About Gymnastics Mats and Tumbling Mats
Becoming a better gymnast is all about 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, you’ll have different needs from someone trying to master complex floor routines. And if you’re planning a home practice space, that could be completely different from someone kitting out a whole studio.
Are you ready to stick that round-off back handspring step out? You might need the right gymnastics equipment to start practicing and perfecting your jumps, flips, and routines. Let’s talk about what we have to offer!
What to Look for in Gymnastics and Tumbling Mats?
Safety
Safety is always the biggest thing to think about when searching for gymnastics mats. Whether you’re looking out for your kids or you’re just starting as an adult gymnast, there should be no question that your floor is a safe landing space for your tumbles.
Most beginner’s tumbling mats are thick enough to protect you during falls from moves like handstands, forward and backward rolls, cartwheels, front and back walkovers, etc. Many of these gymnatics mats are also appropriate for intermediate-level movements like front and back handsprings.
The more advanced you are as a gymnast, the thicker mat you’ll want beneath you. Thicker gymnatics mats give better shock absorption, which is a must for all the heavy impact you’ll be throwing down when you stick your front tuck.
This is the area you don’t want to skimp on. You may pay more, but a thick tumbling mat will make you safer. It could, possibly, save your life. It’s worth it.
Helpfulness
This factor is especially important for beginner and intermediate gymnasts. When you’re just starting out, you want all the help you can get, right? Although most beginner-level tumbling mats won’t do much in the way of helping other than protect you (which is important!), there are plenty of accessories that you can check out to help you learn the basics.
A great start would be the combination of a 4’x8’x2” Folding Mat + an incline mat or balance beam to help you practice your floor work, plus some extra skills. If you’re learning at home and don’t have someone there to spot you, these extra tools can be especially helpful.
If you’re working on moving to the next level in your skills, a good, shock-absorbent gymnastics mat designed for intermediate-level skills will allow you to take more risks.
Durability
The more advanced you become, the more hours you’re likely to spend practicing on the mat. Make sure you choose a mat that is durable and built to handle the amount of practice you’ll be putting in. Since mats for advanced gymnastics moves tend to be a little pricier, you want something that will hold up against all your wear and tear.
It’s important to spend a little bit extra up front to save money in the long run with an advanced gymnastics mat that will last for years to come.
Easy Maintenance
The best gymnastics mats offer ease and convenience. You want to be able to clean up any sweat and store your mats as efficiently as possible, so it’s not a drag to get them out every day.
Many of our mats and accessories have a smooth vinyl casing that makes them incredibly easy to clean with just a damp cloth or a traditional sanitizing product. Some of our gymnastics mats come with a carpet top, which is also easy to clean but may be more difficult to keep sanitary. The carpet-top mats are still a favorite for their comfortable surface, a necessity for barefoot students practicing flips and tumbles. Running a vacuum over them regularly can help get rid of bacteria and keep them clean.
Finally, when you’re done with practice for the day, simply fold up (or roll up) your mat and put it away. Each of our tumbling mats is very portable, lightweight, and easy to move.
Now that you know what qualities to look for in your gymnastics mats, let’s take a look at the best products for your gymnastics studio or home practice space!
Top Gymnastic Mats
Pros of Home Cheer Mats:
✅ Can join mats with Velcro
✅ Durable
✅ Low-maintenance
✅ Affordable option
Cons of Home Cheer Mats:
✅ Will need multiple to cover a large area
✅ Occasional slight color variance between rolls
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
Top Folding Mats
Pros of Folding Incline Mat:
✅ Easy maintenance
✅ Multiple color and size options
✅ Easy to transport
✅ Learning tool for beginners
Cons of Folding Incline Mat:
✅ Takes up space when stored
✅ Not for advanced users
Pros of 4' x 8' x 2" Eco Folding Mat:
✅ Affordable
✅ Perfect for kids
✅ Easy to clean
✅ Can combine mats with Velcro
Cons of 4' x 8' x 2" Eco Folding Mat:
✅ Not as dense
✅ Not for advanced gymnasts
Gymnastic Mats FAQs
Q: Why is a gymnastics mat important?
A: It reduces the risk of injury by absorbing impact during falls, slips, or floor routines. It also provides a more comfortable surface for training.
Q: Are gymnastics mats easy to store?
A: Yes, many mats are foldable and lightweight, often with handles for easy carrying. Inflatable mats deflate and roll up for compact storage.
Q: Are they slip-resistant?
A: Most have non-slip surfaces, but it's best to use them on flat, dry floors. Mats with textured bottoms stay in place better.
Q: Will a gymnastic mat protect me from injury?
A: It does help absorb impact, but won't prevent all injuries. Proper technique, supervision, and progression are key. For risky stunts, consider crash mats or spotters.
Q: Can I connect multiple mats?
A: Yes, many panel mats have velcro edges so you can link them for longer tumbling strips or wider practice areas.
Q: What is the difference between an Air Floor Mat and Foam Tiles?
A: ✅ Air Floor Mat: Bouncy, inflatable, portable, better for tumbling.
✅ Foam Tiles: Denser and more supportive, ideal for static exercises and landings.
Q: How long do gymnastics mats last?
A: With proper care, a high-quality mat lasts 3-5 years or more! Foam compression and surface cracks may appear with heavy use over time.
Q: Can gymnastic mats be used outside?
A: Yes, but only if:
- The mat is waterproof and UV-resistant
- The ground is flat and clean (no rocks or debris)
- You bring it back inside afterward (to extend its life)
Other Helpful Content
The right gymnastics mats are essential for developing skills and practicing. But how do you find the right mat? You probably have a lot of questions and you’re not quite sure where to start.
This guide will teach you about the different kinds of gymnastics mats, the thickness options, the teaching tools you can use, how to take care of your mat, and much more!
We understand that most people are not devoting an entire section of their home to gymnastics or martial arts practice. And chances are, there are a lot of activities being practiced in your home. That’s why portable folding (and roll-out) mats are the ideal choice for most homes.
This guide will show you all the different options we have for folding mats and will help you decide which mat is perfect for your home!
From crawling to backflips, your active kiddos need some extra cushion to protect them from their fearless flipping attempts. Whether your kids are actively participating in gymnastics or just playing at home, a kids mat can help keep them active and safe without raining on the fun.
Find the perfect mat for practice and play with our kids' tumbling mats buyer's guide. For safety, practice, and a whole lot of fun!