The 9 Best Exercise Mats for Hardwood Floors in 2024

Exercising at home has become increasingly popular, especially with hectic schedules and the need for convenience. Having a comfortable and safe space to sweat it out is essential for any home gym, and an exercise mat is a key cornerstone for this setup. However, not all exercise mats are the same, and finding the right fit for your hardwood floors can be challenging.

Hardwood floors are beautiful and durable, but when it comes to exercising on them, the risk of slipping or causing damage to the floor is quite high. That’s why investing in a high-quality exercise mat is crucial! Designed to provide extra cushioning, support, and grip, these mats allow you to focus on your workout without the fear of injury or damage to your floors.

But there’s not one-size-fits all solution and there are lots of factors to consider, like mat thickness, material, size, its non-slip properties, and of course, the price.

With these factors in mind, I delved into researching and testing various exercise mats to identify just what are the best exercise mat for hardwood floors. Keep reading to find out which mats made the cut and why they’ll make an excellent addition to your home workout routine!

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this article, which means if you make a purchase after clicking on one, I may earn a commission. Full disclaimer here.

Best Exercise Mats for Hardwood Floors

I’ve gathered a list of the best exercise mats for hardwood floors, perfect for protecting your floors while breaking a sweat. Check them out below!

Gorilla Mats Premium Large Exercise Mat

I couple years back, I upgraded my home workout space with the Gorilla Mats Premium Large Exercise Mat, and it has completely transformed my fitness experience.

Pros

• Top-notch durability for intense workouts
• Excellent floor protection for all surfaces
• Comes with useful extras like a microfiber towel, storage bag, and Velcro straps

Cons

• A bit heavy and challenging to move around
• Might get slippery with sweaty hands or feet
• Slightly expensive, but worth it for the quality

The first thing that struck me upon unrolling my new Gorilla Mat was its exceptional durability and thickness. The mat feels like it’s made of high-quality material that can withstand anything thrown at it. It’s perfect for all types of workouts, such as HIIT, cardio, strength, and even dance routines. Two years later, and it still looks brand new!

I no longer have to worry about damaging my hardwood floors, thanks to this mat. It not only protects the flooring but also adds extra cushioning for my joints, making my workouts more comfortable. I appreciate the additional support, especially during high-impact exercises.

The Gorilla Mat comes with some useful extras, including a soft, absorbent microfiber towel, a storage bag, and two Velcro straps that make it easy to roll up and store. These add-ons make the overall package feel premium and well-thought-out.

One downside is the mat’s weight. At 14 pounds, it can be a bit challenging to move around, especially for those who need to transport it frequently. It’s something to consider if you’re short on space and need to change your workout location often.

The grip on the mat is excellent when I’m wearing shoes, but I did notice it can get a bit slippery with sweaty hands and bare feet during yoga. This isn’t a deal-breaker for me, as it’s primarily an exercise mat, rather than a dedicated yoga mat.

Lastly, the Gorilla Mat is slightly expensive compared to other exercise mats, but I believe the investment is worth it. The durable materials and excellent floor protection make this mat a long-term investment that outshines cheaper alternatives in performance and longevity. If you want to learn more about the Gorilla mat and my experience with it, you can read my full Gorilla mat review.

B YOGA Workout Mat for Home & Yoga Studios

Looking for a grippy yoga mat that won’t let you down during intense sessions? The B YOGA Workout Mat is the one for you.

Pros

• Incredibly grippy, even when sweaty
• Eco-friendly and biodegradable material
• Moisture-wicking and easy to clean

Cons

• Shows signs of wear and tear after a couple of years
• Might be a bit too sticky for some users
• Initial smell may need airing out

When it comes to yoga mats, grip is crucial. I found that the B YOGA Workout Mat has undoubtedly got me covered in that department. When I’m in the middle of a challenging flow or intense workout, I can always trust this mat to keep me stable and secure, no matter how sweaty things get.

I also appreciate that the mat is eco-friendly and biodegradable, made of 100% non-slip rubber. This shows that B YOGA cares about sustainability and creating products that are responsible and Earth-conscious. The open-cell technology in the mat works well for moisture-wicking and to keep it odor-free. Plus, it’s super easy to clean, making maintenance a breeze.

However, there are a few drawbacks I’ve noticed after using the B YOGA Workout Mat consistently. The natural rubber it’s made of started showing signs of wear and tear after a couple of years. There were visible flakes coming off the mat, which was a bit disappointing. Moreover, it might be a bit too sticky for some users. I found the dust collecting on the surface to be a minor nuisance, but this can easily be managed with regular cleaning. Lastly, the initial smell might need some airing out, but it goes away after some time.

Despite these minor drawbacks, I still believe the B YOGA Workout Mat is an excellent choice for those who want a reliable and high-performance yoga mat. The super grip it provides makes it ideal for various practices, making it a trustworthy companion in any exercise routine.

Manduka PRO Lite Yoga Mat

I’d highly recommend the Manduka Pro Lite mat for anyone serious about their yoga practice.

Pros

• Incredibly high quality
• Comfortable cushioning without sacrificing stability
• Highly durable and long-lasting

Cons

• A bit pricey compared to other mats
• Can be slippery initially until it is broken in
• No strap or carrying case included

As a yoga enthusiast, finding the perfect mat has been a challenge for me, but the Manduka PRO Lite Yoga Mat has been a game-changer. From the moment I unboxed this mat, its high-quality construction left me impressed. My chosen color, a deep purple called “indulge,” only added to my excitement.

Upon first touch, I noticed the slightly tacky surface texture, which was unlike anything I’d experienced with other mats. It provided just the right amount of cushioning for my hands, knees, and feet without compromising stability. The grip improved significantly after a couple of weeks, with only a minimal slip in downward dog positions, though I wouldn’t use it for hot yoga without a towel on top.

The 4.7mm thickness of the Manduka PRO Lite mat provided ample comfort for my joints and made poses like pigeon, table, and low lunge feel amazing. Moreover, cleaning the mat is a breeze, thanks to its closed-cell surface material that inhibits bacterial growth. A simple wipe down with a damp cloth after each session is all it takes to keep the mat clean and fresh.

While weighing around 4 pounds, this mat is easily portable, and taking it from place to place is not an issue. However, I do wish it came with a strap or carrying case, especially for the price.

Overall, after using the Manduka PRO Lite Yoga Mat for a few weeks, I believe it was worth the investment. The combination of excellent quality, comfort, cushioning, and durability makes it a superior choice for dedicated yoga practitioners.

ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat

The ProsourceFit Puzzle mat is a solid choice for floor coverage and cushion during high intensity workouts.

Pros

• Durable and versatile
• Easy assembly and disassembly
• Water-resistant and noise-reducing

Cons

• Might leave indentations from heavy objects
• May separate during intense workouts
• Thinner than some other options (1/2 inch)

I like the level of support and cushion it provides. The easy assembly allows. you to quickly set up my exercise space, even when covering a large area. (Great for hardwood and unfinished basements!)

In addition to providing great support, the mat is water-resistant, which makes it super easy to clean after a sweaty workout session or if liquids are accidentally spilled. The noise-reducing design helps to minimize the disturbance to others around me while I exercise or use equipment, creating a more peaceful workout environment.

However, there are some drawbacks to this mat; heavy objects tend to leave indentations. I also noticed that during more intense workouts, the mats might separate, which can be a minor annoyance.

Another point to consider is that this mat is ½ inch thick, which might not offer enough cushion for some people’s preferences. But all in all, I found the ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat to be a solid choice for floor coverage and cushioning during workouts.

BalanceFrom Heavy Duty Thick Real Rubber Mat

This BalanceFrom mat is a durable and effective choice for protecting your hardwood floors, carpets, and exercise equipment.

Pros

• High-density material for great floor protection
• Can be used with various exercise machines
• Easily cleaned with soap and water

Cons

• Slightly larger than some exercise machines
• May retain a slight curl from packaging
• Minimal design and color options

You’ll appreciate the high-density material that not only protects floors but also reduces vibration and noise caused by your exercise equipment treadmill.

Using the mat under other workout equipment like my elliptical and exercise bike seemed effortless as well. The size offered enough coverage for these machines, although it was slightly larger than my walking pad.

Cleaning the mat is a breeze; just a damp cloth, soap, and water will do the job. The material is moisture-resistant, which makes the cleaning process hassle-free. However, upon unrolling it from the packaging, you might notice a slight curl at one end, but it should flatten out after a few days.

UMINEUX Yoga Mat

This mat is an excellent choice for eco-conscious yogis looking for a lightweight and non-slip surface to practice on.

Pros

• Eco-friendly TPE material
• Double-sided non-slip design
• Optimum thickness for cushioning and resilience

Cons

• A bit difficult to clean
• Not the most durable against sharp objects
• Possible minor slipping during intense poses

I was in search of a new yoga mat and stumbled upon the UMINEUX Yoga Mat on Amazon. What immediately caught my eye was the eco-friendly TPE material, which is not only lightweight but also soft and skin-friendly. This definitely makes me feel more conscious about the environment during my practice.

I did experience a bit of slipping during more intense poses, but it wasn’t a deal-breaker for me, especially since the problem was fixed by buying a pair of “yoga paws” to slap on it where I grip the most frequently.

The UMINEUX mat has an optimum thickness of 8mm, providing just the right amount of cushioning and resilience. It’s suitable for all levels of yogis, and I find it comfortable to use during both gentle and intense sessions.

A nice bonus is the carrying strap and storage bag that comes with the mat. It makes it easier to carry around wherever I go and ensures my mat stays clean and protected when I’m not using it. However, I have noticed that cleaning the mat requires some effort, and it can be a bit challenging to remove stubborn stains.

Overall, the UMINEUX Yoga Mat offers great value for its price and has been a delightful addition to my yoga practice. Its eco-friendliness, non-slip design, and optimum thickness make it a reliable choice for anyone looking for a new mat.

Marcy Fitness Equipment Mat

I highly recommend the Marcy Fitness Equipment Mat for anyone looking to protect their hardwood floors while using exercise equipment.

Pros

• High-impact foam surface for durability
• Absorbs shocks & provides stable equipment placement
• Lightweight and easy to move

Cons

• May not fully flatten out initially
• Might require extra care for heavier equipment
• Could be thicker for better shock absorption

First and foremost, this mat is constructed from high-quality, 1/4-inch EVA foam. You can use this mat with various exercise equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells, and even treadmills, and still, it holds up quite well. Its cushioned surface does an excellent job at absorbing shocks and protecting my hardwood floors.

Another feature worth noting is its non-slip surface, which stabilizes the exercise machines and reduces noise and vibration. The lightweight structure of the mat made it convenient for me to move around and set up my workout area anywhere in my home.

However, you might find that unrolling and laying the mat out perfectly flat is a bit challenging in the beginning, as it has a natural inclination to roll back up. You may also need to be extra careful when placing heavier equipment on the mat, as it seems to be a tad thin and could potentially rip if not handled properly. I would have preferred it to be a little thicker for better shock absorption during workouts.

SUPERJARE Exercise Equipment Mats

These Superjare puzzle mats are perfect for your home gym, offering protection for your hardwood floors and excellent grip during workouts.

Pros

• High-quality materials for floor protection
• Durable and suitable for various workouts
• Easy to assemble and customizable

Cons

• Might be a bit pricey for some
• May have an initial smell after unboxing
• Slightly mismatched dimensions compared to other similar tiles

Not only do they effectively protect your hardwood floors, the double-layered EVA foam and rubber materials provide workout mats with the perfect combination of cushioning and grip for any type of exercise.

Assembling and customizing the mats is a breeze. The tiles easily interlock, and the included end borders provide a neat finish. You can arrange the tiles in various configurations to fit my workout space. Some people report the initial smell from the mats is a little bothersome, but it dissapates after a few days.

The mat is said to provide excellent traction, especially while doing landmine presses and deadlifts. The 0.56-inch thickness gives enough cushioning without taking away from the support and stability needed for heavy exercises.

SPRI 12mm Pro Fitness Mat

I’d recommend the SPRI 12mm Pro Fitness Mat for those seeking a thick, comfortable, and non-slip exercise mat for hardwood floors.

Pros

• Thick and comfortable for various exercises
• Non-slip ridges for added traction
• Portable with carrying strap

Cons

• A bit bulky when rolled up
• May not be suitable for intense, sweat-inducing workouts
• Limited color options

This mat is a good pick for floor routines like ab exercises, toning routines, and stretches. The thick padding provided the right amount of support for your body, making activities like push-ups and sit-ups less uncomfortable on your hardwood floor.

You’ll appreciate the non-slip ridges on the mat, which helps keep it in place during your routines. It works as a yoga mat or for less rigorous exercises that require a sturdy grip on the ground. However, some people find it gets slippery with sweat.

One of the best features of this mat is its portability. The carrying strap makes it easy to roll up and take with you, whether you’re heading to the gym or just storing it after an at-home workout. That said, it is a bit bulkier than you might anticipate when rolled up. But the thickness and comfort make up for the slight inconvenience of its size.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best exercise mat for hardwood floors, there are several factors I consider. In this brief buying guide best workout mats, I’ll share some tips that should help you find a mat that suits your needs.

Thickness

First, I’d look at the thickness of the mat. Thicker mats provide more cushioning, making them more comfortable for exercises like yoga, pilates or other floor-based workouts. On the other hand, if you’re doing exercises that require more stability, like weightlifting, a thinner mat might be more suitable. Here’s a quick rule of thumb to keep in mind:

• 1/4 – 1/2 inch: provides a good balance of support and cushioning
• 1/2 – 1 inch: great for more cushioning and comfort, ideal for yoga and stretches
• 1 inch or more: primarily for activities like martial arts or gymnastic tumbling exercises

Material

Next up is the material used to make the mat. There are three common materials:

1. PVC: This is a popular choice due to its durability and stickiness to the floor.
2. TPE: TPE mats are eco-friendly and usually lighter in weight.
3. Foam: Foam mats provide excellent cushioning and comfort, but they tend to wear out with more intense use.

When choosing a mat material, think about your preferences for durability, comfort, and eco-friendliness.

Non-slip Surface & Grip

A crucial aspect to consider is the non-slip surface and grip of the mat. Trust me, you don’t want to slip and slide during your workout. Opt for a mat with a good grip on both sides – one to grip the hardwood floor and the other to grip your hands/feet during your exercises and stretching.

Size

Make sure the mat is large enough for the exercises you plan on doing. It’s important to have enough room for a good range of motion without falling off your mat. Standard exercise mats are usually around 68-72 inches long and 24 inches wide. However, there are also extra-large mats available if needed!

Easy to Clean

Finally, look for a mat that is easy to clean and maintain. Sweating is inevitable during workouts, so you want a mat that can be wiped down easily with mild soap and water. Some mats are even machine-washable!

Good luck on your quest to find the perfect exercise mat for your hardwood floors!

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