10 Best Exercise Mats 2024 in the US

If you’re a health-minded person, you probably want to engage in some physical exercise for a few hours a week. And even if your job requires that you sit most of the day, it goes without saying that you should do some exercise after work. If you engage in yoga exercises, gymnastics, and Pilates, a good exercise mat is essential so that you don’t feel all sore after a workout. Even if you just want to do some sit ups or push ups, an exercise mat is a good idea.

You’ll see a variety of materials and sizes for exercise mats: polyurethane foam is now the most popular, but there are still a number of thicknesses from which you can choose.  

We've put together this guide to help you select the best exercise mat that answer to your needs. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of exercise mat,

• See useful tips about that type of exercise mat,    

• Read reviews of different brands of exercise mat, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of exercise mat, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

We can distinguish between exercise mats by their materials:

• Polyurethane foam--Mats made from polyurethane foam tend to be more resilient and strong. This can be covered with a polyvinyl liner to protect the foam from absorbing perspiration. The liner can be replaced in the event that it tears or the zipper breaks.

• Memory foam--is a type of polyurethane, with additives to increase its viscosity and density. Memory foam is less likely to cut off your circulation while sitting on it (which would result in your legs “falling asleep”).

We can also categorize exercise mats by how you pack them away:

• Folding mats--These can be made of 2 or more sections. When not in use, you simply fold them up and carry them wherever you want.

• Rolling mats--These can be rolled into a cylinder. They typically will have a Velcro closure and a carrying strap for convenience.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Advantage of extra padding: People notice that their knees hurt if the mat is thinner, especially if they do yoga poses that require being in one position for an extended period of time. So it’s suggested to get a thicker mat. One purchaser of the HemingWeigh Exercise Mat said that even with extensive knee surgery, they were able to work on the mat.

• Dimensions: One of the most important things about your exercise mat will be the dimensions. Giantex makes an exercise mat that is 2 feet by 6 feet, and is 1.5 inches thick; they also have a mat that is 4 ft. x 8 ft and 2 inches thick. The thickness is especially important, so as to cushion you while exercising. A mat that is three layers, or several inches thick, will be ideal in preventing any abrasions on the elbows or knees.

• Non-slip: Some exercise mats, like the HemingWeight Yoga mat, are made with non-slip surfaces. This is important, so as to prevent injuries if the mat moves over the course of your exercise routine. The Harbinger Ribbed Durafoam mat is ribbed, for better traction on the floor.

• Anti-bacterial: The vinyl coating on most exercise mats will prevent them from absorbing perspiration. Perspiration will eventually cause bacteria or molds to spawn in the foam of the mat--so it’s essential that it be kept dry, or aired out every so often. The Everlast Folding Mat is easy to clean, as long as the vinyl cover remains intact.

• Memory foam metrics: There are two metrics that tell you the quality of memory foam:

  • Density: The density of the foam tells you how much raw material is contained in every square meter of mat. For example, a density of 5 lbs/sq. Ft. means that a square foot of the mattress will weigh 5 pounds. This is considered a very high density for memory foam.

  • ILD: ILD stands for Indentation Load Deflection. That tells you the hardness of memory foam. It measures the number of pounds of pressure that will indent 4 inches of foam by 25%. A higher ILD means that the foam is more firm. Best Choice Products makes an exercise octagon that has a ILD rating of 55: That means that a weight of 55 pounds of pressure indent the foam by 25%.

HemingWeigh--was started by Jacob and Henry in 1990, as manufacturers of yoga products. They make sporting wear/health and fitness products, Himalayan salt products, and even toys, such as a puzzle play mat. They also make an extra-thick foam exercise mat which can be rolled up for easy transport.

Everlast--is a maker and designer of boxing and mixed martial arts equipment. They also make footwear and other accessories. They were founded in 1910 by Jacob Golomb, and are based in New York City, New York.

Harbinger--was founded by sports enthusiast and inventor David McCrane in 1988. Their first product was the wrist stabilizing glove, but they later expanded to weight training gear and other fitness products for power weightlifting, strength training, and home exercise. They make gloves, belts, lift assists, wraps and more. Their exercise mats are made from Durafoam, which is a more durable and washable type of memory foam.

Best Choice Products--was founded in 2002 as commerce retailers, with their headquarters in Ontario, California. They sell gardening and farming products, lawn games, barbecue accessories, products for camping and the outdoors, fitness equipment and more. Their fitness equipment includes treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines, and gym mats in a variety of sizes and shapes.