Are you searching for the best gym mats for home fitness?
Choosing the right kind of mats will help you protect your floors at home from damage that can be caused by dragging or dropping workout equipment. However, there are many other factors at play when choosing your mats that you may have not thought about yet and that should be considered when making your selection.
So, to help you choose the best fitness mats for your home gym, we reviewed 7 products that will offer you peace of mind when it comes to preventing damage to your floors while increasing the safety of your workout environment. We will also show you what to look for when choosing your mats so you can avoid making costly mistakes and so you can make the most informed and educated decision possible when shopping around.
Let’s dive right in!
Reviewing The Best Gym Mats For Home and Comparison Chart
Comparison Chart
BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat with EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles (Black), 3/4″ Thick, 96 Square Feet (24 Pieces Tiles)
New Forest Floor 3/8 Inch Thick Printed Foam Tiles, Premium Wood Grain Interlocking Foam Floor Mats, Anti-Fatigue Flooring, 24 in x 24 in
Clevr 100 Sq. Ft 3/8 Inch Thick Interlocking Foam Mats Flooring, Light Wood Oak Grain Style – (24″ x 24″, 25 pcs), Protective Flooring for Home Office Playroom Basement Trade Show, 1 Year Warranty
BalanceFrom
Puzzle Exercise Mat
BalanceFrom offers a highly durable gym mat that can withstand almost any kind of heavy impact without damaging your floors, making them great for lifting heavyweights. Each tile is 24 x 24 inches wide and can be purchased in either a 1/2 or 3/4 inch thickness for even more impact resistance and comfort.
The rigid texture design helps to prevent any slipping, and the tiles are made from double-sided EVA foam that is toxic-free and is easy to clean. These mats can be easily assembled like a puzzle using a jigsaw system, leaving barely any separation lines once connected.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Free of toxins
- Water resistant
- Highly durable
- Easy to assemble
- Includes a 2 year warranty
- 3 colors available
Cons
- Many users complained that these mats slide on smooth tile floors.
Key Takeaway
If you are looking to lift heavy weights, then these mats are a great option thanks to their density and thickness. We highly recommend this product for anyone who is looking for a gym mat for their garage or basement.
ProsourceFit
EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles
Another great product for building a home gym in a basement is the ProsourceFit EVA foam interlocking tiles. They measure 24 x 24 inches with a 1/2 inch thickness for modest level weight lifters and heavy exercise machines.
What we loved most about these gym mats is their noise-reducing design, allowing for more quieter workouts when dropping weights. Like most tile mats made from EVA foam, they are free of any toxins and are easy to assemble, allowing for quick storage.
As for their aesthetic appeal, these gym floor tiles are available in 3 different colors, black, blue, and have a glossy polished look to them.
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Durable
- Water resistant
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable for body contact
Cons
- Only 6 pack available. You must purchase them in multiples of 6 for larger spaces.
Key Takeaway
If you are looking for a versatile gym mat to accommodate modest weight lifting, or are protecting your floor from heavy to exercise equipment, then these are a great option.
Forest Floor
Printed Foam Tiles
If you are looking for a gym mat that checks off all the boxes when it comes to quality and reliability, then the Forest Wood foam tiles are a great option. Each tile measures 24 x 24 inches and has a thickness of 3/8 inches, making them ideal for heavy weight lifting.
What we loved most about these mats is they provide extra cushioned EVA foam that is designed to reduce strain on your feet and hands when performing push-ups and routines that require jumping. The material is also free of any toxins, making them safe for children and pets.
As for assembly, the mats use a jigsaw click system which makes them very easy to assemble. They also come in 8 different wood grain styles to help match practically any room..
Pros
- Helps to reduce body fatigue
- Toxin free
- Easy to clean
- Easy to assemble
- Highly durable
- Comes in 8 wood-grain colors
Cons
- We found that dirt and debris can get sometimes get stuck between the connected tiles.
Key Takeaway
Overall, these are one of the most versatile gym mats on the market. They can be used for practically any type of workout, from weight lifting to full-body exercises such as sit-ups, push-ups, aerobics, and yoga.
Clevr
EVA Foam Interlocking Mat Tiles
Another great option for those who have a high sense of style is the Clevr mat tiles. These gym mats are the closest you are going to get when trying to imitate a hardwood floor finish with a discreet and elegant look.
Each tile measures 24 x 24 inches in diameter with a thickness of 1/2 inches. They are made from quality EVA foam, thus eliminating the use of any toxic materials, making them safe for children and pets.
Like our other tile mats on the list, they can be easily connected using a jigsaw interlock system, allowing you to assemble and disassemble them quickly for easy storage.
Pros
- Free of BPA toxic materials
- Easy to assemble
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Elegant
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Higher price point
- Only 100sq ft bundle options
Key Takeaway
If you are looking to add a bit more elegance to your home gym, then these mats can bring life and coziness to your workout environment without sacrificing quality.
BalanceFrom
Exercise Interlocking Tiles
The next product on our list of best gym mats is from BalanceFrom. Each tile is made from EVA high-density foam and measures 24 x 24 inches with a height of 1/2 inches.
What we liked most about this protective mat were the rigid texture lines on the surface. They provide substantial grip without an obvious pattern, giving your gym floor a nice flat finish. They are also made from high-density foam, making them perfect for modest to advanced weight lifting as well as supporting heavy-duty gym equipment.
BalanceForm floor mat can be placed anywhere, including your garage, basement, on your hardwood floor and even slippery tiles. The bottom provides sufficient grip so you never have to worry about them sliding.
Pros
- Flat mat finish
- Easy to assemble
- Non toxic
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May feel too hard for body contact exercises.
Key Takeaway
BalanceFrom floor mats are superior when it comes to comfort and grip, so if those two qualities are important to you, then these definitively wont disappoint.
AmazonBasics
High Density Exercise Equipment + Treadmill Mat
If you’re looking for a gym mat you can quickly roll up and store, or are looking to protect only a small area, then the AmazonBasics gym mat is the way to go. Although this gym mat was specifically designed for treadmills and heavy exercise equipment, many find it great for stationary exercises like yoga and performing aerobic exercises.
This gym mat will provide a bit more coverage than your typical yoga mat so you have more freedom when working out. Available sizes include 2.5 x 6, 3 x 8.5, and 4 x 6 feet.
Pros
- Easy to transport
- Light weight
- Easy to clean
- No assembly required
Cons
- The material is thin. Not ideal for dropping heavy weights.
- Expensive
Key Takeaway
This is a great pick up and carry gym mat that can be used for practically any type of exercise or equipment.
Yes4All
Interlocking Exercise Foam Mats With Border
Last but not least is the Yes4All interlocking exercise mat. This is the smallest sized tile mat measuring 12 x 12 inches, with a thickness of 1/2 of an inch. It is a great option for those who want a tile mat with low coverage on their floors, or who want to maximize their storage space when putting them away.
Though its the bare basics when comparing to other tile gym mats, it can still provide the necessary support for placing heavy exercise machines and workout equipment on your gym floor.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Easy to clean
- Exceptionally durable
- Easy to clean
- Budget friendly
Cons
- A handful of users complained about off-gassing for the first few weeks, meaning the product may contain toxic materials.
Key Takeaway
This is a great option for anyone who is looking to cover a small surface area and likes to put their mats away when guests are around. If you’re on a budget and are in dire need of protecting your floor, then the Yes4All foam mats are your ‘go-to’ gym mat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need Mats For Your Home Gym?
If you want to protect your floors and prevent damage, then gym mats can be your saving grace. It is common for people to accidentally drop or drag fitness equipment like weights and heavy machines, therefore increasing the risk of scratching or denting to their hardwood floors. Even concrete in an unfinished basement or garage can be nicked or scratched without having proper protection, which is why purchasing gym mats are highly advised.
Many people also think that because their fitness machines have rubber pads or bases underneath, this is enough to prevent damage to their floors. But the most common thing we see happen is dirt and sand being trapped underneath the protective base. This can cause minor scratching that can be noticeable, especially on dark hardwood floor finishes.
In addition, gym mats can also significantly make your home fitness environment much safer for you and your family. Home fitness equipment such as machines, including weight racks are solid and typically have sharp corners, therefore making them dangerous for children or adults if they were to slip while walking or running.
So, do you need mats for your gym?
It is highly recommended, especially if you have heavyweights and machines laying around. However, the decision is up to the person and the level of concern they have towards caring about safety and the condition of their home.
Like they say, better safe than sorry!
How To Choose The Best Gym Mats For Home
You would think that choosing gym mats doesn’t require too much thought. But we beg to differ!
There are a few things that should be considered when choosing your mats in order to prevent making mistakes. After all, important factors are at play here when making this kind of purchase, such as the safety of you and your family, as well as protecting your home.
Below are 7 things to keep in mind when choosing fitness mats for your home.
Material
Gym floor mats can be either made from high-density foam, vinyl, or tough rubber materials. These types of materials can help absorb shock when dropping heavyweights and can prevent the risk of slipping when engaged in an activity such as walking, jumping or running.
It is also important to look for a mat that can grip your floor so that it is not sliding underneath you when you’re working out. Ensuring that the bottom of your gym mat has sufficient grip will help your flooring stay more stable.
Durability
Of course, one of the most important features to look for when choosing a gym mat is durability. If you are lifting heavy weights, or will be doing so later down the road, you want your floor mat to withstand high impact if you were to drop your weights which is common for those who lift heavyweights.
Gym mats come in various thicknesses and different densities. If you are going to be dropping heavyweights when performing your sets, then we recommend going with a thickness that is more than 3/4 inches and uses high-density materials.
Size
Gym mats can come in a variety of different sizes. Some can be purchases as individual pieces that can be joined or connected like a puzzle, whereas others are available as a single piece, such as yoga mats.
First, you want to measure the section of the room that you would like protected. If you are going for a mat in the form of tiles, then you want to measure both the length and width of each one, then add each them all one to determine the total square footage in comparison to your room or desired size.
If you are building out an entire room, you may want to consider a custom-cut mat. These can be specifically tailored to match the exact dimensions of your room and will eliminate visual gaps or seams running across your floor.
Easy To Clean
Some cheaper mats on the market that are made of rubber can cause dust, dirt, and hair to stick to the surface. This can be difficult to clean off and can make your gym floor look like a disaster, especially if your mats are dark in color.
To avoid this, we recommend going for a product that has a vinyl surface. Otherwise, if you want a mat made with a rubber surface, then make sure that it is treated with a protective coating that will prevent any dirt from sticking to the surface.
Essembly
If you’re not going for a single piece or custom-fitted mat, then you will most likely have to assemble it yourself. This is usually really simple to do, as mats that are sold in tile pieces will allow you to connect them like a jigsaw puzzle.
Safety
Safety is of course always important when working out at home, but many don’t consider this when choosing their protective flooring.
So, what qualifies a gym mat to be safe?
First, you want to make sure that it has sufficient grip on both the top and bottom.
Secondly, if you are joining multiple pieces together when building your floor out, make sure there aen’t any large gaps or edges sticking. You want the joined pieces should be smooth and flush so that you don’t trip when walking or running during your workouts.
Aesthetic Appeal
The least important factor when choosing your mat is how it looks. However, it still deserves a mention for those who want a cool looking gym. Plus, having an aesthetically appealing gym can feel more personalized and unique.
Some gym mats can come in different colors and may even have specific designs or patterns on the surface. So if you want to workout in style, be sure to look out for color options when selecting your product.
What Types Of Gym Mats Are There?
There are three different kinds of gym mats you will find on the market today. Below we listed them and who they are intended for.
The Click System Mat
The most popular type of gym mats are click system mats. These types of gym mats can be connected and allow you to build your gym floor to whatever size you desire.
Click system gym mats typically look like puzzles and can be purchased in bulk, or as individual pieces, thus making them perfect for those who want to expand or downsize in the future. They can also be disassembled easily if you want the option of putting them away.
Custom Fit Mats
As the name suggests, these mats can be custom cut to your exact room dimensions by a supplier. They can be sold in sections or as one whole individual piece.
Going custom is best for those who run a business that offers gym services, want to protect the floor in their room from wall to wall, or who have odd room dimensions.
Single Size Mats
If you are looking to fill up a small portion of your room from end to end, then single sized mats are a great option. They can also eliminate the look of having squared sections on your floor if that is something that bothers you.
Single size mats are sold in rolls and can be re-rolled, allowing you to transport them. Yoga mats can also fall into this category, however, they do not offer the same amount of protection and impact resistance as industrial gym mats do.
What Is The Best Flooring For A Garage Gym?
If you are planning on using heavy workout equipment in your garage, then you will want to get the appropriate type of mats in order to prevent damage. Although Garage floors are tougher than what you have inside your rooms, they can still be scratched or even chipped if enough weight is dropped on them.
Because garage floors are typically made of smooth finishes such as concrete or tiles, it can cause them to become more slippery. Therefore, you will want to make sure that the mats you are using on your garage floor have significant amounts of grip using lesser dense materials on the bottom such as rubber or silicone.
Either than that, the same rules apply as they do when choosing any type of floor mat. Make sure you are aware of their thickness, how durable they are, and that if they’re safe.
What Should I Put On My Carpet For Home Gym?
Materials like carpet are far less slippery when compared to hardwood floors, tiles, or concrete, so less attention is needed to features such as grip. Any protective flooring you want to use can be placed on a carpeted surface, therefore you are never limited when wanting to protect your carpets with gym mats for home.