Exercise Mats
Exercise mats are thicker than yoga mats (10-15mm+) for better cushioning during ab work, stretching, and floor exercises where knees and elbows contact the ground.
Folding mats store compactly. Roll...
See allExercise mats are thicker than yoga mats (10-15mm+) for better cushioning during ab work, stretching, and floor exercises where knees and elbows contact the ground.
Folding mats store compactly. Roll-up mats are more portable. NBR foam is the most common material — lightweight, cushioned, and affordable.
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Exercise mats are thicker than yoga mats (10-15mm+) for better cushioning during ab work, stretching, and floor exercises where knees and elbows contact the ground. Folding mats store compactly. Roll...
See allExercise mats are thicker than yoga mats (10-15mm+) for better cushioning during ab work, stretching, and floor exercises where knees and elbows contact the ground.
Folding mats store compactly. Roll-up mats are more portable. NBR foam is the most common material — lightweight, cushioned, and affordable.
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AmazonBuying Guide
Exercise mats serve a different purpose than yoga mats — they prioritize cushioning over grip. Look for 10-15mm thickness for comfortable floor work: ab exercises, stretching, physio routines, and any movement where bony joints contact the ground. NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) foam is the standard material — it's lightweight, soft, waterproof, and hypoallergenic. Avoid cheap PE foam mats that compress permanently after a few months.
Choose between folding and roll-up designs based on your space. Folding tri-fold mats (180x60cm) store upright in closets and lay perfectly flat. Roll-up mats are more portable but can curl at the edges initially. For home use, a folding mat is more practical. For gym bags, roll-up with a carry strap. Standard width is 60cm — go 80cm if you want more room for lateral movements. Budget 20-35€ for a quality NBR mat; avoid anything under 15€ as foam density will be too low.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an exercise mat and a yoga mat?
Exercise mats are thicker (10-15mm vs 4-6mm), prioritizing cushioning for floor work where knees, elbows, and spine contact the ground. Yoga mats are thinner for better balance and have grippy surfaces for holding poses. Use an exercise mat for ab work, stretching, Pilates, and physio. Use a yoga mat for yoga and standing balance work. They're not interchangeable — a yoga mat is too thin for comfortable ab crunches, and an exercise mat is too soft for stable standing poses.
Is a folding or roll-up exercise mat better?
Folding mats are better for home use — they store compactly upright in closets, lay perfectly flat when opened, and feel more structured. Roll-up mats are better for portability — they fit in gym bags with a carry strap and are slightly lighter. The trade-off is that roll-up mats can curl at the edges when new, requiring a few days to flatten. For a dedicated home workout space, folding is more practical.
How thick should an exercise mat be?
10mm is the minimum for comfortable floor work. 12-15mm is ideal for most people, providing excellent cushioning without feeling unstable. If you do jumping exercises or high-impact movements on the mat, 15mm absorbs more shock. Avoid mats thicker than 20mm as they become too soft and unstable for exercises requiring balance. If you have sensitive joints, prioritize density over extreme thickness — a dense 12mm mat outperforms a cheap 15mm one.
How do I clean an NBR exercise mat?
Wipe down with a damp cloth after each use to remove sweat. For deeper cleaning, use mild soap and warm water with a soft cloth, then air dry completely before rolling or folding — trapped moisture causes odor and mold. Never machine wash or submerge NBR mats for extended periods. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach as they degrade the foam. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight which breaks down NBR over time.
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