Exercise mats are an essential workout accessory that provides support and cushioning for your body. They are especially good at protecting from injury if you have to work out on a slippery or rough surface. The best exercise mats are designed to make you comfortable while you work out, whether that involves stretching, yoga, pilates, or any other floor-based exercises.
With various types of exercise mats available, it can be helpful to narrow down your options based on your particular exercise needs. In this article, we’ll look closely at two specific types of the best exercise mats—a thick mat for tumbling and a thinner mat for more stationary activities.
Determine Your Needs
If you are performing tumbling for gymnastics, a thicker, more cushioned mat will be your best option. This type of mat also makes a good choice for practicing martial arts or wrestling, as it will provide extra softness for any throws or falls.
If you plan to use your mat for yoga, pilates, or stretching—exercises that are stationary rather than tumbling—a thinner mat will be your ideal exercise mat choice.
Best Exercise Mat for Tumbling
Best Exercise Tri-Fold Gym Mat
This 6’ x 2’ tri-fold gym mat is made from durable and thick foam padding, This makes it the best exercise mat for any type of tumbling, wrestling, and martial arts. The thickness of this mat provides maximum support and comfort. Hold your poses longer with built-in stability and a non-slip finish.
This portable mat folds up effortlessly, is very lightweight, and has carrying handles. As a result, it’s easy to take with you wherever you choose to exercise or perform. This is the best exercise mat for all levels of fitness and abilities. In addition, its surface material makes it very easy to keep clean. With a firm construction, this mat is also ideal for yoga, pilates, stretching, and even rehabilitation exercises.
Best Exercise Mat for Stationary Activities
Best Exercise Mat for Floor Workouts
This is the best mat for yoga, pilates, and stretches. It’s also great for any other type of floor workout where you need a non-irritating and non-slip surface. This yoga mat is so durable you’ll be able to continue using it for years to come. Made of premium thermoplastic elastomers—TPE—the Dralegend yoga mat doesn’t have many of the problems commonly found in other yoga mat materials like rubber and PVC. This one is odorless, more resilient, incredibly lightweight, and extra soft.
You need a safe fitness mat with a non-slip texture for optimal grip. This dual-sided non-slip yoga mat is the perfect exercise mat for practicing yoga. This includes environments, like wood, tile, or cement floors, without any worries. In addition, when dripping sweat, the TPE material absorbs moisture. This reduces the risk of slipping and keeping you cool and cozy throughout your exercise session.