If you love practicing gymnastics at home, you need to have the proper equipment. The first and most important thing to invest in is a good mat. To help all fellow gymnasts out there, we review and choose the five best gymnastics mats.
To make things even easier for you, we included a buyer’s guide that will educate you on factors such as size, material, maintenance, cost, and thickness. Now, let’s dive into the reviews.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Tumbl Trak Gymnastics Folding Tumbling Panel Mat
- Most Portable: We Sell Mats Personal Fitness & Exercise Mat
- Best for Easy Maintenance: BalanceFrom GoGym All-Purpose Mat
- Best Budget: BalanceFrom Thick Tri-Fold Mat
- Best Style: MAT EXPERT Gymnastics Mat
Gymnastic Mat Buying Advice
Best Overall: Tumbl Trak Gymnastics Mat
Key Features
- Available in six sizes: 4’ x 8’ x 1-3/8”, 5’ x 10’ x 1-3/8”, 4’ x 6’ x 1-3/8”, 4’ x 6’ x 2”, 4’ x 8’ x 2”, 5’ x 10’ x 2”
- Comes in eight different color variations
- Made of EVA foam material and vinyl
- CPSA 2008 tested and approved
Pros:
- All mats come with a two-year warranty
- Great for various activities, including gymnastics, martial arts, fitness, dancing, and more
- Various color options
- Wide range of sizes
- Reinforced vinyl fabric that is resistant to peeling and damage
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- A costly purchase
- A slightly unpleasant smell that disappears after a few days
The Tumbl Trak Gymnastics Folding Tumbling Panel mat is the highest-quality mat I tested and it outperformed all the other alternatives on the list.
The thing that made me purchase this product is the wide variety of sizes and colors. Also, this is a foldable design I can easily store without it taking too much space. There are two thickness options to choose from: 1-3/8” and 2”, depending on your needs.
The Tumbl Trak folding mats are made of high-quality EVA foam (cross-linked polyethylene foam) and a durable vinyl coating. When I was using the mat, I found it very easy to maintain and non-slippery. I still often use it and can confirm that the product is resistant to wear, scratching, peeling, and tearing.
This mat might be pretty costly, but I wouldn’t change it for anything else. I can already tell I’ll be using it for years, so it is a worthy investment.
You can place it on top of hardwood floors, tiles, laminate, and it won’t move.
The cushioning and comfort of these mats, their durability, the aesthetically pleasing design, foldable character, and extensive size and color options helped me rate this mat as the best overall product.
- Foldable: Yes
- Warranty: Yes
- Thickness: 1-3/8” and 2”
Most Portable: We Sell Personal Fitness & Exercise Mat
Key Features
- Available in one size: 4’ x 6’ x 2”
- Comes in seven color variations
- Made of high-quality foam and a vinyl coating
Pros:
- Affordable product for the quality
- Foldable and easy to store
- Very durable product that didn’t show signs of wear
- Easy maintenance
- Hook and loop fasteners on all sides to create various configurations
Cons:
- Could use a wider size selection
- Doesn’t include a warranty
While looking for a more affordable alternative that will substitute the Tumbl Trak mat, I stumbled upon the We Sell Mats Personal Fitness & Exercise mat. It’s available in a single size and features a thickness of 2”.
This great all-around product can be used for both kids and adults. If you need a mat for your home that will last for at least a year, that won’t be slippery, and won’t take too much space, then this is a great alternative. It’s also more affordable than my top choice so it won’t break your budget.
What’s great about this product is that it has hooks and loop fasteners on all sides, which I used to play around and try different mat configurations. This is how you can increase the padding when needed and makes it much easier to transport the mat.
The We Sell Mats Personal Fitness & Exercise Mat is a more affordable substitute of the Tumbl mat that is equally durable, safe, and comfortable. Thanks to the velcro straps and hooks, it can serve various purposes, and it’s simple to transport.
- Foldable: Yes
- Warranty: No
- Thickness: 2”
Best for Easy Maintenance: BalanceFrom GoGym All-Purpose Mat
Key Features
- Available in one size: 4’ x 10’ x 2”
- Comes in four color variations
- Made of thick density EPE foam and a vinyl coating
Pros:
- Foldable design that is easy to store
- Velcro straps on all sides so you can attach several mats together
- Easy maintenance
- 100% BalanceFrom satisfaction guarantee
- Two-year BalanceFrom warranty
Cons:
- Available in only one size
The BalanceFrom GoGym All-Purpose mat really is an all-purpose product. Because it’s slightly larger than the previous mat, you can use it for anything you can think of, including fitness, Pilates, martial arts, and more. It can also be an excellent playground for your little ones.
Out of all the designs I tested, this one is by far the easiest to maintain. Since the material is water-wicking, you don’t have to be afraid if you spill any liquid. I only used a damp cloth with a bit of soap to keep the mat clean.
The surface material is a high-quality, non-toxic, lead-free vinyl that is puncture-free and highly durable. I tested it on my kids, and it exceeded all my expectations. Aside from practicing gymnastics at home, feel free to get it for your kids and pets.
If you want a really durable mat that will go against all odds, including spilled liquids, sweat, and damage, this one is it. Thanks to the water-wicking fabric, it’s the easiest to maintain and great for homes with kids.
- Foldable: Yes
- Warranty: Yes
- Thickness: 2”
Best Budget: BalanceFrom Thick Tri-Fold Mat
Key Features
- Available in one size: 6’ x 2’ x 2”
- Comes in four different color alternatives
- Made of high-density EPE foam and a vinyl coating
Pros:
- Affordable price
- 100% BalanceFrom satisfaction guarantee
- Two-year BalanceFrom warranty
- Foldable design that is easy to store
- Handles for easy transport
- Puncture-resistant and non-absorbent design
Cons:
- Comes in one size only
- Quality is not as high as the other listed products
- Not wide enough
The BalanceFrom Thick Tri-Fold mat is the best budget product on the list. It’s a smaller-sized mat that has a thickness of 2”.
Although the BalanceFrom Thick mat is made in the same fabric as the BalanceFrom GoGym All-Purpose mat, I could notice a difference in quality. After all, the price of this product is much lower than the All-Purpose mat, so I expected to receive a lower-quality mat.
Even with the lower quality, the performance of the mat is excellent. The fabric is non-absorbent and highly durable. The size selection can be improved since this mat is more suitable for children.
This is the most affordable mat that I tried, and also one that I loved. If you don’t want to spend too much on your home gymnastics mat, this product is durable, easy to clean, and provides excellent support.
- Foldable: Yes
- Warranty: Yes
- Thickness: 2”
Best Style: MAT EXPERT Gymnastics Mat
Key Features
- Available in one size: 4’ x 10’ x 2”
- Comes in four color alternatives
- Made of EPE foam and PU surface
Pros:
- Removable cover for a simple clean
- Two handles for carrying
- Four additional velcro straps to connect multiple mats
- Great for kids and adults
Cons:
- It’s costly
- Available in one size only
The MAT EXPERT Gymnastics Mat is a gorgeous-looking mat great for both kids and adults. The size range is not extensive, but the one offered is big enough for various activities.
The biggest pro and a unique feature of this mat is that its cover is removable. That means you can take it off whenever you need to and clean it with ease.
There is no doubt that the material is great, delivers excellent padding, and is comfortable. What’s even better, you can also take the mat outside without fear of damaging it.
Although I liked the overall performance of the mat, I feel like it’s a little too expensive for the quality it offers.
This is the prettiest mat on the list that provides great support and is comfortable and foldable. Thanks to the removable cover, it will take you only minutes to clean it.
- Foldable: Yes
- Warranty: No
- Thickness: 2”
Side by Side Comparison
Product | Our Rating | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Tumbl Trak Gymnastics Mat View on Amazon –> View on Walmart –> | Best Overall Overall: 4.9 | Available in six sizes Comes in eight different color variations Made of EVA foam material and vinyl CPSA 2008 tested and approved |
We Sell Mats Personal Fitness & Exercise Mat View on Amazon –> View on Walmart –> | Most Portable Overall: 4.8 | Available in one size: 4’ x 6’ x 2” Comes in seven color variations Made of high-quality foam and a vinyl coating |
BalanceFrom GoGym All-Purpose Mat View on Amazon –> View on Walmart –> | Best for Easy Maintenance Overall: 4.8 | Available in one size: 4’ x 10’ x 2” Comes in four color variations Made of thick density EPE foam and a vinyl coating |
BalanceFrom Thick Tri-Fold Mat View on Amazon –> View on Walmart –> | Best Budget Overall: 4.8 | Available in one size: 6’ x 2’ x 2” Comes in four different color alternatives Made of high-density EPE foam and a vinyl coating |
MAT EXPERT Gymnastics Mat View on Amazon –> View on Home Depot –> | Best Style Overall: 4.8 | Available in one size: 4’ x 10’ x 2” Comes in four color alternatives Made of EPE foam and PU surface |
The Complete Gymnastic Mat Buyer’s Guide
When trying to find the best gymnastics mat for your home, these are some of the factors that you need to consider:
Thickness
Buying a mat with proper thickness should be your priority. Different designs feature different sizes and thicknesses, so you need to get educated before you decide what to purchase.
If a mat is too thin, it can harm the joints of the person using it. In simpler words, the mat won’t provide enough cushioning and won’t absorb the shock that happens during gymnastic tumbles.
A mat shouldn’t be too thick either. If the thickness is too high, the person’s hands can fall into the mat, making it impossible for the gymnast to practice properly. These mats can also be much softer and are not always ideal for practicing. A mat that’s too thick can lead to injuries.
The standard thickness you should look for is around 1-3/8” thick. This is a golden medium between too low and too high. It’s also most suitable for adults.
If you’re a beginner and need extra cushioning, feel free to opt for a higher thickness.
If you need a mat for your kids, you should opt for a thicker design. The recommended thickness for the little gymnasts is around 4 inches.
Size
Size matters when you’re buying any kind of gymnastics mat. That’s why most manufacturers offer various sizing options. If you need this mat for home use and don’t have enough space, a size 8’ x 4’ should be enough.
When you’re limited with space, a folding mat will be the perfect solution. You’ll be able to choose a larger size for practicing, then store it properly because it won’t take too much space.
If you have plenty of space, you can choose whichever size that you want. Bigger mats are more comfortable and safer.
Kid’s home mats should be between 6’ x 2’ and 6’ x 3’ large. That’s enough for the kids to do their gymnastics tumbles without fearing for their safety. When they start growing, you can go up a size.
One thing to remember is that larger mats cost more. So, you’ll need to find a mat that is a suitable size and one that fits your budget.
Cost
Price is always a factor, no matter the product you need to purchase. Thankfully, home gymnastics mats come at different prices so you can find one within your budget. Don’t rush to pick the cheapest product; instead, make sure it fits your needs.
Generally, the more expensive mats are more durable, thicker, and larger. Find a product that features a decent quality and is located somewhere in the middle of the price scale.
Professional gymnasts need to invest in a high-quality mat that is large enough and thick enough for their needs. This also means the mat will be expensive.
Maintenance
The product you get should be easy to clean. The material should be durable and simple to maintain with the most basic care products.
You don’t want a high-maintenance mat because it will take a lot of your time to clean, and you might need to invest in special care products.
Most mats need a quick wipe with a damp cloth and can be vacuumed weekly for a clean surface.
Material
Several materials are commonly used to produce gymnastic mats. One of the materials you’ll see mentioned everywhere is polyethylene. It’s a durable fabric used to make the core of most mats.
The other material you need to know about is vinyl. This one is used to cover the core, and it creates the outer shell of the product. Vinyl is also durable, resistant to scratches, and doesn’t absorb liquids.
FAQs
There is no certain way to tell how long these mats can last. It all depends on the quality of the product, the material, the frequency of use, and more.
Most mats will last between one and three years, provided you take proper care of them. The more often you use the mat, the more likely you’ll need to replace them often. But, if you invest in a high-quality product, you won’t have to worry about damage.
Can Gymnastics Mats Be Used Outdoors?
Waterproof mats can be used outdoors and left outdoors as well. These are usually vinyl-encased products that can’t be damaged by water. You can feel safe taking them outside, but do it only when you have to.
If you need a mat for your home, it’s best that you only use it indoors. Although it might not be damaged if you take it outside, you’ll very likely shorten its lifespan. Also, you’ll need to wash it and clean it properly.
If a mat that is not vinyl-encased gets in touch with water, it will absorb the liquid and become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew. That’s not something you want to take home or have at home.
Final Thoughts
Did you find the best gymnastics mat for your home in one of my recommendations? Before choosing a design, go over the buyer’s guide to see which size, thickness, material work best for your needs.
A gymnastics mat should provide excellent cushioning, great support, be durable, easy to maintain, and non-slippery. I found all these features in the Tumbl Trak Gymnastics Folding Tumbling Panel Mat and fell in love right away. This is my favorite design for home gymnastics because it also offers an extensive size and color selection.
If you have any comments or first-hand experiences with a gymnastics mat for your home, please post them below or share your pictures via our social media.
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