The 6 Best Exercise & Yoga Mats for Home
The right type of workout mat is the foundation of your exercise routine. It’s where you’ll spend plenty of time twisting, turning, and working hard – so you want to make sure it’s up for the job!
Here, I’ve curated a list of the best exercise and yoga mats that I think will make a great addition to your home gym.
From Tosca
Protect your body from strain and injuries
There’s something comforting about owning a good exercise mat. The texture and springy construction seem to tell your body it’s time to focus on yourself. Investing in a quality mat is crucial for getting the most out of your workout space.
I hope you will find this list of mat options helpful and insightful.
Exercise Mats
People often use the terms “yoga mat” and “exercise mat” interchangeably, but there are some slight differences between them. Exercise mats are generally thicker, spongier, and softer than yoga mats. Exercise mats may also have a larger footprint because they focus less on portability.
ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat
$26
Pros
- Easy to Clean
- Longer-term solution with easy install
- Versatile
Cons
- Not particularly portable
- May slide on flooring
- Heavy objects may cause dents
This ½” EVA foam mat comes in tiles that fit together like puzzle pieces. The foam is quite firm with a little bit of give, making it an excellent choice for stretching, floorwork, lifting weights, and other typical workouts. Altogether, the pieces cover 24 square feet.
BalanceForm Three Fold Exercise Mat
$38.99
Pros
- Wipe-clean vinyl cover
- Folds up for thicker cushion
- 1.5” thick for shock absorption
Cons
- May slide on some floors
- May be too soft for some workouts
The BalanceForm Three Fold mat is a thicker, softer mat made from EPE foam in a vinyl cover. The sponginess of this mat makes it a good choice for workouts that could include falls or higher impact, like acro-yoga, pole fitness, or martial arts.
We Sell Mats 4 ft x 8 ft x 2 in
$190
Pros
- Portable tri-fold design
- Offers plenty of workout space
- Excellent cushioning
Cons
- More costly than some options
Suitable for both home and commercial settings, We Sell Mats have earned a reputation for mats that are robust and long lasting.
The 4×8 layout gives you lots of room to move, and 2″ of padding means you can be comfortable doing it.
Yoga Mats
Yoga mats are typically thinner and denser than exercise mats. Because they’re usually designed to be portable, they also tend to be smaller, so they can be rolled up and carried around.
Gorilla Mats Premium Large Yoga Mat
$250
Pros
- Extra durable
- includes microfiber towel, storage bag, & velcro straps
- Grips on any flooring
Cons
- Slightly less portable than average
- Higher-than-average cost
As the title implies, the Gorilla Mats Premium Large Yoga mat is bigger than average at 5’ by 7’. This latex-free yoga mat is a plush 8mm thick and comes with a microfiber towel to wipe it clean.
Gaiam Jute Mat
$39.99
Pros
- Absorbent to prevent slipping
- Sustainably made
- Durable
Cons
- May have an odd odor at first
- More complex care instructions
Some people prefer the feeling of natural fibers when practicing yoga, which makes this Gaiam Jute Mat an excellent choice. This mat combines natural jute fibers with PER for a lightweight, latex-free alternative to average yoga mats.
Gaiam Premium Reversible Yoga Mat
$39.99
Pros
- Latex-free
- Easy to clean
- No-slide grip
Cons
The Gaiam Premium Reversible Yoga Mat is 6 mm thick and made of PVC foam. Both sides of this mat feature unique designs in dazzling bright colors. At 68” by 24”, this mat rolls up tightly for easy portability or storage.
June & Juniper Travel Yoga Mat
$74.99
Pros
- Packable
- Dries like a yoga towel, but doesn’t bunch up
- Machine washable
Cons
- Contains latex
- Some users may need additional padding
This lightweight no-slip mat is perfect for trips and retreats. The June & Juniper travel mat is only about as thick as a credit card, plus it’s foldable, so it’s easy to pack. It even comes with a knee pad for added comfort. This mat is made of natural rubber.
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look for When Buying Workout Mats
It’s not necessarily enough to have a mat for your workout. You need to ensure you have the right kind of mat. When purchasing a new mat, be sure to look for these 3 things.
Grip
Not all mats will grip all floors. Some mats may grip better on carpet, while others grip better on hardwood. Considering the slip factor is vital to prevent injuries.
Material
Some mats contain substances like phthalates or latex, which could harm you or the environment. Make sure your new mat is non-toxic, so you’re not adding unnecessary exposure to harmful proteins or chemicals.
Thickness & Density
Yoga mats are perfect for yoga but may not be enough to prevent tailbone bruises in an acrobatics accident. Make sure you’re getting the right amount of cushion for the type of exercise you’re doing.