If your flooring is prone to scratching, consider elliptical mats for hardwood to protect the surface and keep it in perfect condition. Our review will help you find the best elliptical mat for hardwood so that you can continue training without disturbing your neighbors and benefit from reduced vibrations and noise.
What is the Best Elliptical Mat For Hardwood?
To find the Best Elliptical Mat For Hardwood for you we have used several of elliptical mats for hardwood and selected the absolute top 8 elliptical mats for hardwood.
This is based on our first-hand experiences, years of practice as well as individual research on what others have to say, so that we can give you a more well-rounded review.
Feel free to scroll to the end of this article for a short buying guide and some frequently asked questions.
1. Prosource Fit Extra Thick Puzzle Exercise Mat
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 4.94 pounds (2.24 kg) Size: 24 x 24 x 0.7 inches (61 x 61 x 1.8 cm) Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate |
Fill any room with The ProSource Extra Thick Puzzle Exercise Mat that provides extra support and cushioning for a comfortable workout. This mat is unique and made up of interlocking tiles that are easy to assemble and move around when required. Extends the life of your other equipment by protecting it from damage such as scratches and debris. It is made of non-toxic material, which is excellent for those that may suffer from sensitivities. The mat is consistent with low disturbance as it has noise reduction features that absorb vibrations. Heavier equipment will leave dents in the mat, as it is a very soft material that may slide on carpets. However, it is durable enough to withstand heavyweight.
Pros
- Provides extra cushioning for comfort and muti-use,
- Low disturbance features,
- Moisture resistant,
- Durable and easy to move around,
- Comes with six tiles and twelve end blocks to protect equipment
Cons
- Heavier equipment may leave indentations,
- Very soft which may result in tearing,
- May slide easily on carpet rather than hardwood
2. Rubber-Cal Treadmill Mat
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 78 x 48 x 0.2 inches (198.1 x 121.9 x 0.5 cm) Material: Rubber |
The Rubber Cal Treadmill Mat is available in two sizes and is durable to the point that it is just as long-lasting as your equipment that will be protected by using this mat. It is carefully designed to withstand abrasive conditions and absorb shock and vibration, giving it a low disturbance feature. It is easy to clean with soap and water and does not have a strong odor. It is made of recycled rubber and is easy to move around if you need to change locations. However, this mat may shift under a lighter-weight machine. Make sure to check the size required before ordering.
Pros
- Protects floors which extends the life of other equipment,
- Non-slipping features,
- Water-resistant,
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- May shift or slide under lighter weights,
- Make sure the cut is even when receiving and if not ask for a return,
- May be pilling
3. MotionTex Exercise Equipment Mat for Under Stationary Bike
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 5.8 pounds (2.63 kg) Size: 48 x 24 x 0.1 inches (121.9 x 61 x 0.3 cm) Material: Rubber |
The MotionTex pad comes in a sleek black rubber material designed to reduce slippage during workouts. It is made of rubber, which helps grip on any surface. It is high-quality and durable, which results in a long-lasting mat to support equipment. Not only is the mat stable, but because it reduces damages to equipment by eliminating scratches and indentation, it prolongs the life of the equipment and machines, too. It’s a perfect size that can fit in just about any sized room. Because of the shock and vibration absorbancy feature, disturbances are low during your workout, and noise is eliminated. The mat is comfortable enough to use as a yoga mat, benefiting your body by absorbing jolts. You can conveniently use this mat in your home or gym.
Pros
- Designed to protect equipment by reducing damage,
- Easy to clean with a cloth, soap, and water,
- Comes in sizes that can fit in any sized room,
- Noise eliminater for a low disturbance work out,
- Comfortable to use for yoga or any personalized exercise session,
Cons
- Shorter in length so best for shorter treadmills,
- Some are difficult to roll out and flatten after recieving from the package, so it is advised to place under equipment to help flatten immediately,
4. ProForm 40 Inches x 80 Inches Vinyl Equipment Mat
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 7.41 pounds (3.36 kg) Size: 80 x 40 x 0.2 inches (203.2 x 101.6 x 0.5 cm) Material: Vinyl |
ProForm Vinyl mat is very portable and easy to roll up and carry. It makes it easy for you to do your floor exercises and stretches in any room.
If you don’t like heavy and bulky mats, the ProForm Vinyl mat will be a good choice for you as it’s neither too thick nor too thin. But it does ensure that dust from your carpets and floor does not get into your equipment.
We love that our treadmill can fit so perfectly and is very stable. Just be a bit careful when unfolding it to avoid creasing. It does not lie flat, and we had to put some heavy objects in the corner. But it’s sturdy enough to ensure stability as we exercise.
Pros
- Large enough size for your equipment,
- Portable,
- Protects equipment from dust from carpets and floor,
- Study and solid
Cons
- A thin layer, not durable and tears easily,
- Curls up at the edges
5. Sound Absorbing Mat for Home Gym
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 2.4 pounds (1.09 kg) Size: 72 x 36NaN inches (182.9 x 91.4NaN cm) Material: Polyvinyl Chloride |
The sound-absorbing mat lives up to its name. Its thick material will reduce the noise you and any machine might make. This is the best mat if you want to do floor exercises, do yoga, jump, or worry about your joints.
We love that you can easily fold it up and store it away. It has straps to help you do this easily. If you don’t have enough space, you can get the mat from the store and unroll it.
The mat is made from synthetic rubber, a safer alternative to plastic mats. However, synthetic rubber is a good idea but won’t work if you have heavy equipment. The equipment may rip and tear the mat easily.
Pros
- Straps to help carry and store mat,
- Synthetic rubber material hence no chemicals and toxic fumes,
- Extra padding to muffle noise,
- Big enough size to fit most exercise equipment
Cons
- Slippery and can cause falling and injury,
- Rips easily due to the soft rubber
6. SuperMats 40GS High Density Commercial Grade Solid Equipment Mat
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 11.35 pounds (5.15 kg) Size: 60 x 30 x 0.1 inches (152.4 x 76.2 x 0.3 cm) Material: Vinyl |
SuperMats High-Density Commercial Grade Solid Equipment Mat is a noise reducing and shock absorbing mat that is large enough in size to fit in any room. This high-density mat can be used for steppers and bikers, the elliptical, or the treadmill. The durability of this mat allows repeated use. It is relatively lightweight, making it convenient to move around to different locations. However, it may be difficult to move to different areas as it is a larger size. The mat is compact and easy to assemble once received. Additionally, this mat helps protect equipment from further damage that happens after years of use and extends the life of other products—an all-around mat for varying activities for home or the gym.
Pros
- Compact and easy to assemble from package,
- Prolongs the life of other equipment by offering absorbance and protection,
- Multi-use for all activities and exercise equipment,
- Noise reduction feature,
Cons
- The material is thinner and lacks durability,
- Potentially too large for some areas,
7. Goplus Thicken Floor Protector Pad for Exercise Equipment
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 2.2 pounds (1 kg) Size: 37.4 x 5.7 x 5.6 inches (94.9 x 14.6 x 14.3 cm) |
The Goplus Thicken Floor Protector Pad for Exercise Equipment is a versatile mat that can be used for personalized workout sessions while providing comfort and safety. It is made without chemicals and has no odor that would benefit those with sensitivities. It is safe for children and pets. It also prolongs the life of equipment by reducing indentation and scratches by absorbing the weight of the products. The shock absorbency is also beneficial if used for yoga or any exercise plan that requires hands-on use-age. However, it may slide around as the material does not grip onto harder surfaces as easy as others may. Be sure to place it on carpet or floors with indentations. The mat does provide a support system for yourself and equipment due to its durability. The Goplus Thicken Floor pad comes in mutliple sizes for your convenience and can fit in any room.
Pros
- Made without harmful chemicals,
- Good shock absorbancy for a safer work out,
- Protects floor and carpet from indentations and damage,
- Material is safe to use around children and pets,
Cons
- Multiple sizes available that can cause confusion, so make sure to measure what you need and order the proper size,
- Material may not be adequate on tile or hardwood floors due to grip,
8. MotionTex Exercise Equipment Mat for Under Treadmill
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 72 x 36 x 0.1 inches (182.9 x 91.4 x 0.3 cm) Material: Rubber |
The MotionTex Exercise Equipment Mat for Under Treadmill has low noise disturbance features and vibration protection. The mat extends the life of your equipment by preventing scratches and debris and keeps carpets and hardwood floors clear of damage. This mat is durable and heavy-duty; however, it does attract dirt, so be sure to clean it frequently. It is easy to clean. All that is required is a damp cloth. It is easy to move around, and once placed under the mat, it is designed with rounded corners to reduce getting caught and prevent tripping. This mat is slip-resistant and comes in six different sizes to make sure to order the right one that will fit in your gym, office, or business.
Pros
- Durable and heavy-duty,Low noise disturbance,
- Water-resistant and easy to clean,
- Slip-resistant providing safety,
- Corners rounded to prevent tripping
Cons
- Attracts dirt easily,
- Must clean frequently,
- Ensure proper sizing so right size gets ordered
Verdict
To sum up, out of the top 8 Best Elliptical Mat For Hardwood, our absolute top pick is Prosource Fit Extra Thick Puzzle Exercise Mat.
If you have the money, you can go for Rubber-Cal Treadmill Mat which is our premium pick.
However, there’s nothing wrong with going for the budget option, which we found to be the MotionTex Exercise Equipment Mat for Under Stationary Bike.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying elliptical mats for hardwood
Non-toxic materials
You will be coming into bodily contact with your exercise machine mats, hence the need to avoid exposure to toxic materials. Prolonged exposure to mats made from toxic materials will cause nausea, neurological issue, headaches, and many more.
Natural rubber is an eco-friendly material and is also non-toxic. The reason is it comes from a natural product.
Foam, on the other hand, is made from petroleum. Petroleum makes it highly flammable hence the need to add toxic flame retardant.
Vinyl is made from reprocessed plastic containing lead, toxic phthalates, and a host of other toxic chemicals.
We recommend that you consider well the kind of material your exercise machine is made of to avoid future health implications.
Rubber
Exercise machine mats made from rubber are more durable than the other materials. They can absorb noise that you make as you do intense workouts. Due to the weight of the material, they are immovable and non-slip. They also lay flat, and you don’t have to worry about curling. Rubber absorbs shock easily that has been caused by the machine impacts and vibrations.
While 100% rubber is good, a better choice is recycled rubber from old tires. Rubber will protect your floor from dropped dumbbells. It will also protect the floor from your heavy exercise machines.
Foam
The foam material is considered cheaper than rubber but less durable. It is soft, making it excellent for lightweights and bodyweight workouts. The foam material is not ideal for heavy exercise machines. Foam mats are stain-resistant and waterproof and have anti-fatigue properties-allowing you to work out longer and harder. They are firm enough to allow for quick movements and absorb shock well. Foam is easy to clean and not very heavy-takes care of storing worry. Something to note, though, is that dropping weight on this material will cause tears and dents. Foam mats are easily affordable.
Mat size
A standard treadmill mat is 6.5ft X 3ft in size. These dimensions accommodate the majority of the standard-sized treadmills but you may need a bigger mat for more expensive and larger treadmill models. The decision about which mat size to consider depends mainly upon your space and your machine. Ideally, there should be a 6ft space behind the machine and 2ft on each side and in front of it. These measurements along with the size of your treadmill can give you a pretty accurate idea about which mat size to purchase. A treadmill mat must always be longer and wider than the treadmill placed on top of it.
Mat thickness
Different mat thicknesses cater to different purposes. A thinner treadmill mat may be easy to fold, move, or store but it doesn’t score high when it comes to noise insulation. A thicker treadmill mat provides greater shock and noise absorption and works well even with heavier treadmills. Pick a treadmill mat with the thickness that best suits your requirements and the weight of your machine. 5mm or thicker mats work well with most machines while you may need a 10mm or thicker mat for heavier machines and optimal noise and shock absorption.
Questions and Answers About elliptical mats for hardwood
Can you put an elliptical on hardwood floors?
While you can put an elliptical on hardwood floors, it is recommended that you do so with an exercise equipment mat. An exercise mat will protect your hardwood floors from any scratches or dents that could be caused by your elliptical. It will also help your elliptical machine stay in place so it does not slip or shift as you exercise, which reduces your chances of accidentally falling and injuring yourself.
How do I stop my elliptical from rocking on carpet?
Your elliptical may be rocking on the carpet for a few different reasons, so there are a few different solutions. One would be to check the feet of your elliptical and make sure they are all the same height. If heights are different, this could cause rocking, and you will need to adjust them to fix the issue. If they are the same height, you may want to consider an equipment mat to help grip your elliptical to stay in place and prevent you from potentially falling and hurting yourself.
Will rubber mats damage hardwood floors?
It is not common to find a rubber mat made from natural rubber because natural rubber is extremely expensive. Most rubber mats and rubber-backed mats are synthetic rubber to which chemicals have been added. Due to a chemical reaction, the rubber and the hardwood finish, the hardwood may lose some of its color and finish. To avoid this, place a pad under the mat to protect the hardwood.
How thick should my elliptical mat be?
When determining the thickness of the elliptical mat, you should first consider the type of floor you are looking to protect. Doing this will help you decide on the best thickness you should choose to protect your floor from the pressure that the weight of the elliptical machine exerts and protect the machine from the moisture that may occur. For delicate floors such as ceramic, wood, laminate, or linoleum floors, you need a thick mat of about 3/4 inch, but for hard floors such as cement or brick flooring, a mat of about 1/4inch will do the job just right.
