Every child, and some adults, enjoy tumbling. Whether learning to do cartwheels, handstands, or other things, it can be a lot of fun. However, with the fun often comes to a few bumps and bruises, especially if playing on a hard floor.
Gym mats can lessen the risk by providing more cushions. On the other side of this, even skilled gymnasts can take advantage of having a mat at home for those days when getting to the gym is not possible.
The mat can be used for exercises you can do at home to improve your gymnastics skills, it can be used for sleepovers, and just wrestling around between brothers or sisters.
Mom and dad may even be able to get in on the fun with a little yoga as well!
You just have to discover which gym mat will work for your needs. Therefore, we came up with the gymnastics mats home use buying guide.
Our goal is to help you turn your home into a place that you can do anything you want to do whether tumbling and frolicking or working out in some other way. First, you need to pick the style of mat you want.
Table of Contents
Types of Home Gymnastic Mats
Most people do not realize that there are several types of gymnastic mats or inflatable mats available. There are mats that are designed for beginner gymnasts and others that are great for people who have more skill backing them.
You should consider the type of mat you need in your home to ensure that everyone gets what they need from it.
Cartwheel Mats
If you have a younger gymnast or a toddler that wants to learn to tumble, the cartwheel mat is a great option. Most will have images on the mat that show where hands and feet should be placed when learning to do a cartwheel.
This may also be helpful if your young one is learning to do handstands and handstand rolls. Some mats may also have a beam option that can help you practice using a balance beam.
If this is something you or your child want, then you need to make sure the mat you choose has both. A lot of the mats available will be about 2 x 6-feet, which makes them great for kids.
Incline Mats
For the youngest gymnasts that are just beginning to learn how to roll, the incline mat is ideal. These mats are shaped like a wedge. They allow young tumblers to learn how to roll forward or backward, without causing too much stress on their body.
Different sizes are available. However, it is important that you use them only for their intended purpose. Using one for the wrong type of gymnastic moves could cause injury.
Folding/Panel Mats
Folding mats or panel mats are commonly used in gyms whether at a gymnasium or at home. They are nice because when not in use, you can fold them up and tuck them away.
On average, they are typically going to be about 4 x 8-feet, but other sizes are available. If you need more mat floor area, you can usually attach one mat to another with Velcro.
When choosing this type of mat, we urge you to look at the variety of sizes that may be available. This will allow you to get a gym mat in your home that fits where you need it to be, whether out on the floor or stored away.
Flexi-Roll Mats
Whether you are competition level in gymnastics or simply want to know what to expect if you get that good at it, a flexi-roll mat is a good option. They are designed to look and feel like a competition floor. However, they do not have springs.
The nice thing about these mats is that similar to panel mats, they can be stored easily when not in use. You simply roll them up instead of folding them, and then tuck them away anywhere.
What to Consider Gymnastic Mats Home Use Buying Guide
Gymnastic mats for home use, also have other features that you may or may not enjoy. Some of these include:
Thickness
A mat that is too thin may not give the protection from bumps and bruises. Too thick or too soft, and it could also make it harder for young gymnasts to learn how to do what they are trying to do.
Most people suggest you stick with a standard mat for most uses. This means having a mat that is approximately 1-3/8” thick.
Dimensions
As previously mentioned, a mat can only fit in the area that you have available. If your room is small, then you shouldn’t run out to buy the biggest mat you can find.
No one needs to double up the mat. Simply measure your floor space and plan accordingly. We are certain you will find something within that range.
Ease of Care
A great thing about gym mats for home is that they are generally very easy to care for. You can wash them with a damp cloth and let them dry before storing them. If multiple people use the mat in your home, you may also consider spraying it down with sanitizers to keep it clean.
Other Uses for Gymnastic Mats for Homes
We can all benefit from a mat if we enjoy working out or playing hard at home. Gym mats for home are ideal for anyone who enjoys yoga, exercises and stretching, dancing, wrestling around, and more.
Toddlers can use it to learn to tumble and flip, which most love to do. Kids can use it when they want to learn to cartwheel. You can use it for all types of other activities. It is something the entire family can benefit from having easy access to.
In a world where we could all benefit from being a little more active, a mat could be a great idea. Our gymnastic mats home use buying guide has given you the information you need. What you do with it from there is on you.
