Best Exercise Mats for Small Spaces UK
Protect Your Floors and Your Knees
Yoga mats are great, but for HIIT, weights, or burpees, you need something tougher. We tested mats that cushion sound (your downstairs neighbours will thank you) and stash away easily. We looked for impact absorption and durability under shoes.
Viavito Tri-Fold Exercise Mat with Handles
- •Tri-fold fits under bed
- •Carry handles included
DKN Tri-Fold Exercise Mat with Handles
- •Commercial vinyl cover
- •High density foam
UFC Octagonal Exercise Mat
- •Unique shape suits martial arts
- •Premium look
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viavito Tri-Fold Exercise Mat with Handles | £25.00 | Best Overall | 4.8/5 | Check Latest Price |
| DKN Tri-Fold Exercise Mat with Handles | £25.00 | Great Value | 4.8/5 | Check Latest Price |
| York Ultimate Folding Exercise Mat | £24.99 | Great Value | 4.6/5 | Check Latest Price |
| Reebok 7mm Training Mat | £14.99 | Great Value | 4.5/5 | Check Latest Price |
| UFC Octagonal Exercise Mat | £49.00 | Great Value | 4.6/5 | Check Latest Price |
1. Viavito Tri-Fold Exercise Mat with Handles
Pros
- Tri-fold fits under bed
- Carry handles included
- Thick padding for sit-ups
- Wipe-clean surface
Cons
- Seams can tear if abused
- Not as grippy as rubber
- Bulky compared to yoga mat
Our Review
The tri-fold design allows this mat to vanish under a bed/sofa in seconds, solving storage headaches in small flats. Its thick foam core offers superior spinal protection for sit-ups compared to yoga mats, whilst the carry handles add genuine portability.
2. DKN Tri-Fold Exercise Mat with Handles
Pros
- Commercial vinyl cover
- High density foam
- Easy to transport
- Great for burpees
Cons
- Slippery when wet
- Fold lines can act as trip hazard
- Takes up space
Our Review
Similar to the Viavito, this DKN option prioritises rapid setup and cleanup. The vinyl cover wipes clean instantly—essential for sweaty HIIT sessions—and the dense padding isolates knees from cold concrete floors in garage gym settings.
3. York Ultimate Folding Exercise Mat
Pros
- Extra thick (5cm)
- Luxury comfort
- Ideal for Pilates
- Durable stitching
Cons
- Too squishy for standing balance
- Heavier than standard
- Hard to store vertically
Our Review
With extra-thick 5cm padding, this mat is the premium choice for anyone with lower back sensitivity. It essentially turns a hard floor into an upholstered bench, making it ideal for floor presses or prolonged core holds where comfort dictates duration.
4. Reebok 7mm Training Mat
Pros
- Rolls up tight
- Grippier than vinyl
- Good for planking
- Reebok branding
Cons
- Only 7mm thick
- Edges curl up
- Not for heavy impact
Our Review
A hybrid between a yoga mat and a crash mat, the Reebok 7mm offers enough grip for mountain climbers but enough cushion for forearm planks. Its roll-up nature takes less space than folding mats, though it may curl at the edges initially.
5. UFC Octagonal Exercise Mat
Pros
- Unique shape suits martial arts
- Premium look
- Very dense foam
- Won't slide
Cons
- Very expensive
- Hard to store (doesn't fold)
- Overkill for yoga
Our Review
Designed for impact, this octagonal mat provides a dedicated zone for martial arts drilling or burpees. The distinct shape sets a clear visual boundary for safe movement, while the high-density foam absorbs shock to protect ankles during plyometric work.
Buying Guide: Exercise Mats
What to Look For
Surface Durability: If you do HIIT in trainers, a standard yoga mat will shred in weeks. Look for a 'bonded' surface or high-density PVC/Rubber that can withstand friction from shoe tread during mountain climbers or burpees.
Storage (Roll vs Fold): In small UK flats, storage is king. Tri-fold mats are excellent as they can slide under a sofa or bed instantly. Roll-up mats often uncurl at the ends, creating a trip hazard in tight spaces.
Budget Guidance
Budget (£15-£25): Basic roll-up NBR foam. Comfortable but bulky and soft.
Mid-Range (£25-£40): Tri-fold panel mats or high-density equipment mats. Best balance of durability and storage.
Premium (£50+): Large heavy-duty rubber tiles (like horse stall mats) for permanent garage setups. Overkill for a living room.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too Soft for Weights: Thick 'pilates' mats (15mm+) are great for sit-ups but dangerous for squats. The foam compresses unevenly under load, making your ankles wobble. If lifting heavy, stand on the hard floor or a specialized hard rubber tile.
Ignoring Noise: If you live in an upstairs flat, a thin mat transmits every jump to your neighbor. A thick high-density mat absorbs shock and sound, keeping the peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear shoes?
On high-density mats, yes. Yoga mats will shred under trainers. Look for a toughened surface if you plan to do HIIT or burpees in shoes.
Will it stop noise?
It helps dampen the 'thud' of jumps, which your downstairs neighbours will appreciate. For dropping weights, you need much thicker (20mm+) tiles.
Does it slide on carpet?
Most mats slide on carpet. Use 'carpet grippers' or place it under a heavy object like a sofa leg to anchor it during vigorous movement.
How thick for concrete?
If you are in a garage, 4mm is too thin. Go for 8mm-10mm to provide thermal insulation from the cold floor and impact protection for your joints.
Interlocking vs Roll?
Interlocking tiles stay flat but can separate during lunges. Rolls are more continuous but can curl at the ends. Heavy roll-out rubber is best.
Can I cut it to size?
Yes, most rubber/EVA mats can be cut with a sharp utility knife (Stanley knife) and a metal ruler for a custom fit in alcoves.
Underfloor heating?
Check the manufacturer rating. Thick rubber is an insulator and can trap heat, potentially damaging delicate heating elements if covered entirely.
How to dry sweat?
Vinyl/PU mats wipe dry instantly. Open cell foam (yoga style) absorbs sweat and needs air drying. Always air dry flat, not over a radiator.