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In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat.
The Tri-Fold Exercise Mat is a portable and comfortable mat for various exercises
Top 9 Best Gymnastics Mats in 2023
- ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat - Top Pick
- ROGUE INDIVIDUAL MAT - Runner-up
- BalanceFrom All-Purpose Gymnastics Mat - Premium Pick
- REP Exercise Mat - Budget Pick
- FB SPORT Inflatable Air Gymnastics Mat - Best Inflatable
- Pure2Improve Yoga Mat With Eyelets - Best Roll Mat
- BestMassage Gymnastics Mats
- Playsafer Genaflex Rubber Gym Floor Mat
- ZENOVA Gymnastics Mat
1. ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat - Top Pick
- Shape: Rectangle
- Thickness: 1 ½ inches
- Material: PVC and EPE foam
- Color Palette: Blue, Gray, Black, Pink, Purple
- Item weight: 4.2 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 72"L x 24"W
- Special features: Tri-fold system for easy folding and storage, two carry handles
ProsourceFit provides a range of fitness accessories such as foam rollers, resistance bands, and exercise mats at great prices compared to similar products.
Their Tri-Fold Exercise Mat is a portable and comfortable mat for various exercises.
It’s suitable for tumbling, wrestling, stretching, yoga, and popular laying core workouts such as sit-ups, bicycle crunches, dead bugs, and similar.
Photo by @prosourcefit
The EPA foam of this mat is exceptionally resilient and will keep its shape for a long time, and the PVC vinyl is durable and easy to clean.
At one-and-a-half inches in thickness, it appears thin at first glance.
However, the foam density is high enough to protect your knees, shoulder, elbows, back and joints from impact.
The tri-fold design allows you to easily fold and store your mat, and the two handles help you comfortably carry it around.
The whole mat can be folded and unfolded in seconds, allowing you to quickly set it up for use and pack it once you’re done.
Positives:
High-density EPE foam
Durable PVC vinyl
Compact folding system
Could be better:
Available only in one size, 72 x 24 inches, which can be small for larger athletes
2. ROGUE INDIVIDUAL MAT - Runner-up
- Shape: Rectangle
- Thickness: 5/8 inches
- Material: Closed-cell cross-linked foam, Anti-microbial vinyl
- Color Palette: Black and Charcoal Gray
- Item weight: 4 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 72’’L x 36’’W
- Special features: Rolls up for easy carrying and storage
Rogue is a U.S.-based brand of fitness equipment.
Their products are used from the highest competition tiers, fitness centers, and home gyms all across the globe.
The Rogue Individual Mat features fairly standard sizing, excellent material and build quality, and some unique features at a surprisingly competitive price point.
Photo by @rxqueenruby
The mat is made from 5/8 inches thick closed-cell, cross-linked foam that won’t break down as easily and can take a decent beating from workout impact.
The thick and durable slip-resistant vinyl cover won’t crack or tear from repeated use, is easy to wipe clean, and features special antimicrobial properties.
It’s lightweight and easy to move around, with a convenient roll-up feature that allows you to easily carry and store it.
Positives:
Made in the U.S.A.
Anti-microbial vinyl
Made from lead, BPA, and phthalate-free materials
Could be better:
Limited color choices
Due to the roll-up feature breaks, the surface feels ribbed, so it’s not as smooth as other mats
3. BalanceFrom All-Purpose Gymnastics Mat - Premium Pick
- Shape: Rectangle
- Thickness: 2 inches
- Material: Polyethylene Foam, Vinyl
- Color Palette: Black, Blue, Pink, Purple
- Item weight: 15 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 120"L x 48"W
- Special features: Foldable four-panel design, two carry handles
The BalanceFrom exercise mat is a premium all-purpose, extra thick, large exercise mat for various exercises and sports.
It has excellent material quality, is exceptionally durable, and has some unique features that set it apart.
If you don’t mind spending an extra dollar on your exercise mat, this would be my recommendation.
Photo by @thatkaseyguy
The mat is designed to fold in four places for compact storage and has two handles for easy carrying.
The expanded dimensions are 120"L x 48"W' x 2" that can fold into 48" x 30" x 8".
That said, at 15 pounds, it’s noticeably heavy for a portable mat.
The foam is covered with an impressive 18 oz puncture-resistant, non-toxic, lead-free durable vinyl.
The surface is non-absorbent, meaning the mat can be fully washed with soap and water without the risk of damage or loss of shape.
The velcro straps found on all sides allow you to combine several mats together to make a large workout area.
This combining system lets you create a large area with a gymnastics mat for kids to play on, and for everyone to practice martial arts, tumbling, aerobics, and similar exercises.
Each mat comes with a 2-year BalanceFrom Warranty.
Positives:
Longest of the foldable workout mats
Velcro straps on the side allow you to combine multiple mats to cover a larger surface
Non-toxic, non-absorbent, lead-free vinyl cover
Fully washable with soap and water without the risk of damage
Could be better:
It is heavier than other folding mats, and it can take some effort to lift
4. REP Exercise Mat - Budget Pick
- Shape: Rectangle
- Thickness: 1.5 inches
- Material: Foam and vinyl
- Color Palette: Black
- Item weight: 1 lb
- Product Dimensions: 48”L x 24”W inches
- Special features: Lightweight, carry handle on the top
If you’re shopping on a budget for your home or public gym, then the REP exercise mat would be my pick.
This is a simple workout mat that will support the needs of the average athlete for yoga, gymnastics, and cardio.
The mat is made from 1.5-inch thick foam and covered in durable, anti-slip, smooth surface vinyl.
Considering the budget-friendly price point, the mat offers standard product quality you’d expect to find in most gyms and training centers.
Weighing in at just 1 pound, it’s easy to carry around - however, it doesn’t have compact features such as foldability or rolling.
The small footprint will fit anywhere in your home workout area.
Positives:
Affordable compared to our other picks
Small footprint, won’t take up too much workout space
Only 1 lb in weight makes it quite easy to carry
Could be better:
No storage features like foldability or rolling
5. FB SPORT Inflatable Air Gymnastics Mat - Best Inflatable
- Shape: Rectangle with rounded edges
- Thickness: 4, 6, or 8 inches depending on the size
- Material: Polyvinyl Chloride
- Color Palette: 12 different colors
- Item weight: The average weight is around 42lbs, but it can change depending on the size
- Product Dimensions: 21 different sizes
- Special features: Air inflatable
The FBSPORT Inflatable Air Gymnastics Mat is a versatile and portable gymnastics mat suitable for various activities such as gymnastics, cheerleading, tumbling, martial arts, parkour, and more.
With 21 different sizes ranging from 6.6’’ x 3.3’’ to 23 x 3.3 feet, this can be the ideal portable gymnastics mat for kids to play on or an entire workout area for serious gymnastics training.
This is a professional-grade gymnastics mat made from 500D Filament grade PVC tarpaulin with better air tightness and shock absorption.
The mat is inflatable and uses an electric air pump to set up.
Each purchase comes with a pump, storage bag, and repair kit.
It takes less than one minute to inflate and deflate and, with average use, it can stay inflated for days.
The mat floats on water, so you can even use it at the beach or in the pool for water recreation.
Positives:
21 different size choices
Made from Filament grade PVC tarpaulin which can be repaired in case of tears
Electric pump, storage bag, and repair kit included with every purchase
Floats on water, can be used for water recreation
Could be better:
Inflatable mats require more maintenance and storage space
6. Pure2Improve Yoga Mat With Eyelets - Best Roll Mat
- Shape: Rectangle
- Thickness: 0.39 inches
- Material: Synthetic rubber
- Color Palette: Black
- Item weight: 2.2 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 68.11’’L x 24.02’’W
- Special features: Fully rollable, carry handle, elastic straps that prevent rolling out, set of eyelets
The Pure2Improve Yoga Mat sold by Eleiko is a high-quality roll exercise mat you’d expect to find at top fitness and training centers.
It’s ideal for use in yoga, stretching, pilates, and similar light exercises.
The mat offers high durability and product life for its intended use, however, it’s light and thin and isn’t suited for high-impact exercises.
The mat is lightweight, thin, and fully rollable, with a handle used for carrying found on the back.
When rolled up, two elastics can be slid on from the side to make sure the mat doesn’t roll back out on its own.
The two eyelets were designed to work with the Eleiko Wall Bracket, however, you can use them to secure the mat to any surface or simply hang it for storage.
Positives:
Elastic straps on the back prevent it from rolling out
The two eyelets can be used to secure it to the surface or hang it for storage
The elastic synthetic doesn’t lose shape from rolling over time
Could be better:
Thin exercise mat, won’t cushion you from impact
- Thickness: 2 inches
- Material: EPE foam, PU leather
- Color Palette: 11 color combinations
- Item weight: 3-14 lbs depending on the size
- Product Dimensions: 2x6 to 4x10 feet depending on the choice
- Special features: Tri-fold system for easy folding and storage, two carry handles
BestMassage offers folding gymnastics mats in four different sizes and eleven color combinations.
The velcro straps on the side also allow you to combine multiple mats to create a larger workout area.
The durable toxin-free PU leather cover offers a non-slip, water and sweat-resistant cover that can easily be wiped clean after use.
This PU leather surface has a more natural grip with exposed skin (such as bare feet).
The two inches thick high-density EPE foam is durable but soft and will feel comfortable in various exercise positions and types of impact.
The tri-fold design isn’t unique, but just like similar mats, it makes for easy carrying and storage.
Positives:
Toxin-free PU leather cover
Non-absorbent, water and sweat resistant, easy to clean
High-density EPE foam
Some unique color combinations including pink&black and rainbow
Could be better:
The larger mats are too heavy for the sewn handles, which can break or tear off
- Shape: Rectangle
- Thickness: 0.31 inches
- Material: Rubber
- Color Palette: Black, with optional patterns including gray, light blue, tan, and red
- Item weight: 140 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 20"L x 4"W
- Special features: Rollable
The Playsafer rubber gym flooring can be used as a single exercise mat or combined to create a full workout area typically found at the gym.
The flooring features a simple rollout design that’s easy to install.
The black surface with colorful fleck details will give your home workout area the commercial gym look and make it feel more professional.
If necessary, it can be tool-cut to better fit the intended areas.
The commercial-grade material absorbs noise and vibration caused by athlete impact or falling equipment, for example.
Positives:
Noise, vibration, and impact absorbing
The fleck aesthetic provides a professional gym look
Can be tool-cut into desired shapes
Could be better:
Rubber surfaces can cause skin burns during high-friction exercises
- Shape: Rectangle
- Thickness: 2 inches
- Material: Faux Leather, Polyethylene Foam, Wool
- Color Palette: Blue, Pink&Purple, Green&Black, Pink&Black, Rainbow
- Item weight: 11 lbs for the smaller size, 13.2 lbs for the larger
- Product Dimensions: 70"L x 35"W and 94.5"L x 46"W
- Special features: Foldable in four places
Lastly, we have the ZENOVA home gymnastic mat.
It has mostly the same properties as similar foldable mats, with a unique side zipper that allows you to remove the inside foam.
This allows you to replace foam blocks that started losing shape or thoroughly clean the faux leather cover if necessary.
Like similar mats, this one also folds for easy storage and carrying.
Although the mats are colorful, there are limited options.
The lack of solid color options also somewhat limits their aesthetic, and they may not fit a professional gym setting as well as children recreational areas, for example.
Positives:
The insides foam can be removed using the side zippers, allowing you to thoroughly clean the cover when necessary
The foam inside the mat is replaceable in case it loses shape
Eco-Friendly PU Leather cover
Could be better:
The folding gaps are large and they can move around from body friction, making this mat more slippery than others
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What Is A Gymnastics Mat?
A gymnastics mat is a type of exercise mat used for physical activities such as acrobatics, yoga, stretching, and similar grounded exercises.
It is typically made of foam and covered in a durable, non-slip material, such as vinyl.
Gymnastics mats are meant to provide a comfortable, safe, and clean surface for the athlete to train on.
Their main benefit is lowering the impact of the exercise the ground has on the athlete, reducing discomfort, pain, and potential injury.
What Are The Benefits Of Faving A Gymnastics Mat?
Gymnastic Mats Are Convenient
The main benefit of exercise and gymnastic mats is their ability to provide a clean, safe, and comfortable surface to train on, wherever you decide to place them.
Using them lowers the exercise impact on the body, reducing the risk of pain or injury.
Exercise Mats Hygienic
Exercise mats provide a barrier between your body and the floor and are easy to wipe down and clean after use.
This prevents you from getting in direct contact with hazardous substances and objects through touching or inhaling.
Workout mats also protect your home floor from exercise impact, preventing damage to it.
Mats Are Portable
Mats come in various shapes and sizes that fit your needs, from small gymnastic mats for kids or young adults, to large gymnastic mat floors for professional tumbling.
However, a great feature of most training mats is their portability.
Most mats are lightweight and easy to carry around by a single person.
What To Look For in Gymnastics Mats?
Material Quality
The material in gymnastics mats is important for safety and comfort.
Home gymnastics mats are typically made of foam covered in a material such as vinyl that also provides the workout surface.
High-quality gymnastics mats are often made from cross-linked polyethylene (PE) foam, which is known for its durability and ability to retain its shape over time.
The best gymnastics mat for home workouts will last longer thanks to higher material quality.
Durability
The durability of your gymnastics mat will depend on properties like thickness and density, as well as cover material quality.
The foam used in gymnastics mats can vary in density and firmness, which determine impact absorption and durability.
However, taking care of your mat is equally important to ensure it serves you well and lasts a long time.
This means wiping it down from sweat marks after every practice and doing a thorough clean every two to four weeks, depending on how often it’s used.
Vinyl cover mats are easy to clean and it’s a good idea to wipe them with an antimicrobial cleaning solution to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and mold.
That said, the best way to ensure your mat’s durability is to get the correct type and size for your needs.
If you find yourself replacing your gymnastics too often, it may be too thin or small for your body or the types of exercises you use it for.
If that’s the case, consider getting a thick and large gymnastic mat instead.
Portability
Tumble mats for home workouts are designed to be portable.
They’re lightweight and come with some form of carrying assistance, such as handles or straps.
Even a large gymnastic mat is often designed to be folded or rolled up for easy storage or transportation.
Portable gymnastics mats can be used at home, at the gym, or even on the go, allowing you to train in various settings both indoors and outdoors.
Price/Quality
The general rule is - the higher the price, the higher the quality of the product.
However, this is not always the case and the best gymnastics mat on the list is a good example of why.
The top choice on my lists usually strikes the best balance of quality for price, and here that is the case as well.
Ultimately, when choosing between price and quality, it's important to consider your needs and budget and weigh out the product cost and performance.
Higher-priced mats may offer thicker foam, a more durable cover, and various sizes, which can be important for certain athletic activities.
However, the average athlete doesn’t need professional-grade equipment for light exercises such as stretching and may end up unnecessarily overspending.
All products on the list are one's that I recommend for their intended purpose and price, otherwise I wouldn’t have them on the list.
FAQ
How Thick Should A Tumbling Mat Be?
The best tumbling mat thickness depends on your athletic level and intended use.
For basic home exercises such as stretching, a 1-2 inches thick home gymnastic mat will work well.
However, in professional settings such as gymnastics competitions, this can be much higher.
For example, the USA Gymnastics official rulebook requires up to two exercise mats with 8 inches (or 20 cm) of thickness on exercise areas.
Why Do Gymnasts Use Thick Mats?
Gymnasts use thick mats for safety and comfort when performing high-impact exercises such as tumbling, vaulting, and other acrobatics.
These activities particularly affect the athlete’s joints upon connecting with the ground and falling during practice is also common, so a softer surface is necessary to prevent injuries.
Studies show that softer landing surfaces such as gym mats decrease the load on the gymnasts ankles.
How Long Do Tumbling Mats Last?
Tumbling mats can last 1-3 years, depending on the average usage. Many mats come with a 1-2 year warranty for this reason.
Conclusion
Gym mats are necessary for anyone who does grounded exercises such as yoga, stretching, or gymnastics.They provide a safe and comfortable surface to train that minimizes discomfort and reduces the risk of injury.Based on my experience, the ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Mat is the best gymnastics mat you can get.
The other mats on the list are also worth checking out, as some of them may fit your needs better.Do you perform gym mat exercises?How often do you use your workout mat?Let me know by leaving a comment and remember to follow me on social media for more product reviews, exercise tips, and other fitness content.
References:
- Professional Tumbling // Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumbling_(sport)
- How thick should a tumbling mat be? // UsaGym: https://usagym.org/PDFs/Women/Rules/J.O.%20Code%20of%20Points/13replacement_floor2.pdf
- Why do gymnasts use thick mats? // National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28552921/
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.