The Best Workout Mats, Tested and Reviewed
Yoga, HIIT, Pilates — these exercise mats can handle it all.
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An at-home gym can be stocked with dumbbells, ellipticals, treadmills, resistance bands or with nothing more than the most essential piece of equipment: a workout mat. If your workouts include core exercises, burpees, bridges, yoga stretches, weightlifting or other movements, an exercise mat offers a cushioned, supportive and hygienic surface for your routine.
To find the best workout mats, our expert testers in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab and Wellness Lab reviewed 17 yoga mats and 11 exercise mats, measuring the thickness and weight of each mat as well as cleaning each one to determine how well it performs against normal wear and tear. We also asked a panel of at-home testers to work out on these fitness mats and share their feedback regarding cushioning, support, grip, appearance and anything else that can make or break a sweat session. Ahead, read our reviews of the best workout mats for every type of exercise.
Pros
- Great floor traction
- Good cushion, even on hardwood floors
- Includes a carrying strap
Cons
- On the heavier side
Material: Polyurethane and rubber | Dimensions: 71" x 24" | Thickness: 3 mm or 5 mm | Weight: 4.2 lbs (3 mm) or 6.2 lbs (5 mm)
What it's best for: Very cushioned, this workout mat is ideal for high-intensity and core workouts in homes with hardwood floors.
In our Lab tests: This high-quality mat from Yoga Design Lab was a top performer in our testing. It features excellent cushioning, even on hardwood floors, and stayed put during high-intensity exercises like burpees on both hardwood and carpet. While it's on the heavier side, our testers especially loved this mat's stylish appearance, which is available in a variety of shades online. With 3mm or 5mm thickness, it offers enough cushioning for planks while being thin enough so you feel connected to the floor during a yoga practice. Plus, we love that it comes with a carrying strap so you can easily transport it from home to your favorite studio.
Pros
- Easy to roll and transport to fitness classes
- Testers gave high marks for cushioning
- Reversible design
Cons
- Showed some sliding on the floor during high intensity exercise
Material: PVC | Dimensions: 68" x 24" | Thickness: 6 mm | Weight: 3.5 lbs
What it's best for: For less than $30, this budget-friendly mat is great for yoga or studio classes.
In our Lab tests: This top-rated mat consistently impresses GH testers and has garnered over 21,000 Amazon reviews with an impressive 4.7-star average rating. It's versatile, lightweight and reversible, featuring a textured surface that provides excellent grip and reliable cushioning. One of our GH analysts uses this mat every day when stretching and working out, saying "I've used this mat for multiple years and love how easy it is to clean while continuing to be cushioning and supportive." Though it's not our go-to for HIIT training as it did show some shifting during Lab evaluations, we appreciate its lighter weight compared to other mats for easy toting to studio classes.
RELATED: The Best Yoga Mats
Pros
- Large surface area
- Soft, sturdy, non-slip design, according to online reviewers
- Suitable for multiple activities
Cons
- Pricey
Material: Rubber, polyurethane, antimicrobial polyester weave | Dimensions: 73" x 27" | Thickness: 4.5 mm | Weight: Not listed
What it's best for: This grippy mat is excellent for hot yoga, larger rooms or anyone willing to splurge for superb quality.
In our Lab tests: The GH fitness experts love this exercise mat for its large size that provides ample room for jump squats, Downward Dog and a variety of movements or poses. It’s on the pricier side, but it’s suitable for all sorts of activities and is one of our go-to mats for hot yoga, thanks to its grippy surface that helps you stay put no matter how much you sweat. One online reviewer said the mat's grip was "like no other," while claimed its soft, sturdy design helps them feel supported throughout their practice.
NASM-Certified Personal Trainer and GH fitness expert Stefani Sassos tests out the Yoga Hustle exercise mat.
Pros
- Reviewers said it stays put and doesn't slide around
- Can use as an exercise mat or place equipment on it
- Shoe-friendly
Cons
- Not portable
Material: PVC | Dimensions: 6' x 4' | Thickness: 7 mm | Weight: 6 lbs
What it's best for: Large open spaces with plenty of space for a bigger-than-standard mat, especially if you'd like to avoid interlocking mat tiles.
In our Lab tests: At 6' x 4', this oversized, ultra-thick exercise mat is a popular choice on Amazon with an average 4.6-star rating. Reviewers noted that it stays in place and is great for aerobics and HIIT workouts, plus the brand says it's shoe-friendly. According to our pros, it will even stand up to activities like jump roping or can serve as a soft base under a weight bench for at-home gyms. Just keep in mind that due to its size, it's heavier than most exercise mats and not easily portable.
Pros
- Reviewers noted good durability and quality
- Variety of sizes and thicknesses
- Customizable configuration to fit your space
Cons
- Tester noticed that the pieces sometimes separate during vigorous exercise
- Not portable
Material: Foam | Dimensions: 24" x 24" | Thickness: 12.7 mm | Weight: 4 lbs
What it's best for: This puzzle mat is ideal for lifting weights in a home gym, especially for movements like deadlifts.
In our Lab tests: Interlocking exercise mat tiles may be just what you need to protect your home's flooring and amplify your workout. Designed to be customizable to fit your space, the set comes with six tiles (or more depending on the size you choose) and each tile is 0.5 inches thick (or you can choose ones up to 1 inch thick) and provides cushioning for all types of workout movements, whether you're lifting weights or doing push-ups.
One GH pro uses these tiles and loves that they "absorb shock and sound, so they're perfect for apartment living — you won't disturb your roommates or downstairs neighbors with your workout." Though the tiles may separate during vigorous training, our analysts like that each set includes six tiles with end borders so the corners of the mat look polished in your home gym. We also appreciate that you can choose the size that fits your space, with options up to 144 square feet. This isn't a portable design either.
Pros
- Supportive, cushioned surface
- Water-resistant, according to the brand
- Tri-fold design ideal for storage
Cons
- Not suitable for a yoga practice
Material: Foam | Dimensions: 74" x 24" | Thickness: 38 mm | Weight: 4.75 lbs
What it's best for: Workouts like core exercises, martial arts, gymnastics or high-impact movements are compatible with this extra thick mat.
In our Lab tests: A thin workout mat just won't cut it for those looking for extra joint protection, but this folding exercise mat from ProsourceFit provides a solution. As the thickest mat in this roundup at 1.5 inches thick, one tester said that it "provides great cushioning and protection from outdoor elements when doing crunches or other core work."
Our testers love this pick's portability for workouts in the park during the warmer months, and the tri-fold feature makes it compact for storage. The mat's thickness means it's not suitable for yoga, but it's a top choice for martial arts, gymnastics and other workouts that require maximum support and cushioning. According to the brand, it's also water-resistant.
Pros
- Grippy surface for quick movements
- Stays put during workouts
- Works for a variety of exercises
Cons
- Heavy to carry
- Carrying strap not included
Material: PVC | Dimensions: 71" x 26" | Thickness: 6 mm | Weight: 7.5 lbs
What it's best for: This durable mat is great for at-home HIIT, yoga, barre and CrossFit workouts.
In our Lab tests: The Manduka PRO yoga mat offers unparalleled floor traction that is ideal for HIIT workouts because you need a durable surface that'll offer great grip for quick movements. In testing, GH Lab analysts appreciated its thicker cushioning but noted that it is heavier than other mats and a carrying strap isn't included. Nevertheless, this versatile mat is worth the investment and a good pick for yoga, barre and CrossFit. You can even purchase it in an extra-long length (85 inches) should you need more floor coverage.
RELATED: 5 Benefits of HIIT, According to a Personal Trainer
Pros
- 1/2-inch thickness
- Carrying strap included
- High marks for cushioning and support from testers
- Affordable
Cons
- Bulkier design was harder to carry, according to testers
Material: Foam | Dimensions: 74" x 24" | Thickness: 12.7 mm | Weight: 2.48 lbs
What it's best for: With over 70,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this budget-friendly mat is great for indoor or outdoor yoga, core workouts and more.
In our Lab tests: When working out on concrete or grass, you need thicker cushioning to keep your joints protected. This 1/2-inch
mat from Amazon Basics is still lightweight and one of the thickest portable mats we tested. Testers gave it high marks for cushioning and support. GH pros love that this pick includes a carrying strap for easy toting outside, but some testers said the bulky size made it difficult to carry. However, its a great value that's difficult to beat.
Pros
- Helpful alignment markers
- Available in a variety of colors
- Loved by testers and experts alike
Cons
- Not suited for carpets
Material: Polyurethane, rubber | Dimensions: 72.8" x 26.8" | Thickness: 4.3 mm | Weight: 5.5 lbs
What it's best for: This mat is better suited for workouts on hard floors than carpets.
In our Lab tests: Both our testers and experts were impressed by this mat. Yoga mat testers gave this Liforme mat perfect ratings for both the grip on hands and feet and the traction on the floor. But this mat isn't just for yoga; we found it performed well in all different types of exercises, from resistance band work to HIIT movements. The alignment markers came in handy for lunges and sumo squat foot placement and practicing your form in yoga poses, plus it comes in fun colors. According to our pros, it stayed put on hardwood floors during tests but did move around a bit when we performed HIIT exercises on carpet.
Test engineer Alec Scherma evaluates the cushioning on the Liforme Original Yoga Mat while performing resistance band exercises.
Pros
- Two different surface feels
- Stays in place during quick exercise
- Grooves help you maintain alignment
Cons
- On the heavier side
Material: PVC | Dimensions: 70.9" x 24" | Thickness: 4.8 mm | Weight: 4.85 lbs
What it's best for: This reversible mat works for a variety of workouts, eliminating the need for several mats for different types of exercise.
In our Lab tests: This workout mat from Les Mills has two different surfaces: one that's smoother for yoga and a high-grip side ideal for sweatier exercise. Depending on the workout you choose, either side may be preferred, making this mat incredibly versatile. Our testers gave it high marks for support and staying in place during quick movements. One tester especially loved the grooves in the mat, saying, "They were in the perfect spot for me to get into postures." At nearly 5 pounds, it's on the heavy side so if you're worried about carrying it, it may be better suited for a home gym.
How we test workout mats
Experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab teamed up with Stefani Sassos, the Wellness Lab director and NASM-certified personal trainer at GH, to put workout mats to the test. In our most recent evaluations, GH experts assessed 19 yoga mats and 11 workout mats, logging over 200 hours of workouts among testers to find the best exercise mats on the market.
When evaluating exercise mats, the Textiles Lab experts first weigh each mat, measure its thickness and rate its ease of use.
Next, testers are asked to try out each mat to give feedback on grip, floor traction, support, cushioning and more.
Lastly, our experts assess fitness mats by using them for various workout movements, ranging from low-impact exercises like push-ups and squats to high-intensity interval workouts featuring burpees and skater lunges.
We also clean mats with household cleaners to determine their durability and how well they'll hold up over time.
What to look for when shopping for a workout mat
✔️ Activity: First, ask yourself what type of workouts you plan on using your exercise mat for. HIIT workouts require an extra sturdy surface as anything that will move or bunch up can cause a major safety hazard. Lower-impact workouts like Pilates or barre still require a sturdy mat, but there's room for more shifting. And if you like to exercise in sneakers, make sure to purchase a compatible mat (or one that's not barefoot only) to prevent tearing.
✔️ Surface type: Consider what type of surface you'll use underneath your workout mat. If you’re working out on hardwood floors, you’ll need a mat with ample cushioning that won’t slide around. If you’re working out on carpet, a thinner mat may be suitable, but it’ll still need to have excellent grip so it stays put.
✔️ Size: Exercise mats are available in a variety of sizes — from under 3 feet to over 7 feet long. Be sure to check the mat’s dimensions before purchasing to ensure you can store it properly. Some mats fold up or roll up for easy storage while others are designed to stay laid out to protect the floors, so you should choose what's most suitable for your needs. If you bring your mat to and from the gym, a lightweight mat is important (an included carrying case or strap is a major bonus too!).
✔️ Thickness: The thickness of a mat directly correlates to how much cushioning it offers. If you have joint sensitivity, a mat with more cushioning can help relieve any discomfort from exercising. Certain foldable mats can also easily create more cushioning at the top for extra support during plank exercises.
Is a workout mat worth it?
Yes, a workout mat is worth it and a must according to our fitness experts. Working out without an exercise mat, especially on hardwood floors, can put you at risk of injury, whereas a mat provides necessary cushioning to protect your joints as well as traction to keep you stable as you exercise. For those who like high-intensity workouts, a fitness mat also helps protect your floor and carpet.
What's the best way to clean a workout mat?
It's always important to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to ensure the best outcome, but it's generally safe to clean most exercise mats with a damp washcloth with soap or a disinfectant wipe. While you don’t need to clean a workout mat after every workout, we recommend cleaning a mat regularly to keep it fresh and in great condition.
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