Head to Yoga Classes Confidently with a Top Tested Workout Mat
Head to Yoga Classes Confidently with a Top Tested Workout Mat
We updated this guide in August 2022 to ensure all products tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute are in stock, available and accurately priced. We also added more testing information, shopping tips and answers to frequently asked questions about workout mats.
Before you start shopping for equipment essentials like a set of dumbbells and kettlebells, make sure you have a top-quality exercise mat — the crucial foundation of your home fitness haven. Every workout starts with unrolling a mat, whether you're at a pilates class or stretching before lifting weights, so you need a quality pick with excellent grip and cushioning. As you build up a sweat, your workout mat needs to be able to keep up, so choose a mat compatible with whatever workout you are doing — a hot yoga class and an intense HIIT session require different priorities.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab and Nutrition Lab test all types of fitness products from sports bras to workout apps to help you on your fitness journey. To evaluate exercise mats and yoga mats, GH fiber scientists measure each mat's thickness and weight and clean it to test how it holds up to daily wear and tear — and disinfectants. Our panel of testers then try them out to give feedback on support, cushioning, grip, appearance and more. Testers logged over 200 hours of sweat sessions testing these mats! After testing 17 yoga mats and 11 exercise mats, GH analysts found the best exercise mats to buy.
Our top picks:
Whether a HIIT, pilates or yoga class, we found the best workout mats for all types of exercise that stay in place on carpet and wood floors for your home gym.
