11 Best Exercise Mats for Your Workout

Bobbi Dempsey
·6 min read

With picks from Lululemon, Gaiam and more

Exercise mats are a simple yet essential piece of fitness equipment you can use at home, at the gym or wherever you happen to be squeezing in a workout. They give you a clean, comfortable surface and can also provide extra cushioning—which is especially good if you have unforgiving floors that can be hard on your joints, a particular concern with high-impact workouts.

Exercise mats are perhaps most commonly used for yoga but can also be beneficial for a wide range of workouts and exercise routines.

You have a wide assortment of exercise mats of all sizes and styles from which to choose. Mikhaila Woodall, yoga instructor at BIÂN in Chicago, says her favorite workout mats are sturdy but lightweight, have a secure grip and are easy to clean.

Best Exercise Mats—Our Top Picks

Reviews of the Best Exercise Mats

Best Overall Exercise Mat: Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat

Manduka is a brand that is a top choice for many fitness industry professionals. “Extreme durability and comfort make these the gold standard in the industry,” says Woodall, noting that the ample cushioning of this PROlite mat makes for a softer foundation – great for sensitive joints – while still providing support that keeps you safe and stable no matter where you may be exercising. Manduka’s lifetime guarantee is also a nice bonus. Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat, $95 at Amazon 

Related: 11 Best Exercise Mats for At-Home Workouts

Best Exercise Mat for Easy Storage: Balanced Body EcoWise Hanging Mat

This exercise mat from Balanced Body is made from a durable foam material that has just the right amount of give while still providing a secure foundation. It’s strong enough to stand up to daily use and repels moisture for added comfort. It’s easy to keep out of the way when not in use—there are two mounting holes so you can store it on any hanging rack. Balanced Body EcoWise Hanging Mat, $54 at Amazon 

Best Exercise Mat Bundle: Gaiam Beginner's Yoga Starter Kit Set

This yoga mat from Gaiam is a great value, especially considering it includes a yoga strap for stretching and a yoga block for extra support. Available in a variety of soothing patterns, this mat is also perfect for meditation, as well. Gaiam Beginner's Yoga Starter Kit Set, $29.99 at Amazon 

Best Durable Exercise Mat: B YOGA B Mat

This B Mat from B YOGA provides the support and cushioning of a 6mm mat to help lessen the strain on joints. It’s made from B YOGA rubber that’s strong, durable, and has a secure grip—and is produced with sustainability as a priority. Available in your choice of two sizes. B YOGA B Mat, $114 and up at Amazon 

Related: What to Know About the Super-Popular CrossFit Murph Workout

Best Exercise Mat for HIIT Workouts: Lululemon The Workout Mat

Just released this fall, the new Workout Mat from Lululemon was created especially for high-intensity workouts. This 6mm mat has a textured top surface that provides helpful traction and is tough enough to take whatever you—or your shoes and fitness equipment—can dish out during a hardcore workout. Lululemon The Workout Mat, $98 at Lululemon

Best Budget-Friendly Exercise Mat: Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Mat

This exercise mat from Amazon Basics delivers a lot for an affordable price. At ½-inch thick, it’s plush enough to offer plenty of cushioning for comfort and support. The textured surface provides sufficient traction to keep you steady while shifting poses. Available in a range of colors. Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Mat, $20.68 at Amazon 

Best Long-Lasting Exercise Mat: Manduka PRO 6mm Mat

Another great option from Manduka, this PRO 6mm Mat is the one Lalitha McSorley, Physiotherapist at Brentwood Physio, loves so much she uses it herself at home. “I’ve had mine for years and it has shown zero wear and tear,” she says, adding that this mat offers a denser cushioning than some competitors and also isn’t as prone to slipping during intense workouts. Available in a range of sizes and styles at various price points. Manduka PRO 6mm Mat, $99.14 at Amazon 

Best Exercise Mat for Hot Yoga: Body by Yoga Cork Yoga Mat

Made from a “luxury cork” material, this exercise mat from Body by Yoga is constructed using premium cork that’s tough enough to stand up to the demands of hot yoga and high-intensity workouts. It’s thicker and more durable than mats made from condensed cork particles and won’t curl or bunch up. Body by Yoga Cork Yoga Mat, $89.99 at Amazon 

Related: The 10 Best Yoga Props You Will Actually Use

Best Exercise Mat for Well-Aligned Yoga Poses: Livity Mandala Cork Yoga Mat

This exercise mat from Livity has a mandala design that’s both meditative and functional, as it incorporates alignment points to guide you in achieving alignment with your yoga poses. It’s made from a natural cork material that’s durable and resists moisture and odors. Livity Mandala Cork Yoga Mat, $119 at Amazon 

Best Large-Surface Exercise Mat: Gorilla Mats Extra Large Mat

If you want room to spread out and move freely while working out, this roomy mat from Gorilla Mats provides ample space. The thick cushioning offers ultimate comfort while the non-slip circular textured pattern ensures it stays securely in place. Gorilla Mats Extra Large Mat, $239.95 at Amazon 

Best Odor-Resistant Exercise Mat: Gaiam Cork Mat

Some exercise mats have a tendency to retain moisture – which in turn means they can develop a lingering odor—but this Gaiam mat is made from cork and is designed to resist moisture, dirt, and odor. It’s thick, durable, and perfect for hot yoga. Amazon reviews praise its just-right depth and lightweight construction. Gaiam Cork Mat, $34.41 at Amazon 

Next up, check out these 25 best workouts on YouTube. 

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