The Ultimate Exercise Mat Review: Is Size Really Everything?

When it comes to home gym equipment, finding the right exercise mat can make a significant difference in your workout experience. Recently, we had the opportunity to test what's being called the “ultimate exercise mat” from Jim Matt, and the results were impressive.

Upon receiving the package, the first thing that stands out is the sheer size of this mat – measuring an impressive six feet by eight feet. To put that in perspective, our 6'1″ tester noted that “the mat is bigger than me.” This isn't your typical yoga mat; it's designed to give you substantial coverage for a variety of exercises.

The mat arrives neatly rolled in a protective sleeve, which serves as more than just packaging. The sleeve is durable enough to be reused when you need to store or transport the mat, making it practical for those who might need to reclaim their workout space occasionally.

As an unexpected bonus, the package included a pair of weightlifting gloves. These weren't just throwaway items – they featured quality stitching and designer-looking straps, suggesting attention to detail from the manufacturer.

The real moment of truth came when unrolling the mat. After waiting a few days for delivery, our tester described being “flabbergasted” by how much space it actually covered. Despite knowing the dimensions, seeing it laid out was still surprising – “it's bigger than what it sounds like on paper. It's massive.”

This extra-large size makes the mat particularly suitable for a range of activities that require more movement space, from HIIT workouts to stretching routines and floor exercises. It would also be ideal for those using multiple pieces of equipment during their workouts who want to protect more of their flooring.

While we haven't had the chance to test its durability over time or its performance under heavy equipment, the initial impression suggests this could be a valuable addition to any home gym setup where space allows.

For those looking to upgrade their workout area with a premium-sized exercise mat, this option from Jim Matt appears to deliver on its promise of being the “ultimate” in terms of coverage and initial quality.