10 Best Expert-Recommended Folding Exercise Mats Of 2024
Martin Sharp is a multi-award-winning international consultant, coach, speaker and author with 4 years of experience. He specializes in transforming busy and overweight business owners and consultants into their fitter, happier, and more confident selves.
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Shreya is a commerce writer who is passionate about reviewing products related to fitness, health, and home. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, and has four years of experience.
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Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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In This Article
Regular workouts rejuvenate your body and mind. Whether it’s yoga, cardio, or a floor workout, it relieves your stress and makes you feel comfortable. If you are restricted to your home or have little mobility in your daily activities, you need to get yourself the best folding exercise mat and start doing some home workouts. It makes your workout comfortable and safer without injuries. It also offers support during core workouts, whether indoors or outdoors. A good exercise regimen helps your body to keep in shape and make you feel energetic. Similarly, a good exercise mat always lays the foundation for a better home workout.
You can transform your entire room with a folding exercise mat or interlocking exercise tiles, or you can use a basic mat for yoga or pilates to do at your home or studio. These multi-purpose exercise mats are available in the market in multiple options with various features, colors, patterns, and designs. Hence, choosing the right one may be a bit puzzling. So, in this article, we bring you the 10 best folding yoga mats with multiple positive reviews online so that you can start your exercise game afresh! Read on!
[table “3908” not found /]10 Best Folding Exercise Mats For A Toned Body In 2024
1. BalanceFrom 2″ Thick Tri-Fold Exercise Mat
Feeling too lazy to go to the gym or yoga studio? This 6-foot long, 2-foot wide, and 2-inch thick folding exercise mat is an ideal exercise mat size for exercises such as yoga, pilates, MMA, and martial arts at home. It’s made of thick, firm, high density EPE soft foam, and its exceptional resilience allows you to keep your balance during any form or style of exercise. It has a comfortable surface made of non-toxic, lead-free vinyl that is durable, 18 oz puncture-resistant, and non-absorbent. Its moisture resistant technology makes the mat easy to clean so that it stays free of odor and bacteria. This cost-efficient mat is lightweight and its foldable, 3-panel design along with handles make it easy to carry and store. This high-quality exercise mat comes with a 2-year warranty and is available in multiple colors. There’s nothing stopping you from getting fit with this gym equipment.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Lead-free
- Lightweight
- 3-panel design
- Features handles
- Moisture-resistant
- Odor-resistant
Cons
- Some may feel the seams could be stronger.
2. Best Tri-Fold Design:ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Exercise Mat
Need to get into shape? This 6 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 1.5 inches thick folding exercise mat is made of environment-friendly and dense EPE foam that provides adequate support during your high-intensity workouts. It has an easy-to-clean, waterproof vinyl surface, keeping it safe from odor and bacteria, and making it convenient to use both indoors and outdoors. This low-maintenance mat has a convenient tri-fold design that folds up quickly, and handles to carry which makes it very easy to carry and store. This versatile, thicker exercise mat gives adequate support and a cushioned flat surface during core workouts, tumbling, wrestling, stretching, and outdoor fitness routines. This tri-fold exercise mat protects sensitive joints like knees, hips, spine, and wrists and saves them from potential injuries on a hardwood floor, offering you a safe workout experience. Watch the video documenting the tester’s experience of the ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Exercise Mat.
Pros
- Vinyl surface
- Waterproof
- Low maintenance
- Tri-fold design
- Easy to carry and store
Cons
- Some may find the surface a little hard.
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 13,995 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
3. Best Slip-Resistant Handles:Sunny Health & Fitness No. 048 Tri-Fold Exercise Mat
If you want to stay fit and flexible at home, this tri-folding exercise mat helps ensure that exercises, such as leg extensions, yoga, core strengthening, stretching, pilates, martial arts, and crunches, are carried out on adequate and ample cushioning. This 6 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2-inch thick folding exercise mat comes with 2 nylon, slip-resistant handles, making it portable, and its compact tri-fold design fits easily into car trunks, closets and cupboards, or in storage units. Its durable vinyl cover is crack-resistant, tear-resistant, and easy to clean— all you need to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth. This versatile mat also doubles as a spare bed, futon mattress, or for a children’s play area!
Pros
- Versatile
- Vinyl cover
- Nylon handles
- Anti-tear design
- Easy to transport and store
Cons
- Some may find it too soft for adequate support.
4. Best Anti-Slip: Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat
Lay on the Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat to alleviate stress and bodily tension while getting a toned body. The mat is wide enough and gives optimum area for performing body stretches and yoga poses. It provides extra cushion support for pressure points such as joints, hips, hands, and knees. The mat is made of a ribbed surface that offers anti-slip security to prevent injury and avoid deviating from the workout. This exercise mat with a carrying strap enables you to carry it anytime, anywhere. It is not made from any harsh chemicals or metals and can easily be cleaned with soap and water.
Pros
- Durable
- Portable
- Phthalate-free
- Latex-free
- Soft
- Value for money
Cons
- May have an uncomfortable odor
5. Best Easy To Carry:Best Choice Folding Exercise Mat
In case you have been missing your gymnastic and aerobic workouts, this 10 feet-long and 4 feet-wide mat has strong and durable reinforced stitching to withstand jumps and leaps and is ideal for gymnastics and aerobics. This foldable exercise mat is made of 2-inch thick, high-density EPE foam with a faux leather surface that is waterproof and easy to clean. It has a removable, zippered cover so you can access the foam when needed. Touch fasteners enable you to join your mat to other similar ones for a larger surface area when practicing cartwheels and other complex moves. Its built-in side handles make this folding exercise gym mat easy to carry and transport. The 4-fold design of this mat lets you fold the surface into a compact shape to be stored neatly when not in use.
Pros
- 4-fold design
- Removable cover
- Touch fasteners to extend mat
- Built-in handles
Cons
- The cover may initially have a slight odor.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,165 rave reviews on Amazon.
6. Best Durable:We Sell Mats Personal Folding Exercise Mat
Incorporate this convenient and portable mat into your home gym workout routine for a great workout. This folding padded exercise mat has a heavy-duty vinyl cover with a cross-linked polyethylene foam core. This 6 feet long, and 2 feet wide mat provides a comfortable and durable surface for personal fitness and exercises like push-ups, crunches, sit-ups, planks, burpees, squats, and lunges. It is ideal for your dance class, yoga, and even for babies to crawl on. It can easily endure frequent use and is easy to clean, and the durable crosslink foam core provides the ideal balance between comfort and stability. It weighs just 4 lbs, making it lightweight and easy to carry using the attached handles. It offers you a cushioned, supportive surface that protects your knees, wrists, elbows, and back during a comfortable home workout. According to user insights, the mat is easy to carry and has the right amount of thickness.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact and portable
- Easy to clean
- Made from heavy-duty vinyl cover
- Crosslink polyethylene foam core
Cons
- Doesn’t have fasteners to extend it
7. Best Lightweight:XN8 2.4 Inches Thick Exercise Yoga Mat
This tri-fold yoga mat is 6 feet long and 2 feet broad, made of firm EPE foam, and provides ideal back support during core work, inversions, and other postures that cause otherwise your bones to dig painfully into the ground. This foldable thick exercise mat is covered with premiere Lamina hide leather upholstery which gives it an elegant look and is highly resilient, slip-proof, waterproof, and easy to clean with a damp cloth. This easily foldable, lightweight, 3.2 kg mat comes with thick nylon handles which makes it easy to take around and store, and is great for both professional gymming and home training. So get ready to work out on a mat that offers high shock absorption and protects your back, knees, and elbows, making your workout highly comfortable.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Slip-proof
- Features lamina hide cover
- Comes with nylon handles
- Easy to clean
- Easily foldable and portable
- Available in 2 variants
Cons
- Some may find it too firm.
Pro Tip8. Best Thick Mat: GoSports Tri-Fold Exercise Fitness Mat
GoSports Tri-Fold Exercise Fitness Mat has the potential to become your favorite exercise mat in no time. It is made of high-density foam to provide comfort and extra care for your knees and elbows. The exterior is crafted with composite leather for a premium soft touch. The mat provides ample area to perform all your favorite yoga poses, physical fitness regime, and MMA training. The mat is divided into three panels that can be folded to look like a briefcase. The exercise mat with handles helps you carry it easily. You can use this folded mat to sit and meditate comfortably for long periods. It is an excellent budget-friendly option for those who do not want to spend much on a mat for their workout routine.
Pros
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
- Thickly padded
- Comfortable
Cons
- None
9. Best Waterproof Surface: Giantex Gymnastics Mat
The Giantex Multicolor Gymnastic Mat is suitable for various exercises, including pilates, stretching, yoga, martial arts, and daycare activities to help you stay healthy and active at home. The mat has hook and loop fasteners on its edges and is constructed of eco-friendly PU fabric and premium EPE foam. It lowers the injury rate and the discomfort from any difficult falls.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Comfortable
- Easy to clean and store
Cons
- Not durable
10. Best Grip: Gorilla Yoga Mat
Gorilla Yoga Mat is an ideal option to perform yoga meditation, stretching, light cardio, or barefoot bodyweight exercise. Its top layer is sticky, grippy textured, and non-slip, which offers outstanding grip and comfort. The mat’s textured bottom surface provides traction and prevents slipping. It is made from high-quality, non-toxic, eco-friendly material without latex. Whether on the carpet, concrete, tile, or hardwood floors, its high-density, double-thick cushioning safeguards your sensitive knees and joints. The eco-friendly exercise mat is an excellent yoga accessory that comes with two velcro straps to keep it rolled up for simple storage or transportation, a soft, 100% microfiber towel, and a storage bag.
Pros
- Extra cushioning
- Easy storage
- Non-toxic
- Eco-friendly material
- High-quality
Cons
- Material may shred
Now that you have been through our review of the 10 best folding exercise mats of 2024, it’s essential that you know how to choose a perfect one for yourself so that your workouts are safe and comfortable and you derive maximum benefit from them.
How To Choose Folding Exercise (Gym) Mats
- Fitting comfort
This will totally depend on how frequently you train. The more frequently you train, the higher the level of comfort, in this case, the mat thickness level, you’ll need. It will also depend on what kind of activities you need the exercise mat for. For gentle exercises such as stretching, yoga, or pilates, during which you will be often in contact with the floor and without footwear, you should go for a softer mat that is at least 5 mm thick.
Martin Sharp, a CPT with 4 years of experience, says, “Thick folding mats help you get into a comfortable position to work with, making the experience of working out more enjoyable, especially if you find thin mats or floor work uncomfortable or constricting.”
- Material
EPE foam is what is used for most foldable exercise mats that are covered with material that isn’t very absorbent. EPE foam gives strong support and comfort, as it’s soft and resilient, which makes it easy for people to train on all surfaces. The outer cover is usually vinyl or other smooth and durable material that is easy to wipe after a sweaty workout to keep off odor and bacteria.
- Size and shape
This again depends on what you’re planning to use the exercise mat for. Narrow and long exercise mats are great for planks and cartwheels, and rectangular mats that cover a greater surface area are ideal for practising gymnastics, martial arts, and wrestling. How tall you are, would also decide the size of the mat.
- Durability
The frequency of your workouts will decide how durable your mat needs to be. If used for regular or intensive exercise, choose one with a protective coating. It not only adds to the durability but also improves the mat’s resistance to the friction caused by footwear.
- Weight
Folding exercise mats are supposed to be portable and convenient, but some mats are heavier than other mats. Some may weigh only a little over a pound, while others can weigh up to 10lbs. It is generally recommended to opt for lightweight mats that are portable, especially when you carry one to your workout place.
- Thickness
The thickness of your exercise mat will depend on the activity and your personal preference. For floor workouts, a thicker mat may be required for extra cushioning. Others, who are veterans in working out, might not mind a thinner mat, as they might not feel the need for extra cushioning. Usually exercise mats range between 1.5 inches to 2 inches in thickness.
- Sections and Velcro
The best folding exercise mats should have the option of being extended by adding sections with velcro. The number of sections could be 2, 3, or 4 panels. The number of sections will determine how large your exercise mat will be when it’s unfolded and how easy it could be to store when folded. Some exercise mats come with velcro on all sides which gives you the option of changing the mat’s shape, size, and mat area.
Now that you are clear on what to look for while choosing the best folding exercise mat for your home, it’s always good to know the benefits you can derive from it so that you can draw the utmost from your mat.
Benefits Of The Folding Exercise Mat
- Convenience
Folding exercise mats are portable, convenient, simple to use and easy to store so that you can use them anywhere, whether at home on a hard floor or out in the garden. You can also easily use such an exercise mat for travel.
- Comfort, support, and safety
They basically make your workouts safer and more comfortable, especially when you’re lying on the floor for extended periods of time working on your stability and core strength. Folding exercise mats are commonly used as cushioning for gymnastics practice, wrestling, and martial arts, but they are also extremely effective at offering support during core workouts. Whether you like to workout indoors or outdoors, they give protective cushioning to your knees, wrists, elbows, neck, and back.
- Cleanliness
Even though everyone gets sweaty while they workout, some like to keep a layer of protection between themselves and the ground, and an exercise mat serves just that purpose.
Infographic: Tips To Clean And Store A Folding Exercise Mat
Folding exercise mats that are supportive and provide the right grip are an indispensable part of any workout! Having said that, it is equally important to regularly clean and maintain these mats to ensure hygiene and extend their longevity. Check out the infographic below to learn a few tips to clean and store a folding exercise mat the right way.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
The Bottom Line
Home workouts are as effective as gym workouts if you have the right equipment or tools. To kick off your home workout journey or carry it forward, you should get hold of folding exercise mats that can be stored in any corner of your house after use. Folding exercise mats are lightweight and easy to use. The ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Exercise Mat is made of dense EPE foam which effectively cushions sensitive joints during training. If you are looking for a wider mat for a variety of stretches, try the Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat. However, if you are looking for a foldable, lightweight product, go for the XN8 2.4 Inches Thick Exercise Yoga Mat. You can conduct your daily activities without stress with the help of these mats. Good folding exercise mats can be exceptionally helpful when you are doing your core workouts where you need support. These mats come in unique designs, colors, and patterns. Folding exercise mats are made of non-toxic materials and have pleasant smells. They also protect users from potential injuries and mishaps that are common while working out. However, you should steer clear of mats that have exceptionally hard or slippery surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between a yoga mat and an exercise mat?
Yoga mats are thinner than exercise mats, starting out as thin as ¼ inch and maxing out at 1-inch thickness. These mats are not designed to handle high impact exercises.
Exercise mats, on the other hand, are used for a variety of activities and require more thickness, starting at 1 inch and going up to 3 inches, depending on the amount of impact absorption required.
Is it necessary to do exercise on a mat?
An exercise mat isn’t always essential if you do most of your workouts at home. A carpeted floor usually works quite well for standing or seated strength exercises, suspension training, or cardio workouts. Exercise mats lay nicely against the floor, prevent you from slipping, give you better traction, and protect your joints, and so are great to use for floor workouts and yoga.
Can you use a yoga mat as an exercise mat?
Yes, you can use a yoga mat as an exercise mat if you are doing a low-impact exercise that does not require a lot of cushioning.
What is the best thickness for a foldable exercise mat?
For gentle exercises such as yoga, stretching, or pilates, you can go for a softer mat that is at least 5mm thick. For fitness exercises, choose a mat with a thickness of at least 0.5 inches. The choice of thickness also depends on the support you think your joints need.
What is the best material for an exercise mat?
PVC and vinyl foam are extremely durable and easy to clean. However, people who sweat profusely might find PVC mats difficult to use. In that case, you can go for PVC-free material or use a jute or rubber fitness mat.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shreya Vishwanathan, is a fitness enthusiast and takes pleasure in helping people make the right buying choices through her well-researched product reviews. She stresses the importance of a good mat for making the exercise routine smooth, comfortable and injury-free. Hence, she has compiled this list of best folding exercise mats after thorough research and an in-depth analysis of user feedback. These low-maintenance mats are lightweight, easy to carry, and offer support during core workouts.
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