A gymnastics mat in Nairobi Kenya isn’t limited to gymnastics. Using a crash mat on the floor at home can increase the safety of various activities. A soft landing will benefit you/your child’s at-home yoga, parkour, cheerleading, martial arts, kickboxing, workout practice, or just everyday fun and games! Frequent mat use means considering things like ongoing maintenance and in-built longevity to get the most from your purchase.
If you’re confused about where to begin, we’ve identified 10 things you need to look for when choosing between different types of tumbling mats.
- Dimensions
Dimensions will be important depending on where you’d like to place the mat in your home. Measuring the available area in the room where you’d like to use the gym mat is your first step. After you’ve made sure you have the correct measurements of available space, note them. As you examine the dimensions of the gym mat you’d like to purchase, consider the buffer space. Approximately 3 feet or so on each side of the mat will help prevent any contact injuries with nearby objects.
- Durability
A gymnastics home mat in Kenya is an investment – one you want to get the most from – over time. To ensure your mat lasts longer, it’s best to choose a durable material. How frequently do you plan to use the mat? Things to consider are the floor surface and whether you will use the mat outdoors. These points will help to inform your choice of material.
For example, waterproof materials are better if you’re going to use your mat outside. A mat with reinforced stitching will help prevent any rips or damage occurring with regular use. Rubber is the most hard-wearing material, while vinyl is versatile, being tear resistant and very easy to wipe clean. Moreover, it’s good to check that the materials of the mat have been UV-treated, as it will make the product last longer.
- Maintenance
Keeping and storing your mats properly will get the best from your purchase and ensure good hygiene. Remember to sweep the mat to remove any dirt before using a cleaner. Use a mild detergent or water to clean your gymnastics mat. The cleaner you use must have a neutral pH so that it won’t damage the mat. Use this cleaner before and after sports, teaching your kids to do it too. Don’t forget to clean the floor either, where the gym mat was placed, giving it a wipe down.
- Price
Prices vary widely between entry-level, general usage mat types and those designed for aspiring professional gymnast-level training. In general, size will dictate the price commitment involved. A yoga mat has the lowest price point, as do introductory-level gym or folding mats. Tumbling mats and crash mats are in the mid-range. Thrifty offers a range of mats of different sizes, with different functions depending on gymnastics level. Choosing the best gymnastics mat for you means weighing up the potential spend that makes the most sense based on your intended usage.
- Safety
Durable mats, made of high-quality materials, are usually thought of as longer-lasting as their padding’s strength lasts longer over time. To ensure safety, make sure the mat is securely placed on the floor before beginning. A panel mat provides support and cushioning, but this doesn’t mean skipping things like stretches and warm-ups or wearing the right footwear on the mat. Staying aware of your surroundings and space, or any stray pets and nearby items, when using the mat is a priority.
- Skill level
One’s skillset is a big determinant of the kind of mat that’s most appropriate. A gymnastics mat in Nairobi Kenya be the most suitable for someone who needs to carry their mat frequently – who is used to practicing on a small surface. A crash mat will be what you need if you already leap with precision and want a soft, supported landing. If you/your child is practicing jumps and tricks and wants a bounce that’s similar to a professional level or can be used in water, an Airtrack will be the best choice. A simple yoga or gym mat works best for at-home workouts and stretching.
- Softness
The softness of a mat influences the overall performance. If the mat is too soft, you are likely to struggle with launching yourself off the mat. However, a gymnastics mat in Nairobi that is too hard will feel uncomfortable when landing. Your choice of mat will depend on your specific requirements. If you prefer a softer surface, you may opt for a mat with a gentler inclination, while a gymnastics mat with greater firmness and bounce may be more suitable for your needs.
To practice tumbling, tumbling mats or gym mats are made from soft foam to absorb the shock of your moves easily in the padding. This softness makes the material light and easy to transport too. Airtracks give a better bounce thanks to the, well, air! Air-filled pads are durable for a landing that’s less soft but, instead, a smoother bounce.
- Storage
Keep the mat out of the way, where it won’t gather dirt or become an obstacle. Store the mat flat or roll it loosely in a loop that doesn’t unravel. This will keep it in the best condition possible after cleaning and before its next use.
- Thickness
The thickness of the gym mat will provide greater safety for your/your child’s at-home sport or gymnastics training. 3/8 inch or 10mm thick is the standard floor thickness at a gym. Whereas ¾- an inch thick, or up to 25 mm, is the thickness that is recommended for superb shock absorption. This thickness allows for the best cushioning and is great for safely practicing many moves, making it a good gymnastics mat for flips.
- User-specific requirements
A gymnastics mat in Nairobi Kenya is a wonderful way to practice basic moves like tumbles, cartwheels, and handstands. It provides a safe and soft landing while kids’ (or adults) find their feet with their balance and work on their skills. While a basic or folding mat is probably suitable for beginners, it needs to change with increased ability. With progress comes the need for a better, more cushioned landing when practicing flips. Thicker mats are better for landing somersaults and bigger jumps.
