Exercise Mat vs Yoga Mat: Which Gorilla Mat is Right for You?

June 20, 2018

Gorilla Mats come in two styles: Exercise Mats and Yoga Mats. Both are premium, non-slip, and built to last a lifetime — but they're designed for different workouts. This guide will help you choose the right one in under 2 minutes.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Exercise Mat	Yoga Mat
Thickness	1/4" (6mm)	8mm
Top Surface	High-density, textured (for shoes)	Soft, sticky grip (for barefoot)
Bottom Surface	Circle-pattern non-slip grip	Circle-pattern non-slip grip
Shoe-Friendly	✅ Yes	❌ Barefoot only
Sizes Available	8 sizes (6'x4' to 15'x6')	5 sizes (6'x4' to 15'x6')
Colors	Black, Blue, Gray	Black, Blue
Starting Price	59.95	39.95
Best For	HIIT, P90X, weights, cardio	Yoga, pilates, stretching, meditation
Warranty	Lifetime	Lifetime

Choose the Exercise Mat If...

You work out in shoes. You do high-impact training — P90X, Insanity, HIIT, plyometrics, kettlebells, jump rope, or any workout where you're on your feet and moving fast. The exercise mat's high-density surface handles the abuse and provides stable footing.

Popular workouts: P90X, Insanity, T25, HIIT, CrossFit-style training, kickboxing, Zumba, weightlifting, plyometrics, dance workouts, and any DVD/app workout with shoes.

→ Shop Exercise Mats

Choose the Yoga Mat If...

You practice barefoot. You need grip for your hands and feet during poses, and enough cushion to protect your knees during floor work. The yoga mat's sticky surface keeps you grounded through every flow and hold.

Popular uses: Yoga (all types), pilates, stretching, foam rolling, PiYo, barre, meditation, tai chi, barefoot bodyweight exercises, and as a baby playmat.

→ Shop Yoga Mats

What They Have in Common

• Premium materials — Both are made from eco-friendly, non-toxic, high-density foam with no chemical smell
• Non-slip on both sides — The circle-pattern bottom grips your floor on hardwood, tile, concrete, and carpet
• Easy storage — Both roll up tight with included velcro carrying straps
• Lifetime warranty — We stand behind every mat we make
• Free shipping — On all US orders
• 100% money-back guarantee — Don't love it? Full refund, no questions asked

Can I Use an Exercise Mat for Yoga?

You can, but we don't recommend it. The exercise mat's surface is designed for durability with shoes, not for barefoot grip. You'll slide during poses. If you do both shoe workouts and yoga, many customers buy one of each — or choose the exercise mat and lay a towel down for yoga sessions.

What Size Should I Get?

Both mats come in multiple sizes. The most popular exercise mat size is 7' x 5' — it fits most living rooms and gives you room for lateral movements. The most popular yoga size is 7' x 5' as well, giving you 4x the space of a standard yoga mat.

For a dedicated home gym or studio, consider the 9' x 6' or larger — you'll never run out of space.

Still Not Sure?

Ask yourself one question: Will you wear shoes during your workout?

• Yes → Exercise Mat
• No → Yoga Mat

And remember — every Gorilla Mat comes with free shipping, a lifetime warranty, and a 100% money-back guarantee. You can't go wrong.

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