Whether your home gym is in your house or basement, the flooring is likely too hard to exercise on without causing discomfort or damage. If you don't have the room or budget to kit out the room with gym flooring, large exercise mats provide excellent alternatives.
I’ve broken down the best large exercise mats below according to material quality, versatility, durability, and value for money. Let’s take a look at my top 6 picks.
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The laser-graved front surface prevents you from slipping when exercising dynamically whilst the wavy, grooved underside keeps the mat from moving around on wood, tiled, or concrete surfaces.
Top 6 Best Large Exercise Mats Reviewed
1. CAMBIVO Large Yoga Mat — Top Pick
CAMBIVO aims to empower health and fitness enthusiasts around the world to live a healthy and happy lifestyle. They produce high-quality products and offer excellent customer service.
- Material: Thermoplastic Elastomers
- Size: 72.05" L x 48.03" W x 0.24" T
- Weight: 3.74 lbs
- Color: Black, Blue, Gray, Lake Blue, Mint Green, Purple
The CAMBIVO Large Yoga Mat offers the same textured grippy feel as a normal yoga mat, but with extra 50% width. This allows you to move dynamically without worrying about touching the floor, with suitable exercises including yoga poses, pilates, stretching, and circuit-based workouts.
Made from durable thermoplastic elastomers, the mat uses a clever two-toned design. The laser-graved front surface prevents you from slipping when exercising dynamically whilst the wavy, grooved underside keeps the mat from moving around on wood, tiled, or concrete surfaces.
Photo by @thefithealthymom
With dimensions measuring 72.05" L x 48.03" W, you’re able to move freely or exercise with a partner if you need. The 0.24" mat thickness provides decent joint protection whilst still maintaining good contact with the floor.
The TPE mat material used is SGS certified meaning its odorless, non-toxic, and made in an eco-friendly manner. It’s also skin-friendly and easy to clean.
Overall, the CAMBIVO Large Yoga Mat offers durable protection, excellent grip, and comes in a great range of six color choices. It’s my top-pick large exercise mat.
Positives:
The two-toned design provides excellent grip for both your body and the floor, with the TPE material resistance to wear and tear
The package includes a microfiber towel and two mat straps
The SGS-certified mat material is eco-friendly and non-toxic
Could be better:
The mat won't offer as much joint protection compared to thicker mat designs
2. Gorilla Mats Premium Large Exercise Mat — Runner Up
- Material: ProFoam
- Size: 72" L x 48" W x 0.25" T
- Weight: 14 lbs
- Color: Black, Blue, Gray
The Premium Large Exercise Mat from Gorilla Mats allows you to transform any room into a home gym space by offering a high-density supportive floor surface to comfortably exercise on.
The mat is made from Ultra Durable ProFoam which provides great shock absorption with and without shoes on tiling, wood flooring, concrete, and carpets. The non-slip top mat layer combines with the circular patterning on the bottom layer to prevent slipping or sliding when exercising vigorously.
Pgoto by @allysonmcguigan
Measuring 72" L x 48" W, Gorilla Mats has designed the mat with plenty of room to move around. With a thickness of 0.25", you can comfortably jump around and move dynamically without worrying about joint pain or damage to your gym floor area.
Each Gorilla Mat comes with a storage bag, a microfiber towel to wipe it down, and velcro straps to keep the mat secure. It comes in black, blue, and silver with the Gorilla logo on the front.
Overall, the Gorilla Mats Premium Large Exercise mat is constructed from protective foam material, includes a handy carry bag, and comes from a brand that's proven in the industry.
Positives:
The ProFoam cushioning provides very good joint protection
The handy carry bag makes it easy to move the mat around or carry it to a different location
The mat is suitable for use on carpet flooring which gives you more exercise space options
Could be better:
The foam isn't as easy to clean compared to other common mat materials
Gmxmat specializes in a range of extensive exercise and home gym mats, designed for high-intensity exercise. The brand aims to operate with transparency, producing ultra-safe products for you to enjoy and reach your exercise goals.
- Material: High-Density Micro Foam
- Size: 72" L x 60" W x 0.28" T
- Weight: 16.5 lbs
- Color: Black, Gray, Purple
The Gmxmat Large Exercise Mat uses a hybrid design that gives you foam cushioning and support while still offering a durable gym floor feel. It uses a high-density Micro-Foam construction with two layers formed together to offer a solid end product. Gmxmat has ensured that the mat material conforms to CPSIA, ASTM, and CA Prop standards by being latex, phthalate, and silicone free.
The clever double-layered design uses a second skin on the top that provides great comfort whilst being kind to sensitive skin. The underside of the mat has grooved, matrix-circle grips that keep the mat firmly secured to a range of home gym surfaces including tiling, carpets, wood flooring, and concrete.
Photo by @jodistevensbryce
Alongside this, Gmxmat states that the mat is noise resistant, shock-absorbing, and easy to use with and without shoes. The waterproof foam material is easy to clean and has been well-tested for resistance against tearing.
Gmxmat has included a pair of high-quality gloves, three velcro storage straps, and a carry bag for convenience. Overall, the Gmxmat Large Exercise Mat offers a fantastic hybrid mat option that uses ultra-clean materials and has been well-tested.
Positives:
The mat materials are latex, phthalate, and silicone free so conform to multiple safety standards
The included gloves are great for improving overall hygiene and peace of mind
The mat is suitable for installation under large exercise equipment machines such as a treadmill or workout bench
Could be better:
Some users report the mat is hard to flatten out after being rolled up
Founded in 2006, Square36 is a small, family-run company that decided to create their own exercise mats when they couldn't find a suitable choice. Their goal was a durable and portable exercise mat that would be suitable for heavy use.
- Material: High-Quality Foam + Vinyl Coating
- Size: 72" L x 96" W x 0.25" T
- Weight: 28 lbs
- Color: Pink
The Square36 Extra Large Exercise Mat is one of the biggest mats out of my top 6 choices, measuring 72" L x 96" W. This gives you plenty of room to move around, exercise dynamically, and perform various partner-based exercises.
Square36 has used a 100% Polyester top layer with a Vinyl coating that's easy to clean whilst still offering great grip with and without workout shoes. The bottom mat surface uses non-toxic foam with circular texturing to stop the mat from sliding or slipping around when moving up and down or side to side.
Photo by @nics_desertlife
The mat design uses a bright pink color with the Square36 branding in the top right corner. Each mat comes with a storage bag and storage straps allowing you to carry the mat to where you need it.
Overall, the Square36 Extra Large Exercise Mat gives you a huge amount of workout space and uses a clever vinyl coating allowing it to be easily washed.
Positives:
The extra-large mat design offers lots of space for a great range of gym exercises and activities
The top layer of vinyl coating makes the mat easy to clean and more resistant to sweat when working out
Square36 offers the same mat design in multiple smaller size options
Could be better:
The mat is on the heavier side at 28 lbs, meaning it might not be easy to carry for smaller-sized athletes
ActiveGear is dedicated to producing the best gym accessories that offer high-quality performance. They believe that the best route to a healthy lifestyle is through quality equipment that you can enjoy using.
- Material: Polyvinyl Chloride Foam
- Size: 98" L x 72" W x 0.27" T
- Weight: 30.8 Lbs (Package Weight)
- Color: Blue, Black, Purple
The ActiveGear Large Exercise Mat is a great choice for home workout programs including weightlifting, yoga, cardio, and group exercise sessions.
It’s constructed using high-quality Polyvinyl Chloride Foam that gives great comfort and support when exercising on tiled floors, concrete, or carpet. With a thickness of 0.27", the high-density ActiveGear mat offers fantastic shock absorption and good tear resistance. It measures 98" L x 72 W making it one of the longest mat options out of my top picks.
If you need to move the mat around or safely store it away, use the ActiveGear velcro straps provided to secure the mat in place. If you want added protection, store the mat in the handy carry bag and take it back out again when you’re ready.
ActiveGear has included a free jump rope, two velcro straps, and a carry bag for each mat purchase. Overall, it offers excellent mat length and comes in a decent range of mat colors and size options.
Positives:
The extra long mat length gives you plenty of room to move when exercising
The free jump rope included in the mat package offers excellent value for money
Could be better:
The addition of a vinyl coating would help to keep the mat clean and odor free
MRO produces a wide variety of exercise accessories including workout mats.
- Material: Foam
- Size: 108" L x 72" W x 0.276" T
- Weight: 28.9 lbs
- Color: Black, Blue
The MRO Extra Large Exercise Mat is the largest mat out of my top 6 choices, measuring 108" L x 72" W giving you plenty of room to exercise with a partner or in small groups.
It’s constructed using high-density PVC foam that’s great for high-impact activities including fitness, weightlifting, and cardio. The double-sided design consists of a front tear-resistant layer and a bottom anti-skid dot pattern that’s suitable for use on carpets, tiles, concrete flooring, or wood.
MRO has made sure the mat conforms to safety standards as it’s non-toxic, eco-friendly, and conforms to CPSIA, ASTM, and PROP 65 standards.
Each purchase includes three storage straps and a tote bag for easy storage or transportation. The two color options are black and blue.
Overall, the MRO mat offers a huge amount of exercise space, has a tear-resistant top layer, and comes with an eco-friendly tote bag to store it safely.
Positives:
The huge mat surface area can accommodate multiple people
The eco-friendly tote bag is a nice addition for those who are more conscious about the environment
Could be better:
More color options would make the mat appeal to a wider audience
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What Are Large Exercise Mats?
Large exercise mats provide a durable, protective surface between the floor and your body or equipment. You can use them for gym equipment to stop it from damaging the floor or for a wide range of exercises such as planks, sit-ups, and push-ups.
They can be made from several materials, with the most common types being thermoplastic elastomers, EVA foam, and vinyl coverings. Thermoplastic elastomer mats offer comfortable protection and are generally the most eco-friendly material. EVA foam is lightweight and offers good cushioning but tends to be less durable compared to thermoplastic. Vinyl is usually used as a mat covering as an easy-to-clean material.
Why Buy Large Exercise Mats?
Extra large exercise mats have a range of useful benefits which include:
Durability
Big gym mats have been designed for heavy, repeated exercise use. Most are made from durable materials that are resistant to wear and tear. This means they can last for large periods without breaking down. Some brands even offer lifetime guarantees on their products.
Versatility
Most gym equipment is specially designed for certain exercises or niche uses. Gym mats are some of the most versatile workout accessories as they can be used for any dynamic or static gym exercises.
Alongside this, gym mats don't just have to be used for the gym. They can also be useful as places to sit, or places for your children to play if cleaned correctly after each use.
Portability
Whilst large exercise mats are bigger than normal ones, they are still easy to roll up and carry around, with most including handy carry bags or ways to keep the mats securely rolled up. With this, you’re able to use the wide exercise mat wherever you need it or store it away when not in use.
Value for Money
With a wide range of different uses as a versatile gym accessory or comfortable flooring, large yoga mats offer excellent value for money compared to the functions they offer and the durability they have.
Protection
Large exercise mats offer protection for your floor, yourself, and your expensive gym equipment. When using a large exercise mat, you don't need to worry about your equipment scuffing the floor or your body getting injured on a hard surface.
How to Pick Large Exercise Mats
When choosing the right large workout mat for you, consider the following factors:
Thickness
When choosing a suitable mat, the thickness changes the use making it an important consideration. Thicker mats offer excellent cushioning and therefore joint protection but reduce the amount of contact with the floor. Compared to thinner mat designs, this makes it harder to maintain proper balance and generate as much power.
Consider the function you want the mat to perform and choose a suitable thickness for your exercise needs.
Materials
Large exercise mats can be made from a variety of materials including different types of elastomers and foam. If you suffer from allergies or react badly to certain chemicals, make sure to check the list of materials used. Certain materials may also be more eco-friendly or easier to clean meaning you’re able to personalize your choice according to preference and intended use.
Size
All oversized yoga mats I’ve reviewed above offer plenty of space to exercise. However if you need extra room to move, consider a giant yoga mat that allows you to move around without worrying about coming off the mat.
Portability
Large exercise mats don't offer as much portability compared to smaller ones, but most still come with handy carry bags or fasteners to keep them in place when needing to carry them around.
If you want to move your mat between rooms, check if it includes a bag or has an easy way of rolling up and moving. Also, make sure to check the weight of the mat so you know that you're capable of carrying it without struggling.
Grip
The last thing you want during a workout is your exercise mat to slide around. Using a mat with a textured surface helps with grip and stability when exercising.
Durability
Most large exercise mats are designed to cope with intense use without wearing or breaking down. If you’re worried about the lifespan of the mat, check the quality of construction, extra design features, and if the manufacturer offers any kind of warranty when purchasing.
Odor
Whatever exercise you’re doing, you’re likely going to sweat on the mat. To prevent the unwanted odor build-up, check that the mat materials are easy to clean and in some cases moisture wicking which allows the moisture to escape.
FAQ
What Is the Best Thickness for a Workout Mat?
The best thickness for a workout mat depends on your intended use. If you need more protection and suffer from weak joints, go with a thicker mat. If you’re looking for some protection whilst still feeling similar contact with the floor then a thinner mat design may be a better option.
Is There a Difference Between a Yoga Mat and an Exercise Mat?
Yoga mats are usually thinner and more textured compared to exercise mats which offer more cushioning.
Conclusion
Large exercise mats are versatile, durable, and offer excellent value for money. The ones I've reviewed above offer great examples of high-quality mat choices.
The CAMBIVO Large Yoga Mat is my top pick, scoring the highest overall total for material quality, versatility, durability, and value for money. It offers both grip and protection whilst allowing you to maintain decent contact with the floor.
Do you own any large mats at home? Can you think of any other benefits of using them? Let me know below!
- What Is Moisture Wicking and How Does It Work? // Nike: https://www.nike.com/a/what-is-moisture-wicking
- Shock Absorption // Serola: https://www.serola.net/research-category/structure/normal-movement/shock-absorption/
- Thermoplastic elastomer // Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoplastic_elastomer
- Is There a Difference Between a Yoga Mat and an Exercise Mat? // Yogastrong: https://shopyogastrong.com/blogs/yoga-strong-blog/yoga-mat-vs-exercise-mat
- What is The Best Thickness for an Exercise Mat? // Sheep-mats: https://www.sheep-mats.com/blog/what-is-the-best-thickness-for-an-exercise-mat/
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.