From a classic yoga mat to a high-intensity training mat, different workout mats are specifically designed to suit your needs. Apart from the cushion, these mats provide you with the necessary balance and support while working out. But, do you know that the material used in manufacturing the exercise mats and their thickness can affect your workout routine? So, how to choose the best workout mat that suits you? Read on to find out about the best and most frequently bought fitness mats on Amazon for home and gym workout sessions!
Types of Workout Mats:
There are various types of mats manufactured to cater to different kinds of exercises. Therefore, purchasing an appropriate workout mat is crucial in building a healthy and safe workout regime.
- General Exercise Mat: These mats are widely used in gyms and work great for home use. This mat is thick and provides cushioning to bear the kettle drops, weights, and other equipment. They are perfect for floor-based workouts like pull-ups, sit-ups, lounges, etc. These mats are usually made up of three types of materials: Vinyl, TPE, and EVA.
- Yoga Mat: A yoga mat is the thinnest of all mats, with a thickness between 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm. It comes in different forms and colors to suit your need and is convenient to carry around.
- Pilates Mat: A Pilates mat is slightly thicker than a yoga mat and provides a fantastic grip. Some even have a grippy texture on one side and a smooth texture on the other to allow smooth movement. Usually, a cell foam structure is used to make these mats and is easy to clean.
- Floor Protecting Workout Mats: These mats are made using high-density EVA foam to protect the floor, reduce noise and absorb shock. They are not meant to be portable and are usually manufactured in a jigsaw style to fit into one another and remain stable. They are primarily used in public gyms and home gym settings.
20 Highly Popular Workout Mats on Amazon:
1. GHIUAN Yoga Mat, 1/4 TPE Fitness Exercise Mat:
GHIUAN Yoga Mat is made of premium TPE material, highly resilient, and lightweight. It is a non-slip workout mat suitable for Pilates, Yoga, and many other forms of workouts. This fantastic exercise mat for the home can be placed on all kinds of floors. It is unique as it can be used on both sides and is lightweight and portable. While being moisture resistant, it also cleans effortlessly.
Size: 72 x 24 x 0.24 inch
Thickness: 6 mm/0.24 inch
Material: Premium TPE
Pros:
- Highly Durable.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Resilient.
- Anti-skid.
- Double-sided.
- Waterproof.
Cons:
- Nothing in specific
Ratings: 4.5/5
2. Alpcour Bike Trainer Mat:
Alpcour Bike Trainer mat increases the efficiency of your equipment and provides a safe environment from injuries during workouts. It is manufactured using soft, thick PVC with a non-slip, quality-hardened top layer, making it resistant to wear and tear due to cleats on the cycling shoes. It is the best exercise mat and is compatible with various stationary bikes and other gym equipment.
Size: 78 x 36 inches.
Thickness: 0.24 inches.
Material: Polyvinyl Chloride.
Pros:
- Best workout mat for home gym.
- Sweat and water-resistant.
- Highly durable.
- Non-slip workout mat.
- Works for most of the gym equipment.
- Lightweight and portable.
Cons:
- Nothing in specific.
Ratings: 4.6/5
3. New Me Fitness Yoga Mat for Women and Men:
New Me Fitness Yoga Mat for Women and Men provides ideal cushioning that helps create proper balance while doing asanas. It comes with 70 clear illustrations of yoga asanas printed on it, which is blissful for people practicing self-guided asanas. It is the best yoga mat for workouts as it is made with a moisture-wicking material that will allow you to practice hot yoga without being clumsy due to dripping sweat.
Size: 68 x 24 x 0.2 inches.
Thickness: 5 Millimeters
Material: Polyvinyl Chloride.
Pros:
- Yoga illustrations on the mat.
- Best yoga mat for workouts.
- Non-slip yoga mat.
- Eco friendly.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- It might not be suitable for all kinds of flooring
Ratings: 4.7/5
4. Still Cool Puzzle Exercise Floor Mat:
Still Cool Puzzle Exercise Floor Mat is designed in the puzzle format and comes with a high-density EVA foam mat and exercise mat, which provides excellent support and cushioning experience while working out. In addition to being a tremendous shock-absorbing mat, it is the best exercise mat for HIIT (High-intensity training) and is compatible to use at public gyms and home gyms.
Size: Covers 20 Square feet (20 tiles) – 12 inches L x 12 inches W x 7/16 inches thick.
Thickness: 0.4 inches.
Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble.
- Exceptionally durable fitness mats.
- Shock absorbing.
- Easy to maintain.
- Ideal for all kinds of workouts.
- Provides cushion to your body while working out.
Cons:
- It could be thicker.
Ratings: 4/5
5. KASMET Home Gym Equipment Non-Slip Mat:
KASMET Home Gym Equipment Non-Slip Mat is ideal for putting under workout equipment like home treadmills, cross trainers, elliptical machines, weights bench, gym bike, etc. It is also the best fitness mat for HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) and can be used for bench workouts, abs workouts, sit-ups, push-ups, dumbbell weights training, etc. In addition, it is designed to protect all kinds of flooring from equipment damage, marks, and scratches; therefore, it is one of the best workout mats for the home gym.
Size: Small: 47.2 x 27.5 x 0.24 inches, Large: 70.9 x 38.6 x 0.24 inches.
Thickness: 6 mm
Material: Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyvinyl Chloride Foam, Rubber.
Pros:
- Minimizes workout noise.
- Minimizes gym equipment vibrations.
- Best to use at homes and gyms.
- Made from non-toxic PVC foam.
- Textured non-slip fitness mat.
- Protects flooring.
Cons:
- Nothing in specific.
Ratings: 4.6/5
6. ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat:
ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise mat is designed to provide cushion, support, and convenience while working out. Having a unique tri-fold design makes it easy to fold, carry, and store. In addition, it is a cheap exercise mat with a vinyl surface, resistant to stretching and tearing, and super easy to clean.
Size: 72 x 24 inches.
Thickness: 1.5 inches.
Material: Foam.
Pros:
- Tri-fold design makes it convenient to carry.
- Vinyl surface ensures durability.
- Provides thick cushioning for HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training).
- Sweatproof and waterproof.
- Available in 3 colors.
Cons:
- Few may find it to be hard.
Ratings: 4.8/5
7. Yoga Mat Exercise Mats:
QMKGEC Yoga Mat Exercise Mats are made of high-quality TPE material, which is 8 mm thick and provides excellent balance and cushion while working out to protect your knees and joints. This mat for workouts comes with a non-slip texture to equip you with solid grip and traction while practicing various types of yoga on different floors. Not only is it moisture resistant, but also easy to clean and carry.
Size: 72 x 24 x 0.3 inches.
Thickness: 8 mm
Material: Thermoplastic Elastomers
Pros:
- Double-sided adhesive non-slip texture.
- Made with flexible material.
- Two-toned environmentally friendly materials were used.
- Tear-resistant.
- Protects joins due to its comfortable cushioning.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- Nothing in specific.
Ratings: 4.7/5
8. Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat Fitness & Exercise Mat:
Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat Fitness & Exercise is a classic yoga mat for floor exercises, including yoga and Pilates. It comes with a carrier strap which makes it easy to fold and carry around. This is one of the cheap workout mats available that can be used on any surface where additional cushioning and support are appreciated.
Size: 72 inches x 24 inches
Thickness: 2/5 inch
Material: Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Foam.
Pros:
- Suitable for all kinds of floor exercises.
- It has a textured grip.
- Made from non-toxic material.
- It comes with an easy cinch carrying strap.
- It is extra thick and gives additional cushioning.
- Available in a variety of colors.
Cons:
- It can have a chemical odor when purchased, which will be gone when cleaned.
Ratings: 4.6/5
9. Yoga Mat Non-Slip, Pilates Fitness Mats:
Yoga Mat Non-Slip, Pilates Fitness Mats come with alignment lines and a unique pattern design to guide you during a workout. This lightweight, double-layered, non-slip mat provides excellent grip and traction on any floor and can be used for multiple kinds of activities. All levels of yoga can be performed on this mat assuredly as this is the best yoga exercise mat that provides superior durability and slips resistance.
Size: 183 cm x 61 cm
Thickness: 0.6 cm
Material: Thermoplastic Elastomers.
Pros:
- Made of high-density TPE.
- Has alignment lines.
- Double-sided.
- Has excellent traction and superior grip.
- Perfect for yoga, Pilates, gymnastics, and general workouts.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- Nothing in specific.
Ratings: 4.6/5
10. Finer Form Exercise Equipment Floor Mat:
Finer Form Exercise Equipment Floor Mat is a durable and high-density mat made to protect the fitness equipment and the flooring from dings and damages even while doing high-intensity workouts. This rubber foam mat is large enough to be placed underneath various gym equipment and is moisture-resistant and anti-slip in mature. Apart from putting underneath equipment, they can also do many weights-oriented exercises and other floor-based workouts.
Size: 6 ft x 3.3 ft
Thickness: 6 mm
Material: Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Foam.
Pros:
- Multi-functional.
- Made from non-toxic material.
- Odor-free.
- Anti-slip.
- Waterproof.
Cons:
- Nothing in specific.
Ratings: 4.8/5
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11. Pogamat Exercise Mat & Fitness Equipment Mat:
Pogamat Exercise Mat & Fitness Equipment mat is a high-density mat and one of the best fitness mats for HIIT (high-intensity interval training) like kettle bags. Sandbags, weight workouts, P90X, Insanity, etc. These workouts usually take a beating with or without shoes, and it is crucial to have a mat placed underneath, which provides extra support. In addition, it is designed to be soft and durable and reduce the body’s impact due to intense workouts.
Size: 78 x 27 x 0.25 inches.
Thickness: 8 Millimeters.
Material: Foam.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty mat.
- Highly durable.
- Two-sided.
- Eco friendly.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- It is a heavy mat
Ratings: 4.6/5
12. Pido Yoga Mat:
Pido Yoga Mat is an advanced version of the classic yoga mat, made with TPE material and has better cushioning, elasticity, and durability. It ensures strong slip resistance due to the upgraded texture with deep lines that are comfortable to touch. Improve and enjoy the yoga experience with this reliable, supportive, and guarded yoga mat.
Size: 72 x 24 inches.
Thickness: 0.6 cms
Material: Thermoplastic Elastomers.
Pros:
- Premium TPE material used to manufacture.
- Available in multiple colors and sizes.
- Provides excellent resilience and support.
- It comes with a warranty.
- Has a distinct windmill texture.
Cons:
- It stains easily.
Ratings: 4.5/5
13. Balance From Go Yoga All-Purpose 1/4-Inch High-Density Anti-Tear Exercise Yoga Mat:
Balance From Go Yoga All-Purpose 1/4-Inch-High Density Anti-Tear Exercise Yoga Mat is a comfortable, cheap exercise mat that provides unbelievable cushioning to your hips, elbows, knees, and other joints. It is made using moisture-resistant technology that allows you to be balanced even when sweating profusely during workouts. It is effortless to wash, strap, and carry around, so you can always be ready to practice your favorite yoga poses.
Size: 68 inches x 24 inches.
Thickness: 0.25 Decimetres
Material: Foam
Pros:
- Double-sided.
- Economical.
- Lightweight and easily portable.
- Highly resilient.
- It comes with a free strap.
- Moisture resistant.
Cons:
- It may not be durable for long term.
Ratings: 4.5/5
14. Amazon Basics Foam Interlocking Exercise Gym Floor Mat Tiles:
Amazon Basics Foam Interlocking Exercise Gym Floor Mat Tiles are made of high-density foam and great at gyms and home gyms. They come with a puzzle design and are easy to assemble. Designed to reduce noise during workouts, they are the best exercise mats in the UK to create a nonskid, safe environment in the workout area.
Size: 24 x 24 x 0.5 inches.
Thickness: 0.5 Inches
Material: Foam
Pros:
- Easy to assemble.
- Nonskid design.
- Puzzle style mat.
- High-density foam.
- Great noise reduction capacity.
Cons:
- Nothing in specific.
Ratings: 4.6/5
15. SPRI Exercise Mat for Fitness:
SPRI Exercise Mat for Fitness is a thick polyfoam exercise mat ideal for Pilates, abb exercises, and all forms of yoga. It comes with a cutout handle making it easy to hang up after each use. In addition, its extra thickness provides extra cushioning for those who intend to have supportive workout sessions.
Size: 48 x 20 x 0.5 inches
Thickness: 0.5 Inches
Material: Polyfoam
Pros:
- Classic exercise mat.
- Thick polyfoam mat.
- Suitable for all kinds of floor exercises.
- Provides comfort and support.
- Lightweight.
- It comes with a cutout handle for hanging.
Cons:
- It isn’t good at sweat absorption.
Ratings: 4.6/5
16. Athlos Fitness Ab Mat with Tailbone Protector:
Athlos Fitness Ab Mat with Tailbone Protector is designed explicitly for abb workouts. It helps you get those desired six-pack abs and flat stomach by isolating the abdomen during sit-ups, crunches, and leg lifts. The tailbone protector is contoured to support your lower back and prevent slipping during workouts. This is the best exercise mat for sit-ups as it provides stability and full-range motion while maintaining constant tension on the abs.
Size: 14.7 x 12.6 x 3.3 inches
Material: Foam
Pros:
- Great for the core workout.
- Contoured support lower back.
- High density.
- Tailbone protector.
- Compact and foldable.
Cons:
- The two pieces are held together with staples, which isn’t durable.
Ratings: 4.5/5
17. Yoga Mat Non-Slip Hot Yoga Mat:
Yoga Mat Non-Slip Hot Yoga Mat is manufactured using a natural biodegradable rubber yoga mat, making it eco-friendly. Due to the soft suede material the mat’s surface is made up of, it provides a good grip while working out. These exercise mats for home are machine washable and easy to carry. They come in various beautiful printed patterns and bright colors, which make your yoga sessions more enjoyable.
Size: 68 cm x 183 cm
Thickness: 1.5 mm
Material: Rubber
Pros:
- The surface is made of super-soft suede material.
- Machine washable.
- Eco Friendly and Nonslip.
- It has a beautiful, printed pattern.
- It has a nanotechnology textile layer.
Cons:
- Thinner than the regular yoga mat.
Ratings: 4.5/5
18. Vegan Jute Hemp Yoga Mat with Natural Tree Rubber:
As the name suggests, Vegan Jute Hemp Yoga Mat is made from sustainable organic hemp, jute fibers, and natural tree rubber. Free from toxic chemicals and heavy metals, this is a static-free and resilient best yoga mat for exercise that absorbs moisture and gives a good grip due to its natural texture. These workout mats for home are ideal for practising Power Yoga, Hot Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Bikram Yoga, and Meditation and Pilates.
Size: 72 x 24 x 5 inches.
Thickness: 5 mm.
Material: Hemp, Rubber, Jute.
Pros:
- Eco friendly.
- Made from organic fibers and natural rubber.
- Biodegradable and recyclable.
Cons:
- It is on the expensive side.
Ratings: 4/5
19. Launch Fitness Indoor / Outdoor Jump Rope Mat:
Launch Fitness Indoor / Outdoor Jump Rope Mat is a thick padded workout mat suitable for heavy jump ropes, stretching, strength training, weightlifting, and specific floor exercises. A high-density PVC mat protects your joints by absorbing the impact and extending your jump rope’s life span. Its unique oval shape takes up little space and is easy to carry; its thick and non-slippery nature makes it the best exercise mat for sit-ups.
Size: 36.3 x 4.4 x 4.4 inches.
Thickness: 1/4-inch thickness.
Material: Polyvinyl Chloride.
Pros:
- Thick and Durable.
- Equipped with a non-slip surface on both sides.
- Protects joints and absorbs impacts.
- It can be used on all types of flooring.
- It is water and sweat-resistant.
Cons:
- Nothing in specific.
Ratings: 4.6/5
20. Ajna Organic Yoga Mat:
Ajna Organic Yoga Mat offers a safe and sustainable option for practicing yoga without leaving any carbon footprint. Made up of organic Jute, this workout mat on Amazon is devoid of harmful materials, latex, heavy metals, BPA, and chemicals. This organic yoga mat is suitable for various styles of yoga, Pilates, stretching, floor exercises and provides comfort and grip in every position.
Size: 72 inches x 24 inches
Thickness: 5 mm
Material: Jute
Pros:
- Made from organic Jute
- Eco-friendly, Biodegradable and recyclable
- Lightweight
- Non-harmful
- Suitable for all levels of yoga
Cons:
- It may not be durable for long term.
Ratings: 4.6/5
How to Choose the Best Exercise Mat?
When you are on a path to fitness, nothing can dampen your spirits and defer you from reaching your goals like an ill-fitting exercise mat. Safety, comfort, and hygiene are highly essential elements during your workouts, and a workout mat is an essential tool that provides you with all three components. Many options and brands of workout mats are available to choose from on Amazon in the UK and USA. But when it comes to buying a workout mat, are you aware of all the factors you need to consider before you make the purchase? It’s simple, and it depends on how and what you use the exercise mat for, and each type of mat serves a different purpose. So let us understand those factors below:
- Purpose of the mat: It is crucial to understand the purpose of the workout mat before you buy one. Different workouts call for different kinds of mats for exercise. A classic training mat is distinguished mainly by its universality; it is perfect for stretching, abs, and butt exercises. At the same time, a yoga mat is much longer and is suitable for Yoga and Pilates and similar workouts. In addition, some mats are placed under the training equipment to minimize the noise and vibrations and increase the machine’s longevity.
- Size of the exercise mat: The size of the mat for workouts depends on whether you want to cover the gym floor or plan to place the mats under the equipment or use it solely for certain kinds of exercises. Based on your requirement, choose a workout mat that fits your need.
- Durability and Thickness: Consider the type of workouts and how frequently you plan to do them, as this will significantly affect the mats’ durability. If you plan for intense workouts regularly, choose one thick enough to support your joints and has a protective covering to increase its resistance to constant wear and tear. On the other hand, if you want to use the mat only for stretching or basic exercises, choose a comfortable one that gives you the support you need.
- Portability: A workout mat must be easy to fold and move around, whether working out at home or gym.
Now that you are embellished with the knowledge you need before purchasing the best-suited workout mat for you, nothing is stopping you on your journey to reach your fitness goals. Do try these workout mats and share your experience with us!
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Q1. What are the benefits of using an Exercise Mat?
Ans: Having an exercise mat is beneficial as it provides excellent cushioning while working out, supports your joints, and provides safety. They increase the balance and stability of the body while working out and ensure that you don’t slip doing different routines and poses. Additionally, they give the buffer between your body and the floor, providing cleanliness; this is especially important while working out at a gym or outside.
Q2. What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?
Ans: A yoga mat between 0.4 – 0.6 mm thickness is ideal as it provides balance and keeps you stable while protecting your joints. However, it varies depending on each individual, their health condition, and their requirements. Consult a medical professional and your yoga guru if you have joint sensitivity, are pregnant, or have an injury before you invest in buying a mat. Then, choose the best yoga mat for workouts that suits your specific needs. Though selecting a yoga mat based on colors and designs is tempting, you must choose one that fits your requirement and serves the purpose.
Q3. How to clean a yoga mat?
Ans: To clean your yoga mat, mix equal quantities of water and white vinegar, spray it all over it, let it stay for a minute, and wipe it off using a clean cotton cloth. Alternately, you can deep clean your yoga mat by adding a few drops of dish wash liquid to warm water, spritzing this solution, and wiping it off after a minute or two. In case you are wondering whether you can put your mat in the washing machine or not, well, it depends on the mat you have; please read and follow the instructions mentioned by the company when you purchase your mat.
Q4. Is there a difference between a yoga mat and an exercise mat?
Ans: Absolutely, the difference is in the thickness and the firmness of the material used. Yoga mats are thinner comparatively, and their firmness lies somewhere in the middle on a scale. They provide a cushion and give stability to the person doing the poses. On the contrary, exercise mats are thicker and relatively firm or soft based on their usage. The firmer ones provide padding for dropping weights, kettlebells, etc., while the softer ones are used for body and abb exercises.
Q5. Does the material used in the yoga mat matters?
Most the yoga mats are made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), a type of plastic. PVC is usually durable and affordable but may not provide optimal grip. Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is another material used to make yoga mats. It provides good grip and is lightweight but isn’t long-lasting. Many mats are being made with natural materials like rubber, cork, and Jute in recent times and are gaining popularity. When choosing a yoga mat, select a high-quality one that suits your requirement.
