Any exercise enthusiast will agree that jumping rope as part of your workout routine is about more than using the top jump rope. The mat is equally as important. Today we review the best jump rope mats to complement your routine and prevent injuries.
We’ve identified and reviewed five of the most popular mats for jumping rope that will not only protect your joints but your rope as well. Opting for the best exercise mat for jumping rope will go a long way toward ensuring the continued success of your workout sessions.
Knowing the general differences between some of the top options will help you pick the right one for your needs. Our buyer’s guide will help you identify the necessary features such as durability, grip, and portability.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Sensu Large Exercise Mat
- Best Wear Resistant: MRO Premium Large Exercise Mat
- Best for Large Spaces: GXMMAT Large Exercise Mat
- Best Heavy Duty: SuperMats Heavy-Duty Equipment Mat
- Best Budget: LERYG Yoga Mat
Jump Rope Mat Buying Advice
Best Overall: Sensu Large Exercise Mat
Key Features:
- Size: 6” x 4” x 8.5”
- Material: 16P – ECO
- Color: Black and blue on the reverse side
- Shape: Rectangular
Pros:
- Shoe-friendly
- Non-slip & non-skid
- Includes towel and carrying case
Cons:
- Heavier than expected
- May start to fold at the edges
The Sensu Large Exercise Mat is not only bigger but thicker than many competitors’ mats and, as a result, is the ideal mat for your home gym flooring. It’s the perfect option for cardio, jump rope, weights, and other fitness programs.
This large, thick mat cushions your bones and stabilizes your balance to help you get maximum results from your workout. A durable, non-slip, non-skid top and bottom not only keep the mat from moving but also enable ultimate muscle control and focus.
This versatile exercise mat is ideal for all your physical exercise needs, including jumping rope. It’s easy to roll up and carry to wherever you need it. It’s kid-safe, chemical-free, and its added length gives you plenty of space to work out on.
Best Wear Resistant: MRO Premium Large Exercise Mat
Key Features:
- Size: 84.25” x 60.24” x 0.28”
- Material: High-density foam
- Color: Black
- Shape: Rectangular
Pros:
- Eco-friendly and latex-free
- Includes 100% microfiber towel & jump rope
- Lifetime after-sale service
Cons:
- Tends to become slippery with sweat during floor sessions
- Can be too thin for some jumpers
The MRO Premium Large Exercise Mat is thick, durable, and made up of a combination of three unique layers:
- Top: High-density micro foam for added resilience
- Mid: High strength net clamping cloth adds durability
- Bottom: Special circle dot for maximum grip
The surface of this mat offers a non-slip, textured design. This ensures your workout mat doesn’t move around during your workout.
This quality exercise mat is the ideal option for any workout routine. Everything from cardio, strength training, Zumba, and jumping rope can be done on this durable mat. It works well on most floors, and with its extra cushioned support, it provides exceptional comfort for all physical activities!
Best for Large Spaces: GXMMAT Large Exercise Mat
Key Features:
- Size: 72.05” x 48.43” x 0.28”
- Material: High-density foam
- Color: Black or purple
- Shape: Rectangular
Pros:
- Grooved underside prevents slipping
- 7 mm foam provides stability
- Scratch-resistant
Cons:
- Leaves residue on the floor
- Moves around occasionally
The GXMMAT Large Exercise Mat is constructed using high-density foam and is extra-long and wide to accommodate all types of exercise. This includes jumping rope, Zumba, P90X, and several other high-intensity cardio and dance workouts.
The high-density foam surface allows you to exercise with or without shoes on at no risk of damaging the mat. This popular mat is also compatible with most floor surfaces, including hardwood and tile. Not only is the carpet made of non-toxic materials, but it’s also eco-friendly.
This GXMMAT product is of superior quality and also comes with a bunch of handy accessories. These include one pair of high-quality gloves, three velcro storage straps, and a carrying bag. This oversized mat can easily be rolled up and transported or even used as a kids’ play area.
Best Heavy Duty: SuperMats Heavy-Duty Equipment Mat
Key Features:
- Size: 60” x 30” x 3”
- Material: Rubber
- Color: Black
- Shape: Rectangular
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Safe for children
- Durable
Cons:
- Strong rubber smell
- Leaves a residue on wood floors
The SuperMats Heavy-Duty Equipment Mat is the perfect option for protecting your body and your floor. It also prolongs the life of your gym equipment by preventing carpet fibers and floor dust from entering mechanical parts of workout equipment or exercise belts.
This extremely durable mat not only cushions your body but also muffles gym equipment noises. It is perfectly suited for everything from light aerobics to exercise bikes and jumping rope!
This SuperMat product is the best option if you’re looking for a heavy-duty mat that not only keeps the floor dust out of your equipment but also provides you with cushioned support. It’s suitable for any kind of exercise, and it’s affordable, too! Some users consider this to be the best rubber mat for jump rope!
Best Budget: LERYG Yoga Mat
Key Features:
- Size: 72” x 24”
- Material: TPE-friendly material
- Color: Green, blue, purple, black
- Shape: Rectangular
Pros:
- Non-slip design
- Easy to clean
- Available in various colors
Cons:
- Size may be too small for some users
Only sold on Amazon
The LERYG Yoga Mat is large enough to accommodate any of your exercise routines such as jumping rope, cardio, MMA, plyometrics, and it protects home gym flooring. The extra cushioning means you can exercise on the mat comfortably with or without shoes.
This 6 mm thick versatile mat easily alleviates stress on different pressure points such as hips, knees, hands, and joints. Not only does the added thickness provide support during yoga, but it also provides support throughout any high-resistance exercises.
The LERYG mat is lightweight, easy to roll up, and the ideal option for all your gym and exercise needs. Made from TPE-friendly material, this option is not only more eco-friendly than PVC or EVA mats, but it’s also firm enough to cushion your joints during any workout!
Side by Side Comparison
| Product | Our Rating | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
 Sensu Large Exercise Mat View on Amazon –> View on Sensu –> | Best Overall Overall: 4.9 | Size: 6” x 4” x 8.5” Material: 16P – ECO Color: Black and blue on the reverse side Shape: Rectangular |
MRO Premium Large Exercise Mat View on Amazon –> View on Walmart –> | Best Wear Resistant Overall: 4.7 | Size: 84.25” x 60.24” x 0.28” Material: High-density foam Color: Black Shape: Rectangular |
 GXMMAT Large Exercise Mat View on Amazon –> View on Walmart –> | Best for Large Spaces Overall: 4.7 | Size: 72.05” x 48.43” x 0.28” Material: High-density foam Color: Black or purple Shape: Rectangular |
 SuperMats Heavy-Duty Equipment Mat View on Amazon –> View on Walmart –> | Best Heavy Duty Overall: 4.6 | Size: 60” x 30” x 3” Material: Rubber Color: Black Shape: Rectangular |
LERYG Yoga Mat View on Amazon –> Only sold on Amazon | Best Budget Overall: 4.1 | Size: 72” x 24” Material: TPE-friendly material Color: Green, blue, purple, black Shape: Rectangular |
The Complete Jump Rope Mat Buyer’s Guide
Finding the best jump rope mat is essential to having an effective jump rope exercise session. With so many mats on the market, it can be quite frustrating to narrow down your options. To make this process a little simpler, we’ve compiled a buyer’s guide detailing the general features you should consider when you’re shortlisting your options.
Read the section below to find out why you need a jump rope mat, what materials you should consider, and the features you should take into consideration to ensure your next workout accessory gives you the support you deserve!
Why You Need A Jump Rope Mat
If you’ve decided to take up rope jumping as a new exercise or simply add it to your current workout schedule, you might wonder why you even need a jump rope mat. Surely, you can jump rope on your carpet, wooden floor, or even outside on the concrete, right? However, it may not be safe for you to regularly jump on slippery or hard surfaces.
As a rule of thumb, jump rope workouts should be performed on softer surfaces and include the use of a quality jump rope mat. Jump rope mats serve two basic purposes. Firstly, exercise mats protect your rope from normal wear and tear.
Secondly, and more importantly, the use of a jump rope pad or mat prevents potential injuries such as shin splints and sprained ankles. Mats also provide exceptional cushioning and absorb most of the impact upon landing.
A mat can also protect sensitive floors from getting scratched by your shoes or your jump rope while you’re exercising.
How To Choose Your Jump Rope Mat Material
Believe it or not, one exercise mat is not necessarily the same as another. Different mats are designed with specific exercises and workouts in mind. One of the main factors to consider is the material your exercise mat is made of.
Let’s have a look at some popular exercise mat material choices:
- Vinyl or PVC: These types of mats have a foam core with a vinyl core. They’re not only durable but also easy to wipe clean. They can withstand repeated use and can also be rolled up and carried around.
- Rubber: One of the more popular mat choices, rubber provides adequate cushioning and support while in use.
- EVA foam: EVA foam mats are lightweight and generally more affordable. However, they aren’t very resilient and can easily be damaged by the abrasiveness of your trainers.
- Thermoplastic elastomers: TPE mats are comfortable, durable, and constructed from environmentally friendly materials. They can be recycled, and their elastic properties allow them to return to their original shape after each use. They are also comfortable and soft.
Features To Consider
As with any other exercise or workout-related equipment, it’s important to consider the features of the best mats for jumping rope. The last thing you’d want is to damage your rope or injure yourself during your workout.
Some of the more prominent features to consider when you’re looking at jumping rope mat options include the following:
Purpose
As with anything else you intend on buying, you need to establish the purpose of the mat. For instance, if you’re going to be using your exercise mat for jumping rope as well as floor exercises, the length should be considered. Consider the space you have available for your jump rope activity.
Size
To work out comfortably, you’ll want a mat that allows you to perform your jump rope exercises with ease. If you’re a tall person, you’ll want to consider your height if you’re planning to do floor workouts in addition to your jump roping. Having enough space to exercise properly will ensure your workout is comfortable.
The main purpose of the mat is to protect your flooring, so you want a mat big enough to provide a large space for you to exercise on so you don’t damage your floors.
Durability
Durability is an important feature to consider, especially if you’re going to use your mat on a regular basis. Ideally, you want to choose a mat with a protective coating that will improve the mat’s resistance to regular wear from your sports shoes.
If you’re going to do additional types of workouts on the same mat, you should consider an option that allows for different types of activities. Opt for mats with non-slip and water-resistant features.
Portability
Often your workout sessions take you out of your home. You might feel like a session on the beach or at the gym. You might even feel like taking your exercise mat with you on vacation. For this reason, portability needs to be considered. How easy is it to pick up your mat and take it somewhere else?
Does it roll up easily so you can put it in the backseat of your car? Is it lightweight? Can the mat fit in a gym bag or gym locker? Ease of transportation is very important if you like to jump rope on the go.
Grip
Consider the amount of grip your potential mat has. Jump roping requires a certain amount of grip because you don’t want to slip on a mat that’s too smooth. Ideally, you want a mat with enough grip for jump rope and any other activities you might need to do.
Options to consider here include non-slip vinyl or rubber mats. Your goal should be to have a smooth landing during your jumps.
Cost
While affordability is always a factor, it’s important to not sacrifice quality for a bargain. Ensure that the mat you consider will provide you with the features you need for your jump rope and workout routines. Jump rope mats vary in cost, so no matter what your budget is, you’re guaranteed to find one that’s not only suited to your needs but affordable as well!
Thickness
Mats that are slightly thicker ensure better resilience and cushioning. The general thickness you should strive for is 5mm. Some mats are thicker and have a higher density to provide better support. Consider these options if you have weaker ankles or have suffered ankle injuries before. There’s no such thing as too much support. The more the better!
Maintenance
If you’re regularly jumping on your mat, it stands to reason that it’ll get a bit dirty over time. So, you’ll want a mat that’s easy to clean. Bear in mind that harsh chemical cleaners could damage the mat. So, you’ll want something you can simply wash off with water and mild soap.
Accessories
If you’re going to carry your exercise mat around to the gym or the beach, you might want a mat that comes with its own bag. Many options have their own carrying bags and even offer you additional accessories such as towels, gloves, and jump ropes. Compare what you’ll get to the price you’ll pay.
FAQs
Ideally, a jump rope mat should be at least 5 mm thick. This is to provide adequate support during a variety of workouts that include jumping rope. Essentially, the difference between a yoga mat and an exercise mat is the thickness. Exercise mats are thicker to provide more cushioning and support.
Can you jump rope on a yoga mat?
Using a regular-sized yoga mat won’t be ideal to jump rope on. Yoga mats are usually quite thin, and while using some form of mat will save normal wear and tear on the rope, it won’t cushion your joints.
Yoga mats are smaller than necessary for jumping rope, and the rope tends to get caught on the edges. Invest in an exercise mat thick enough to support your joints and your rope.
Can you replace a jump rope mat with a normal carpet?
Exercise surface is crucial. You shouldn’t use a carpet instead of a certified jump rope mat. While carpet does reduce impact, it doesn’t provide the adequate support needed to protect your ankles or knees. Ideally, you need to exercise on a wooden floor with an impact mat suitable for jumping rope.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to take care of your body as well as your equipment during your exercise sessions. One of the ways to do that is to use a jump rope mat. Our recommendation for the best option is the Sensu Large Exercise Mat because it’s larger and thicker than most exercise mats.
It cushions your bones, stabilizes your balance, and is both non-slip and non-skid. This mat is by far the best jump rope mat, and it is well worth your consideration!
If you have any comments or first-hand experiences with choosing the best jump rope mat, please post them below or share your pictures via our social media.
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