Our 12 Best Exercise Gym Mat In The US - November 2023

You can't expect an exercise mat to last forever. But you can try buying one that is worth your money. Closed cell mats are firmer and last longer than open cell mats. The most durable mats are those that have a protective covering, like the BalanceFrom Tri Fold. It is our top choice for durability because it appears to be almost impossible to tear. The product is made of dense, firm foam.

The smallest mat we have is 3 millimeters thick, and the largest mat is 50 millimeters. You decide how thick your mat is. It depends on the exercises you plan to do on it and the thickness that feels most comfortable.

Magid explains that while a thicker surface may be more comfortable for your joints, it can make it harder to balance on because of its less stable surface. The key is to find the right balance between stability and padding.

It's nice after a sweaty exercise to clean your mat of any odors or bacteria. The majority of exercise mats that we tested were waterproof. Pay attention to the mat's construction to tell if it is waterproof or not. Open-cell foam does not provide waterproof protection. The Sunny Health and Fitness Folding Mat is easy to clean and unique because you can remove the mat's cover and wash it thoroughly.

Each panel is equipped with a zipper and the foam can be easily removed. The cover is made from durable nylon that is waterproof and does not hold bacteria or odors. A closed-cell mat, such as the BalanceFrom Trifolding mat or ProsourceFit Extra Thick yoga and Pilates mat, is waterproof but can also be wiped clean without absorbing moisture.

Traction is a very important factor to consider when purchasing an exercise mat. The traction is important, even though these mats have many different applications. Each mat was tested by pouring a cup of liquid on it to see how well they would hold up during a sweaty exercise. Retrospec Laguna was the best mat. The mats stayed put even when we dipped our hands and toes in a pool of water. The mat's material is more like rubber than foam so your body will stick to it and you can concentrate on your form instead of worrying about getting a towel. HemingWeigh performed well as well. Although the mat is made of waterproof foam, the material provided the best grip among the cushioned matting. The HemingWeigh has non-slip ridges that prevent hands and feet from slipping and stay secure on the floor below.

Lowe says that "most people prefer a textured floor for extra grip and stability. This is especially true when doing exercise which involves a lot movement." The best mats are those that have a non-slip texture. If you sweat a lot while exorcising, you should look for mats that are sweat-wicking.

The mat you choose will depend on where it is placed. You'll want a mat that has enough cushioning to prevent it from sliding around if you are working out on hardwood flooring. If you are working out on carpets, then a thin mat will work. However, it must have excellent grip.

You must first consider the type of exercise you will be doing on your mat. A mat that is extra durable is required for HIIT exercises, as anything that moves or can bunch up could be a safety hazard. Pilates and barre are lower impact exercises that still require a strong mat. However, they may shift more. If you prefer to exercise in sneakers and not barefoot, choose a mat designed for sneakers.

Exercise mats can be made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyester, synthetic materials such as PVC or vinyl, rubber or foam. Rubber mats may be more durable but will not feel as cushioned as mats made of foam.

Rubber mats tend to be heavier and more expensive. Foam mats, on the other hand, areer and lighter. They are not recommended for intense workouts or those that require heavy weights or a lot more movement because they can easily get torn or scuffed. Look for a mat which will support your workouts and feel comfortable.

We tested our mats in different scenarios to determine which one is the most versatile. The ProsourceFit puzzle mat was our top choice. It is great for both high-intensity exercises and stretching. Stamina Fold-to-Fit was another great option. We liked that it could be folded along six different seams so it would fit under your bench seat, or fully extended for a large space to jump around. Gaim Essentials Thin Mat was one of our favorite mats. It is a smaller, more traditional mat. It's comfortable to stretch out on, but also offers stability for jumping and balance. It is easy to roll up and secure with a strap. This would make a and versatile option for travel.

Comfort is the key to choosing a mat for stretching and floor exercises. BalanceFrom Go Cloud is a great mat for anyone looking for comfort. It protects and cushions your elbows, knees and joints from hard surfaces with its 1-inch thick foam. The foam bounces back when heavy weights are placed on its surface.