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Suitable for yoga and pilates or HIIT and plyometrics – for use at home, in the gym or on the go – these are the best exercise mats for 2023…
Unless you want to risk discomfort or injury, you can’t really carry out prone yoga poses or more dynamic plyometric exercises on a hard gym or home floor.
The best way to perfect your pilates or hammer out your HIIT sessions in comfort and safety is with an exercise mat. Despite their relative simplicity, though, not all mats are made equal. They vary in dimensions, cushioning and thickness, material, grip, weight and portability, so it’s important to find one that suits your needs.
What to look for in the best exercise mats
Grip
A good grip between your hands, feet or other contact points and the mat surface is key to performing exercises with confidence, and therefore with proper form. The last thing you need when stretching out your hip flexors is a knee or groin strain caused by slipping off the mat. Look for options with a non-slip or textured surface that let you plant your limbs with confidence.
Stability
Stability is another important factor to consider, as a mat that moves beneath you is as likely to annoy, distract or even injure you as one with little grip on the top layer. Heavier rubber or cork mats tend to lie flat more easily without curling at the corners like lighter foam ones, for example. Look out for mats that tend to bunch up in the middle, too – you want to avoid trip hazards mid-burpee if possible.
Comfort
There’s usually a tradeoff between comfort and portability, as thicker, heavier mats are harder to roll up and carry. But don’t ignore the comfort factor, particularly if you plan to work out on hard surfaces. There should be enough cushioning to do crunches without crippling your spine, but not too much that you lose your balance holding one-legged yoga poses. The average mat tends to be about 4-8mm thick, though there are some exceptions here.
Durability
How long your exercise mat lasts will depend greatly on the material it’s made from and its thickness. Rubber mats, or those made from other natural fibres such as jute, will most likely last longer than foam ones. You’ll be more likely to take a lighter foam mat out to evening classes too, which will add to its wear and tear. Durability is worth bearing in mind especially if you plan to wear shoes on it, or to use weights or medicine balls.
Portability
Another thing to consider is portability. The mats in this list range from 500g to well over 3kg so some are easier to lug around than others. Not all mats come with straps or a carry handle either (though sometimes a bag or strap is an optional extra). It depends what’s important to you – if you want to do regular classes after work, you’ll want a smaller, lighter and probably less durable mat than one set up permanently in your home gym.
RELATED CONTENT:
These are the best exercise mats
(Keep reading for our full reviews…)
- Best for value: Body Power Never Quit Fitness Mat (£19.99 / not available in the US)
- Best for taller users: The Lululemon (Big) Mat ($124 / £108)
- Best for grip: Myprotein Yoga Recovery Mat ($38 / £29)
- Best for design options: Kimjaly Yoga Mat ($49.99 / £44.99)
- Best for longevity: Gymshark Studio Mat ($68 / £50)
- Best for sustainability: Sundried Jute Yoga Mat ($33 / £27)
- Best for cushioning: The Pliability Mat ($139 / £115)
- Best for travel: La Pochette Whenever Wherever Workout Mat ($73.85 / £60)
BEST VALUE EXERCISE MAT
Body Power Never Quit Fitness Mat
BUY IT NOW:
£19.99, fitness-superstore.co.uk (not available in the US)
Grip: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5
Portability: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 5/5
Materials: Nitrile butadiene rubber | Dimensions: 71.7 x 24in (182 x 61cm) | Features: 10mm cushion / carry strap | Colour: Black
The Body Power Never Quit Fitness Mat is the cheapest mat on test but you wouldn’t know it. Its generous 10mm-thick nitrile butadiene rubber construction has a luxurious, comfortable and foam-like feel.
Its non-slip textured surface gives plenty of grip, and that 10mm cushion feels plush under foot and will absorb impacts from more dynamic workouts. It has a carry strap and is double-sided too, making it even more versatile.
Overall, the Body Power Never Quit Fitness Mat holds its own in the company of exercise mats over five times its price.
Read our full Body Power Never Quit Fitness Mat review
BEST MAT FOR TALLER USERS
The Lululemon (Big) Mat
BUY IT NOW:
$124 / £108, lululemon.co.uk
Grip: 4.5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Portability: 3.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Materials: FSC-certified natural rubber | Dimensions: 83.9 x 27.9in (213 x 71cm) | Features: Reversible / antimicrobial additive | Colour: Six multi-coloured designs
The Lululemon (Big) Mat may seem pricey but its FSC-certified rubber construction has such a quality, long-lasting feel that it could easily be your mat for life. Its top layer absorbs moisture and an antimicrobial layer keeps mould, mildew and bad smells at bay.
It’s worth noting that this is substantially bigger than any other mat on test, around 10cm wider and a whopping 30cm longer than regular mats. It’s reversible too, so you can swap between smooth and grippy surfaces depending on your workout. The Lululemon is available in six eye-catching marble designs, too.
Read our full The Lululemon (Big) Mat review
BEST EXERCISE MAT FOR GRIP
Myprotein Yoga Recovery Mat
BUY IT NOW:
$38 / £29, myprotein.com
Grip: 4.5/5
Comfort: 3.5/5
Portability: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Materials: High-density foam | Dimensions: 72 x 24in (183 x 61cm) | Features: 6mm cushion / textured surface / strap included | Colour: Blue / grey
The Myprotein Yoga Recovery Mat is a lightweight, inexpensive mat that’s an ideal option for stashing in your gym bag. It comes with a strap and rolls up nice and compact, despite having a soft and spongy high-density 6mm foam cushion.
It’s just the right thickness to provide a strong, stable base for your feet, despite its soft and cushioned feel. Wavy grooves provide plenty of grip, and although this is one of the cheaper options it stands up to plenty of wear and tear for a foam mat.
Read our full Myprotein Yoga Recovery Mat review
BEST FOR DESIGN OPTIONS
Kimjaly Yoga Mat
BUY IT NOW:
$49.99 / £44.99, decathlon.com
Grip: 3.5/5
Comfort: 4/5
Portability: 5/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Materials: Foamed natural rubber / polyurethane | Dimensions: 72.8 x 25.6in (185 x 65cm) | Features: Available in 3mm, 4mm, 5mm and 8mm thickness / alignment lines | Colours: Various
The Kimjaly mat is available in a wide array of versions (Light, Comfort, Grip+, XL), all with different thicknesses ranging from 3mm to 8mm. The 5mm Grip+ version feels soft and well-cushioned and provides a plush platform to protect spines from hard floors without compromising on grip.
The smooth elastomer top layer wicks away moisture, so your hands and feet lock firmly in place while on the mat. At 820g it’s lightweight and compact when rolled up. There’s a carry strap, too, making this suitable for taking to the office for after-work gym sessions.
Read our full Kimjaly Yoga Mat review
MOST DURABLE EXERCISE MAT
Gymshark Studio Mat
BUY IT NOW:
$68 / £50, gymshark.com
Grip: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5
Portability: 3/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Materials: 100% natural rubber | Dimensions: 70.8 x 25.9in (180 x 66cm) | Features: Full-length screen-printed logo / strap and band bought separately | Colour: Black / brown / hibiscus pink
The Gymshark Studio Mat is a quality piece of kit, made from 100% natural rubber to feel soft underfoot with a reassuringly grippy surface. It’s hefty too, so it won’t budge on the floor, though that also makes transporting it a bit of an effort.
There are three colour options, each with the striking Gymshark logo emblazoned across the front, and if you do want to take it out and about, there’s an optional strap and band, which you can also use for banded exercises. Overall, a robust exercise mat that should last you for years.
Read our full Gymshark Studio Mat review
MOST SUSTAINABLE EXERCISE MAT
Sundried Jute Yoga Mat
BUY IT NOW:
$33 / £27, sundried.com
Grip: 4/5
Comfort: 2.5/5
Portability: 5/5
OVERALL: 3.5/5
Materials: 100% jute | Dimensions: 70.9 x 24in (180 x 61cm) | Features: 6mm cushion / included carry strap | Colour: Sand and blue
If you value grip over cushioning, the wallet- and environmentally-friendly Sundried Jute Yoga Mat is well worth a look. Made from strong and durable jute fibre, you know you’re getting a mat that won’t rip or fray, so it’s purchase that’s likely to last.
Its grainy texture may not be to everyone’s liking, as it feels pretty rough against bare skin, but sweaty hands and feet are unlikely to slip. An included shoulder strap is a nice touch, which helps the mat pack neatly away for easy storage or transportation.
Read our full Sundried Jute Yoga Mat review
BEST EXERCISE MAT FOR CUSHIONING
The Pliability Mat
BUY IT NOW:
$139 / £115, shop.pliability.com
Grip: 4/5
Comfort: 3/5
Portability: 2/5
OVERALL: 3/5
Dimensions: 70.9 x 35in (180 x 89cm) | Features: 24mm cushion / anti-microbial vinyl coating | Colour: Black
Previously known as ROMWOD, Pliability’s exercise mat is the thickest on test. Its substantial 24mm double-layered cushion made from high-performance athletic foam feels super chunky and luxurious. As such its highly shock absorbent, and is topped with a grippy and durable anti-microbial vinyl layer.
At 89cm, its much wider than most mats, giving you plenty of room for manouevre, through these impressive dimensions make it difficult to pack away. However, it’s an ideal choice if you favour dynamic workouts such as HIIT over yoga and more balance or mobility-oriented exercises.
Read our full Pliability Mat review
BEST EXERCISE MAT FOR TRAVEL
La Pochette Whenever Wherever Workout Mat
BUY IT NOW:
From $73.85 / £60, lapochette.co
Grip: 3/5
Comfort: 2/5
Portability: 5/5
OVERALL: 3/5
Dimensions: 72 x 24in (183 x 61cm) | Features: 1.5mm cushion / 30 degree machine washable / sweat bag sold separately | Colour: Grey
An ideal travel companion, the Whenever Wherever Workout Mat is just 1.5mm thick so is super lightweight and easily packable. It’s machine washable too so it’s easy to keep clean and hygienic.
However, it’s too thin to offer much in the way of support or protection, though the micro-fibre towelling top layer does feel soft and luxurious. A useful travel option rather than an everyday workhorse of an exercise mat, it can also be used as a hygienic, washable top layer for your studio exercise mat.
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