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Whether you’re a member of the Church of Peloton, one of the SoulCycle faithful, or a stationary bike free spirit whose spinning routines come from within, your new at-home exercise equipment gets a lot less exciting when it destroys your floors. The bike itself is a much sexier purchase than the rubber mat that goes under it, but there are still things to consider when picking out this protective layer.
What is a Bike Mat Used For?
The best bike mats go between your exercise equipment and the ground, to protect your floors from scratches or dents caused by your bike. But a good bike mat is also essential to help stabilize your bike. to prevent it from slipping or sliding around during your workout.
The best protective floor mats made for exercise equipment are not necessarily interchangeable with other types of household mats — you’ll want to avoid anything with foam cushioning, for example — but otherwise you only need to keep a few basic details in mind.
Size: The mat needs to be large enough to fit the equipment, but not so large it takes up more space than you need, so measure carefully. Alternatively, some mats are thin enough that you can cut it to the ideal size yourself.
Material: It doesn’t have to be super thick if the material is high quality. A durable, high-density PVC rubber is enough to absorb shock and vibration and support the weight of the equipment without tearing or damaging the floor. A thinner mat is also easier to store and maneuver.
Texture: The surface texture impacts how well the mat itself grips to the floor without slipping, which is pretty vital. Some mats are dual sided with one textured side and one smooth, which means it can double as a yoga mat.
Versatility: Speaking of which, while you may primarily use the mat under your stationary bike, most serve a variety of fitness purposes. We like a mat that can be easily stored and repurposed for things like yoga, jumping rope, or other machines too (think used under a treadmill or rower).
