Gym Mats

Get a Solid Footing on Tumbling Safety
Exercise safely while at home or at school

Gymnastics and tumbling hold special appeal to youngsters, especially when the Olympics come around. The US Gymnastics team's performance is a usually a topic of conversation, and one of the most popular events. It may inspire youngsters to take up gymnastics, perhaps right then and there in the home.

Practice, practice, practice, safety
While there is nothing wrong with wanting to become more nimble and flexible, practicing gymnastics or doing tumbling without the proper accessories, like a gym mat, is asking for trouble.

Gym mats are a great idea, not only in school, but for the home as well. In fact, many tumbling injuries are sustained at home, and most can be eliminated or lessened by using gym mats. Your home is filled with sharp edges, hard floors, and other dangers to indoor tumbling. Make sure your beginning tumbler has a gym mat for home use.

The right mat for the right level
Beginners can build their confidence on softer gym mats. Softer mats impart a sense of security to a young child, and landing on them is more appealing than landing a harder surface. These soft gym mats should be around 2 inches thick.

Typically, these gym mats are foldable, and have 2-foot long segments. Widths can vary from 4 to 6 feet. As children develop more skills and confidence, they should move up to an advanced gym mat. These mats have a higher density and are not as thick.

Advanced gym mats are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. They should be filled with a polyethylene and/or polyurethane closed-cell foam. Shock absorption and compression should be high. You don't want the material to rebound very much.

Colorful and durable fabrics are a bright idea
Outer fabrics should be made of tough and durable vinyl. You can find gym mats in many colors quite easily. Top coat fusing and high weave polyester add durability and create good footing, too. Plus, don't forget about covering edges or hard surfaces with protective mats in your home, gym, or workout area.