Looking for a durable exercise mat for jumping rope? Jumping rope on hard surfaces like concrete and cement is harsh on your knees and ankles. Likewise, it makes your rope wear out rashly.
With a high-quality exercise mat, you can turn any space into a place to perform your jump rope workout and help you get the most out of it. If you are going to buy a mat for jumping rope, I am here to provide you detailed and useful information that can help you make a better decision.
I will show you the 5 best exercise mats for jump rope, taking into account key factors such as grip, size, portability, thickness, and price. And also, you will learn how to choose jump rope mats correctly and why it is important to choose the right one.
For those who want to see my top picks of the best mats for jumping rope, here you go:
- Premium Large Extra Jump Rope Mats by Gorilla Mats—Ultra-durable
- Sunny Health & Fitness Jump Rope Exercise Mat—Best Budget Mat on Amazon
- Elite SRS Jump Rope Fitness Mat—Best Foam Mat for Jumping Rope
- Zeny High-Density Fitness Mat—Extra-large Exercise Mat
- SuperMats Heavy-Duty Exercise Mat
See the overview, pros & cons below.
Table of Contents
Why Should You Choose the Right Mat for Jumping Rope?
Choosing the right mat for jump rope is critical because jumping rope off of cement, concrete, or any other type of hard surface may damage and cause pain to your knees and ankles. Having the right jump rope mat can provide you a softer landing to lower impact on your joints.
A jump rope mat must be thick. Extra thick and high denser foam is a plus. So typically, the thicker the foam, the better. Mat with thin foam tends to tear up over time. And the slippery surface of a mat could leave you with an injury. The extra-thick surface can absorb the moisture and reduces the hazard of injury.
The difference between jumping on a mat and a hard surface is huge. Jumping rope on a mat feels more comfortable, confident, and safer. Likewise, it encourages you to remain set up without moving around your head when you jump rope.
Whether you are working out at home or outdoor, a jump rope mat will always be the best option.
Jumping rope on a surface that is either too hard or too soft can make your workout somewhat troublesome. On the other hand, a jump rope mat gives you a perfectly soft place to jump on. But with these mats, you own the freedom to jump anywhere.
How to Choose the Best Exercise Mats for Jumping Rope
The jump rope mats are made of different sizes, materials and are at various costs. These are pretty subjective criteria, but there are also some other factors you have to consider when choosing a mat for jump rope:
1. Grip
The grip (affected by the surface/texture of the jump rope mat) is the most critical factor in choosing the perfect mat for jump rope.
A decent jump rope mat should be slip-resistant and offers desirable help on each landing, and prevents the jump rope from dragging and slowing down as you jump. Preferably, you need a jump rope mat that offers support when you land and protects your joints.
2. Thickness
The thickness of a jump rope mat is vital, and you should never leave it out on your list. The thickness affects the durability and longevity of the mats. The shock-absorbing capability of mats also depends on the thickness and material.
Most of the mats are a ¼ of an inch thick. Be that as it may, some mats have extra thick surfaces and can be as much as ¾ of an inch thick. Look for the mats that are designed to hold up a lot of force. In general, the thicker the jump rope mat, the more durable it is.
3. Portability
If you want a mat that rolls up effortlessly and can be taken anyplace you go, you should consider if the mat is lightweight and portable. The average weight of a mat is around 7-8 lbs, and your mat should better not weigh more than that. And some mats have straps to preserve the mat rolling back out as you convey it.
4. Size
Some mats are specially designed for jumping rope, and some are not. The ideal size of a jump rope mat is 3 feet wide by 4 feet in length. There is also a round jump rope mat—rush athletics jump rope mat—that about 1.4m diameter and 4mm thick is also great for skipping.
Other mats, for instance, yoga mats, are a bit longer than jump rope mats. If you plan to participate in other fitness programs, such as P90X, CrossFit, or other high-intensity interval training that require more space, you need a larger size exercise mat.
5. Cost & Brand
With mat, there is almost no relationship between higher expenses and higher performance. However, some mats are cheap, and you may start encountering varied problems no sooner you get them.
A famous brand mat can offer you better quality in most cases. There are huge amounts of jumping rope mat brands in the market, so in this way, and you have to pick wisely. Despite ensuring that you pick the right brand, you should, in like manner, ensure that you get them at the ideal price.
6. Reviews
It is, for every situation, better to check customer reviews and tests before arriving at conclusions. Customer reviews tell us a lot about the product detail that the seller won’t let you know.
Top 5 Best Durable Mats for Jump Rope
#1. Premium Large Extra Mats by Gorilla Mats
The Gorilla exercise mat is twice as big as the standard-sized mats, and you can feel the difference instantly while jumping rope on it.
Feel free to do your cardio workouts, strengthening exercises, dance on it, or perform jump ropes with ease and comfort on this premium-grade Gorilla mat.
The mat is made of top-quality non-toxic material and can provide unmatched performance in durability, high-density, cushioning effect, and non-slip grip.
The manufacturer has taken every care to ensure the sustainability of our world and has made them using eco-friendly material that’s stable and subtle in nature.
Never make the mistake of working out directly on the floor–we don’t want to entangle ourselves with precarious damages done to the flooring as well as our joints.
Exercising is already a pain for many, so why don’t we make it as convenient as possible using this shock-absorbing mat that’s easy on the knee, ankle, elbows, and spine?
The company cares for its end-user. Hence, it has taken utmost care to include essential accessories, including a 100% microfiber towel that gets rid of moisture, a comfy carry bag, and two Velcro straps that help you carry the product anywhere you travel.
Pros
- 100% money-back guarantee if unsatisfied
- Extra accessories included for convenience
- Circle-pattern bottom grips and double-sided design assure non-slip grip
Cons
- It is a bit more expensive than most
#2. Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Mat
Sunny Health & Fitness, the manufacturing company, has come up with an excellent jump rope mat that helps you exercise with ease and comfort.
They use high-density PVC foam that guarantees the utmost resistance to sweat and water, and the mat stands the test of time surviving through the most intense exercising sessions.
These mats are essentially used to protect the flooring and minimize vibrations due to home gym equipment.
The Sunny Health & Fitness exercise mat accomplishes all of these requirements—it absorbs maximum vibrations protecting the flooring, provides a non-slip grip, and offers excellent cushioning and durability.
Jump ropes require constant jumping, and this means that you are at a higher risk of slips and regular wear and tear.
The mat is 100% waterproof and designed to last long, matching all your requirements.
This jump rope mat is compact and space-saving, enabling users to roll it and store it away out of sight.
Pros
- Available in three different sizes
- Waterproof and sweat-resistant
- Easy to clean with a damp cloth
- Heavy-duty material promises durability
Cons
- Relatively thin
- Might be smaller for some people
#3. Elite SRS Jump Rope Fitness Mat
For those who love jump rope training, the Elite SRS Jump Rope Fitness Mat could fit your bill irrespective of whether you love to train indoors or outdoors.
The mats are manufactured from tough, high-quality vinyl foam; they are specifically designed to reduce the bounce of cable speed ropes when they hit the ground—ensuring minimal wear and tear of the rope.
Jumping involves your entire body and is an exercise that ensures both upper and lower-body workouts. In such cases, there is always the lingering doubt of injuring your knees and joints.
But this mat reduces every chance of injury to any part of your body, making jump rope routines as safe as possible.
You could lay the mat on the carpet, directly on the flooring, or anywhere outdoors too.
The high quality and construction of the mat minimize vibrations and any noises generated to help your neighbors and family members stay undisturbed while you are exercising.
Pros
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Minimizes vibrations and noises generated
- Minimizes wear and tear of jump ropes due to its ergonomic design
Cons
- Mat is smaller than expected
#4. Zeny High Density Fitness Mat
Are you looking for a protective layer between your flooring and the exercise equipment that guarantees reduced noises, vibrations, and protected joints?
If so, go for the Zeny Treadmill mat that’s been made using premium-quality thick PVC material. Although this is a ‘treadmill mat,’ it is also suitable for use as a jump rope mat.
You can use your jump rope without hesitation to reap exercise benefits as the mat is designed with a non-slip textured surface on either side for providing a perfect jump rope experience.
These cushioned mats support a non-slip grip and guarantee the non-movement of any exercise equipment while performing your fitness activities.
Save maximum space and reap maximum benefits using the rectangle-shaped Zeny mat that provides the ideal platform to do your jump rope routines with ease.
Another great feature here is that you can exercise any time of the day at your convenience. The mat guarantees maximum noise absorption creating a quieter environment even when you are working out.
Pros
- Large-sized mat adept for performing any exercise
- Easy to clean as the mat is oil- and waterproof
Cons
- A bit large for small rooms
#5. SuperMats Heavy Duty Equipment Mat
If you have a dedicated home gym set up with ellipticals, treadmills, and other equipment, including jump ropes in your place, the heavy-duty mats from SuperMats would come in handy while doing exercises.
Made in the U.S.A using good-quality raw materials that contain no toxic chemicals or heavy metals, the mats are an embodiment of safety and convenience to the exerciser.
Hop on to the mat and enjoy full-body workouts doing jump ropes without harming the flooring or ruining your equipment.
No more worries due to damages or debris due to heavy exercise equipment as the mat assures toughness and quality.
The mat is available in various sizes. Go on and pick the right size of your choice to experience good cushioning effects while training.
The vinyl material used for constructing the mat guarantees protection against vibrations, dampens noise generations, protects the flooring, and increases your exercise equipment’s longevity.
Pros
- Made from non-toxic material and devoid of any chemicals
- Big and large to fit different exercise equipment
Cons
- It would cause an indentation in the mat if you put heavy equipment on it
Other Jump Rope Accessories You May Want to Buy
Having a decent jump rope mat is not sufficient enough to protect your knees and ankles. Having the right shoes is also important. And a jump rope timer can help you keep track of your workout without continually checking your watch.
Jump Rope Shoes
A correct pair of jump rope shoes can have a massive effect on how you feel and how you perform. Shoes you’d wear for high-impact activities like basketball or running are also suitable for jumping rope.
Most trainers recommend picking a pair with a lot of cushioning on the ball of your foot and a fortified toe to keep them from destroying untimely.
Jump Rope Timer
Although buying a timer is no longer quintessential if you have a smartphone or a smartwatch. Just download an app, and you’re all set.
Can I Use a Yoga Mat for Jump Rope?
Using a yoga mat is not safe to perform jumping rope. The lack of thickness and sufficient grip of a yoga mat keeps it from engrossing the shock. Also, its delicate nature clips and drags the rope a lot, which would disturb your flow and make you fall with your nose on the floor.
How Thick Should a Jump Rope Mat Be?
The thickness of the mat affects your ease of use, comfort, and chance of getting injured. A decent jump rope mat should be at least 0.25 inches thick.
What Is the Best Surface to Jump Rope on?
The rope will, in general, make more noteworthy friction on harder surfaces and can cause you to trip over on the floor. So the surfaces you jump on are important. The softer surface will create little friction and keep you away from injuries.
Most people prefer the mat over the hard surface to jump rope. Moreover, better shock absorption of soft surfaces will let you feel much better and comfortable.
Rope jumping injuries are very common. You might have had at least one injury along the way to your fitness goal. Moreover, wounds are in no way, shape, or form pleasant to deal with.
Be that as it may, if you still want to wind up jumping on hard surfaces, you should keep jumping intensity lower.
Read Also:
- Jump Rope Indoor: All You Need to Know
- Top 5 Best Heavy-Duty Exercise Mats for Deadlifting Platform
- Top 5 Best Treadmill Mats for Carpet
- Do Treadmills Need a Mat?
