Gymnastics Mats
by Karen
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One area where specialty exercise mats are a necessity is in gymnastics. Gymnastics mats are vital for safety when gymnasts are training and learning new routines. The use of gymnastics mats is so important they are typically required during both training and competition.
Types Of Gymnastics Mats
Sting Mats
Sting mats, sometimes called landing mats, are both soft and thin. They are typically red or white, which helps to differentiate them from other exercise mats and from the area where floor exercises are done. These gymnastics floor mats are used during floor exercises to help decrease the “sting,” or the impact of landings from tumbling runs. They are also used for dismounting from the beam. Sting mats are commonly used during training, but they are rarely used or allowed during competitions.
Springboard Mats
Springboard mats, used on vault, are mats in the shape of a U that surround three sides of the springboard. During a vault attempt if the gymnast’s foot happens to miss the springboard he or she will be able to use the springboard mat for momentum. This can help the gymnast avoid injury during this event or during training.
Incline Mats
Incline mats are sometimes called wedge mats or even cheese mats because of their triangular shape. These gymnastic mats are used to teach both beginning and intermediate skills like handsprings, walkovers and rolls.
Folding Mats
Folding mats are a more universal type of foam exercise mat that has a variety of uses in gymnastics. A folding exercise mat is a relatively thin but firm mat that can be used either unfolded or folded. Normally these gymnastic mats are used like tumbling mats to practice tumbling moves, but they have other uses as well. These folding mats can be attached from end to end with Velcro to create a long mat or they can be stacked and used as protection by gymnasts training on the lower balance beam. When stacked they can also be used to help gymnasts reach the rings or bars.
Crash Mats
Crash mats are very soft and thick to provide protection. As the name somewhat suggests, they are used to help gymnasts learn a new high-impact maneuver.
Beam Pads
Beam pads, or beam wraps, are used to provide protection to gymnasts learning new skills on the balance beam. These mats or pads are attached on the balance beam to provide a wider landing space.
Like cheerleading mats, gymnastic mats are specialty mats that are essential for safety during training and during competitions. Gymnastics mats are made for very specific uses so they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, levels of thickness and firmness; it is important to use the right mats for both training and performances to increase safety.
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