9,127+ 
Intermediate Gymnastics Mats Buyer’s Guide
Have your back walkovers but struggling to get your handsprings? You, my friend, are in need of some intermediate gymnastics mats! Check out our buying guide to find the best mats for your skill level.
You’ve got the basics down, and now, perhaps, it’s time to start taking your training more seriously. Or, maybe you’re just starting out, but you’ve already got a pretty good handle on things and you want a mat that is going to grow with you for many years.
If either of those sound like you, you’re ready for an intermediate level gymnastics mat. These mats are appropriate for just about everyone. They even include some advanced-beginner teaching tools. These are great if you’re right on the cusp of beginner and intermediate.
Intermediate level mats will support you for everything from forward rolls to back tucks. They are super versatile, and the place I would personally recommend you start, unless you’re shopping for a tiny toddler – then beginner is just fine!
| Related Content >> Best Gymnastics Mats Guide |
What should you look for in an intermediate mat?
Safety
Chances are, you’ve moved past forward rolls and cartwheels, and you’re starting to perform more high-impact, potentially dangerous movements. The whole point of the mat is to protect you because, let’s be honest, you’re probably going to fall at some point.
Don’t worry! That doesn’t mean you will necessarily get hurt. A good, shock absorbent mat designed for intermediate level gymnastics (along with good technique), will allow you to take risks, challenge yourself, fall down and get back up without the worry of cracking your head open on the kitchen floor.
Because not all mats are intended for this type of activity, make sure the mat you choose will be safe for your intermediate level.
Helpfulness
There are some great teaching tools that will be your BFF when it comes to beginning moves like front and back walkovers – these are designed to help you reach your intermediate and advanced level goals.
Going back to the safety ratings, a thin, cheap mat bought on eBay for $6 is not going to help you achieve your goals. I know, I wish it were that simple.
The good news is, you don’t have to break the bank searching for the mats that will help give you the right amount of spring and shock absorption. Just make sure the mat has been approved for your level of activity.
Easy Maintenance
No one wants to spend hours a day maintaining their mat. If you do, I have an entire house you can clean…
The truth is, we always seek ease and convenience, and that’s just what these mats offer. All of our mats (except the Home Cheer Mats – but they just require a little vacuuming now and then) and accessories have a smooth vinyl casing that makes them incredibly easy to clean with just a damp cloth or a traditional sanitizing product.
When you’re done with practice for the day, simply put the mat away. Each mat is very portable.
| Related Content >> Gymnastics Mats FAQ |
Types of Intermediate Gymnastics Mats
We have several mats appropriate for the intermediate level. Let’s take a look at your options.
Folding Mats
Eco Folding Mats
So you need a little more than an exercise mat, but you’re not up to all the crazy tricks yet, and the idea of spending a lot of money on a mat gives you heart palpitations?
Our Eco Folding Mats are less dense than our traditional folding mats, and they don’t come in all the fancy colors, but they are an excellent, cost-effective choice if you don’t need the extra shock absorbency.
You can use these mats for beginning to intermediate gymnastics and martial arts. Kids love them for practicing forward rolls and cartwheels. Adults love how easy they are to put up in the closet when it’s time to move on to a new activity.
If you need a mat to protect you from beginning/intermediate level gymnastics (think up through front and back handsprings) and martial arts, these will be your go-to mat.
4’x8’x2” Folding Mats
Just a little upgrade from out Eco Folding Mats, our traditional folding mats are a little denser and provide that extra bit of shock absorption. Also, they’re colorful (but they also come in black if you’re not into the whole color thing).
Okay, I have a confession. I know I’m not supposed to play favorites, but I can’t help it. I just love this mat! The bright color choices including the rainbow (yes, rainbow!) option just steals my heart.
I’m of the opinion that the extra density, more durable vinyl and sweet color options make this mat the clear winner. They can sustain you a little bit further through your practice into more advanced movements. And they’re just as easy to store when you’re not aerial-ing your heart out.
For a vibrant, durable multi-level gymnastics and martial arts mat, our 4’x8’x2” Folding Mats are the cat’s pajamas (if you’re not up to date on 20s slang, that means they’re awesome).
Home Cheer Mats
This is a tried and true intermediate level mat. It’s the perfect fit for almost anything you want to practice – cheer, tosses, back handsprings, martial arts, wrestling, you name it.
Our cheer mats are our most popular mats. They’re so versatile that they end up being a perfect fit for almost anyone. Also, they are built to last for the long haul.
They come in multiple size and thickness options so you can be sure to get exactly what you need. No wasting money and space on a mat that’s too big for you!
Not enough mat for you? No problem! Easily velcro multiple mats together to cover a large surface. Then, when you’re done practicing, you can roll them up individually and put them away – so simple and convenient.
If you want a mat that will stick with you through multiple levels of gymnastics, cheer or martial arts, our Home Cheer Mats are the way to go.
Tumbling Mats
These are for the intermediate level gymnast that will likely become super advanced. It’s more of an advanced mat, but it is definitely a mat you can grow into and that will support you through your entire learning process
While our traditional folding mats are great for almost all levels. However, when you’re jumping high enough to dunk a basketball on your double back layouts, you want just that something extra. Extra durability, extra shock absorption and extra guarantee (in the form of a 1 year warranty).
These mats come with some cool extra capabilities. You can use them to create an entire flooring surface or even as wall padding. They’re basically the “I can do it all” mat.
If you’re super skilled in gymnastics or martial arts, need to fill an entire floor space or want some extra wall padding, then you will be super happy with our 5’x10’x2” Tumbling Mats.
Highlights of Intermediate Gymnastics Mats
- Nontoxic
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean, transport and store
- Great for teaching beginning – intermediate moves
Limitations of Intermediate Gymnastics Mats
- More expensive than beginner’s mats
- Not all are suitable for Olympic level advanced movements
Ready to get started? Order your Exercise Mat, Eco Folding Mat, Folding Mat, Incline Mat or Balance Beam today!
Ari Ziskin is our resident expert in all things fitness, dance and flooring trends. After five years of blogging at Ari’s Menu, where she was featured on sites like The Huffington Post and Buzzfeed, Ari decided to pursue writing full-time. Nothing makes her happier than sharing her knowledge to help people create their gyms and begin their fitness journey.
