Yoga Mat vs Exercise Mat for HIIT and Bodyweight Workouts

I'm looking to upgrade my home setup. Currently using a thin yoga mat for HIIT and burpees, but it keeps sliding across my hardwood floor and my knees are killing me. Should I switch to a dedicated exercise mat, or is there a 'pro' yoga mat that handles high impact better?

Honestly, stop using the yoga mat for HIIT immediately mate. They are designed for grip with bare feet, not the lateral force of trainers. I switched to a 10mm rubber exercise mat and it's a game changer for joints.

Totally agree with LondonLad. I ruined a perfectly good Lululemon mat doing mountain climbers in my flat. The friction from my shoes just chewed up the top layer.

I actually disagree slightly. I use a Manduka PRO which is technically a yoga mat, but it's dense enough that it doesn't budge during bodyweight circuits. It's pricey but it's lasted me years of abuse in my basement gym.

Does the Manduka handle sweat well if you're doing high-intensity stuff? My biggest issue with thick 'fitness' mats is they become a slip-and-slide once you start dripping.

@VancouverDave that's exactly my worry. I tried one of those foam puzzle-piece mats from a local sporting goods store and it was useless once I got a sweat on. Nearly face-planted during a plank jack.

You lot should look at high-density rubber flooring instead of a 'mat'. I bought a 6ft by 4ft equipment mat meant for under a treadmill. It’s heavy as anything so it never slides, and I can wear my heavy trainers on it without worrying about tears.

@NorthernLass spot on. The heavy rubber is the way to go for HIIT. Only downside is the smell when you first unpack it—smells like a tyre shop in the lounge for a week!

@VancouverDave To answer your question, the Manduka is closed-cell so it doesn't absorb sweat, but you definitely need a towel on top if you're a heavy sweater. Otherwise, yeah, it gets slippery.

I recently picked up a 7mm 'extra wide' exercise mat off Amazon Canada. It’s basically a giant rectangle of textured rubber. It's much better for sprawling out during burpees compared to a narrow yoga mat.

Is 7mm enough cushion for jumping? I'm 220lbs and my downstairs neighbors probably hate me lol.

@TXguy99 Honestly, for jumping at that weight, you might want to stack. I put a thin yoga mat over my thick foam tiles. Gives me the grip of the yoga mat with the impact protection of the foam.

That sounds like a trip hazard to me Dave! Better to just get one solid high-density mat. My knees have been much happier since I ditched the flimsy yoga gear for my morning circuits.

Thanks for the input everyone. Think I'm going to look for a large 8mm-10mm high-density rubber mat. Sounds like the yoga mat is staying in the cupboard for actual yoga days only!