The best workout mats are so much more than something to stand on. They enhance and elevate your exercise sessions, helping you to work more, sweat harder, and enjoy it all at the same time.
Great quality gym mats can make the difference between a below-average workout and an exceptional one, whether it’s Box Fit or Bikram.
As far as we’re concerned, the best exercise mats are as important as a personal trainer or teacher.
Your exercise mat will work just as hard as you, providing grip and traction through your planks, pushups, balances, and burpees, and ensuring comfort during stretches and cooldowns. Whether you’re doing endurance training or your favorite yoga sequence, the best exercise mats play a major part in getting those endorphins flowing.
We’ve selected the best workout mats, from the best yoga mats to mats designed for HIIT, as well as extra-thick mats for added cushioning or extra slim fitness mats to take with you on your travels.
The 19 best yoga mats and exercise mats
| Rank | Brand | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lululemon | Overall best |
| 2 | Manduka GRP Adapt | Best premium |
| 3 | BalanceFrom | Best value |
| 4 | ProsourceFit | Best for hardwood floors |
| 5 | Yoga Design Lab | Best for hot yoga |
| 6 | Nike | Best reversible |
| 7 | Manduka PRO | Best for carpet |
| 8 | June & Juniper | Best folding |
| 9 | Retrospec Solana | Best extra-thick |
| 10 | Liforme | Best with alignment lines |
| 11 | Gaiam | Best for beginners |
| 12 | Jade Yoga | Best sustainable |
| 13 | Manduka eKO Lite | Best ultralight |
| 14 | Gorilla | Best large |
| 15 | Gaiam Cork | Best cork |
| 16 | Hugger Mugger | Best no-slip |
| 17 | Pogamat | Best for HIIT |
| 18 | TOPLUS | Best budget |
| 19 | Armani/Casa | Most expensive |
To help you find the yoga mat that’s best for you, check our buying guide to choosing the best exercise mat after the list.
Lululemon: Overall best yoga mat
- Material
- Natural rubber with a polyurethane top layer
- Thickness
- 5 mm (0.19 inches)
- Dimensions
- 180 cm x 66 cm (70.9 inches x 26 inches)
- Colors
- Black
Lululemon’s yoga mat is built from a natural rubber base topped with polyurethane, giving you a grippy, easy-clean surface that holds up through sweat session after sweat session.
The no-slip design allows you to step fearlessly into all your asanas while 5mm thickness allows for comfort during stretch sessions. It’s also reversible so if one side gets too sweaty, you can flip it over.
Enjoy a mat built to handle every sweat session with Lululemon’s reversible yoga mat.
Best for: A fresh side to flip to when the first one gets too sweaty.
Check price: Lululemon: Overall best yoga mat at lululemonat lululemon · Wide selection of styles
Manduka GRP Adapt: Best premium yoga mat
- Material
- Satin Grip top layer over a sweat-absorbing scrim
- Thickness
- 5 mm (0.2 inches)
- Dimensions
- 180 cm x 66 cm (71 inches x 26 inches)
- Colors
- Black, olive + more
Looking for a mat that adds a touch of luxury to your lunges and leg lifts? Manduka’s GRP Adapt is the one to splurge on. Its satin-finish top layer grips in any condition, and a moisture-wicking layer underneath draws sweat into the mat, so you can hold a pose without reaching for a towel.
At 5 mm it is cushioned enough for knees and wrists while staying stable underfoot, and it works for anything from a slow yin class to hot yoga.
Bring star appeal to your yoga session with the Manduka GRP Adapt mat.
Best for: A high-performing treat for any yogi.
Check price: Manduka GRP Adapt: Best premium yoga mat at Amazonat Amazon · Millions of products
BalanceFrom: Best value exercise mat
- Material
- Foam
- Thickness
- 13 mm (0.5 inches)
- Dimensions
- 180 cm x 60 cm (71 inches x 24 inches)
- Colors
- A range including black, blue, and green
Looking for a gym mat that will give you cushioning and support but won’t cost the Earth? Check out this bargain exercise mat from BalanceFrom.
Made of high-density foam, it provides plenty of support for the spine, hips, knees, and elbows, while the double-sided non-slip surfaces mean you’ll stay strong and stable. Moisture-resistant technology makes the mat easy to wash and clean.
If you’ve accidentally splashed out on a fancy gym bag, the BalanceFrom fitness mat is the accessibly priced exercise solution you need. Don’t make money another reason to skip your sweat session.
Best for: Doing burpees on a budget.
Check price: BalanceFrom: Best value exercise mat at Amazonat Amazon · Easy returns on most items
ProsourceFit: Best exercise mat for hardwood floors
- Material
- Foam
- Thickness
- 25 mm (1 inch)
- Dimensions
- 180 cm x 60 cm (71 inches x 24 inches)
- Colors
- A range including blue, black, and green
These days our sitting rooms double up as studios—which can cause problems if you’ve got hardwood floors. They look nice but they take their toll on our joints. Which is why we need the cushioning comfort of this exercise mat by ProsourceFit.
At 25 mm, it’s one of the thickest exercise mats we’ve come across and perfect for sensitive souls who need a little more padding. Whether you’re doing Pilates, yoga, core work, or cardio, this water-resistant and non-slip mat is the exercise accessory you need.
Show your knees and elbows a bit of love with the ProsourceFit exercise mat.
Best for: Perfect protection from hardwood floors.
Check price: ProsourceFit: Best exercise mat for hardwood floors at Amazonat Amazon · Great deals
Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat: Best mat for hot yoga
- Material
- Recycled microfiber top, natural tree rubber base
- Thickness
- 3.5 mm (0.14 inches)
- Dimensions
- 178 cm x 61 cm (70 inches x 24 inches)
- Colors
- A range of printed designs
Yoga Design Lab’s Combo Mat is the ultimate mat for hot yoga addicts who prefer their exercise drenched in sweat. It is a mat and a towel in one: a microfiber top made from recycled plastic bottles, bonded to a natural tree rubber base.
Embrace the perspiration with a yoga mat designed to keep you firm and grounded, even as the celsius soars. The microfiber top soaks up sweat as you go, so there is no separate towel to bunch up under your hands.
Break a sweat, feel the burn, and enjoy your body at its best with the Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat.
Best for: Slip-free sun salutations in even the sweatiest hot yoga session.
Check price: Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat: Best mat for hot yoga at Amazonat Amazon · Huge selection
Nike: Best reversible yoga mat
- Material
- 80% thermoplastic elastomer, 20% polyethylene
- Thickness
- 4 mm (0.16 inches)
- Dimensions
- 180 cm x 66 cm (71 inches x 26 inches)
- Colors
- Black, Peony
Nike’s reversible mat is made for the yogi who carries a mat between home and the studio. At 4 mm it is light enough to sling over a shoulder, and the grippy surface helps keep you from sliding out of your poses.
It is also reversible, so if one side gets too sweaty you can flip it over.
For a light, good-value mat from a brand you already trust, Nike’s Reversible Yoga Mat is hard to beat.
Best for: A fresh side to flip to when the first one gets too sweaty.
Check price: Nike: Best reversible yoga mat at Nikeat Nike · Trusted by shoppers
Manduka PRO: Best yoga mat for carpet
- Material
- PVC
- Thickness
- 6 mm (0.24 inches)
- Dimensions
- 180 cm x 66 cm (71 inches x 26 inches)
- Colors
- A range including black, green, and blue
While carpet is soft, it can also be super slippery, so not ideal for high-impact aerobic exercises. Best to invest in a mat like the Manduka Pro to protect the carpet and you.
The Manuka PRO is also the best yoga mat for bad knees that we’ve come across with an above-average cushioning of 6 mm. A closed-cell surface means you can simply wipe this gym mat clean while the high-grip PVC allows you to hold planks and master push-ups, no problem.
Work out in the living room, bedroom, or even the hallway with this Manduka Pro mat—the best yoga mat for carpet.
Best for: Soft cushioning for workouts that won’t leave you bruised and sore.
Check price: Manduka PRO: Best yoga mat for carpet at Amazonat Amazon · Shop with confidence
June & Juniper: Best folding yoga mat
- Material
- Rubber
- Thickness
- 3.5 mm (0.14 inches)
- Dimensions
- 178 cm x 61 cm (70 inches x 24 inches)
- Colors
- Three different patterns available
This June & Juniper mat is the best yoga mat for travel, designed for those who like to do their lotus poses in exotic locations or don’t want to skip a HIIT session on holiday.
At only 1.3 kg, it’s a perfect weight and can fold up to the size of a book to neatly fit in your luggage or duffel bag. One side is made of a moisture-wicking microfiber that performs well in sweatier climes while black rubber on the other side offers grip and traction.
For jet-setters determined to sweat it out on every continent, you need June & Juniper’s folding yoga mat.
Best for: Wanderlusters wanting to workout from around the world.
Check price: June & Juniper: Best folding yoga mat at Amazonat Amazon · Fast delivery on many items
Retrospec Solana: Best extra-thick exercise mat
- Material
- Foam
- Thickness
- 25 mm (1 inch)
- Dimensions
- 183 cm x 61 cm (72 inches x 24 inches)
- Colors
- A range including black, blue, and purple
For exceptional padding in your pilates session—or wherever else you raise your pulse—this Retrospec Solana is the best thick exercise mat with 25 mm of cushioning.
It’s designed to alleviate stress on all pressure points but doesn’t compromise on stability thanks to a non-slip surface that keeps you steady and focused. The thickness of the material also has the advantage of being extra durable so you can really put this gym mat and your body through its paces.
Work out without annoying either your neighbors or your joints with Retrospec Solana fitness mat.
Best for: The next best thing to working out on your bed.
Check price: Retrospec Solana: Best extra-thick exercise mat at Amazonat Amazon · Millions of products
Liforme: Best yoga mat with alignment lines
- Material
- Rubber
- Thickness
- 4.2 mm (0.17 inches)
- Dimensions
- 185 cm x 68 cm (72.8 x 26.7 inches)
- Colors
- A range including grey, green, and blue
This popular Liforme Yoga Mat is one of the top-rated exercise mats for a reason. It actually makes you better at yoga with alignment lines to guide you through poses and get your positioning right, helping to prevent injuries and take your yoga to new levels.
The mat also features Liforme’s advanced GripForMe material for no-slip stability. Meanwhile, the PVC-free biodegradable material makes sure your practice is as planet-friendly as possible.
Liforme’s yoga mat with alignment lines is almost as good as having a teacher in the room with you.
Best for: Next-level precision and perfection in all your yoga poses.
Check price: Liforme: Best yoga mat with alignment lines at Amazonat Amazon · Easy returns on most items
Gaiam: Best fitness mat for beginners
- Material
- Natural rubber
- Thickness
- 6 mm (0.24 inches)
- Dimensions
- 173 cm x 61 cm (68 inches x 24 inches)
- Colors
- A range of patterns including chakras, mandalas, and mountains
With its sticky non-slip texture and extra thickness, this versatile exercise mat from Gaiam is ideal for those looking to get started on their fitness adventures.
This Gaiam yoga mat is lightweight enough to carry around but thick enough to provide cushioning. The non-toxic PVC makes it a healthy choice too. Plus, purchase includes a free downloadable yoga workout to get you off to a flying start.
Embark on a quest towards your best body ever with Gaiam’s exercise mat—the best yoga mat for beginners.
Best for: Dream inspiration to begin your yoga journey.
Check price: Gaiam: Best fitness mat for beginners at Amazonat Amazon · Great deals
Jade Yoga: Best sustainable yoga mat
- Material
- Natural rubber
- Thickness
- 4.8 mm (0.19 inches)
- Dimensions
- 173 cm x 61 cm (68 inches x 24 inches)
- Colors
- A range including black, blue, and red
Nothing says Namaste like a sustainable yoga mat and this Jade Yoga mat is the most eco-friendly yoga mat that we’ve come across.
Not only is it made from sustainable natural rubber but Jade Yoga also plants trees for every mat sold. It’s also got cushioning, traction, and stability, making it ideal for all kinds of workouts.
Kind to your body, kind to the environment, this yoga mat from Jade Yoga is the perfect buy for any planet-conscious yogi.
Best for: Earth-conscious asanas.
Check price: Jade Yoga: Best sustainable yoga mat at Amazonat Amazon · Huge selection
Manduka eKO Lite: Best ultralight yoga mat
- Material
- Rubber
- Thickness
- 3 mm (0.1 inches)
- Dimensions
- 173 cm x 61 cm (68 inches x 24 inches)
- Colors
- A range including blue, lilac, and black
Planning to hit the gym or studio in your lunch break or after work? Then you need a commuter-friendly exercise mat like this one by Manduka eKO Lite. The best lightweight yoga mat we’ve come across, it’s less than half a kilogram and ideal for toting across town.
Despite its lightness, it still has enough cushioning to be comfortable and the natural rubber grip will stop you from slipping. It’s also made of non-Amazon harvested and biodegradable natural tree rubber and the company has taken measures to ensure a zero-waste production process.
Don’t let working out weigh you down—literally—with this ultra-portable Manduka eKO Lite gym mat.
Best for: Trouble-free transportation from street to studio.
Check price: Manduka eKO Lite: Best ultralight yoga mat at Amazonat Amazon · Shop with confidence
Gorilla: Best large gym mat
- Material
- Foam
- Thickness
- 6 mm (0.23 inches)
- Dimensions
- 183 cm x 122 cm (72 inches x 48 inches)
- Colors
- Black, blue, and grey
Looking for a large exercise mat with plenty of space for mountain climbers, down dogs, or dumbbell sessions? Check out this enormous Gorilla mat—one of the best exercise mats for your home gym.
It’s significantly bigger than your average exercise mat, making it big enough for cardio, strength-building, jumping rope, or dancing. Non-slip grip prevents it from sliding around while the 6mm cushioning means no more sore joints or scratched floors.
More space is always better, which makes this exercise mat from Gorilla a great choice, especially when teamed with some top-quality exercise apparel.
Best for: Plenty of space for everything from summersaults to sumo squats.
Check price: Gorilla: Best large gym mat at Amazonat Amazon · Fast delivery on many items
Gaiam: Best cork exercise mat
- Material
- Cork
- Thickness
- 5 mm (0.13 inch)
- Dimensions
- 173 cm x 61 cm (68 inches x 24 inches)
- Colors
- Cork and black
Not only is cork one of the most sustainable yoga mat materials but it’s also naturally antibacterial, making this Gaiam cork mat one of the best choices for any fitness fanatic.
Cork is moisture-resistant so doesn’t absorb any strange smells, odors, or—most importantly—bacteria. In fact, as it gets damper, the cork becomes easier to grip, giving you extra traction in tree pose. It’s also natural, non-toxic, and recyclable, bringing the necessary nature-loving vibes to your vinyasa.
Looking for a germ-resistant mat that’s also eco-friendly? Gaiam’s cork mat is the only one up to the job.
Best for: Your favorite cork-related possession after the corkscrew.
Check price: Gaiam: Best cork exercise mat at Amazonat Amazon · Millions of products
Hugger Mugger Para Rubber: Best no-slip yoga mat
- Material
- Natural rubber
- Thickness
- 6.4 mm (0.25 inches)
- Dimensions
- 178 cm x 61 cm (70 inches x 24 inches)
- Colors
- Storm, Black, Grey + More
Hugger Mugger’s Para Rubber is made of natural rubber that is grippy on both sides, so it stays put on the floor and you stay put on the mat.
Whether you’re looking for more solidity in your Goddess squats or more balance in your Bikram sessions, the 1/4-inch thickness adds cushion for your knees and joints without making you wobble.
A yoga mat that’s just the right kind of sticky, the Hugger Mugger Para Rubber is one of the best yoga mats out there.
Best for: Staying stable as you transition from arm balances to backbends.
Check price: Hugger Mugger Para Rubber: Best no-slip yoga mat at Amazonat Amazon · Easy returns on most items
Pogamat: Best exercise mat for HIIT
- Material
- Foam
- Thickness
- 6.35 mm (0.25 inches)
- Dimensions
- 198 cm x 122 cm (78 inches x 48 inches)
- Colors
- Black
If the only kind of exercise you enjoy is the kind that gets your heart rate rocketing and the sweat pouring, then check out the Pogamat—one of the best workout mats for high-intensity exercises.
Enjoy more comfortable calisthenics with this extra-large and ultra-tough mat. The non-slip grip is ideal for cardio while the durable padding will protect the floor from pounding feet.
Put your body through its paces with the Pogamat, a mat made for perspiration-heavy exercise. Time to get the tunes pumping and your body moving.
Best for: A seriously tough mat for seriously intense sweat sessions.
Check price: Pogamat: Best exercise mat for HIIT at Amazonat Amazon · Great deals
TOPLUS: Best budget exercise mat
- Material
- TPE (rubber-like material)
- Thickness
- 6 mm (0.24 inches)
- Dimensions
- 183 cm x 61 cm (72 inches x 24 inches)
- Colors
- A range including blue, green, and brown
On the hunt for cheap yoga mats? Your search ends here with the TOPLUS workout mat, providing comfort, cushioning, grip, and traction, all for under $25.
It’s made of eco-friendly TPE and, at 6 mm thick, is neither too padded nor too thin. It’s lightweight for easy carrying and the double layer structure provides perfect grip for more professional pushups.
Shed pounds, save pennies with this TOPLUS exercise mat.
Best for: A wallet-friendly fitness mat for expense-saving exercising.
Armani/Casa: Most expensive yoga mat
- Material
- Rubber
- Dimensions
- 190 xm x 68 cm (75 inches x 27 inches)
- Colors
- Black
One of the most exclusive exercise mats we’ve ever seen, this Armani/Casa mat is bringing much-needed millionaire-style to your workouts.
You haven’t experienced true luxury until you’ve done a lunge on a designer workout mat like this. Bring some opulence to your pilates classes with this sleek exercise mat from one of the biggest names in high fashion.
It’s also practical, made from an anti-slip rubber fabric, and comes with a holder with an adjustable strap. Team this Armani yoga mat with some great leggings and your favorite reusable water bottle and you’re good to go.
Best for: Bringing high-end couture to your crow pose.
Check price: Armani/Casa: Most expensive yoga mat at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Authentic designer pieces
Buyers guide: how to choose an exercise mat
Choosing the right exercise mat depends on what you intend to use it for. What kind of exercise do you do? Will you need to carry it around on a regular basis? Here are some things to consider.
Thickness
Gym mats provide cushioning to protect both the floor and you. The thickness of your exercise mat will depend on whether you plan to be doing high-intensity cardio or less high-impact workouts like yoga. Thinner mats allow for more stability while thicker mats are more durable.
Typically, a yoga mat is around 4 mm thick while mats designed for HIIT can go up to 25 mm in thickness. This is the main difference between yoga mats and exercise mats.
Dimensions
The size of your gym mat will depend on your height and the kind of workouts you are doing. A standard yoga mat is around 173 cm x 61 cm. If you want more space for your workout or you’re particularly tall, you can get a longer or wider mat.
Grip
You need a mat with a good grip so it doesn’t slide around on the floor. Yoga mats, in particular, need to have an anti-slip grip to allow for stability in balancing and standing postures. The grip is usually provided with a textured surface or sticky material such as PVC.
Weight
An exercise mat weighs, on average, around 1.3 kg (3 lb). But you may want something lighter than this if you plan to travel with your mat. You can buy specialist travel yoga mats that are around 3 mm in thickness, making them very lightweight.
Antimicrobial and antibacterial
Exercise mats can harbor germs so clean yours regularly between uses. You can also go a step further with a mat with an antibacterial finish. Or look for a mat made from cork, which is organic, antimicrobial, and antibacterial.
Open-cell mats vs. closed-cell mats
Mats with open-cell technology are porous, meaning that they absorb sweat and moisture. Closed-cell mats are not absorbent and need to be wiped clean. Open-cell mats can be soaked.
Fabrication and materials
Exercise mats are typically made from foam, rubber, cork, or PVC. Rubber mats are usually thinner and more portable while foam mats provide lots of cushioning.
If you’re allergic to latex, opt for PVC rather than rubber. If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your mat, look for one made of eco-friendly materials such as sustainably sourced rubber, cork, or recycled materials.
Additional features
Other things to look out for when buying a yoga mat include alignment lines to help with your poses as well as a strap for carrying. You can also buy a strap separately—such as this luxury leather yoga mat strap from Cuyana.
Frequently asked questions about yoga mats and exercise mats
What is the best exercise mat to buy?
Is there a difference between a yoga mat and an exercise mat?
How thick should an exercise mat be?
What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?
Can I use a yoga mat for HIIT?
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