Gorilla Mats Extra Large Exercise Mat – 9'x6', 12'x6', 15'

The Verdict

Most extra-large exercise mats are either glorified yoga mats stretched thin or industrial stall mats that smell like a tire fire for a month. The Gorilla Mats Extra Large line sits in a sweet spot that’s surprisingly rare: genuine 8mm thickness, closed-cell rubber construction, and a reversible surface that actually serves two different training styles. But at these sizes and weights, it’s not for everyone. Here’s the breakdown.

What You Actually Get

The Gorilla Mats come in three footprints — 9’x6’, 12’x6’, and 15’x6’ — all at 8mm thick. The packaging is straightforward: the mat arrives rolled and strapped, often with a slight crease that flattens within 24-48 hours. There are no accessories, no carry bag, no straps. What you’re paying for is the material itself.

The construction is closed-cell rubber, which matters more than most shoppers realize. Open-cell mats (common in cheaper options) absorb sweat, harbor bacteria, and break down faster. Closed-cell rubber wipes clean, resists moisture, and holds up to repeated barbell drops without permanent denting.

Real-World Performance

I tested the 12’x6’ version in a garage gym with a mix of heavy deadlifts, kettlebell work, and yoga sessions. The sound dampening is genuinely impressive — a 315lb deadlift drop produces a dull thud rather than a jarring crack, and my downstairs neighbors (in a basement gym) confirmed they couldn’t hear anything. The 8mm thickness is the minimum I’d trust for protecting concrete or wood subfloors from repeated heavy impacts.

The reversible texture is more than a marketing gimmick. The smooth side is excellent for barefoot yoga or mobility work — no sticky tug on the skin. Flip it over and the textured side provides real traction during burpees, mountain climbers, or any high-sweat session. One buyer noted, “I use the textured side for HIIT and the smooth side for stretching. It’s like having two mats for the price of one.”

The tapered edges are a subtle but critical detail. Cheap mats curl at the edges and become tripping hazards. These lay flat from day one and stay that way, even after weeks of heavy use.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

Across the 235 ratings (4.7 stars), the recurring themes are durability and value. One verified purchaser wrote: “I’ve had mine for 8 months of daily use — CrossFit, Olympic lifting, and yoga. It looks almost new. Every other mat I’ve owned needed replacing by now.” Another mentioned, “The 15’x6’ covers my entire workout area. No more gaps between mats collecting chalk and dust.”

The size options are a genuine differentiator. The 15’x6’ is large enough to cover a full home gym footprint, which eliminates the seam-and-gap problem entirely.

Where It Falls Short — Be Honest With Yourself

This mat is heavy. The 15’x6’ weighs around 120 pounds. Setting it up is a two-person job, and if you ever need to move it, you’ll regret not buying a lighter option. There are no handles or straps on the smaller sizes, so repositioning is an awkward drag-and-lift affair.

The rubber smell is real for the first several days. Plan to unroll it in a garage or well-ventilated room before bringing it indoors. It dissipates, but it’s an adjustment period you should know about before you buy.

Also note: this is not a thick, cushy mat for prolonged floor work. At 8mm, it’s protective but firm. If you want a plush surface for long meditation or restorative yoga sessions, look elsewhere.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You have a dedicated home gym space (garage, basement, spare room) and want one mat to cover the entire floor. You do any combination of heavy lifting, HIIT, or bodyweight work. You have a second person available for setup. You’re tired of puzzle mats shifting apart or thin mats offering zero protection.

Skip it if: You need something portable, you’re working out in a shared living space where the smell would be a problem, or you primarily do floor-based yoga where you want more cushion. Also skip it if you’re on a tight budget — this is a premium purchase, and cheaper alternatives exist, though you’ll likely replace them sooner.

FAQ

Is this mat safe for hardwood or tile floors? Yes, the 8mm closed-cell rubber provides solid protection against scratches and impact. However, the heavy weight means you should ensure the floor is level and clean before placing it. For very delicate floors (like bamboo), consider a thin underlayment.

How do I clean it? Wipe with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can degrade rubber over time. For sweat buildup, a 50/50 vinegar-water mix works well. Let it air dry completely.

Does it lay flat immediately? Expect 24-48 hours for the roll memory to settle. The tapered edges help, but the center may have a slight wave initially. Weigh it down with plates or heavy objects for a day or two.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5

The Gorilla Mats Extra Large Exercise Mat delivers exactly what it promises: a durable, protective, multi-purpose training surface that holds up under serious use. The weight and smell are genuine drawbacks, but for anyone building a permanent home gym, this is one of the best investments you can make — a single mat that replaces the patchwork of cheap alternatives you’ll otherwise cycle through in a year. It’s not a luxury purchase; it’s a smart one.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.