What is the Best Mat to Jump Rope On?

Looking for a way to protect your joints and prevent shin splints when you jump rope? If the only option available to you is a concrete surfaced like your back garden patio, then a mat is a wise investment. But which one? There’s so many to choose from? What’s differences and which is right for me? Do I even need a jump rope mat? Let’s jump right in with a very short summary of the difference types of mats you can jump rope on.

Disclaimer: all mats discussed in this blog will include links to examples which you can go to and purchase them. I am not affiliated with any of these brands, and I have purposefully chosen non-jump rope brands to the sake of having any bias in this advice. The only difference between a jump rope branded mat and the ones I’m showcasing here is the brand printed on the mat. A mat is a mat.

Why use mats?

Using mats of any kind when you jump rope has two main benefits. Protecting you and protecting your jump rope.

Protecting you: The high impact of more advanced skills can be bad for your joints and can lead to shin splints and even injury, especially if performed regularly on a hard surface such as concrete. A mat protects your joints helping prevent shin splints and other sports injuries.

Protecting your jump rope: Like all sports, extreme use can lead to wear and tear in the sport equipment you use. Although the beaded ropes and PVC ropes I offer include lifetime guarantees, they are still subject to wear and tear if used excessively on rougher surfaces. A mat will provide a softer surface, helping extend the life of your jump ropes.

Which mat is right for me?

First off, how am I going to compare these jump rope mats so you can easily and quickly decide which is right for you? I’m going to lay out the following key features for each mat: suitability, price, portability, benefits and drawbacks.

1 Exercise mat

Exercise mats, or ‘yoga mats’, are simple rubber/PVC sheets usually no more than ¾” thick which roll out and can laid out on top of most surfaces except grass. They vary in size and thickness and are the entry point for jump rope mat options. Most beginners and intermediates will benefit from having an exercise mat available.

Suitability: Beginner/intermediate
Price: £31.99
Portability: Very
Benefits: Indoor or outdoor. Extremely easy to store and take anywhere with you. These mats will protect your joints if you’re doing beginner/intermediate skills such as double unders and running step.
Drawbacks: Wears easily with excessive use. Not ideal in windy weather. Not suitable for high impact skills such as pushups or higher volume training.

2 Gymnastics mat

Gymnastics mats are segmented padded foam mats, usually no more than 2” thick, which unfold out on top of most surfaces including grass. They vary a lot more in size and are highly recommend for more adventurous jump rope enthusiasts.

Suitability: Intermediate
Price: £69.90
Portability: Very good
Benefits: Can be used indoors or outdoors. Easy to store and very portable - foldable with a handle for carrying. These mats will protect your joints if you’re doing skills such as triple unders, pushups or frogs (handstands). They will also protect your joints and ropes a lot more than an exercise mat, by really softening the impact especially with higher volume training.
Drawbacks: More bulky than an exercise mat. Will reduce the impact too much if you’re trying to get maximum height in your bounding. Some mats may suffer with stitching coming apart with excessive use.

3 Tumbling mat

Tumbling mats are purpose-built air-filled mats suitable for indoor and outdoor which resemble the flexible flooring use in gymnastics. They are strongly recommend for more advanced, serious jump rope enthusiasts and athletes.

Suitability: Intermediate/advanced
Price: £269.00
Portability: Good, but requires time to set up
Benefits: Can be used indoors or outdoors. They will really provide your joints the most protection by offering a soft by springy surface to jump rope on. They are perfect for high level skills such a triple unders, frogs (handstands) and gymnastic-style jump rope skills.
Drawbacks: Much higher in price compared to excercise or gymanstics mats, and not suitable for small or restricted spaces.

What have we learned?

Today we learned that jump rope mats can be a really useful tool for protecting ourselves from shin plints and sports injuries as well as extending the life of our jump ropes. They come in a variety of options, varying in size, price and design - you can easily find one that’s right for you depending on your needs and budget using the information provided here. With the high durability of the jump ropes available from me, jump ropes mats are by no means a necessity however choosing whether to invest in one or not is an informed decision you can make today.

Need any more help?

Feel free to reach out to me on my social platform or get in touch below with any extra questions you may have about jump rope mats.