Whether you're preparing for gymnastics, martial arts, or simply aiming to master that perfect cartwheel, gym mats play a crucial role in ensuring safety and enhancing performance. From schools to home fitness spaces, these supportive surfaces help reduce impact and prevent injuries. However, not all mats are created equal, and selecting the right one can feel overwhelming with so many options in foam density, size, and materials. That’s where we come in. This guide covers everything you need to know about gym mats, giving you the knowledge to make a confident and informed decision. Let’s explore the world of gym mats together, because when it comes to comfort and protection, what’s underneath truly matters.
Types of Gymnasium Mats
Folding Gymnastics Mat
Folding gymnastics mats are versatile and designed for easy transport and storage. They are constructed with high-quality foam to provide a safe and comfortable surface for various exercises and training routines. The folding feature allows users to quickly set up the mat for use and fold it away when not needed, making them ideal for facilities with limited storage space. These mats are commonly used in gymnastics, martial arts, and general fitness activities, offering reliable cushioning to reduce the risk of injuries during practice sessions. The durable construction ensures long-lasting performance, even with frequent use. Additionally, folding mats are available in various sizes and thicknesses to accommodate different training needs and preferences.
Non-Folding Gymnastics Mat
Non-folding gymnastics mats provide a continuous, seamless surface that offers consistent support and stability during exercises. These mats are ideal for activities that require a uniform surface without any creases or folds, such as tumbling, stretching, and floor exercises. Constructed with durable foam and a sturdy outer covering, non-folding mats are designed to withstand rigorous use in gymnasiums, schools, and training facilities. They are available in various sizes and thicknesses to suit different applications and can be customized to meet specific requirements. The absence of folds ensures that the mat remains flat and secure on the floor, minimizing the risk of tripping or slipping during use. Non-folding mats are a reliable choice for providing a safe and comfortable training environment.
Safety Landing Mat
Safety landing mats are specifically designed to provide maximum impact absorption and protection during high-intensity activities and skill development exercises. These mats are constructed with thick, high-density foam to cushion falls and reduce the risk of injury. Commonly used in gymnastics, cheerleading, and martial arts, safety landing mats are essential for practicing advanced techniques and routines that involve elevated movements or dismounts. They are available in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 4 inches to 12 inches, to accommodate different levels of impact protection. The durable, non-slip surface ensures that the mat stays in place during use, providing a stable and secure landing area. Safety landing mats are an indispensable component of any training facility focused on athlete safety and performance.
Wall Padding
Wall padding is an essential safety feature in gymnasiums, sports facilities, and recreational centers, designed to protect athletes from impacts with walls and other structures. These pads are constructed with high-quality foam covered by a durable, fire-retardant vinyl material, ensuring both safety and compliance with fire safety standards. Wall padding can be customized in terms of size, thickness, and color to match the facility's aesthetic and specific safety requirements. Installation options include permanent mounting or removable systems, allowing for flexibility based on the facility's needs. Properly installed wall padding enhances the overall safety of the environment, reducing the risk of injuries during sports and other physical activities. Additionally, custom printing options are available to showcase school logos, team names, or other branding elements, adding a personalized touch to the facility's interior.
Customization Options
All of our Wall Padding, Folding, Safety Landing, and Non-Folding Mats come with a wide variety of customization options for your needs! Each mat can be cut to your exact specifications as well as color matched with your facility's theme or custom printed with your own logo! If you choose one of our color options as seen below, your mats are sure to arrive in as little as two weeks. Additionally, all of our custom graphics options include a free "proof" to ensure that the design for your Gym is as stylish as it will be safe.
Types of Gymnasium Mats Foam
Combo Soft Firm Foam
Combo Soft Firm Foam refers to a layered construction that combines one ply of extra-firm foam with one ply of softer Flex-Firm foam. This blend creates a mat that offers both firm landing support and a cushioned feel, ideal for beginners or gymnasts learning new skills. It helps prevent bottoming out while still providing shock absorption for medium-impact activities. This type of foam is often used in gymnastics, martial arts, and instructor mats. The dual-layer design gives athletes the confidence to train safely with reduced joint stress. It is a versatile option used in various skill levels and applications.
Extra Firm
Extra Firm foam is high-density and offers top-level firmness and recoil, making it ideal for high-impact sports like advanced gymnastics, martial arts, and cheerleading. It provides a stable, non-sinking landing surface that supports confident movement and safe landings. It is commonly laminated to Flex-Firm for enhanced shock absorption and durability. Extra Firm foam prevents bottoming out and is used in competition-grade mats and training aids. Its firmness makes it especially valuable for athletes sticking landings from vaults or balance beams. It also simulates “street conditions” in sports where firm footing is key.
Flex Firm
Flex Firm foam is softer than Extra Firm, offering a moderate level of cushioning with low to moderate shock absorption. It is designed for low-impact use, such as beginner gymnastics or home exercise mats. This foam helps absorb light impact and adds comfort without being too plush or unstable. Flex Firm foam is sometimes layered with other densities to enhance overall performance and comfort. While not suitable for high-impact landings, it is excellent for introductory activities and basic skills development. It’s frequently used in teaching environments with young children.
Medium Firm
Medium Firm foam sits between soft and extra firm, offering safe, supportive cushioning for medium-impact activities like cheerleading, intermediate gymnastics, or wall padding. It often meets ASTM F2440 standards for impact resistance, making it a trusted material in athletic facilities. This foam type helps reduce the risk of injury while still providing firm enough support to aid in skill execution. It is available in standard and flame-retardant (ASTM E-84-08a compliant) formats. Medium Firm foam is used where athletes need a balanced combination of softness and structure. It is also a popular choice for multi-purpose gym mats.
Classic Extra Soft
Classic Extra Soft foam provides thick, plush cushioning and is typically used in safety and crash mats for high-impact landings. Available in 4", 8", or 12" thicknesses, it delivers significant shock absorption for falls from height, especially at the end of tumbling tracks or during gymnastics training. This foam helps prevent injuries by offering a slow, controlled landing surface. It is not meant for active push-off or stable footing but excels in protective environments. Classic foam is ideal for training in environments where repetitive falls or high-fall risk exists. Its softness ensures comfort and injury prevention.
Soft Firm
Soft Firm foam blends mild cushioning with a bit of structural support, making it more padded than Medium Firm but less firm than Flex Firm. It is useful in low-impact activities where comfort is prioritized over bounce or rebound. This foam may be used in casual fitness mats or stretching areas. Its softness makes it less suitable for advanced athletic applications but ideal for general physical wellness routines. Soft Firm foam cushions body weight comfortably without creating a sinking feeling. It’s a good fit for environments where joint protection and ease of use are key.
Safety Foam (IFD 50 and ASTM E-84-08a)
IFD 50 foam refers to foam with an Indentation Force Deflection (IFD) rating of 50, which measures its firmness. An IFD rating of 50 indicates medium-firm foam, offering a balance of support and comfort, making it suitable for applications that require both cushioning and stability. This type of foam is commonly used in athletic mats, seating, and padding where consistent performance and moderate impact absorption are important. ASTM E-84-08a is a standard test method developed by ASTM International to evaluate the surface burning characteristics of building materials, including foam products. When a foam meets ASTM E-84-08a, it means it has been tested for flame spread and smoke development, ensuring it meets specific fire safety requirements. This certification is especially important for foam used in public facilities or commercial environments, where fire resistance is a critical safety factor.
| Foam Type | Foam Description | Sport/Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5" Extra-Firm | High density offers firm, lightweight shock absorption for top recoil. Provides stable landing surface that won’t bottom out. Ideal for high-impact activities and tumbling. | Gymnastics - Advanced, Martial Arts, Cheerleading |
| 2" Classic | Provides extra softness and cushioning for protection against injuries. | Gymnasium Wall Padding |
| 2" Flex-Firm | Soft cushioning for low-impact activities. Ideal for young children learning basic gym exercises. More cushion than Medium-Firm, less impact resistance. | Gymnastics - Beginner, Home Exercise Mat, Gymnasium Wall Padding |
| 2" Medium-Firm | Medium-firm cushioning for medium impact activities. Meets ASTM F2440 for impact resistance. | Gymnastics - Intermediate, Cheerleading, Gymnasium Wall Padding |
| 2" Medium-Firm FR | Meets ASTM E-84-08a for flame retardant properties. | Gymnasium Wall Padding |
| 2.5" Extra-Firm/Flex-Firm Combo | One ply of Extra-Firm bonded to one ply of Flex-Firm. Offers semi-soft cushioning, firm landing, and shock absorption. Prevents bottoming out. | Gymnastics - Beginner, Gymnastics - Intermediate, Gymnastics - Instructor Mats, Martial Arts |
| 4" Classic | Thick cushioning and significant support for falls and landings during practice. | Gymnastics - Beginner, Cheerleading |
| 5" Extra-Firm/Flex-Firm Combo | High-density foam for firm, lightweight shock absorption. Won’t bottom out. | Gymnastics - Advanced |
| 8" Classic | Thick cushioning and significant support for falls and landings during practice. | Gymnastics - Beginner, Cheerleading |
| 8" Extra-Firm/Flex-Firm Combo | High-density foam for firm, lightweight shock absorption. Won’t bottom out. | Gymnastics - Advanced |
| 12" Classic | Thick cushioning and significant support for falls and landings during practice. | Gymnastics - Beginner, Cheerleading |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gymnasium Mats
What Materials Are Used in Gym Mats?
Gym mats typically feature high-density foam cores encased in durable, fire-retardant vinyl covers. For instance, the EnviroSafe® Gymnastics Tumbling Mats are made with environmentally safe foam that provides optimal cushioning and shock absorption, suitable for activities ranging from gymnastics to martial arts. The vinyl surface is designed to be easy to clean and resistant to wear and tear. These materials ensure a balance of comfort, support, and longevity for various physical activities.
How Do I Select the Appropriate Gym Mat?
Selecting the right gym mat depends on the specific activity, impact level, and available space. For high-impact activities like gymnastics, thicker mats such as the 8" or 12" EnviroSafe® Safety Landing Mats are recommended, as they offer enhanced cushioning for safe landings during skill-building exercises. Consider factors like mat size, foldability, and attachment features; folding mats with hook-and-loop connectors allow for easy storage and the ability to combine multiple mats for a larger surface area. Ensuring the mat meets safety and performance standards relevant to your activities is crucial.
Are Gym Mats Simple to Maintain?
Yes, gym mats are designed for easy maintenance. Most feature a vinyl cover that resists moisture and can be wiped down with a mild soap and water solution or disinfectant wipes. For example, the EnviroSafe® Gymnastics Tumbling Mats have surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain. Regular cleaning not only maintains hygiene but also extends the mat's lifespan.
Is It Suitable to Use Gym Mats Outdoors?
While gym mats are primarily intended for indoor use, some can be used outdoors on a temporary basis. It's essential to place them on dry, even surfaces to prevent slipping or damage. Prolonged exposure to elements like direct sunlight, rain, or extreme temperatures can degrade the materials, so it's advisable to use them outdoors only when necessary and store them indoors afterward to maintain their condition.
Do Gym Mats Remain Stable During Use?
Many gym mats are designed with features to enhance stability during use. For instance, folding exercise mats often come with hook-and-loop fasteners on the sides, allowing multiple mats to be securely connected, reducing movement during activities. Additionally, using mats on surfaces like carpet or rubberized gym floors can improve grip. For added stability, ensure mats are properly anchored or used within designated training areas.
What Is the Expected Lifespan of Gym Mats?
The durability of a gym mat depends on factors such as frequency of use, maintenance practices, and material quality. High-quality mats like the EnviroSafe® Gymnastics Tumbling Mats are constructed with durable foam and vinyl covers that resist wear and tear, ensuring they last through years of regular use. Regularly inspecting mats for signs of damage and adhering to proper cleaning protocols can further extend their lifespan.
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If you have questions about choosing the right gym mat for your facility, we’re here to help. Our selection includes folding mats, non-folding mats, safety landing mats, and wall padding—each designed for specific needs in schools, gyms, and athletic programs. Whether you’re outfitting a new space or upgrading existing equipment, our team can guide you through the best options for safety, durability, and performance. We’re committed to helping you create a safe, functional environment for athletes of all ages and skill levels. Reach out today to get expert guidance or request a quote tailored to your needs.
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