2 Best Thick Exercise Mats for Home: Cushion, Comfort & Durability

March 10, 2025

Remember that moment when your knees made that unmistakable "I hate you" cracking sound during a simple child's pose? That's probably when you realized your supposedly "premium" standard mat was basically glorified paper on your hardwood floors! After dismissing thick mats as "just for beginners," your body staged a rebellion—and rightfully so.

The difference between standard thickness and these 8.5-9mm cushions of joy isn't just noticeable—it's revolutionary for your practice! That extra cushioning creates this magical sweet spot where your joints feel protected while your balance poses still feel grounded. Plus, having all that extra space means no more awkward adjustments mid-flow or accidental hands-on-floor moments during wide-legged poses!

Ready to discover which XL mat might become your new practice bestie? Let's dive into these spacious, joint-saving options that'll make you wonder how you ever survived on those skinny little rectangles! Your knees, wrists, and tailbone will be sending thank-you notes in no time.

Best Thick Exercise Mats for Home: Quick Look

These mats are available on Sensu. They are great for cardio and high-impact exercises.

Large Exercise Mat with 8.5mm Thickness (Best for HIIT, strength training, and bodyweight workouts)
Large Yoga Mat with 9mm Thickness (Best for yoga, pilates, and flexibility exercises)

When choosing a mat, it's not just about thickness—you also need to think about cushioning, which depends on density. For example, a 5mm TPE mat won’t feel as soft as a 5mm rubber mat because rubber is denser and provides better cushioning.

Also, consider the mat’s weight. Carrying it to a yoga studio makes it easier to transport a lighter mat. But if it stays at home, a heavier mat works just fine.

That’s why these two mats are great options! Keep reading for a detailed review.

1. Large Exercise Mat

Thickness: 8.5mm
Material: With antimicrobial properties
Best for: High-impact workouts, jumping exercises, and core training.
Price: From $130

Made from 8.5mm high-density material, they provide excellent cushioning for your joints without compromising stability.

You’ll feel ultra-comfortable while still having the firm support needed for challenging balance exercises like side planks.

The mats are designed with what I call the “sensitive body areas” of a workout in mind—your knees, elbows, tailbone, and other joints.

The Sensu Exercise mat is available in the extra large 7 x 5-foot size which gives you plenty of space for all your cardio drills without risking stepping off the mat.

Then there’s the size of 6 x 4 feet, which still offers plenty of room to move—and you might even have enough space to include your kids in your workouts.

Plus, it comes with extras like a towel and carry bag, which typically cost you more if bought separately.

WHY CHOOSE THIS MAT?

Provides excellent shock absorption. ✅
Large enough for full-body movements. ✅
The non-slip surface ensures stability. ✅
Easy to clean and store. ✅

2. Large Yoga Mat

Thickness: 9mm
Material: With antimicrobial properties
Best For: Stretching, balance exercises, and low-impact workouts.
Price: From $100

Most yoga mats are 7mm thick, but this one is 9mm. That extra 2mm might not seem like much, but it makes a big difference for your joints, providing extra cushioning without compromising stability.

The Sensu mat is seriously spacious—7x5 feet, to be exact (84x60 inches).

Even those who bought the 6x4 version say it gives plenty of room to move, stretch, bend, and lunge comfortably. It’s perfect for exercises like a reclined IT band stretch, with enough space to support your entire body.

The Sensu yoga mat is already non-slip, but to make it even more secure—especially on polished concrete or to prevent corner curling over time—it comes with four grippy corner pieces for extra stability.

This is helpful if you have polished concrete or if you want to protect the corners from curling after years of use.

WHY CHOOSE THIS MAT?

Ideal for yoga, pilates, and flexibility training. ✅
The large surface area prevents discomfort during poses. ✅
Anti-slip grip for a steady workout. ✅
Durable and easy to maintain. ✅

The package also comes with an easy-to-use (double-zipped) carry bag, 2 straps to keep the mat rolled up, and a long yoga towel.

They also include four non-skid carpet stoppers under the edges of the mat without being bulky.

Are There Stability Concerns About These Mats?

Thicker mats provide great cushioning, but some worry they might reduce stability for poses or exercises requiring a firm connection with the ground.

I had the same concern when testing these mats, but I was pleasantly surprised—they didn’t disappoint.

Even for yoga styles that focus on precise alignment and a strong floor connection, I could balance just as well on these mats as I would on a thinner 5mm mat.

So, they offer the best of both worlds.

However, there are a few key things to consider before buying a thick mat. I’ll cover them in the next section.

Things to Consider When Buying Thicker Exercise Mats

CUSHIONING

It’s one thing for a mat to be thick; it’s another thing for it to provide the right cushioning you need.

Thinner mats (like 4-6mm yoga mats) don’t offer much cushioning, which can make workouts painful on hard floors.

In contrast, thick mats (not up to 10mm or more to avoid stability issues) provide a soft surface, reducing strain and making workouts more comfortable.

When doing bodyweight exercises, jumping, or weightlifting, the force you exert on the ground can put stress on your body. A thicker mat absorbs this shock, reducing fatigue and minimizing the risk of injury.

It also helps if you live in an apartment, as it reduces noise and vibrations from movements like jumping or dropping weights.

NON-SLIP SURFACE

You also want to prioritize mats that have features that suggest a more reliable non-slip surface.

The Sensu non-slip mat prevents your hands, feet, or shoes from sliding when you sweat. It’s particularly non-negotiable during high-intensity workouts like HIIT or CrossFit (where quick movements require a secure footing)

Also, during intense workouts, your body naturally sweats.

A good mat has a sweat-resistant, moisture-wicking top layer that prevents sweat from making the surface slippery.

I deliberately stayed away from mats without the right cell foam construction for good moisture management.

SIZE MATTERS

Standard yoga mats (about 24 inches wide and 68 inches long) are fine for simple exercises, but they limit your movement.

The two mats in this review are Larger options. This means they give you room to:

Fully stretch out without touching the floor.
Move side to side for exercises like lateral lunges or burpees.
Use different workout equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, or foam rollers without stepping off the mat.

If you do workouts that involve a lot of movement—like jumping, shuffling, or bodyweight circuits—the two large mats in this review prevent you from stepping off onto a hard surface.

The best part? They can even serve as a base for a home gym setup (for placing weights, kettlebells, or small gym equipment or a comfortable play area for your kids when not in use.

DURABILITY AND EASY MAINTENANCE

A good mat should last years without wearing out. Durability depends on material, compression resistance, and tear resistance.

The green light I saw with the Sensu mat is that they offer a lifetime warranty—something most other mats don’t offer. This makes the brand stand out from the competition.

Plus, the product comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can buy with confidence.

How to Maintain and Care for Your Thick Exercise Mat

When you think about how many fitness mats are made from porous materials, you realize they absorb bacteria and odors, leading to an unpleasant smell over time.

Sensu Mats, however, are designed with a protective layer on top and made from high-density foam, making them much easier to clean.

For a deep clean, you can:

STEP 1:

Add warm water and a few drops of bleach-free dish soap to a spray bottle.

STEP 2:

Spray your mat with the solution, then wipe it with a microfiber towel.

STEP 3:

Let it dry completely before rolling it up or using it again.

Wrapping Up

The moment you realize that you need a mat that provides enough padding to reduce discomfort during your exercise, then aim for thickness above 8mm.

If I were to recommend one, it would be any of these two Sensu mats, which I currently use. Beyond reasonable doubt, it has earned high scores for design, comfort, grip, and portability.