In this day and age, there should be no excuse to be in pain while exercising or to have your progress hindered due to an uncomfortable workout environment. One of the most common restrictions people face is not being able to exercise vigorously because of hard flooring. This presents the risk of possibly damaging flooring, but more often, it’s about protecting their bodies. When you’re working out on a hard, unforgiving surface, you may limit yourself in the exercises you do. You may avoid jumping around or doing floorwork because of added stress on your joints or bruising of sensitive spots like the hips and spine.
This is where interlocking exercise mats come in. These mats are not only designed to protect you and your flooring from the potential damage workouts can create, but they also give you the freedom to move them around however works best for you and your home. Interlocking exercise mats offer an excellent amount of cushion and support; absorbing impact while being semi-permanent fixtures to any quality home gym.
We’ve researched extensively and taken countless user’s feedback into consideration to bring you the 5 best interlocking exercise mats available today. However, each one does vary a bit in size, design, functionality and feel so let’s find the one that works best for you.
Best Interlocking Exercise Mat At a Glance
  Best Interlocking Exercise Mats Overall BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise MatThis professional-level exercise mat comes in either black, blue or gray, adding a sleek and modern look to any home gym. The 1-inch-thick design offers unbeatable resilience, perfect for everything from stretching to MMA and made from high-density, long-lasting EVA foam. |
  Best Interlocking IncStores Tatami Foam TilesMade with optimal thickness for an array of sports activities, the IncStores Tatami Foam Tiles are made for martial arts and gymnastic activities, though you can use them for anything. The reversible color tiles give you some flexibility with the color of your home gym, too. |
 Best Interlocking Exercise Mats for the Money ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise MatMade with looks and functionality in mind, the ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat assembles easily and comes with a non-skid, textured surface for your safety. On top of that, the water-resistant design is easy to clean and eliminates the growth of bacteria. |
Best Interlocking Exercise Mats Overall
BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat
This professional-level exercise mat comes in either black, blue or gray, adding a sleek and modern look to any home gym. The 1-inch-thick design offers unbeatable resilience, perfect for everything from stretching to MMA and made from high-density, long-lasting EVA foam.
Best Interlocking Tatami Mats
IncStores Tatami Foam Tiles
Made with optimal thickness for an array of sports activities, the IncStores Tatami Foam Tiles are made for martial arts and gymnastic activities, though you can use them for anything. The reversible color tiles give you some flexibility with the color of your home gym, too.
Best Interlocking Exercise Mats for the Money
ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat
Made with looks and functionality in mind, the ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat assembles easily and comes with a non-skid, textured surface for your safety. On top of that, the water-resistant design is easy to clean and eliminates the growth of bacteria.
The Best Interlocking Exercise Mats
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BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat |
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IncStores Tatami Foam Tiles |
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ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat |
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IncStores ¾” Soft Rubber Interlocking Gym Flooring Tiles |
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We Sell Mats Multipurpose Exercise Floor Mat |
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| BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat | |
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| IncStores Tatami Foam Tiles | |
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| ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat | |
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| IncStores ¾” Soft Rubber Interlocking Gym Flooring Tiles | |
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| We Sell Mats Multipurpose Exercise Floor Mat | |
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1. BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat
The BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat is consistently a top-selling item. It comes with 6 tiles and end-borders to cover a space of up to 24 square feet. The double-sided, high-density EVA foam offers the stability necessary to perform plyometrics, gymnastics and other vigorous activities.
Each tile can withstand frequent use, with or without shoes. You don’t have to worry about it ripping or tearing, as it’s specifically made to hold up to heavy abuse. Containing zero toxic phthalates, it’s not only an eco-friendly option, but one of the best if you’re going to use it around children and/or pets. You can choose between ½”, ¾” or 1-inch thickness depending on your personal preferences and the workouts you’re going to be doing. No matter which thickness you decide on, each one offers comfort and support appropriate for a broad range of exercises.
Assembly is so easy a child can do it, with the interlocking teeth making connecting each tile fast and seamless. If for any reason you need to pack up the mat and move it, it also disassembles quickly. While in use, they stay together nicely, so you don’t need to be concerned over them coming apart.
The Good
- Stays in place, even on slippery surfaces
- Very versatile – Shape can be easily customized
- Noise and water resistant
- Cushy and protective
The Not So Good
- Thickness of tiles occasionally vary slightly
2. IncStores Tatami Foam Tiles
The IncStores Tatami Foam Tiles are perfect if you’re into high-intensity training routines. Originally designed for use with MMA and other martial arts, you can use these with full confidence knowing that your body and joints will be well-protected, along with your flooring!
Just like the previous model, these measure 24 x 24 inches, with 6 tiles in a package. However, these are just slightly less thick than the former, coming in at just under an inch thick. Regardless, they still offer a great amount of shock absorption to keep your joints fresh and healthy while reducing fatigue.
The unique surface appearance is made to mimic Japanese Tatami mats, and come in two reversible color schemes: either Black/Grey or Blue/Red. The Black/Grey is ideal if you want to mask the appearance of scuffs and give a more professional look to your home gym, while the Blue/Red brightens up a space instantly while adding character.
Made from non-recycled, non-toxic, high-density EVA foam, these are also very durable and relatively soft. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re covered if you’re unsatisfied for any reason.
Just remember that these aren’t quite as grippy as the others on our guide, so we do recommend using non-slip stickers or even Velcro if you’re using them on hardwood or carpet.
The Good
- Perfect for high-intensity workouts/martial arts
- Double-sided colors
- Very versatile – Shape can be easily customized
- Noise-and-water-resistant
The Not So Good
- Tends to slide a bit on slippery surfaces
3. ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat
If you’re on the hunt for one of the best interlocking exercise mats currently available but you’re trying to save some cash, look no further than the ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat. This mat offers a high level of convenience, comfort and visual aesthetics while featuring a surprisingly low price tag.
Coming in either Black, Blue or Grey, it draws many similarities in looks to the BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat. Just like the previous two models, this one also measures 24 x 24 inches in area, though the thickness is cut in half. The ½”-thick mat is preferable if you’re going to be focusing on more floorwork and low-intensity exercises as opposed to plyometrics or more demanding routines. It’s been reported that their best applications are as a base for weightlifting benches or for use with dumbbells, kettlebells and other workout equipment.
Made up of high-density EVA foam, these offer a great amount of support and cushion, just not quite as much as some of the previous mats. As they contain zero toxic phthalates, they’re completely healthy and safe to use, and won’t damage hardwood floors.
Finally, the non-slip, water-resistant mat will stay in place as long as you need it to and is extremely easy to clean. You can’t get much more convenient than that.
The Good
- Non-slip surfaces
- Very versatile – Shape can be easily customized
- Water-resistant, easy to clean
- Perfect for weightlifting and for use with exercise equipment
The Not So Good
- Not ideal for plyometrics or high-intensity routines
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4. IncStores ¾” Soft Rubber Interlocking Gym Flooring Tiles
The next mat is the IncStores ¾” Soft Rubber Interlocking Gym Flooring, which just exudes quality in every respect. At first glance, you can see that these look unlike any other out there, with a black color base and coming with bright blue specks. This unique design will look great no matter where you’re placing it.
Composed of a blend of rubber and foam, it’s hands-down the longest-lasting interlocking exercise mat out there. The rubber is a welcome addition, offering traction on both sides to ensure you can exercise without any inhibitions while it grips onto the flooring below to avoid slipping and sliding.
Moreover, the material makes for excellent energy transfer while absorbing shock better than any other out there. This means that you’ll feel more refreshed while your joints experience less stress. At ¾” thick, they’re perfect to use during any kind of exercise. As they’re waterproof, they’re easy to clean and won’t absorb sweat. Thanks to the sound-absorbing properties, you can even throw weights around, jump and run without disturbing anyone else!
While they’re a bit more costly than the others on our guide, it’s more than worth it if you’re looking for performance and durability.
The Good
- Non-slip surfaces
- Very versatile – Shape can be easily customized
- Water-resistant, easy to clean
- Perfect for any type of workouts
- Very attractive visually
The Not So Good
- Just a bit more expensive
5. We Sell Mats Multipurpose Exercise Floor Mat
While the We Sell Mats Multipurpose Exercise Floor Mat is often marketed to be used as a flooring for young children, it also works perfectly to protect you and your flooring during exercise. Easy to assemble, you can have the entire mat set up in just a couple of minutes! Just remember that the manufacturer recommends not using it on top of carpet.
Made of EVA foam, they’re free of any toxic materials which is an obvious reason why they’re great for use with kids. The 3/8″ thick padding is best used for lower-intensity exercises, such stretching, floorwork or using it with weights.
If you’re having trouble finding a color that you want for your home gym, you’re in luck. This mat comes in a whopping 17 different color options, so you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes. From your basic shades like Black and Grey to more exciting options like Lime Green and Sky Blue, you can truly customize the look of your space.
The Good
- Non-slip surfaces
- Easy and quick to assemble
- Very versatile – Shape can be easily customized
- Easy to clean
- Comes in wide variety of colors
The Not So Good
- Not ideal for high-intensity cardio workouts
Should You Get Interlocking Exercise Mats?
If you’re serious about your progress physically and want your body to be in tip-top shape then you need to take preventative action. Exercise mats will protect your bones and joints from impact, stress and bruising, while simultaneously protecting your flooring from potential damage that could occur from exercising on top of it. Not only that, but they’re often very affordable and will more than pay for themselves with the benefits to health and flooring!
No matter what kind of workout you’ll be doing, an interlocking exercise mat will have a range of benefits. For instance, if you’re stretching, it will keep your hips, knees and hands well-cushioned so you can avoid discomfort and joint stress. For high-impact cardio, an exercise mat will absorb impact and keep your floors free of scuffs and dings. For weightlifting, it will muffle noise while also further protecting flooring underneath.
Interlocking exercise mats are easy to take apart and put together, working to cover an array of different spaces and shapes so you have a custom look. Not only that, but a good interlocking exercise mat can tie a home gym together by offering a professional, cohesive look.
Choosing the Right Interlocking Exercise Mat
Choosing the perfect interlocking exercise mat can be challenging if you’re not entirely sure which features you’ll want or need. We’ve provided the most important aspects to consider when selecting the right mat for your home.
Thickness
Thickness varies anywhere from ½” to 1-inch with the mats we just reviewed. The more intense the exercise – the thicker your mat should be. The exception here is the IncStores Soft Rubber Mat, which despite being slightly less than an inch thick, still offers a great amount of support and protection. If you’re just stretching, doing yoga, floorwork, etc. then half an inch should suffice. For more intense exercises, up to an inch thick should be considered.
Traction
Traction is what’s going to keep your mat in place and keep you from slipping while you’re on the mat. When it comes to exercise, you need to eliminate, as best you can, any chance of slippage. This will not only increase your workout potential but will also reduce risk of injury. With that being said, double-sided, non-slip exercise mats are ideal.
Durability
While most are composed almost entirely of EVA foam, the way the mats are made also has an effect on how durable they are. If you’re just buying something for temporary, short-term use then this isn’t going to matter much. In addition, if you’ll only be performing low-impact routines, then you can probably count on the mat lasting for longer amounts of time. However, if you need a permanent fixture in your home gym, then durability is paramount. In this case, the IncStores Soft Rubber Mat is preferable, as the inclusion of rubber really lengthens the lifespan and lowers the risk of it ripping.
Frequently Asked Questions About Interlocking Exercise Mats
What’s the difference between an interlocking exercise mat and a regular exercise mat?
Interlocking exercise mats are made up of individual tiles which connect to form a bigger exercise mat. This allows you the versatility to customize the size and shape of it.
Do you need an interlocking exercise mat for a good workout?
While this isn’t an absolute rule, it’s a smart idea. If you’ll be stretching, you want to protect your spine, knees, hands and hips from the hard surface – especially for longer periods of time. For more intense workouts, you should spare your joints extra stress and let interlocking exercise mats absorb the shock instead.
Well, there you have it: The Best Interlocking Exercise Mats.
We’ve made sure to review in-depth and listen to countless consumers to bring you the best mats out there. No matter what your budget, exercise space or health considerations are, we are confident there’s at least one solid option for you on our guide.
Keeping your body feeling better, reducing injury and protecting your flooring are just a few of the benefits you’ll reap from using one of the best interlocking exercise mats. The only thing left now is to choose the one that suits you best! Thanks for tuning in and have fun!
