Gym mats are essential for creating a safe and supportive environment for workouts. Whether for home gyms, yoga studios, or fitness centres, gym mats provide a cushioned surface that helps protect joints during exercises and prevent slips and falls. They come in various materials and thicknesses, designed to cater to different types of workouts and user preferences.
When considering the purchase of best gym mats for home workouts, several factors should be addressed to ensure you make the right choice. Material is crucial as it affects durability, comfort, and ease of cleaning. Popular options include rubber, foam, and PVC, each offering different benefits. Thickness is another critical aspect, with thicker mats providing more cushioning, ideal for high-impact workouts, while thinner mats are better suited for stability-focused exercises like yoga. Lastly, size and portability can vary, impacting how easily the mat can be stored and transported.
Given the importance of choosing the right gym mat, we have spent numerous hours evaluating and testing various options to identify the best gym mats for different needs and preferences.
Best Gym Mats
Here is a comprehensive list of the best gym mats available. Each product has been carefully selected to meet various workout needs and preferences.
GymCope Large Workout Mat
An ideal choice for those looking for a versatile and durable workout mat for home use.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Versatile for various exercises
- Easy to clean and store
Cons
- Initial odour
- Can occasionally shift on carpet
- Not entirely eco-friendly
This GymCope mat impressed with its robust construction and versatility, handling everything from high-impact cardio to heavy weightlifting without showing wear. The high-density PVC material ensures the mat’s durability, resisting abrasions and tears even with frequent use.
Additionally, the 7mm thickness provides excellent shock absorption, offering ample cushioning for the joints during intense workouts, while the anti-slip surface keeps it stable across different floor types. It’s also surprisingly easy to maintain, thanks to its waterproof surface which requires only a quick wipe to clean.
On the downside, there’s a bit of an odour initially, but it dissipates over time. Also, although it grips well on most surfaces, it may shift slightly on carpet. Finally, it could be more eco-friendly, but its performance and durability make it a solid investment for any home gym.
ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat
Perfect for those looking to create a comfortable and versatile home gym environment.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning and support
- Easy to assemble and store
- High-quality, durable foam
Cons
- Edges might not align perfectly with other mats
- Can become dirty quickly
- May not suit all flooring needs
This ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat offers a solid foundation for any home workout. The thick EVA foam feels both supportive and comfortable, perfect for various exercises. Its high density ensures that the mats withstand heavy use without compressing over time.
Constructing your workout space has never been easier. These interlocking tiles snap together swiftly and securely, forming a stable surface. Dismantling and storing them is equally simple, making them an excellent choice for those who need a temporary fitness area.
Despite their convenience, do note that the mats tend to attract dirt, and cleaning can become a frequent task. Additionally, ensuring they fit with existing mats might require some adjusting. Notwithstanding these minor inconveniences, the durability and ease of use make these mats a valuable addition to your home gym.
Marcy EVA Foam Interlocking Flooring Mat
An excellent choice for those seeking durable and comfortable gym flooring at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy assembly with interlocking edges
- Comfortable and non-slip surface
Cons
- Can be a bit thin for heavy gym equipment
- Limited colour options
- Might be slightly squishy for intense workouts
The Marcy EVA Foam Interlocking Flooring Mat excels in offering a solid solution for home gym setups. Each tile fits together seamlessly, simplifying the installation process. The material used is both lightweight and durable, ensuring it can handle various forms of exercise without wearing out quickly.
While it provides adequate cushioning to protect joints, the mat’s thickness may fall short for users with heavy equipment. For basic workouts, though, it’s more than sufficient. Additionally, its non-slip surface offers great stability, giving users confidence during their routines.
One noticeable aspect is the ease of maintenance. The waterproof surface allows for effortless cleaning, making it a practical choice for spaces that need frequent upkeep. All in all, this mat presents great value and effectiveness for anyone looking to enhance their workout area. Check out best headphones for gym for home workout.
Gxmmat Exercise Mat
Ideal for anyone seeking a durable, spacious, and comfortable exercise mat that supports a variety of workouts.
Pros
- Exceptionally spacious and versatile
- Excellent cushioning, reducing joint strain
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier compared to other mats
- Might be overkill for small spaces
- Wrinkles might take time to flatten
Perfect for cardio, dance, and strength workouts, the Gxmmat Exercise Mat offers an ample surface area, allowing you to move freely without constantly readjusting your position. The generous dimensions mean it’s well-suited to almost any workout routine, from yoga to high-intensity training.
One of the standout features is its significant cushioning. The 7mm high-density memory foam provides exceptional comfort and joint protection. Whether doing jumps, stretches, or weightlifting, the mat’s surface ensures you won’t end up with sore knees and elbows.
The mat’s eco-friendliness is a big plus. Made from non-toxic materials, it’s safe to use daily without worrying about harmful chemicals. It’s also easy to clean, making maintenance straightforward.
The weight and size of the mat mean it might not be the easiest to move around, especially if you want to store it away after each session. Despite its bulk, the benefits arguably outweigh this drawback, especially for those who prioritise comfort and space in their workouts.
For those looking to kit out a home gym, the Gxmmat provides the stability and durability required. While it may take a little while for any manufacturing wrinkles to disappear, the mat remains resilient and supportive throughout a range of exercises.
It’s also worth noting that this mat can double as a play area for children or a protective layer under gym equipment, adding to its versatility.
QMKGEC Yoga Mat 8mm
This mat provides excellent cushioning and grip, making it a solid choice for yoga and exercise enthusiasts.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning for joints
- Superior grip with non-slip design
- Made from eco-friendly TPE material
Cons
- May be too stretchy for some poses
- Not the softest on the top layer
- Can slip if very sweaty
The QMKGEC Yoga Mat 8mm provides outstanding comfort for exercises, thanks to its thick 8mm padding. The cushioning makes it easy on the knees, which is especially useful during poses like child’s pose or camel pose. The TPE material is eco-friendly and has no harsh odour, making it a healthier choice for both you and the environment.
The double-sided non-slip texture keeps the mat firmly in place regardless of whether it’s on a wooden floor, tiles, or even cement. This stability is critical during intricate yoga poses, adding to your confidence as you exercise. The durability is noticeable after just a few workouts; it stands up well to repeated use without showing signs of wear and tear.
Cleaning the mat is straightforward, simply wipe it down and it’s ready for the next session, which is perfect for those who attend frequent classes. That said, some users might find the mat a bit stretchy during wider stances, and there are reports of minor slippage under very sweaty conditions. Despite this, the QMKGEC Yoga Mat 8mm remains a high-quality option for anyone looking to intensify their yoga practice with comfort and durability.
