Best Exercise Mats in 2022

Last update: November 22, 2022

Can an exercise mat be too thick?

An exercise mat can be too thick if it makes it difficult for you to maintain proper form while doing exercises. A mat that is too thick can also cause you to feel uncomfortable while working out.

Can I use a yoga mat as a fitness mat?

Yes, you can use a yoga mat as a fitness mat. A yoga mat is designed to provide a comfortable, non-slip surface for yoga practice, and can also be used for other types of exercise, such as Pilates or mat-based workouts. If you're using a yoga mat for fitness purposes, be sure to clean it after each use to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Can you use a yoga mat for working out?

Yes, you can use a yoga mat for working out. However, you may want to consider using a different type of mat for high-impact workouts, such as running or aerobics. Yoga mats are designed to provide a cushioned, stable surface for practicing yoga. They are typically made from foam or rubber and can be found in a variety of thicknesses.

Do you need an exercise mat on carpet?

If you have carpet in your home and you want to do some floor exercises, you may be wondering if you need an exercise mat. The short answer is that it depends on the type of carpet and the intensity of your workout. If you have a low-pile carpet, you can probably get away with not using a mat. However, if you have a thick, shaggy carpet, you may want to use a mat to protect your floor and prevent your carpet from getting too sweaty.


BalanceFrom GoFit High Density Treadmill Exercise Bike Equipment Mat Review:


Honestly, I adore this mat. I purchased it for a somewhat special purpose... To jump rope outside in my yard, I wanted a mat.But I received so much more! It is fantastic under my regular yoga mat, I've discovered! Just incredibly narrow is my yoga mat, which I LOVE LOVE LOVE too. Since I'm a fat girl, while I'm lying down, my arms are almost always over the mat. I no longer have to rest my arms on the bare floor thanks to this below, which expands the mat's surface. Additionally, it improves the "stick" of my yoga mat, lowering the likelihood of slippage even further.Regarding the purpose I purchased it for, a jump roping surface, it has been fantastic! No problems have arisen for me. It has provided me with enough of a flat area to work on, even on rather uneven flooring, without tripping over my jump rope.So, overall, I'm just really, really thrilled! I was happy with it right away and after using it for a few weeks. Even now, many months later, I still adore my mat. It has a strong, premium feel. And I'm actually lot happier than I had anticipated with it. For me, it was pretty much love at first sight! I have no idea why. One of those things you just don't think you'll like.And even if carrying it around is rather difficult for a girl, I do so gladly and without effort. I bring it outside so I can jump rope. After that, transport it back inside and roll it out for yoga. It is therefore in constant usage. The cost was also very reasonable. To avoid using my dirty outside mat indoors, I would get another if I weren't dirt poor. However, a girl has to do what a girl has to do.So, would I suggest it? You bet I'd buy it again. Would that I could!And just so you know, it does smell chemically. However, the stench doesn't bother me at all because I use it outside so frequently. In fact, I suggest letting it air out in some fresh air when you get it. Can't hurt, right?I could care less; I'm content with it!



Incline Fit Exercise Mat Ananda 1" Extra Thick Exercise Mat with Strap - Non Slip Workout Mat for Yoga, Pilates, Stretching, Meditation, Floor & Fitness Exercises Review:


The hard ground made several yoga positions painful for my knees, and my hands and feet kept slipping as I tried to maintain balance. I therefore bought this mat in the shade of night blue. This mat has a lovely color and is quite soft. My knees and elbows are pain-free, and I no longer fear slipping! While performing plank or downward facing dog, the mat does not stretch. I read several reviews for other thick mats that claimed it was difficult to maintain balance on them, but I don't believe this to be the case. Contrarily, it is far simpler to concentrate on your balance than it is to worry about your sore body parts or shaky hands.Excellent packaging; there are no damages to the package. Immediately following a few moves, you may notice some little pits on the mat, but they quickly vanish. Because of its smooth surface, I do not advise wearing shoes on it; instead, yoga socks or bare feet work wonderfully well. The mat has a faint plastic odor, but I believe it will go away once I give it a chance to air out. Although I haven't used the mat in a while, I believe it to be robust enough for me to use for a long time.This mat is ideal for me, and anyone with similar concerns should definitely consider it.



Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat 1" w/ Nylon Strap for Men & Women - Non Slip Exercise Mat for Yoga, Pilates, Stretching, Floor & Fitness Workouts Review:


I will therefore be retaining this item, but I wish I had had the time to personally measure what a 1-inch yoga mat actually looked like. It is much heavier to transport to and from the yoga class and more thicker than I needed for my intended use. I can see how this would be useful if someone is dealing with severe back or knee pain. This is too much for the typical yogi to handle and store. It is far more yoga mat than I actually required, therefore the four stars.



BalanceFrom GoCloud All-Purpose 1-Inch Extra Thick High Density Anti-Tear Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap Review:


For me, this mat is PERFECT. My lower back occasionally hurts, especially after doing my retail job (standing, lifting boxes, etc.). I don't have any "chronic discomfort," but this mat sure makes everything easier. It relieves a lot of the strain that exercising like pushups or crunches puts on your body. After a long day at work, my back would pain for almost a week, and I couldn't even handle the elliptical. I stopped going to the gym. I am confident that using this mat will enable me to maintain my fitness regimen while looking for a new employment.I combine it with the free Fitify apps, which include ones for full-body stretches, stability ball exercises, ab and core work, and more. With this mat, you essentially already have a home gym.I wish this mat were my bed since it is so strong yet really plush. Each and every penny is more than worth it.



Prosource Fit Extra Thick Puzzle Exercise Mat, EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles for Protective, Cushioned Workout Flooring for Home and Gym Equipment Review:


To exercise at home, my wife and I were browsing for puzzle mats. Two persons jumping and performing burpees could have been too much for the 1/2 inch thick mats. The 1 inch thick puzzle mats were our initial choice, but they were much more expensive. The 3/4 inch is reasonably priced and has a decent thickness. It has excellent grip and quickly disperses our weight. If there is only one person and little room, one set is adequate. I advise at least 3 sets when there are two persons. I'm quite happy with this purchase.



Stamina Fold-to-Fit Folding Equipment Mat (84-Inch by 36-Inch) Review:


I considered a ton of options before deciding on this mat (purchased 2), and I couldn't be more pleased with my decision. The fact that this mat is larger than others in the "equipment" and "workout" categories on most websites is a benefit for me. The additional square footage allowed for a better fit in my training area, which was crucial for preserving the carpet in a leased place. Together, the two mats offer a nearly perfect fit and plenty of room for my needs—exercise, not equipment support. The treadmill in my workout room, however, would be supported far better by one of these mats than it is by a bargain store pad, which is what it currently stands on, in terms of equipment support. There is no quality contrast between the equipment pad already in use and the mat under examination. The mat triumphs categorically.The fold-up nature of these mats is a significant plus for a tiny flat with constrained open floor area. Due to the weight of each mat being very manageable for overhead storage, the folded dimensions of the mat (36Lx12Wx1.5H) makes it simple to store beneath a bed or other furniture, or even on a shelf in a closet. The capacity to fold each 12" part requires that the "folds lines" for each sector be a little bit thinner than the "mat" sections. However, the mat's durability is in no way diminished by the relative thinness. I've been using the mats for a few months, folding and unfolding them frequently, and neither the folds nor the section surfaces show any symptoms of wear or damage. The mats are the ideal option for exercise where floor protection is required because of their compact, folded size and ease of folding for storage. None of the interlocking squares, roll-out mats, yoga mats, etc. that I've used come close to this fold-up mat's quality and longevity.Even when exercising with socks on the feet, the mat's rough surface offers some grip. When barefoot, the surface is significantly more "grippy." You do not need to struggle with how to unfold the mat for usage because it may be used with either side "up." Due to the material's "memory effect" after being folded, the folds prevent the mat from lying totally flat, however the effect isn't significant enough to pose any actual issues when exercising. For instance, I've never stumbled over a fold because the tiniest protrusion is insufficient to induce falling. Only brought up since the mat doesn't lay completely flat when opened after being folded and stored, only to be briefly used again before being closed again. If the mat were left unfurled for some time, I'm not sure if it would flatten totally, but I believe the slightly raised portions would ultimately flatten completely. Placed over some surfaces, I can see how the mat would shift while exercise, but when placed over pretty deep carpet, I haven't had that issue. It would be simple to solve the "slipping" issue with some carefully placed Velcro, tape, or weights.This mat (2x, in my case) has been a great option for working out because it is made of high-quality material, is simple to move and store, fully preserves the carpet, offers some cushioning for exercise, and is reasonably priced in comparison to some other possibilities. In my experience, highly recommended.



BalanceFrom GoYoga All Purpose High Density Non-Slip Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap Review:


My first yoga mat is this one. I chose the shade of pink. I had always wanted to start but was expense conscious because I wasn't sure what yoga mat to use or even if I would stick with yoga. My initial reaction was that the quality and thickness of this mat pleasantly surprised me. Despite being 5'6", I have no trouble accomplishing what I need to on the mat because there is enough of room. The mat prevents me from slipping and is very simple to clean. I've used the mat every day, and it still looks just as it did the day I got it. Since I use carpet for mine, I'm not sure how it would perform on a different surface, but I can only assume carpet would be the most challenging. The thickness of the mat is adequate to support and cushion my body, with the exception of combinations that call for placing all of my weight on one knee. Recommended as a first mat. It accomplishes its goals and looks nice to boot! The strap it comes with is the last thing I truly appreciated. So simple to roll up, store, and transport to class. While some reviewers have mentioned an odd smell, mine was unscented. I have the pink, and neither it nor the studio where I attend courses have worn down or left pink stains on the carpet. Take a chance on it; you won't be sorry!



Incline Fit Extra Thick Exercise Mat w/ Carrying Strap - Non Slip & Comfortable Workout Mat For Yoga, Pilates, Stretching, Meditation, Floor & Fitness Exercises Review:


Instead of ordering this mat from Amazon, I went to my neighborhood Marshall's store. Disclaimer: I got a free jump rope in exchange for this review. Even though it appears that this mat is intended for yoga, I use it at home to perform ab exercises. I needed a thicker yoga mat than a typical one, and this one fits the bill nicely. I also really appreciate how cushiony it feels. Compared to other plasticky/hard training mats that you typically see at gyms, it feels considerably nicer. There is also no rubber or foam odor at all. rolls up well and fits beneath the bed, among other places. Before writing a review, I tried it for two weeks to see how it would hold up and whether it would start to get compressed (as many foam items do over time), but so far it has held its shape well. If you look closely at the photo, you can see some significant gouges in the mat that resulted from improper storage in the store where I purchased it; in essence, it got scratched on the crate that it was lying in. Because of this, you should be cautious when handling the mat as it may be vulnerable to such damage. Overall, I couldn't be happier with this mat because it is both extremely comfy and performs exactly what it is supposed to do.



ProsourceFit Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat ½” (13mm) or 1" (25mm), 71-inch Long High Density Exercise Mat with Comfort Foam and Carrying Strap Review:


It's mainly OK for the purpose I intend to use this mat for, but it might not be ideal for others. I just use it on carpet at home. If I intended to use this mat somewhere or on a different surface, I wouldn't like it.It's been remarked that it's long enough, which is nice because no one loves to have their limbs dangling over the end of a mat, but it definitely feels a little too narrow to be comfortable. It might be about four inches wider.It just has one side that is ridged or ribbed, but I believe it should have ridges on both sides. You must decide if you want more grip between the mat and the floor or between you and the mat. On a smooth, hard surface, I imagine I would be sliding around and find it to be quite impossible to use.The mat has a strip of black material that is not attached that I suppose may be used to make a crude strap to keep it wrapped and moveable. I don't need a carrying mechanism or a strap because I solely use the mat at home. However, I don't think I'd have the patience to keep trying to attach a strap each time I was done wearing it. Finding another mat with an attached strap would be my recommendation if you intend to use your mat in a class or in a gym.I picked this mat because of its relative cheapness, length, and thickness. And for the most part, it serves my needs. Be wary, though, if your goals are different.



Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Equipment Mat - Treadmill Mat, Exercise Bike Mat, Fitness Mat, Elliptical Mat, Jump Rope Mat, Gym Mat Use On Hardwood Floors and Carpet Protection Review:


I enjoy this mat a much! But I must admit, I misread the advertisement and believed it to be a work-out mat. However, I am so pleased I did since, until I accidentally purchased this, I had never even considered placing a mat under my elliptical. The fact that it will prevent my carpet from tearing makes it a terrific idea. This mat has also prevented my elliptical from sliding a little when I walk too quickly.I also advised my sister about this mat because it will preserve her floor and dampen the noise if her treadmill occasionally leaks a little oil.Since the mat is constructed of sturdy material, I anticipate using it for a very long time.:)Oh yeah, this company also makes a nice point, namely that by keeping out floor and carpet dust, this mat will extend the life of our machines.Once more, I'm happy I bought it.I got a deal on this item in exchange for a fair evaluation.


How do I keep my exercise mat from sliding?

To prevent your exercise mat from sliding, you can place a towel over it or use a mat with a textured surface. You can also use a yoga mat strap to secure the mat to the floor.

How thick should a HIIT mat be?

A HIIT mat should be at least 1/2-inch thick to protect your joints during high-impact activities. If you have sensitive joints, look for a mat that's 3/4-inch thick or thicker.

Is a thick yoga mat better?

A thicker yoga mat may provide more cushioning and support, which can be beneficial for some yoga poses. However, a thinner mat may be more suitable for other poses and can be easier to transport and store. Ultimately, it is important to choose a yoga mat that is comfortable for you and meets your needs.

Is an exercise mat worth it?

An exercise mat is a worth it investment for anyone who is looking to get into shape or improve their overall health. The mat provides a comfortable, cushioned surface to workout on and can help to protect your floor from damage. Additionally, the mat can help to keep you warm during colder months and can also be used for yoga or stretching exercises.

Is it better to workout on carpet or hard floor?

There isn't a definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preference and what type of workout you're doing. Some people prefer hard floors because they're easier to clean and don't absorb sweat like carpet does. Hard floors also provide a more stable surface for exercises that require balance. However, carpet can be more comfortable to workout on and may be better for exercises that involve a lot of kneeling or sitting on the floor. Ultimately, it's up to the individual to decide what works best for them.

What is the best exercise mat to use?

There are a few things to consider when purchasing an exercise mat. First, consider the type of exercises you will be doing. If you will be doing a lot of floor work or yoga, a mat with more cushioning will be necessary. Second, consider the size of the mat. You will want to make sure the mat is large enough to comfortably do the exercises you have planned. Lastly, consider the price. Exercise mats can range in price from around $20 to over $100. With all of these things in mind, you should be able to find the perfect exercise mat for you