The 5 Best Exercise Mats
A quality exercise mat is a staple item in any home gym. Whether you like to stretch in the morning, do yoga at night, or follow a home fitness regimen, you need an exercise mat. There are different exercise mats for different purposes. You can choose the right size, thickness, and texture to fit your personal preferences and fitness needs.
What Is an Exercise Mat?
Exercise mats are special non-slip mats used during any fitness activity to protect your hands, feet, back, and body while you complete your favorite exercises. Along with cushioning you from the hard floor underneath, exercise mats can also help reduce injuries and prevent your hands and feet from slipping so you can get the most out of your workout and safely perform any stretch. Exercise mats are affordable and should last you a long time. To get the best value from the mat, it’s important to clean it after every use with water or a yoga mat spray.
You want to choose something that is thick enough to protect you from the hard ground underneath, but not so thick that it impairs your ability to complete a workout. In most cases, an extra-thick 1/2-inch mat is the best bet because you can complete any exercise on it without losing your balance. Some people prefer to have a thicker mat for high-intensity workouts and a thinner non-skid mat for their yoga practice, but this isn’t absolutely necessary. It may take you some time to find which mat works best for your body, but we’ve found the best exercise mats for every type of workout to help get you started.
Top 5 Exercise Mats
BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Extra Thick High Density Anti-Tear Exercise Yoga Mat
As Amazon’s #1 best seller in yoga mats, the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose exercise mat will double as the perfect yoga mat. With nearly 1,200 five-star reviews on Amazon, the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Extra Thick High Density Anti-Tear Exercise Yoga Mat commonly tops the lists for the best yoga mat. It is 71 inches long and made of high density foam material. It has non-slip traction and cushion on both sides, so you can use either side, making the mat last much longer.
It is also thicker and more comfortable than most other mats, making it especially ideal for people with a sensitive back. It is moisture-resistant, so you can easily clean it with soap and water. Over time, the mat can develop marks and tears, but should be usable for years. The lightweight mat comes with a carrying strap for easy transport. It is available in seven colors and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee and two-year warranty.
Sivan Health and Fitness Extra Thick NBR Comfort Foam Yoga Mat
As Amazon’s #1 best seller in Pilates floor mats, the Sivan Health and Fitness 1/2-Inch Extra Thick 71-Inch Long NBR Comfort Foam Yoga Mat is ideal for all your favorite exercises, including yoga and Pilates. It is also one of the top rated items on Amazon and one of the thickest mats on the market, providing better impact absorption. The extra thick mat is made with specially designed memory foam, so it will optimally protect your knees and joints.
The mat has a ribbed surface on one side and a smooth surface on the other side, so it will grip the floor to improve your workout and prevent injuries. While it does have non-slip on one side, some reviewers found that it can still slip on hardwood floors. Over time, the mat can also develop marks and tears. The durable, long lasting material is moisture-resistant and easy to clean, so it will last you for years. It is available in seven different colors and comes with an integrated carry strap, so it is easy to transport.
Everlast Folding Mat
The Everlast Folding Mat is 72 inches long and is very thick and springy, which is best for high-intensity workout programs. The thick cushioning will give way under your feet, so it might not be the right fit for standing yoga poses. The mat does not have a non-slip bottom, so it can slip a bit on hardwood floors.
It has a non-absorbent shell, which won’t absorb sweat or moisture. The sturdy mat can be easily wiped clean and will last you for years. It can be folded away for easy storage and the handle makes it easy to transport. The durable mat is comparable to the popular SPRI folding exercise mat, but costs much less. It is one of Amazon’s best sellers, one of the top rated and “most wished for” items on Amazon, and is commonly recommended by fitness professionals. It is also ideal for people with very sensitive backs because of the extra cushioning. It is available in black and blue, but oftentimes, only one color is available for purchase.
HemingWeigh Extra Thick Foam Exercise Mat
The HemingWeigh Extra Thick Foam Exercise Mat is 70 inches long and constructed of thick foam, to make even the most intense workouts more comfortable. In fact, it is one of the thickest, most comfortable mats on the market. It has a non-slip surface on both sides that will grip the floor to prevent slipping and injuries. It will also allow you to use both sides of the mat, so it will last longer. It is moisture-resistant and easy to clean, so it will stay in optimal condition throughout the time you own it. In fact, this quality mat is designed to last longer than standard exercise mats, so you’ll get a better deal. It is designed for use with all types of exercises and stretches, including yoga and Pilates.
The integrated self-strapping system makes it easy to transport the lightweight mat. It is one of Amazon’s best sellers, as well as one of the top rated items on Amazon. It is also the most popular exercise mat found in yoga studios, fitness clubs, schools, and home gyms.
Prosource Premium Extra Thick High Density Exercise Yoga Mat
The Prosource Premium 1/2-Inch Extra Thick 71-Inch Long High Density Exercise Yoga Mat with Comfort Foam is one of Amazon’s best sellers for a reason. With more than 1,200 five-star reviews, it is the perfect mat for nearly any type of activity. It is very thick and can help protect extra sensitive joints, but is still thin enough to be used during yoga poses. The Comfort Foam technology allows for better impact absorption and the non-slip surface keeps the mat in place while you are exercising. The high performance mat is twice as thick as standard yoga mats and can last significantly longer. The durable moisture-resistant surface is easy to clean, so you can keep it in optimal shape for longer. Over time, the mat can still develop marks and tears, but should be usable for years. It is available in eight colors and comes with a carrying strap for easier transport.
And those are our recommendations for the best exercise mats. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!
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