Gymnastics is a high-energy, active sport that requires a lot of dedication, ambition, and perseverance to master. And the more you practice, the better you’ll become. Even competitive gymnasts will benefit from using a mat at home to perfect their routine. In order to excel as a gymnast, you’ll almost need a gymnastics mat for your home. If you’re not sure where to start when picking the right one, though, don’t worry, we have you covered!
We reviewed dozens of gymnastics mats to identify the best of the best. We looked at the inclined mats for beginners and the crash mats for the landing gymnast. We found the folding gymnastics mats that travel well and the inflatable mats that are perfect for practicing your tumbling. No matter what you’re looking for in a gymnastics mat, we have the right one for you.
From very early in our research, we identified the BalanceFrom GoGym All-Purpose Gymnastics Folding Mat as the clear winner of our top spot. Between its versatility and its high-quality, thick foam construction, it’s no wonder it’s our pick for best gymnastics mat overall.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Gymnastics Mats
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Gymnastics Mat Overall | BalanceFrom GoGym All-Purpose Gymnastics Folding Mat | 4.8 |
| Best Inflatable Gymnastics Mat | EZ GLAM Air Track Inflatable Gymnastics Tumbling Air Track Mat | 4.6 |
| Best Budget Gymnastics Mat | BalanceFrom Tri-Fold Folding Exercise Mat | 4.7 |
| Best Folding Gymnastics Mat | ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat | 4.7 |
| Best Inclined Gymnastics Mat | Giantex Incline Gymnastics Mat | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Gymnastics Mat Overall: BalanceFrom GoGym All-Purpose Gymnastics Folding Mat
The BalanceFrom GoGym All-Purpose Gymnastics Folding Mat features a thick, high-density foam that makes a wide variety of gymnastic feats more comfortable and less dangerous. While this may not be the ultra-thick foam mat that will be better suited for advanced skills or vaulting – even dismounting may require a bit thicker mat – but this mat is ideal for so many purposes, that you’re going to love it. You can fold the four panels to create mat with variable thickness (three different levels, depending on how you fold it), and the convenient carrying handles make it a breeze to transport.
There are over 2,000 customer reviews on Amazon and that’s well enough to suggest the accuracy of the overall rating. – This is nothing but good news because this mat has earned an impressive 4.8 stars! In fact, you can even read into this that your statistical likelihood of being one of the 95% satisfied customers is pretty high!
BalanceFrom GoGym All-Purpose Gymnastics Folding Mat Key Features:
- 10’L x 4’W
- 2″ thickness
- 4 colors available
Best Inflatable Gymnastics Mat: EZ GLAM Air Track Inflatable Gymnastics Tumbling Air Track Mat
The EZ GLAM Air Track Inflatable Gymnastics Tumbling Air Track Mat is an ideal mat for the tumbler in your life – even if that tumbler is you. You’ll appreciate the included electric air pump that will fill your four or eight-inch air mat to the point of firm support for every step and every landing. If you’re learning more advanced moves, you’ll want a thicker, larger mat and an air-filled mat is the most cost-efficient way to do so. All things considered, this is one piece of safety equipment you don’t want to slouch on.
It comes with a non-slip base that will prevent any accidents related to your normally slick floors. The mat is also water-proof and airtight. It comes with a repair kit to fix any leaks, but the durable construction means you won’t suffer too many instances where you need it. It even comes with the added bonus that inflatable gymnastics mats will reduce the noise that can often come with more ambitious gymnastics, making it a big win for anyone in the vicinity, as well.
EZ GLAM Air Track Inflatable Gymnastics Tumbling Air Track Mat Key Features:
- 11 size options
- 9 colors available
- 4″ or 8″ thickness
Best Budget Gymnastics Mat: BalanceFrom Tri-Fold Folding Exercise Mat
The BalanceFrom Tri-Fold Folding Exercise Mat is a slightly less robust version of our top pick, it’s true, but this option still has plenty to brag about. You may not be best suited for high impact gymnastics, but if you’re looking for a versatile mat that will take care of a slew of other tasks, this may be your answer. You can use this mat for some kinds of tumbling and gymnastics, as well as your wild child’s bedroom, martial arts, yoga… the list goes on and on.
The surface of this mat is covered with a non-toxic, lead-free vinyl design that makes it incredibly durable, non-absorbent, and puncture-resistant. There are two carrying handles to make transport easy, as well as Velcro on all sides, should you want to connect multiple mats together.
There are plenty of numbers associated with this gymnastics mat that will tempt you to purchase. For example, there are over 200 customer reviews on Amazon and it has an overall rating of 4.7 stars. However, the number that’s going to seal the deal for you will probably be the cost. You can pick this mat up for right around $30! – A total steal.
BalanceFrom Tri-Fold Folding Exercise Mat Key Features:
- 2-year warranty
- 1.5″ thickness
- 3 color options
Best Folding Gymnastics Mat: ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat
The ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat is an excellent option if you’re looking to get the most out of only one purchase in mats. You’ll love, too, how easily you can take this mat with you, or store it after you’re done. With carrying handles and compact size, you’ll never struggle to get this in and out of your trunk.
One of the best benefits of a folding mat is its versatility. You’ll get the one and a half-inch thick foam while this mat is spread open and all three panels are laid side-by-side, but if you need a thicker mat for a more specific use, like when you want to use it as a dismount mat, then this mat can provide you with three times that thickness by keeping it folded. You can also use this mat as a (far less stable) inclined mat by folding two panels in on each other so that you have that added security.
ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat Key Features:
- 72″L x 24″W
- 1.5″ thickness
- 4 colors available
Best Inclined Gymnastics Mat: Giantex Incline Gymnastics Mat
The Giantex Incline Gymnastics Mat has the versatility of transforming from an inclined gymnastics mat to a plyo box by just folding the point up onto the taller end. This means that it’s excellent both for gymnastics and more aggressive strength-building exercises, as well. The bottom is rigid enough to support your jumping onto it, so you need not worry about that, either. If you’d rather not have the slight loss in stability that comes with a folding mat, though, there are incline mats with this listing that are one solid piece, too.
The PVC cover is ultra-easy to clean, just wipe it off with a wet cloth and you can remove the cover from the foam, if necessary. While the foam is a durable and high-quality, the wear and tear of extended gymnastic use may break it down over time – with the cover as heavy-duty, you may not need to replace both and the three zippered sides on this mat will allow you to replace just one of its two components.
Sitting with right around 300 customer reviews on Amazon and an overall rating of 4.6 stars, this is one inclined gymnastics mat you won’t want to pass by. Imagine how strongly you have to feel about a product to come back and leave a review and you’ll have some idea why this rating and reviews are so impressive. If you need more, still, a quick browse of those reviews will have you convinced.
Giantex Incline Gymnastics Mat Key Features:
- PVC cover and non-deformable EPE foam mat
- 2 design options
- 10 color choices
Who Should Buy a Gymnastics Mat
If you or your children are taking gymnastics classes, then you may come to a point where a gymnastics mat at home will only further the skill you (or your child) shows. As with learning any new skill, the more you practice, then better you’ll be. By practicing more than just at class, or in a designated place, you can speed the mastery of skills. If you’re playing for the coach to instruct you and for you to progress as a gymnast, the home practices will help you get further in less time and make sure you get your money’s worth out of the lessons and experience. If you’re in the market for other gymnastics equipment, then you may want to check out The Best Balance Beams.
Even without gymnastics classes, though you may find that your children have a passion for tumbling and without a gymnastics mat, they may be more apt to hurt themselves. For the gymnast without a gym, the mats become even more crucial for her safety. If they’re not taught the proper forms for cartwheels and flips, an at-home mat can still help keep them safe.
Another motivator for the purchase of a gymnastics mat isn’t gymnastic in nature at all. If you have rambunctious children that frequently fall, then a mat would be a good idea to keep secured to the floor in any room with high-energy play equipment or toys. (A ride along train or climbing wall, for example). For some parents, particularly those with special needs, a bedroom without gymnastic mats is an invitation for injury. If your children are ever in a position where you’re worried about their safety with riding flooring and surfaces, gymnastics mats can ease your mind, keep your children safe, and preserve your sanity.
Important Features to Consider
A gymnastics mat should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a gymnastics mat:
- Folding. Folding mats are the general standard for home gyms. When you’re in the gym, you’ll likely see much thicker, denser foams that don’t fold and stow out of the way, but those are probably more expensive than you can justify for home use. A mat that folds two to four panels of mats will be ideal for providing you a versatile surface to practice, even when you can’t get to the gym.
- Thickness and firmness. You’ll need to make sure you’re using the proper thickness for your exact purpose. If you’re not sure, ask a coach. It’s typically safest to err on the side of caution and chose the thicker option. You’ll also want to consider whether you need firm support, like for tumbling, or a softer cushioned support, like for landing after a vault.
- Inflatable. Inflatable mats are the most cost-efficient way to purchase a mat that’s safe enough to practice your tumbling at home. You don’t need a full home gym to give yourself the support and space you need to master a tumbling combination if once you’re done, you can deflate and put the mat away. And because it’s inflatable, you can easily get a four or eight inche thick mat without a problem. – Getting a foam mat that thick would be extremely high cost.
- Inclined. If you’re just starting out and your tumbling, particularly your backward tumbling, is still pretty difficult for you, an inclined mat may be a huge help. If you don’t have to go all the way down to practice the movements, it may help you master a new move faster by helping you build your mastery one part at a time.
- Extra equipment. If you’ve invested a lot of time and money into gymnastics, and are interested in practicing at home, you may want to consider a kind of bulk buying with your gymnastics mat. You can usually get a better deal on a quality mat when you buy it in conjunction with another piece of equipment, like a balance beam or practice bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gymnastics mat and how does it work?
A gymnastics mat will lie on solid ground to create a supportive, padded surface to make sure that the gymnast landing on the mat has support for their joints, bones, and muscles. Because jumping, swinging, vaulting, rolling, and tumbling can be hard o the body, these mats are what makes it safe for a gymnast to do the exciting tricks and skills. The more advanced the gymnast becomes, the more they’ll rely on the mat to keep them safe and the more advanced the skill, the thicker the mat will need to be to support the gymnast the same.
How much money is a gymnastics mat?
Gymnastics is not an inexpensive sport. If you’ve never looked into how expensive a gymnastics mat is, then you’ll probably be surprised by the cost. After your sticker shock, you should bear in mind how expensive quality foam is and remember that the quality of your mat is crucial to safety. That being said, you can expect a versatile folding mat to run around $50-$150. The air-inflated mats will cost more, $150-$300. Thicker mats will cost more, expect around $200-$300. If you get additional gymnast equipment, then you’ll see additional costs, there, as well.
How thick should a gymnastics mat be?
The thickness of a gymnastics mat depends on what type of gymnastics you’re using. Generally, the thicker the better, but the firmness may effect that, as well. You don’t want too much give on your surface if you have a more specific task in mind. – you can’t run for a vault on a soft surface, and you don’t want to land on the more firm mats after you land. If you’re looking for the most versatile mat, you’ll probably land (pun intended) on a folding mat – and those should be two roughly inches. If you’re going for a landing or a crash mat, then you’ll want a thicker mat of between four to eight inches. Tumbling will also require this thickness. For advanced skills and practice, you’ll want thicker, still – twelve inches will be ideal here. If you’re creating a protective and shock absorption landing pit, soft mats that are a minimum of sixteen inches are best.
What can I use instead of a gymnastics mat?
The very first thing you’ll need to consider is that saving a few bucks shouldn’t be weighed above safety. So make extra sure when you do any kind of DIY for a gymnastics mat that you’re being as safe as possible. With that said, gymnastics mats are the safest option for gymnasts. However, you can probably get by with occasional gymnastic practice using a few other options, too. You can find foam and make sure it’s supportive and strong enough to withstand the abuse of tumbling. – Look for a thickness of at least two inches. You can use an old mattress, but the springs may cause too much pushback as you land. The best alternative would be a memory foam mattress, but that may not be a huge money saver. Weigh your options and make sure you make the choice that keeps you safe.
Other Gymnastics Mats We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other gymnastics mat. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best gymnastics mat list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for you. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Gymnastics Mats with Additional Equipment
- Folding Gymnastics Mats
- Inflatable Gymnastics Mats
- Gymnastics Mat Panels
- Inclined Gymnastics Mats
Gymnastics Mats with Additional Equipment
FCfuncheer Expandable Gymnastics kip Training bar and Foldable Gymnastic mat
To practice your bar work, this gymnastics mat includes a training bar.
Key Features:
- Stress-resistant foam mat and PVC cover
- 2 color choices
- 304 Steel adjustable bar
Cost: $230
Marfula Adjustable Horizontal Kip bar Gymnastics Training Practice Equipment with mat
This set includes two adjustable bars with rust and scratch-resistant coating for a stable and durable construction.
Key Features:
- 3 modes: Horizontal, pirouette, and handstand trainer bar
- Fiberglass crossbar and 304 stainless steel adjustable bar
- 1-year free repair and lifetime service
Cost: $250
Z ATHLETIC Expandable Kip Bar and Mat for Gymnastics
For the basics on balance and beam work, this kit has a bit of it all; training beam, mat, and balance beam.
Key Features:
- 3 sizes available
- Solid wood core beam
- 5 color options
Folding Gymnastics Mats
Best Choice Product Foam Folding Exercise Gym Mat
This folding mat comes with a convenient carrying handle that will let you carry it along with you easily.
Key Features:
- 120″L x 48″W
- 4 color options
- 2″ high-density foam
Cost: $160
Folding in half and carrying to its storage place makes this mat one that transports easily.
Key Features:
- 2 color options
- 6′ x2″ x 1.5′
- PU leather cover
Cost: $50
Tumbl Trak Gymnastics Folding Tumbling Panel Mat
This folding mat comes in a wide variety of thicknesses and sizes, making it nearly universal for any mat needs.
Key Features:
- 6 sizes available
- 8 color options
- 2-year warranty
Cost: $200
We Sell Mats Fitness & Exercise Mat
You can buy more than one of these mats to build a larger area, and they’ll Velcro securely to each other, or you can use that Velcro to close it tight after folding as well.
Key Features:
- 2’W x 6’L
- 2″ thick mat
- Carrying handles
Cost: $55
Z ATHLETIC Folding Panel Mats for Gymnastics
With three folding panels connected, you’ll be able to fold this mat into thirds, storing it compactly out of the way.
Key Features:
- 6 color options
- 4’W x 6’L
- 2″ thick mat
Inflatable Gymnastics Mats
AKSPORT Air Track Gymnastics Tumbling Mat
This air-inflated gymnastics mat is ideal for tumbling practice and it includes a repair kit and carrying bag.
Key Features:
- 20+ size options
- 3 style options available
- 8 color options
Cost: $150
BCGA Inflatable Gymnastics Air Track Tumbling Mat
You’ll easily be able to inflate and use this gymnastics mat with the included electric pump and storage bag.
Key Features:
- 4 color options
- 9 sizes available
- 4 carrying handles
Cost: $250
ChampionPlus Air Track Tumbling Mat
This round inflatable gymnastics mat is ideal for practicing jumps that involve no range.
Key Features:
- 3 style options
- 7 sizes available
- 1-year warranty
Cost: $160
This inflatable gymnastics mat is available in a variety of colors with either a four-inch or eight-inch thickness.
Key Features:
- Electric pump included
- 2 style options
- 8 color options
Cost: $300
HIJOFUN Premium Air Track Gymnastics Tumbling Mat
The bottom of this inflatable gymnastics mat is given a durable, non-slip layer to keep your practice a safe one.
Key Features:
- Made with leakproof, carbon fiber material
- Reinforced seams
- Carrying handles
Gymnastics Mat Panels
This mat is ideal for a landing – with a six-inch thickness, you’ll be able to easily land on this mat without straining ankles.
Key Features:
- 2 color options
- 6″ thickness
- Zippered cover is removable and machine washable
Cost: $300
Z Athletic Cartwheel and Balance Beam Practice Mat
If you’re practicing your cartwheel form, this mat will give you the exact position your hands and feet should be in as you go.
Key Features:
- 1.5″ thickness
- 2’W x 6’L
- 2 color options
Cost: $45
Z ATHLETIC Landing Crash Mat Open Cell for Gymnastics
This crash mat comes with a two-year warranty, so you can be as confident in the quality as the manufacturer.
Key Features:
- 4″ thickness
- 2 size optiosn2
- 3 color choices
Inclined Gymnastics Mats
Franklin Sports Folding Gymnastics Cheese Mat
For the gymnast who needs the incline of a mat, this is an excellent candidate.
Key Features:
- Stores into a convenient cube
- Cover made with 18oz knife-coated vinyl
- Carrying handles
Cost: $135
papababe Incline Gymnastics Mat
This single piece is a secure incline that won’t slip apart but still folds onto itself for a compact storage or as a plyo box.
Key Features:
- 2 size options
- Carry handle
- PVC cover
Cost: $80
This incline gymnastics mat features a Velcro strap on the end to secure it to other gymnast equipment.
Key Features:
- 2 color options
- 4’W x 8’L x 8″
- 18 ox vinyl-coated polyester fabric
Cost: $135
We Sell Mats Gymnastics Incline Mat
This inclined gymnastics mat is ideal for beginner gymnasts who need a little help with their backward tumbling.
Key Features:
- 4 sizes available
- 2 color options
- 2 carrying handles
Cost: $350
