The Best Home Exercise Mats

BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat

Assemble these tiles like a puzzle to form the perfect shape and size. These sturdy tiles are half an inch thick to provide you and your floors with high-quality protection. If you want a more finished look, this set includes end borders to complete the mat. If half-inch padding doesn’t seem like enough, there are thicker options available, too. The texture of the mats keeps you from skidding while pushing through the most difficult of workouts. We love that they are water-resistant to make spills and sweat a non-issue, and their noise resistance makes them an excellent choice for any room in your home.

Pros:

• Versatile — great for kids’ play areas too
• Includes six tiles and 12 end borders
• High-quality foam that is free of toxic phthalates
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Coloring varies a bit from tile to tile

ProsourceFit Half-Inch EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles

Slipping during your workout is more than just an annoyance — if you fall the wrong way, you could seriously injure yourself. That’s why we love these non-skid textured tiles that keep you on your feet and also give you comfort. This mat is easy to construct thanks to the interlocking foam tiles that you can put together however you like. And when you want to put the tiles away, you can disassemble them in no time. These tiles serve as a great way to protect your floors when the kids want to play, too.

Pros:

• Keeps slipping to a minimum
• Noise-resistant
• Easy to assemble and disassemble

Cons:

• While they’re non-slip, they can pull apart a bit over time with some workouts

Gxmmat Large Exercise Mat

No matter what workout you feel like doing, this home exercise mat is big enough to give you the space you need. It is ultra-thick and great for those workouts where you’re doing a lot of movement. The mat stays in place when you’re jumping rope or doing burpees. We love that this mat is odorless and won’t give you or your gym a funky smell. Enjoy the thick cushion and comfort this mat adds to your workout.

Pros:

• Great for workouts that have a lot of movement
• Oversized to accommodate different exercises
• Ultra-thick

Cons:

• Material may flake over time

BalanceFrom Tri-Fold Exercise Mat

Whether you’re working with limited space or looking to take your workout on the go, this folding mat is a dream come true. It folds up for easy storage, and when you’re ready to use it, it creates a nice thick surface for you to use. It’s a whopping two inches thick, so you know you’ll have plenty of cushioning and protection. We love using this for core exercises where you need some extra protection for your back. The carry handle makes it easy to take this mat with you, wherever the destination.

Pros:

• Available in multiple colors
• Tri-fold design is perfect for storage
• Two-inch thick cushion provides a lot of support

Cons:

• Supportive foam is on the harder side

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a yoga mat and an exercise mat?
For the most part, exercise mats are thicker than yoga mats. Yoga mats are kept thin to make them easy to carry. Thinner mats give you less bulk and weight to contend with when storing them away or traveling. Typically, exercise mats are thicker and aren’t made to be as mobile, though some models are designed to be taken from place to place. Exercise mats are meant for more intense workouts and thus need more cushion in them. Yoga mats typically have a stronger grip to help you feel more stable when moving through poses.

Do I need a mat under my equipment?
It depends on the floor you have in your home and whether you’re concerned about damaging it. Over time, having a stationary bicycle or other workout equipment could lead to damage on the floor, and a thick exercise mat goes a long way toward protecting it. They’re also a great way to protect your machine, as it keeps dust and other particles from getting into the belts of certain kinds of equipment.