The Best Fitness Floor Mat

Updated on 12 April 2023

This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.

Made of 80% NBR foam and 20% foamed PVC, this mat is guaranteed to be free of harmful substances and is soft and durable. The size of 180 x 60 cm is suitable for most users who do both standing and floor exercises. With a generous thickness (15 mm), this model offers great comfort. During our test, we found it very soft, and we appreciated its cushioning and excellent joint protection on the floor. It is also insulating and has a good grip on both parquet and tiles. In addition, the lined surface is grippy (though not so much with sweaty hands), not very dirty and very easy to clean. On the other hand, because of its lack of firmness, we found it a little unsteady when it was under a piece of fitness equipment. It is also not designed for use with shoes. In terms of transport, we criticise the absence of a strap, but it is easy to roll up, and above all, unlike the others, it remains flat on the ground, which does not hinder our workouts.

Unlike yoga mats, fitness mats are generally intended for a wider range of uses.

This mat did not pass our strength test.

A typical mat is between 160 and 185 cm long and 50 to 65 cm wide.

We recommend a soft mat, usually with a minimum of 4 mm.

The purpose of the mat is to provide a non-slip area with optimum grip.

Some mats are heavier. This prevents the mat from folding up during the session.

It is recommended to clean the mat after each session, before rolling it.

This model is designed without harmful substances with 80% NBR foam and 20% foamed PVC. Therefore it is soft, but we found it smells quite bad when we unpacked it. The 10mm thickness makes it soft and comfortable for floor exercises. Indeed, during our test, our joints were sufficiently protected and the cushioning was good. We also found it to be very resilient. However, we found it lacking in stability when placed under a fitness machine and with shoes on. The grip on the floor is satisfactory, and the lined surface is quite non-slip, except for occasional slips with perspiration. The surface is soft and easy to clean. In addition, the mat is easy to roll up and stayed flat during our sessions. On the negative side, we found it a bit short (70 cm) and narrow (55 cm) for taller users, and we criticized the lack of a carrying strap.

Best high-end

Amazon Brand – Umi

This versatile mat has a durable and hard-wearing design. Its generous dimensions, excellent floor grip and quality surface allow for a variety of exercises and workouts.

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This NBR accessory has an environmentally friendly, durable and healthy design (phthalate and lead-free) with edges for tear resistance. Its size (183 x 66 cm) is generous and suitable for most users, while its 10 mm thickness makes it comfortable and soft. During our test, we found it to be insulated, and we felt that it was sufficiently cushioned to protect the joints during floor exercises or Pilates sessions. We were even able to do a few workouts in our shoes. The surface does not slip (except when sweating excessively, but this is bearable) and it is easy to clean. But where we were particularly impressed was with the grip on different floors. Even though it is referred to as a yoga mat, it is, in our opinion, a little too thick for yoga and more suitable for fitness. On the other hand, although it is easy to roll up and has a carrying strap, the mat sometimes slips through. Finally, markings and centralisation lines are integrated into its design to facilitate better positioning during certain disciplines.

This PVC mat is less suitable for very intense training sessions but is still durable. When we unpacked it, we noticed a strong smell of plastic. At 120 cm long and 58 cm wide, its dimensions are a bit tight in our opinion, as is its 8 mm thickness, which is less comfortable for floor exercises. However, the ingenious thing about this mat is that it folds in on itself, which increases the thickness and thus better protects your joints in certain postures. It is both firm and soft. During our test, we appreciated its excellent grip on different floors and the non-slip surface, which is also perfectly suited for use with sports shoes. However, there was some slippage with sweat, and even though it is easy to maintain, the surface tends to retain dirt and footprints. Thanks to its foldable nature, it is very easy to store and always lies flat when unfolded. Finally, although not very useful, there is a marked place on the floor to put the phone.

The mat is made of polyethene foam and does not generate an unpleasant odour when unpacked. The good design quality makes it stretch-resistant and durable for intensive use. Its width of 62 cm is optimal, but it is a little short for tall people (170 cm long). At 8 mm thick, it is a little thinner, so it offers less protection for floor exercises. But the higher firmness means better stability for training with shoes, and it can even support a fitness machine. The surface, inspired by basketballs, is non-slip and did not slip during our test. It is very easy to clean, and the line in the middle helps you keep your bearings and promotes better balance in your postures. The grip on the floor is also good. As far as transport is concerned, it is light, and the two elastic bands are used to keep it rolled up. The eyelets are also useful for hanging them on a hook. In our opinion, the only thing missing is a shoulder strap. Finally, the brand delivers an exercise poster in the package.

High-end alternative

Adidas Fitness

With its soft and cushy surface, attractive design and ridged base, it combines comfort and grip and allows for a variety of workouts. Indeed, we found it quite versatile and the absence of odour is noteworthy.

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Made of NBR foam, this mat offers comfort and flexibility. Unlike other mats, it is odourless when unpacked. Although the surface can quickly crumble, it is resistant to tearing and twisting. Its size (183 x 61 cm) is suitable for most users and its 10 mm thickness provides soft cushioning and good protection for floor exercises. Overall, it is not subject to large deformations, even if it is under a fitness machine. It insulates well from the floor and is easy to maintain with its smooth surface. The surface may slip slightly with sweat, but it still offers a good grip. It is also soft and we were even able to do some training in shoes (although it was not initially designed for this). On the ground, the grip is impeccable, thanks to its grooved base which prevents slipping. As far as transport is concerned, it is light and easy to roll up, but it tends to slip through its strap. On the other hand, during our test, when we unrolled it, the edges were not completely flat. Finally, we liked its nice design and especially its bright and motivating colours.

Our selection

Our choice, Best mid-range	Best budget	Best high-end	Budget alternative	Mid-range alternative	High-end alternative
Domyos Mat Confort M	Domyos Mat Confort S	Amazon Brand - Umi	Corength Fitness	Domyos Tonemat M	Adidas Fitness
This eco-designed model is particularly interesting for floor exercises with its high thickness, high comfort and superior cushioning. It also has a good grip on most floors.	Although a little narrow and short, this soft and affordable accessory is more suitable for floor exercises. It is comfortable, has a good grip and is easy to clean, making it a good value for money.	This versatile mat has a durable and hard-wearing design. Its generous dimensions, excellent floor grip and quality surface allow for a variety of exercises and workouts.	Despite its small size, it has a mini price tag and its folding system is practical for varying thicknesses and easy storage. In addition, it hangs well on floors, and its surface is suitable for shoes.	Designed for high intensity cardio and strength training, it is durable and completely non-slip. Although it is a little thin for floor exercises, it is suitable for use with shoes and is easy to store.	With its soft and cushy surface, attractive design and ridged base, it combines comfort and grip and allows for a variety of workouts. Indeed, we found it quite versatile and the absence of odour is noteworthy.
£ 24.99 on Decathlon	£ 19.99 on Decathlon	See the price on Amazon	£ 14.99 on Decathlon	£ 24.99 on Decathlon	See the price on Amazon

How did we do the test?

To begin with, we placed each carpet on different floors (tiles, grass, parquet) to check their hold and insulation. We also assessed the surface’s adhesion by placing our dry or wet hands/feet on it, before and after cleaning. In addition, we observed any traces and odours retained by the carpet, as well as its resistance to twisting and tearing, and of course its level of elasticity.

We made sure to do muscle strengthening, standing and floor exercises (on the back, tailbone, knees, forearms, etc.), and more dynamic cardio exercises with or without sports shoes, and we also placed a weight bench on it. In this way, we were able to evaluate the dimensions, comfort, firmness, flexibility and stability that each mat offers. Finally, we judged its ease of transport through its weight, size and accessories (strap, eyelets, etc.), as well as its ability to lie flat when unrolled.

How to choose a fitness mat?

Fitness mats are the must-have accessory for the home gym. Unlike yoga mats, they are thicker and softer and are generally intended for a wider range of uses. With so many models on the market, the first thing to do is to define your type of use. Then there are a few things you need to pay attention to:

• Materials: PVC is cheap and offers strength and comfort, but its composition can affect heavy users. It is also easy to maintain. Polyethene has good strength and durability with sports shoes. NBR Nitrile foam is a cheap and flexible rubber. TPE foam is the “latest generation” revelation, offering a material free of latex, PVC and toxic/noxious chemicals. Finally, natural rubber is eco-friendly but more expensive.

• Dimensions: these generally vary in both length and width. A classic mat is between 160 and 185 cm long and 50 to 65 cm wide. This aspect should be chosen according to your height and especially the exercises you do. Also look at whether or not it can be folded up, which can make it easier to transport and/or store.

• The thickness and density of the foam: these elements define its cushioning and comfort. Make sure you have enough bounce for optimal protection and sufficient insulation. For fitness and strength training, we recommend a soft mat (but not too soft to avoid variations in level) with generally a minimum of 4 mm. For gymnastics, it is best to choose a model with a thickness of at least 6 mm.

• The quality of the surface: the role of the mat is to provide a non-slip area with optimum grip to provide sufficient stability. A vinyl or elastomeric foam surface is preferable to a plastic one, as it is less slippery. The smoother the carpet, the more comfortable it is, but the rougher it is, the more stable it is. It is also important to eliminate unpleasant odours (due to the materials or perspiration) and dirt, and to combat indentations that can damage your joints.

• Weight: some fitness mats are heavyweight. In one sense, this can hinder portability, but in another sense, it avoids having a mat that folds up during a session.

• Maintenance: it is recommended to clean your mat after each session, before rolling it. You can use a simple wipe for this. This prevents bacteria from growing. For thorough cleaning, it is essential to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, you should know that more and more equipment is machine washable. The drying time depends on the material and density.

Other recommended models

#DoYourFitness Amisha (£16.99 upon publication): Support and flexibility. Available in several sizes, this NBR foam model is made of a healthy, soft and resistant composition, but with a slight (but not very pronounced) plastic smell. The 12 mm thickness provides good insulation and comfort with a very soft and protective structure for your joints and floor exercises. The surface is soft, easy to maintain and does not tend to retain footprints and dirt. Thanks to the lines, it does not slip (except sometimes with perspiration). The grip on floors is also convincing. Unfortunately, under a machine, the mat did not offer much stability during our test. With shoes, it’s the same, we lacked a bit of firmness. Finally, although it is easy to roll up, it will take some time before it is completely flat.

BalanceFrom GoYoga (£24.82 upon publication): Another option for floor training. This foam mat is soft and has good dimensions (180 x 60 cm). With its 12 mm thickness, it is soft, comfortable and, above all, it offers good cushioning to protect your joints from hard floors. The grip of the surface is very good, but the mat tends to slip and squeak on wooden floors. Nevertheless, the surface is quite soft and easy to maintain. As far as transport is concerned, it is light, easy to roll up and the velcro carrying strap is practical. However, we were bothered by its strong plastic smell when unpacked. Furthermore, due to its high elasticity, it does not offer much stability under fitness equipment or with shoes (especially during Mountain Climbers).

Fitem Mat (£35.24 upon publication): Ecological, hypoallergenic and non-toxic composition. Tested and controlled by SGS, this 183 x 61 cm accessory is made of NBR foam. It is flexible, but during our test, its surface seemed a bit fragile and dirty, and its plastic smell when unpacked is unpleasant. It is very thick (15 mm) and provides good cushioning and protection for your limbs during floor exercises. We appreciated its comfort and its good isolation from the floor. Despite this, when placing a machine on it, it lacked stability. As far as grip is concerned, its ribbed surface is correct, apart from some slipping with sweat. It also slides a little more on the ground, but without compromising the drive. Note that it is not designed for use with shoes. The strap is convenient to carry, and it is also easily rolled up.

Other models tested

Sveltus Tapis Training (£16.49 upon publication): It is soft and comfortable, but it has an unpleasant smell when unpacked. In addition, there was some unpleasant slipping and squeaking on the floor, and it does not lie flat when unrolled.

Ultrasport Multifunctional Fitness (£34.99 upon publication): Despite a good general grip and stability under a fitness machine, it does not resist stretching at all, and even tore during our test. Very thin and firm, it also lacks cushioning and joint protection during floor exercises. Finally, it doesn’t lay completely flat.

Translated by Ramsés El Hajje