of rubber. You will love the feeling that you get from the Spoga and its ability to provide you with a soft cushion and relieve impacts.

Memory Foam

This mat is made of memory foam. Memory foam is great because it relieves pressure and will provide you with plenty of cushion while you are exercising which reduces fatigue and stress.

Non-Slip

The surface of the mat has been designed to provide you with more than enough grip. This will keep it firm on the floor and help keep to protect you from slipping and falling.

Cost and Value

The Spoga is sold at a price that is lower than the average price. The lower price turns it into a great option for people who are looking for something that's inexpensive and comfortable.

Amazon Link

8. ProSource Puzzle

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$30.30
 ProSource Puzzle
Amazon Link

Anyone who is looking to outfit a fitness area will want to take a look at this product. Each square is 2ft x 2ft and it has a locking puzzle shaped edge on all four sides. This is the perfect thing to get when you want to cover a fitness area in your home with a gym-like floor.

HD Foam

The used to make it is an HD EVA material. It will provide you with lots of cushion and support which is great for weightlifting as well as cardio workouts.

Easy to Assemble

The edges have a locking puzzle design that lets you securely lock each tile into place so that the tiles do not come loose. All of the edges are locked with edging strips.

Cost and Value

You get six tiles and edging strips for a price that is lower than the average price. This makes it into a great option for coving the floor in a home fitness area.

Amazon Link
$30.30

9. Reehut

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Reehut
Amazon Link

The Reehut is a great choice for people who are looking for support and stability. You won't have any trouble carrying it with you because it's lightweight and comes with carrying straps. You will love out long it will last thanks to the NBR foam used to make it. This is the perfect thing to have for yoga, pilates, or other workouts.

Anti-Tearing

There is a net that is integrated into the foam of this mat. The net provides support and will make it more durable and highly resistant to tearing so that it lasts longer.

Soft

The NBR foam used to make the mat is thick and soft. This will give you more than enough cushion while you are using it so that you feel comfortable.

Cost and Value

You can pick up a Reehut for a price that is lower than the average price. The lower price turns it into an excellent value and makes it easy to afford.

Amazon Link

10. Gaiam Print Yoga

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$34.99
 Gaiam Print Yoga
Amazon Link

This mat is stylish and offers a great feel while you are exercising with it. It's free of many of the common toxins that are typically used in competitor's products so you won't need to worry about exposing yourself to toxins. You can easily roll it up when you are not using it which makes it easy to store and carry it.

Toxin Free

The foam is made without common toxins such as DNOP, DBP, DINP, DEHP, BBP, and DIDP. This will help keep you safe by not exposing you to unnecessary chemicals.

Prints

You won't have any trouble finding a print and design that you love. There are 29 different patterns that come in different colors so that you can find one that you love.

Cost and Value

You can purchase this item at a price that is lower than the average price. The lower price turns it into an excellent value and makes it an affordable option.

Amazon Link
$34.99

Sources

  1. Yoga Home Shop, Yoga Mat Buying guide, Webpage
  2. Wikipedia, Yoga Mat, Wegpage
  3. Wikipedia, Latex Allergy, Webpage
  4. Wikihow, How to Clean a Yoga Mat, Webpage