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Land Safely With One of the Best Gymnastics Mats
Written By OvertimeReviews Team
Gymnastics mats are essential for safety and performance in various sports. They provide the cushioning needed to prevent injuries and maintain stability during routines. To help you find the best gymnastics mat for your needs, our team evaluated several options based on comfort, durability, and portability.
We’re especially excited to show you our favorite top pick: the BalanceFrom GoGym exercise mat. With two inches of high-density foam and a tear-resistant surface, it effectively absorbs impact and stands up to tough workouts. Plus, it’s lightweight, making it easy to transport. Continue reading to find out what makes our other notable selections so unique, and receive helpful tips from our buying guide.
The Best Gymnastics Mats of 2025
BalanceFrom Gymnastics Mat
Best Overall
The BalanceFrom GoGym gymnastics mat enhances your workout routine with a two-inch thick, high-density foam that absorbs shocks and provides robust support when needed. With velcro on all sides, it’s the best gymnastics mat for expanding your workout area or creating a customized tumbling run. Its puncture-resistant vinyl surface remains intact through intense, high-energy sessions and is a breeze to wipe clean with soap and water.
Portability is another standout feature of this tumbling mat, with its foldable 4-panel design and built-in handles making it easy to carry and store. When fully unfolded, it offers a spacious 10 feet by 4 feet, making it ideal for various exercises. Once your workout is done, the mat compactly folds to 48 inches by 30 inches by 8 inches, saving valuable storage space. Available in 6 vibrant styles, including this bold blue, there’s a design that can suit your personal style and seamlessly blend with your workout gear. Its durability, portability, and overall functionality earned this mat the top spot on our list.
ProsourceFit Gymnastics Mat
Best Practice Mat
We love the supportive design of the ProsourceFit exercise mat. It allows you to focus on improving your skills without discomfort, making it perfect for martial arts training or gymnastics practice at home. Its 2-inch thick foam interior effectively cushions sensitive areas like wrists, elbows, knees, and the spine, ensuring a comfortable and pain-free experience every session. Boasting an excellent price for the quality, this gymnastics mat strikes the perfect balance between firmness and flexibility, providing long-lasting support that won’t sag over time.
Its tear-resistant construction enhances durability, allowing it to withstand the demands of regular exercise. Convenience is key with the mat’s tri-fold design, making it easy to store in closets, car trunks, or gym storage. Dual carrying handles simplify transport, so you can easily take your practice anywhere. Measuring 6 feet long and 2 feet wide, it comfortably accommodates most users and can be folded to provide extra padding. Additionally, the vinyl surface is water-resistant, allowing for easy cleaning after each use. Available in vibrant purple, as well as blue, pink, grey, and black, this 3-panel gymnastics mat not only performs well but also adds a fun and stylish touch to your workout gear.
Zenova Gymnastics Mat
Best Kids’ Gym Mat
The perfect choice for mini gymnasts, the Zenova 4-panel gymnastics mat offers reliable protection and support during various physical activities. The 6×3-foot mat features 2 inches of high-density EPE foam. It cushions knees, wrists, and backs, effectively absorbing impacts to help prevent injuries. The eco-friendly PU leather covering resists sweat and slipping, making it easy to clean and ensuring a hygienic workout environment.
The mat’s nontoxic, latex- and silicone-free construction prioritizes safety. Designed for convenience, this gym mat features a four-panel folding design that allows it to compress easily into a smaller size for storage or transport. With handles on both sides, it’s simple to carry to the gym, studio, or home. The fun pink and purple pattern adds a playful touch, while it’s also available in blue, pink, and green/black options to suit any young athlete’s style. This gymnastics mat combines safety, durability, and convenience, which we think makes it a fantastic addition to any active child’s routine.
Matladin Gymnastics Mat
Most Versatile
The versatile design of the Matladin gymnastics mat stood out to us, making it perfect for everything from yoga and aerobics to cheerleading and martial arts. Measuring 8 feet long and 2 feet wide, it provides ample space for tumbling, stretching, and a wide range of gymnastics routines. The mat features 2 inches of high-density EPE foam, delivering durable and stable support that maintains its shape and resilience through extensive use. Its thick PU leather cover enhances safety with non-slip, waterproof, and crack-resistant properties, ensuring a clean and secure surface for your family.
Additionally, reinforced stitching on all sides strengthens the mat, keeping it intact with rigorous use. This 4-panel gym mat includes a hook-and-loop fastener, allowing you to combine multiple mats to expand your practice space. It conveniently folds into compact dimensions of 2 feet by 2 feet by 8 inches, making it easy to store in a closet or under a bed, and features a zippered cover for easy cleaning. The mat is available in an appealing soft pink color, as well as in purple, a purple/pink combination, or black, adding a stylish touch to any training environment.
Polar Aurora Gymnastics Mat
Best for Physical Therapy
For physical therapists seeking a reliable mat for their clinics, the Polar Aurora mat is a valuable investment. Measuring 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 2 inches thick, it provides a supportive and comfortable surface, perfect for various exercises, stretching routines, and yoga sessions that clients will appreciate. Its 4-panel design easily folds down to compact dimensions, making it an excellent addition to any therapy setting aiming to maximize its utility.
This wide gym mat is non-slip, enhancing the workout experience by providing safety and stability. The high-density EPE foam padding offers excellent support, while the durable, anti-tear, non-toxic PU leather surface ensures long-lasting reliability. Additionally, velcro straps on each end allow for easy connection to additional mats when needed. Available in blue, blue-green, pink, or a 4-color pattern, this mat not only performs well but we think it will also elevate the aesthetic of your clinic.
Selecting the Best Gymnastics Mat: A Buying Guide
A quality gym mat not only boosts safety but also enhances performance, providing a dependable surface for perfecting those challenging moves. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel a bit lost when shopping. Whether you’re looking for your home gym or for taking to competitions, this guide will help you find the best gymnastics mat for your fitness journey.
Material
We think the material stands as one of the most crucial aspects to consider. Gymnastic mats typically come in materials like polyethylene foam, polyurethane foam, or a combination of both. Polyethylene foam offers a firm surface, which is great for beginners who need stability.
On the other hand, polyurethane foam absorbs impact well, making it ideal for high-skill routines that involve heavy landings. Evaluate your specific needs, such as the type of gymnastics being performed and the skill level, to make the right decision. The material directly influences the mat’s durability, so choosing high-quality foam ensures long-term use.
Thickness
Thickness plays a pivotal role in both safety and performance. Thicker mats, usually between 1.5 to 2.5 inches, offer more cushioning and absorb impact better. This feature becomes essential for advanced gymnasts performing complex routines. Thinner mats, generally around 1 inch, suit activities that require a firmer surface and less risk of injury, such as rhythmic gymnastics.
Consider the height and weight of the user, as heavier individuals may require thicker mats to ensure adequate shock absorption. We recommend matching the mat’s thickness to the gymnast’s skill level and the type of moves being practiced.
Size
Choosing the right size ensures that the mat meets your needs for space and mobility. Standard mats often measure 4×8 feet, but you can find options in various dimensions to suit different activities. Larger mats provide more area for practicing wide-ranging moves but may require more storage space.
Conversely, smaller mats fit easily into compact spaces and can be moved around more effortlessly. Think about where you will use the mat and how much room you have available. Verify that the mat’s size aligns with the space to avoid any inconveniences during practice.
Portability
Portability becomes key if you plan on moving the mat frequently. We like options with handles or ones that can be folded as they’re easier to transport. Lightweight mats suit those who need to carry them to different locations, like from home to a gym.
Mats designed for portability usually incorporate materials that keep the weight down without sacrificing durability. If ease of transport is a priority, look for mats that fold into manageable sizes and have built-in carrying features. Remember, a portable mat can save you a lot of hassle and make your practice sessions more flexible.
Durability
Durability ensures that the mat withstands rigorous use over time. High-quality stitching and durable outer materials like vinyl or leather enhance the mat’s lifespan. Check for reinforced seams, as they prevent the mat from tearing or losing shape. The more robust the construction, the longer the mat will serve you effectively.
Regular use, especially for high-impact routines, demands a mat built to endure stress. While we recognize that investing in a durable mat might cost more upfront, it can generally save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Safety Features
Safety features cannot be overlooked. Look for mats with non-slip surfaces to prevent accidental falls and slips. Some mats include additional padding around the edges, offering extra protection. Materials used should be non-toxic and safe for prolonged contact.
Mats that meet safety certifications, such as those from ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), guarantee that they meet industry standards. Ensuring that the mat includes these safety features will provide peace of mind and create a secure environment for practice.
Price
Price often influences the final decision. While it can be tempting to go for the most affordable option, consider the long-term benefits of a higher-quality mat. Cheap mats may skimp on crucial features like durability and adequate padding, ultimately costing more due to frequent replacements.
Set a budget that allows for a balance between cost and needed features. Expensive doesn’t always mean better, but investing a bit more in a well-constructed mat guarantees a safer and more effective practice surface. Compare different options within your budget, keeping in mind the features and benefits of each.
People Also Asked
What is the primary use of a padded gymnastics mat?
Padded gymnastic mats provide a safe and cushioned surface for practicing gymnastics, tumbling, cheerleading, and other physical activities.
How do I clean and maintain my 4-panel gymnastics mat?
Use a mild soap solution and a damp cloth to clean the mat, avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that can damage the surface. Make sure the mat is completely dry before storing.
Can I use my gym floor mat outdoors?
It is generally recommended to use gym mats indoors to prolong their lifespan. If using outdoors, make sure to place the mat on a clean, dry surface and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and moisture.
What thickness of exercise mat should I choose?
For high-impact activities like tumbling, a thicker mat (around 2-3 inches) is recommended. For basic exercises or stretching, a thinner mat (around 1-1.5 inches) may suffice.
What should I do if my training mat becomes damaged?
If the mat sustains minor damage, you can often repair it with a vinyl repair kit. For severe damage, it may be best to consult the manufacturer or replace the mat to ensure safety.
How do I store my tumbling mat properly?
To store your tumbling mat, clean and dry it thoroughly. Fold or roll it as per the manufacturer's instructions and keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sharp objects that can cause damage.
Can multiple gymnastics mats be connected together?
Many gymnastics mats have hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro) on the ends that allow you to connect multiple mats for a larger practice area. Check the product specifications to ensure compatibility.
Is it safe to use a gymnastics/martial arts mat on any type of flooring?
Gymnastics and martial arts mats are safe on most indoor flooring types, including hardwood, tile, and carpet. Always check that the surface is clean and even to avoid slipping or uneven cushioning.
How long can I expect my cushioned gym mat to last?
The lifespan of a cushioned gym mat depends on its quality, frequency of use, and maintenance. With proper care, a high-quality mat can last several years.
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