Best Gymnastics Mats in 2020
Becoming a better gymnast is all about practice, practice, practice. That means investing in quality gymnastics mats for home and in the studio. For dedicated gymnasts, the next step is determining what the best gymnastics mats are for your needs and skill level.
If you want to work on your walkovers and handsprings, youll have different needs from someone trying to master even trickier moves and complex floor routines. And if youre planning a home practice space, that could be completely different from someone kitting out a whole studio.
Finding that perfect mat in a sea of options can be a challenge, so whats a gymnast to do? Why not let me be your spotter? I made this list of the top gymnastics mats for 2020 to help you discover the best of the best.
Related Content >> Intermediate Gymnastics Mats Buyers Guide
How to Choose the Best Gymnastics Mats
There are a number of factors to consider as you start your journey to buy the best mat for you.
Thickness
Thickness is one of the most important considerations for gymnastics mats. In general, thicker mats offer higher shock-absorption, and thats a big deal when youre getting into those advanced moves.
Dimensions
How much room do you need to practice? While a smaller mat is more likely to fit wherever you want it to go, it cant cover the space needed for advanced gymnastics. Consider how much ground you cover during practice, and keep those needs in mind when you think about mat dimensions.
Durability
Its no secret that gymnastics mats can be a bit pricey, so the last thing you want is to wear out a mat really quickly and have to purchase another one within a year. Thats why you should make sure you choose a mat that is durable and built to handle your activity.
Easy Maintenance
These gymnastics mats offer the ease and convenience we all seek in our lives. All of our mats (except the Cheer Mats but they just require a little vacuuming now and then) have a smooth, nonporous surface thats incredibly easy to clean. Just wipe them down with a damp cloth or a traditional sanitizing product.
Cost
No matter what your budget looks like, theres a gymnastic mat out there thats right for you. You can purchase quality products without breaking $150, and even the most high-end mats start at less than $800. A lot of factors go into the price, including the thickness, durability, and size.
Installation
Here are some things to consider:
- Is this a permanent installation, or do you share the space?
- Will you need to store the mats often?
- Do you want the option to change the size of the practice area using multiple mats?
Honestly, no gymnastics mats are particularly difficult to install. Most of the time, you just roll them out or unfold them, and then youre done. Still, its good to keep portability, storage, and versatility in mind.
Related Content >> Advanced Gymnastics Mats Buyers Guide
2020s Top Gymnastics Mats
Now that you know what to look for in a gymnastic mat, its time to use your knowledge. Its the moment youve been waiting for:
The best gymnastics mats for 2020.
Weve got a great selection, with a bit of something for everyone, complete with rave reviews from customers. Check them out!
4x8x2 Folding Mats
Folding mats offer a portable foam matting solution. These mats are covered with a durable vinyl casing and have a Velcro tab system on all four sides so that multiple mats can be connected together to cover large areas. You know what that means? As many cartwheels as you want!
Our 4x8x2 folding panel mats are an excellent choice for gymnastics as well as martial arts. The cross-link polyethylene foam material absorbs impact to protect your joints and keep you safe.
These mats come in a range of fun colors. If bright color isnt your thing, you also have a choice of black.
What People Are Saying
Everyone who has come in contact with my mats, comments on their quality and how good they feel under their feet. My girls constantly use them to practice their tumbling skills, including handsprings, round-offs, and aerials. The mats offer firm support for aerial silk skills that dont require a crash mat. Sandy from Frederick, MD
This really met our needs. All 3 of my kids have been using this matmy daughter for her tumbling, my son for his martial arts, and my toddler just for jumping around and setting up tea parties. Its extra thick and a little springy and while its a pretty good size to be useful, it folds up easily and fits in a closet, so its practical to keep in the house without having a dedicated gym area. Jennifer from Southeast Florida
How 4x8x2 Folding Mats Measure Up
Cost: 2/5 
1 least expensive to 5 most expensive
You cant beat this value! Without even getting close to breaking the bank, you can treat yourself to a durable and versatile folding mat.
Durability: 4/5 
1 least durable to 5 most durable
Made of closed 18 oz vinyl fabric, these mats can handle just about everything you throw at them. Theyre moisture-resistant, and theyre extremely difficult to puncture or tear.
Installation Difficulty: 5/5
1 most difficult to 5 least difficult
When you want to use your folding mat, simply take it out of storage, unfold it, and lay it out wherever you want. Its as simple as that!
Cleaning Difficulty: 5/5
1 most difficult to 5 least difficult
If these folding mats do get something spilled on them or appear dirty, all they need is a quick wipe with a damp cloth for them to look like new.
Pros of 4x8x2 Folding Mats
- Easy maintenance
- Durability
- Color options
- Portable
Cons of 4x8x2 Folding Mats
- Smaller mat size
- Not for advanced users
6 x 42 Cheer Mats
These competition cheer mats feature a durable carpet top over a cross-link polyethylene foam. This advanced cheer mat is great for gymnastics and cheer in high schools, colleges, and much more.
Simply roll it out and roll it up anywhere multiple events are held, such as gymnasiums. These roll out cheer mats are easy to clean and maintain.
When youve got a lot of space to cover with floor routines, these are the perfect solution. They measure 6 x 42 and come with two thickness options. The 1-3/8 mats can handle the impact of advanced routines, but for even more security, you can go with the 2 thick option.
What People Are Saying
The floor is exactly what we wanted it had great traction. Its wonderful for handstands! As a surprise side effect, it helps with the noise level! Crystal from Kent, WA
They came really nicely packaged and smelling like brand new carpet, which I love. They are so easy to roll out and put away that my kids (5 and 8) can do it. Annie from Seattle, Washington
How 6 x 42 Cheer Mats Measure Up
Cost: 5/5
1 least expensive to 5 most expensive
This is a premium product, developed for the highest levels of performance. For that reason, it comes with a premium price tag. But if youre looking for the highest level of quality at the competition level, this is the way to go.
Durability: 5/5
1 least durable to 5 most durable
When a gymnastics mat is built for competition use, you know its going to be durable. The heavy-duty cross-link polyethylene foam can absorb impact, while the carpet top doesnt scuff or puncture.
Installation Difficulty: 4/5
1 most difficult to 5 least difficult
Though these mats are large, its easy to roll them out for an event or practice, and they roll up quickly when its time to store them away.
Cleaning Difficulty: 5/5
1 most difficult to 5 least difficult
These mats are incredibly simple to clean. Just sweep or vacuum the durable carpet top like you would any other carpet. If you encounter any spills, all you need to do is wipe them down and vacuum as usual.
Pros of 6 x 42 Cheer Mats
- For advanced gymnastics
- Perfect for competitions
- Durable
- Easy maintenance
Cons of 6 x 42 Cheer Mats
- Cost
- Occasional slight color variance between rolls
4x8x2 Tumbling Mats
Featuring less dense foam than our standard Folding Mats, our Tumbling Mats provide a low cost, kid-safe gymnastics mat. Great for kids of all ages, these gym mats are covered in vinyl for maximum durability. The Velcro on all four sides allows you to interlock multiple mats together for a larger place to practice and play.
In addition to being easy to clean, these tumbling mats are mold- and mildew-resistant. Wipe them down with a cloth and a mild cleaning solution, and rest easy knowing your child is playing and practicing on a hygienic surface.
What People Are Saying
My daughter was practicing gymnastics all throughout our house so I knew a mat was needed for her safety. After searching online, I found the quality product we were looking for through Rubber Flooring Inc. Now she can safely and easily do her tricks. Bryony K. from Manassas, VA
Ordered this mat for my daughters who love to do gymnastics around the house when they are not training. They have used it everyday. It seems to be a quality product to this point and I look forward to ordering more. I was a bit concerned when the package came when it was very light and worried it would be too soft. Not so. Its firm enough to support both of my daughters at 80lbs give or take without compressing too much. Anonymous from Wisconsin
How 4x8x2 Tumbling Mats Measure Up
Cost: 1/5
1 least expensive to 5 most expensive
These tumbling mats are super affordable, making them great for gymnasts just starting out who dont want to invest too much money at first. This foam mat is less dense than a standard panel mat, so it offers users a softer landing.
Durability: 5/5
1 least durable to 5 most durable
The 13 oz. vinyl fabric that covers the mat easily holds up to traffic and spills. The softer foam inside also offers a good cushioning for impacts.
Installation Difficulty: 5/5
1 most difficult to 5 least difficult
Theres nothing to this installation. Unfold it and lay it out start practice. For a larger space, you can connect multiple mats with Velcro.
Cleaning Difficulty: 5/5
1 most difficult to 5 least difficult
When you encounter a spill or stain, you just need to wipe down the vinyl surface with a cloth and a mild cleaning solution. Then it will look as good as new.
Pros of 4x8x2 Tumbling Mats
- Affordable
- Perfect for kids
- Easy to clean
- Can combine mats with Velcro
Cons of 4x8x2 Tumbling Mats
- Not as dense
- Not for advanced gymnasts
Home Cheer Mats
These portable Home Cheer mats create a safe yet durable practice space virtually anywhere. The durable carpet top over foam offers optimal traction and impact absorption for advanced moves and floor routines. Thanks to this heavy duty construction, these high performance cheer mats are durable and versatile enough to be used as tumbling mats and gymnastics mats.
Our roll out gymnastics mats are easy to install and use. Simply roll them out when you need them. The low maintenance requirements mean less hassle for you after practice. Available in several color options, these lightweight and easy to store roll out mats are the perfect floor for any cheer athlete.
What People Are Saying
Works good for tumbling, walkovers, flips, and great for practicing cheer. My granddaughter wanted it for the slight bounce and is satisfied overall with the product. Anonymous from Fishkill, NY
This mat is perfect for my daughter to practice her gymnastics. The best part is that it is so thick but can easily fold up and give us back our floor space in the playroom! She loved the purple color and has used it every day Suzanne R from Framingham, MA
How Home Cheer Mats Measure Up
Cost: 3/5
1 least expensive to 5 most expensive
When youre moving up to a higher skill level and its time to start getting serious, this is the mat you buy. Its not cheap, but its not budget-busting, either.
Durability: 5/5
1 least durable to 5 most durable
Made with a carpet top and cross-link Polyethylene foam, these cheer mats are built to meet the needs of advanced cheerleaders and gymnasts.
Installation Difficulty: 5/5
1 most difficult to 5 least difficult
All you have to do is roll out these mats, and theyre ready to go. Theyre also incredibly easy to transport, so you can bring them on the go.
Cleaning Difficulty: 4/5
1 most difficult to 5 least difficult
Treat the durable carpet surface like you would any carpet sweep and vacuum regularly to keep it looking its best. In the case of a spill, wipe down the area to prevent staining.
Pros of Home Cheer Mats
- Can join mats with Velcro
- Durable
- Low-maintenance
- Affordable
Cons of Home Cheer Mats
- Will need multiple to cover large area
- Occasional slight color variance between rolls
5x10x2 Tumbling Mats
These folding Tumbling Mats are the perfect premium mats for gymnastics as well as martial arts. Velcro has been attached to all sides of the mat, so you can connect many folding mats together to create a larger surface. These versatile tumbling mats also work great as wall padding.
The 18 oz. vinyl casing surrounds a 2 thick foam core, ensuring maximum performance and durability. Personalize the look with your choice color.
What People Are Saying
Our 4 yrs of age daughter started doing gymnastics and the whole family has benefited from this purchase. Its a well-constructed mat that easily folds up for storage.Our daughter enjoys it daily, especially with the extreme weather. Shes always rolling around, stretching or something while watching T.V. in a comfortable place. Anonymous from Stanislaus County, CA
Awesome mat! My three kids are on this daily doing gymnastics and it is a great mat! Anonymous from Orland Park, IL
How 5x10x2 Tumbling Mats Measure Up
Cost: 4/5
1 least expensive to 5 most expensive
These premium tumbling mats are made with top-quality products, and thats reflected in the price. While they might cost a little more, theyll last longer than cheaper options.
Durability: 5/5
1 least durable to 5 most durable
These premium mats boast a durable 2 thick cross-link Polyethylene foam core, covered by 18 oz. vinyl fabric. They can handle just about anything you throw at them.
Installation Difficulty: 5/5
1 most difficult to 5 least difficult
This is a portable and versatile mat system. You can easily unfold them, and attach multiple mats together with Velcro if needed.
Cleaning Difficulty: 5/5
1 most difficult to 5 least difficult
Thanks to the vinyl casing, its easy to wipe down the mats using a cloth and your favorite household cleaning product. Hygiene wont ever be a problem with regular upkeep.
Pros of 5x10x2 Tumbling Mats
- Durable
- Floor and wall applications
- Easy to clean
- Can join mats with Velcro
Cons of 5x10x2 Tumbling Mats
- Price
- Might not be as a firm as other mats
Conclusion
Whether youre an intermediate tumbler, or an experienced pro, theres something on this list to suit your situation. Actually, you dont even have to be a gymnast to benefit from these quality mats! Cheerleaders, wrestlers, and dancers can also make good use of a gymnastics mat in the routine.
So what are you waiting for? Shouldnt you be practicing? Its time to hit the mats.
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