Buying guide for best inflatable gym mats
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When you think of inflatable gym mats, your thoughts probably jump directly to sports like gymnastics and cheerleading. But these kinds of mats are also great for perfecting moves in sports like martial arts and parkour.
Inflatable gym mats come in different lengths to accommodate the space you have available. Those models with dual valves give you the best control over air pressure and if you really want to create the ultimate tumbling space, be sure to look for models with splicing features so you can secure several mats together.
If you’re ready to buy but not sure what to look for or where to start your search, you’re in the right place. We’ll take you through the features and considerations that will help you find the inflatable gym mat for you.
Editors’ picks
FBSPORT Inflatable Air Gymnastics Training Mat
Editors’ Favorite
Dimensions: 10’ L x 3.3’ W x 3.8’ Th | Material: PVC | Weight: 3.08 lb | Carrying Handle: Yes | Accessories: Electric air pump and carrying bag
Whether you’re looking for a mat you can safely use for gymnastics, dance practice or gym workouts, the FBSPORT Inflatable Air Gymnastics Training Mat is an excellent option. It is even waterproof, allowing it to double as a pool raft. It offers a wide surface area measuring 10 by 3.3 feet, so you'll have plenty of room for even your most ambitious moves. Its premium 1000D double-wall PVC is also highly durable and built to withstand regular use.
Setting up the mat is quick and easy, too. It comes with an electric air pump that inflates it in under a minute. It holds its air pressure for days, so you don’t have to inflate it before each use. When it’s time to deflate, it also takes less than a minute, making it easy to set up and pack away on the go.
If you want to travel with your mat, the included carrying bag makes it easy to take to practice or the gym. The bag features sturdy handles for comfortable carrying, and its waterproof design also keeps the mat clean in storage.
Aksport Gymnastics Air Mat
Great Value
Dimensions: 10’ L x 3.3’ W x 4” Th | Material: PVC | Weight: 3.08 lb | Carrying Handle: Yes | Accessories: Electric air pump, carrying bag and repair kit
The Aksport Gymnastics Air Mat proves that you don’t have to sacrifice size, durability or convenience in your gym mat just because you’re on a budget. Despite its affordable price, it offers similar dimensions to other inflatable mats on the market, with a 10-foot-by-3.3-foot surface area. That generous size makes it perfect for gymnastics, cheerleading or dance practice, as well as your favorite workouts.
The mat is made from 1000D filament-grade, double-wall PVC tarpaulin and features reinforced seams, making it extremely durable. The high-quality material also holds air pressure better than similar mats, so it’s safe for even more vigorous activity. Best of all, the high-quality PVC doesn’t have the strong chemical smell that cheaper materials often do.
You also get plenty of convenient accessories. It includes an electric air pump, so you can inflate and deflate the mat in just minutes. The repair kit makes it easy to patch small holes or tears, and the carrying bag lets you take the mat on the go so you can practice anywhere.
Awsum Inflatable Gymnastics Mat with Air Roller, 10-Foot Bundle
Best Set for Back-Handspring Training
Dimensions: 10’ L x 3.3’ W x 4” Th | Material: PVC | Weight: 3.1 lb | Carrying Handle: Yes | Accessories: Electric air pump, carrying case, patch kit and air roller
If you need a mat for back-handspring, backbend or somersault training, the Awsum Inflatable Gymnastics Mat with Air Roller, 10-Foot Bundle is the perfect choice. Made from 1000D filament fabric and thick, waterproof PVC, it features a double-walled design with reinforced stitching for extreme durability and support during stunts. It provides reliable airtightness, too, so you don’t have to worry about it deflating during use.
It’s particularly suited for back handsprings, backbends, somersaults and walkovers because the pro-grade PVC rebounds better than lower-quality materials. You can also easily control the support by adjusting the air pressure. If you prefer firmer support, add more air. For a softer training surface, just release some air.
The included electric air pump inflates the mat and air roller in just 12 minutes, so you can start practicing quickly. Deflating the set is just as quick, and both pieces fold easily to fit in the carrying case, which also works well for storing the mat and roller.
Aksport 5-Piece Air Track Training Set
Best Premium Multipiece Kit
Dimensions: 10’ L x 3.3’ W x 4” Th | Material: PVC | Weight: 39.6 lb | Carrying Handle: Yes/No | Accessories: Electric air pump, air roller, 3 air blocks and a repair kit
For more variety in your training sessions, the Aksport 5-Piece Air Track Training Set offers more than just an inflatable gym mat. It also includes an air roller and three air blocks, so you can meet a range of training needs. The pieces are all made of 1000D filament-grade, double-wall PVC tarpaulin and feature double-reinforced seams, making them highly durable and safe for advanced training.
The set also includes an air pump with a premium valve that inflates the pieces in minutes and deflates them just as fast. It’s also designed to protect the inner filament and has a leakproof design that reduces the risk of air loss when you remove the pump from the valve.
The mat and other pieces all have sturdy carrying handles that make them easy to carry. They are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, too, so you can hold your gymnastics, dancing or cheerleading practices anywhere you like.
XHYCPY Inflatable Air Gymnastics Mat
Best for More Landing Space
Dimensions: 13’ L x 4.3’ W x 4” Th | Material: PVC | Weight: 3.09 lb | Carrying Handle: Yes | Accessories: Electric air pump and carrying bag
For workouts or practice sessions that need a little more room, the XHYCPY Inflatable Air Gymnastics Mat is your best bet. Its extra-large size provides a 13-foot-by-4.3-foot surface ideal for gymnastics, cheerleading training, tumbling, ballet, yoga, martial arts and more. It’s made of 1000D filament-grade, double-wall PVC tarpaulin with reinforced seams, too, so it provides improved durability and air tightness for safe training.
You don’t have to worry about losing your footing, either. The mat's nonslip surface provides better traction and grip when you land, reducing the risk of slips and falls. It is 4 inches thick, too, so it offers plenty of cushioning during your training.
With the included air pump, the mat inflates in just 60 seconds. The leakproof valve design also minimizes air loss when you remove the pump. Deflating the mat is just as quick and easy, and you can fold it down into a compact square for storage. It also comes with a carrying bag, so you can practice on the go.
How we analyzed
Finding an inflatable gym mat that’s large enough for your needs and durable enough to handle regular workouts can be tough. To find the best inflatable mats, we analyzed customer reviews from several online retailers to see which ones best met user expectations. Specifically, we looked for mats that offered the most workout space, used the highest-quality materials, inflated and deflated easily and provided the most convenient features for storage and transport. Overall, we evaluated over a dozen inflatable mats and chose our favorites based on size, durability, ease of inflation, included accessories, portability and ease of storage.
Key considerations
Size
Inflatable gym mats are generally around 3 to 3./5-feet wide, with a depth/height of 4 to 8 inches. However, there’s far more variation in length options with a range of 1.5 to 39 feet.
Before deciding what’s right for you, you’ll need to consider the space you have available in which to set up the mat, as well as how the mat will be used. For some activities, such as martial arts or yoga, you may only need 4 or 5 feet to successfully practice a skill. Or, you may only need an additional takeoff point, which could be done with a small 2 by 2-foot mat.
Other sports and skills used for tumbling and cheerleading may need the space to practice several skills done in succession. If you have limited space, measure carefully. If space isn’t an issue, for the sake of safety, always err on the side of too long rather than too short.
Materials
These mats are designed to protect the body during complex aerial maneuvers, which means the materials have to be of top quality.
PVC plastic/tarpaulin: Durable and strong, PVC is often used as outer covering for these mats. The topside of the mat may have a softer coating to protect the skin the skin from scrapes and abrasions.
Double-wall or drop-stitch: Double wall or drop-stitch technology has been around for decades. This technique involves thousands of polyester threads that connect two woven pieces of polyester. The threads allow the mat to be filled to a high pressure yet maintain a flat surface. Without the threads holding the polyester in place, the mat would bulge under the necessary air pressure.
Rail tape: Rail tape, which is usually made of PVC, wraps around the outer edge of the mat to secure seams and the area around the valves.
Features
Carrying handles
You may be able to inflate the mat and position it in the area in which it will be used. But, then again, that might not always be the case. Carrying handles on both sides allow you to carry or slide the mat into position.
Handles with a rubber coating or finger grips provide better control. The longer the mat, the more handles it should have. Some mats are long enough that they may take four to six people — each using one handle — to move.
Dual valves
The key to the successful use of a gym mat is controlling the air pressure. A dual valve design provides more control, allowing you to fill or let out air to reach the right pressure without affecting overall inflation. One valve is typically used for inflation while the other allows for pressure adjustment.
Splicing features
Inflatable gym mats are only about a meter wide, which may not be enough room for some uses. Some mats have Velcro strips on the edge of the bottom side. A connector strip can then be used to attach two mats for side-by-side placement and use.
Manufacturers may include a connector strip with the mat while some will have to be requested or purchased separately.
UV coating
Backyard tumbling can be the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. Some mats have a protective UV coating to reduce sun damage to the mat. We don’t recommend leaving the mat in the sun long-term as even a UV coating can only do so much to prevent the breakdown of PVC.
Orientation markings
The task of staying centered when you’re using the mat isn’t always easy. Almost all inflatable gym mats have a thick center line that extends down the entire length of the mat to aid orientation. Some mats also have a cross line that divides the mat at the short center axis that marks the halfway point.
Extra accessories
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An air pump: If there’s one accessory you want included with the mat, it’s an air pump. Luckily, a high-speed pump is almost always included. These mats take a lot of air pressure to provide adequate protection, which can take a long time to reach with a regular air pump. If you do have to buy a pump separate from your mat, don’t skimp. Choose a good quality, high-speed model.
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Carrying bag or case: A carrying bag increases the portability and storage ease of the mat. Handles on the carrying bag are an even bigger bonus, as they are so much easier to use once the mat is packed tight and ready to go.
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Repair kit: Any inflatable tool or piece of equipment runs the risk of punctures. Definitely look for a mat that includes a repair kit. Most patch jobs can be done at home as long as you have the right tools, which a repair kit will include.
Price
Inexpensive
Small, square inflatable mats start around $100. These mats have the same construction as larger models, but lack handles and orientation markings as they’re usually not necessary.
Mid-range
Longer mats that range from 5 to 10 feet run between $100 to $350. These mats have carrying handles, orientation lines, and Velcro strips for splicing.
Expensive
Once you get to the 13-foot mark, there will be little changes in the quality and features of the mat. Overall, longer mats cost more. Prices for the longest mats, around 39 feet, can reach well over $1,000.
Tips
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Clear the area before using the gym mat. Even with orientation markings, it’s easy to drift off the mat, especially when performing multiple skills. Make plenty of space to the sides, at the head, and at the end of the mat so you don’t hit or run into anything.
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Watch out for heat and sharp objects. Inflatable gym mats are incredibly durable unless they get overheated or punctured. Heat weakens the PVC, which can lead to bulges and weak spots.
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Inflatable mats aren’t just for land. Many models are waterproof and can be used next to or in a pool for water yoga or general water play. However, check the manufacturer’s recommendations as not all mats may be intended for this use.
FAQ
Q: Is there a risk of the mat sliding while in use?
A: Inflatable gym mats have a non-slip surface on both sides. The top side may have a velvety or rubberized texture that provides better traction but also protects the skin from abrasions. The bottom side will have a gripping texture that holds the mat in place but isn’t as skin-friendly. This side will also have the Velcro strips for splicing mats together.
Q: Can an inflatable gym mat be used on grass?
A: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use. Having said that, most mats can and are approved for use on grass. However, they may need a protective barrier between the mat and the ground. This protective base can help prevent punctures as well as keep dirt and debris off of the mat surface.
Q: Should the mat be folded or rolled for storage?
A: To prevent creases from forming while not in use, the mat should always be rolled. It’s easier to roll the mat if it has been completely deflated. Be aware that it might take some trial and error to figure out how tightly the mat should be rolled to fit inside its carrying case.
