Advanced Gymnastics Mats: How Many Types Are There?

Have a roundoff back tuck already? You need some high-tech gymnastics mats, my friend. Have a look at our buying guide to locate the ideal mats for your needs.

Congratulations! You’ve trained hard and earned the right to move on to the more difficult level of gymnastics mat. Alternately, you may be the instructor for a group of pupils who have earned your respect and are ready to compete.

An advanced gymnast will spend even more time than that on the beam, rings, bar, vault, etc. You are now a fully-fledged gymnast who can do everything, not just floor routines.

Having reliable equipment is crucial at any skill level, but especially at the higher ones. It all begins with the flooring.

What should you look for in an advanced mat?

Safety

Let’s be honest: what you’re doing is really insane. When performing advanced floor maneuvers on the balance beam, such as muscle ups, layouts, etc., it is important to have a mat that can withstand the force of the landing.

Thickness and stress absorption are the first steps in this process. They serve primarily as shock absorbers, although frequently come in pairs.

Be sure to read the mat’s specifications and verify that it has been tested for the intended uses before making a final decision. We have plenty of cheaper mats that won’t stop a fall from 10 feet, but they aren’t as advanced as our premium mats.

You should not cut corners here. The price tag will increase. It’ll help keep you protected. Perhaps your life will be spared as a result. This is a worthwhile investment.

Durability

You will most likely put these mats through a lot of wear and tear, so we made that clear. The more proficient you are, the more time you spend on the mat every week (or maybe every day?).

These mats are a bit more expensive, though. Because of this, it’s important to select a mat that can withstand heavy use. You don’t want to have to buy a replacement after only six months. To what extent would that bother you?

An sophisticated gymnastics mat may cost a bit more initially, but it will pay for itself over time in reduced maintenance costs.

Easy Maintenance

There is no one who wants to be spending their day cleaning their mat. If so, I have a whole house that needs cleaning…

Because of this, these mats are a welcome addition to any home. The smooth, nonporous surface of all of our mats (with the exception of the Home Cheer Mats, which just need to be vacuumed occasionally) makes them simple to disinfect with a damp cloth or a conventional sanitizing agent.

When you are finished practicing for the day, just roll up the mat and store it away. It’s easy to carry each mat wherever you go.

Types of Advanced Gymnastics Mats

At the elite level, mats are often custom-made to help with certain features of your sport. Look into what facilities are available for the advanced gymnasts who are truly skilled.

The skill level requirement for this mat is high. Perfect for practicing cheer, tosses, back handsprings, martial arts, wrestling, and just about everything else you can think of.

In addition, you can choose from a variety of sizes and thicknesses to find the perfect fit. Do not get a mat that is too large for your needs; doing so would be a waste of money and space.

Not enough mat for you? Okay, no sweat. Connect several mats using Velcro to create one huge mat. After you’re done with your practice, just roll each one up and store it away.

Tumbling Mats

Not enough mat for you? Okay, no sweat. Connect several mats using Velcro to create one huge mat. After you’re done with your practice, just roll each one up and store it away.

A single mat not sufficient for you? Not at all! To cover a larger area, simply velcro together several mats. When you’re done with your practice, just roll each one up and store it away.

These mats have some neat additional features. You can lay them out to make a floor or use them as padding for a wall. To put it simply, they are the “I can do it all” mat.

Our 5′ x 10′ x 2′ Tumbling Mats are a hit with gymnasts, karatekas, and anybody else in need of a full-room floor covering or a little extra cushioning on the walls.

Deluxe Home Wrestling Mats

Although these mats are primarily intended for use in wrestling training, they are durable enough to withstand the rigors of varsity and college-level competition in other sports as well, including gymnastics, mixed martial arts, and more. We imagine them to be useful in a variety of settings.

If your family enjoys a variety of pursuits, these would be a fantastic option. Easy assembly and disassembly make it ideal for creating a home studio that can be used by all members of the family.

Where are these folks going to live? Almost any place will do! These mats can be used anywhere, from the basement to the living room to the garage to the school gym to the great outdoors, and they are so lightweight and easy to roll up and store that you can do it in seconds. Although, you can do that on the mat if you choose.

These Deluxe Home Wrestling Mats are ideal if you are a coach or athlete of intermediate or advanced skill level searching for a convenient and transportable choice for training at home.

The FlexFit Elite Mat is the best option for plyometric, high-impact, and bodyweight exercises. You can’t be too squeamish on this mat. More than what’s required for a first-time home fitness mat.

What could possibly be a problem for this bad boy? Weights. You won’t find the Olympic weightlifting mat here. But we do have a mat for that purpose if you need it.

Therefore, why would anyone require such a tough mat? Those who engage in strenuous bodyweight activities, such as advanced gymnasts, martial artists, CrossFitters who want to perfect their handstand push-ups, and so on.

A wide area covered? Mat widths range from 3 feet to 6 feet, and lengths go up to 40 feet. This is a substantial quantity of mat.

Meet our FlexFit Elite Mat if you’ve reached the stage in your workouts where you know you need an extra challenge.

Landing Mats, our finest product. Hardcore mats like this can safeguard athletes competing at the highest levels.

Indeed, these mats are so shock absorbing that they are sometimes known as “crash mats,” and they are sturdy enough to endure falls from the kinds of conflicts you normally only see in the movies. The kind of thing where someone jumps off a tall building.

To be sure, not everyone has a use for this ultimate mat. Our Landing Mats have been professionally tested and are made to withstand the heaviest of impacts while soaking up as much of the force as possible without losing their structural integrity.

Under the balance beam, rings, or vault, where gymnasts would be landing from enormous heights, these mats would be an excellent investment.

We also have you covered if competitions require you to travel. The convenient carry handles on each mat make it simple to transport it from one location to another.

When relocating a mattress, have you ever seen one without side handles? It’s the worst possible situation. We promise not to treat you that way. It is my pleasure to help.

We are so confident in their durability that we are offering a whopping three-year guarantee on them. Most importantly, we don’t think we’ll ever need it. But seriously, they’ll keep going strong for three years, and if anything does go wrong, we’ve got you covered.

These mats are perfect for gymnastics instructors and gym owners. No, you won’t need them for basic tumbling, but they’ll be your greatest buddy when you land from 10 feet in the air.

Highlights of Advanced Gymnastics Mats

• Nontoxic
• Low in weight (in most sizes)
• Simple to maintain, move, and store
• An excellent choice for the most skilled athletes.

Limitations of Advanced Gymnastics Mats

• More expensive
• Unless you’re a really advanced athlete, you probably won’t need this much mat.

Best Tumbling Mat

When participating in strenuous or even dangerous physical activity, tumbling mats can be a welcome source of relaxation and security. They’re essential for activities like cheerleading, MMA, acrobatics, gymnastics, and wrestling. However, not all mats are created equal, which is why we compiled a list of the top four tumbling mats available for purchase in 2022.

ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat – Best Overall

This is an excellent choice if you want a tumbling mat that will last for many years. This mat follows the common tri-fold layout seen on many others like it, but its shape is maintained by an unique foam even after extended use.

PROS

• Incredibly easy to transport
• Tear-resistant
• To be easily cleaned

CONS

• Slightly slimmer than average

BalanceFrom 2″ Thick Tri-Fold Folding Exercise Mat – Runner-Up

This foldable mat may be less expensive than some choices, but it offers the same high levels of comfort, protection, and durability. This non-absorbent mat is six feet in length and is crafted from non-toxic, lead-free vinyl that is resistant to rips and punctures.

PROS

• Handles incorporated for portability
• The use of moisture-absorbing technology
• The foam used is of a very high density.

CONS

• Perhaps too rigid for certain users.

BestMassage Gymnastics Mat – Honorable Mention

If you want a large, plush mat, this one is a great choice. For gymnastics, it was practically made.

PROS

• Sturdy but springy
• Materials made from high-quality, nonabrasive leather
• Adhesive strips on the sides allow you to attach multiple mats.

CONS

• There’s nowhere to fasten the mat when it’s folded up.

Giantex Gymnastics Mat – Also Consider

This mat is made with premium materials that can help ensure maximum user comfort. It’s filled with an eco-friendly, soft but resilient EPE foam and has an abrasion-resistant high-quality PU leather cover.

PROS

• Because it is crafted from high-quality materials, this mat can help its user experience a high level of comfort. High-quality PU leather provides abrasion resistance, and the cushion’s eco-friendly EPE foam filling makes it both comfortable and supportive.
• The high quality of the materials used in its construction means that this mat will provide superb relaxation for its owner. It boasts a high-quality PU leather cover that is both abrasion-and stain-resistant, and it is filled with eco-friendly, soft but sturdy EPE foam.
• This mat’s high-quality construction and materials make it ideal for those seeking optimum relaxation. It sports a high-quality PU leather exterior that is both abrasion- and water-resistant, and is stuffed with eco-friendly EPE foam.

CONS

• Fairly pricey, but not cheap

Tumbling Mat Buying Guide

Getting regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy and fit body. Most individuals are unaware that you may get in shape without joining a commercial gym. There is no need to leave the house to develop your gymnastics talents when you can do so in the convenience of your own home through at-home practice.

Any gymnast, whether just starting out or already well-versed in the sport, can benefit from investing in a high-quality tumbling mat.

In order to assist you make the best decision possible, we have compiled this guide after carefully considering all of your alternatives. This comprehensive resource covers every facet of tumble mats, including their many varieties, sizes, and thickness possibilities.

What should you consider before buying a tumbling mat?

Thickness

If you want optimal performance, strive for a thickness of around an inch to two. Tumbling becomes more challenging on a thick mat because the hands and feet dig into the material. In addition, your body won’t have the protection and cushioning it needs from a thin yoga mat.

For instance, some kid-specific mats can be up to four inches thick. The extra cushioning and safety provided by a thicker mat is ideal for young children.

Size

When looking to buy a mat, storage space can be a major consideration. Make sure you have plenty of room to set up your tumbling mat and perform tricks without running into anything first.

Since mats come in a variety of sizes, it should be easy to choose one that works in the space you have available. Home tumbling mats are typically 8 feet in length and 4 feet in width.

Cover material

You can find gymnastics mats with vinyl or PU leather covers. Vinyl is frequently used because it is long-lasting and has a non-slip surface that makes tumbling more secure. PU leather is the priciest option, but it has the highest quality and most luxurious feel.

Durability

Next up, you will need to ensure that you choose a durable model. The strength lies in the inner construction.

Next up, you will need to ensure that you choose a durable model. The strength lies in the inner construction.

How much does a tumbling mat cost?

The next step is to make a model that will last as long as possible. Durability is based on the inside material.

How did we choose the best tumbling mats?

We have analyzed and researched each tumble mat on the market in order to select the top options for you. In order to make it onto our list, each product had to meet the following criteria:

• Rate of Satisfaction from Customers, 40%
• Consider a 20% discount
• Branding at 40%

We also did extensive field testing to determine which products provide the greatest comfort during gymnastics and other physical activities. To put your mind at ease, this evaluation is based solely on extensive research and is therefore completely authentic.

What types of tumbling mats are available?

Folding mats

The vinyl-coated panel on folding mats allows for compact and convenient storage when not in use. Because of how compact and portable it is, this panel mat has quickly become the standard for tumbling mats. This foldable mat’s most common dimensions are 4 feet wide by 8 feet long.

Cartwheel mats

These mats are designed specifically for training cartwheels, as their name suggests. The mats can be separated into sections or made as a single piece; either way, they provide hand placement directions. These are great for youngsters and other newcomers.

Incline mats

Young gymnasts just learning the basics of rolling would benefit greatly from these. Tumbling on them is a great way for kids to master the basics of rolling backwards and forwards without putting too much strain on their bodies. Due to the increased risk of injury, we do not recommend that advanced gymnasts practice on the incline mat for more challenging routines.

Flexi-roll mats

Flexi-roll mat was designed to mimic the look and feel of a professional competition floor. Although it is not quite the same because it lacks springs, it is the greatest option for individuals who would like to acclimate to a tournament setting in the comfort of their own homes.

These tumble mats have the same advantages as folding mats in that they are compact and simple to store when not in use. To store them, rather than folding them, you can roll them up and put them away.

How to Clean Gymnastics Mats

Do you know how much daily use gymnastics mats get? It’s no surprise that gymnastics mats are prime real estate for bacteria to flourish and thrive. When we don’t take the time to properly clean gymnastics mats, they can serve as a fertile breeding ground for the growth of skin illnesses, germs, and viruses. Here at Clear Gear, we understand how challenging it can be to maintain sanitary conditions on gymnastics mats. As specialists in sanitized equipment, we are well aware of the dangers that gymnasts confront while using unsanitary mats. That’s why we produced these gymnastics mat cleaning instructions!

Exactly why does it matter that gymnasium mats are kept clean? Superbugs like staph and MRSA have recently been spreading through high school and collegiate sports teams, as you may have heard or read. Disinfecting equipment like gymnastics mats might have avoided these outbreaks, but that fact is rarely mentioned. Gym mats should be cleaned and disinfected frequently to prevent the spread of disease. Staphylococcus aureus, ringworm, and various fungal and viral illnesses like herpes, warts, and the flu are all possible outcomes of this. Inadequately cleaned and maintained mats are a typical source of ringworm and plantar warts, which are extremely common among gymnasts.

Cleaning gymnastics mats is easier if gymnasts and athletes are required to use the mats only when their feet are clean or covered by socks. This, of course, is only a partial answer, as it does not safeguard the mat against other types of bacteria and germs that may be shed by human bodies. To maintain gymnastics mats clean and gymnasts healthy, you will still need to adopt an effective, regular cleaning regimen.

How to Clean Interlocking Mats

Take the first step and remove the mats.

Carefully separate the mats from one another. Keep this in mind so that you don’t miss any of the spaces in between the interlocks when cleaning. It’s easy to overlook these because they’re not level, but doing so could lead to the spread of germs to more heavily used areas of the mat.

The second step is to flatten each piece.

Look for a spacious location where the mats may be laid out flat without becoming crushed.

Third, disinfect everything.

Completely spray each part of the interlocking mat, including the borders, with a spray designed to clean and deodorize sports equipment. Give it a chance to air out. If you spray one side and then flip it over to dry, you’ll have an even coating.

Fourth, clean the ground below.

Clean and disinfect the floor beneath the mats while they are up. Make sure to clean the floors the right way with a disinfecting floor cleaner.

How to Clean One-Piece Gymnastics Mats

Step one is to vacuum up the litter.

Second, clean the mat well.

A sports equipment disinfectant and deodorizer spray can be used to sanitize the mat in situ if there is enough room, or if the mat itself is too big to move. When the mat is smaller, it’s easier to transport it to a larger space or take it outdoors to spray. Clear Gear Spray is a gallon-sized spray that effectively eliminates odors and germs from huge spaces. Spray and disinfect both sides of the mat if possible. When spraying the mat, make sure to give it plenty of time to dry.

Three, scrub the ground underneath.

If the mats have been taken up, the floor needs to be swept, mopped, and disinfected. Make sure to clean the floors the right way with a disinfecting floor cleaner.

After each workout or competition, follow the steps outlined above to clean up. It is essential that the gymnastics mat be kept clean at all times. Before, during, and in between each athlete’s use, you should spray the mat down with a disinfecting and deodorizing sports equipment spray.

Resuming Your Mat Position

Sweat and incorrect storage and maintenance can quickly breed harmful bacteria and germs on gymnastics mats. Illnesses including MRSA, staph, impetigo, the flu, and herpes can be caught if proper hygiene isn’t practiced. Clear Gear Spray is a disinfectant and deodorizer that effectively eliminates 99.9 percent of bacteria, viruses, and fungus while also removing unpleasant odors from sporting gear and personal protection equipment. Regular use of Clear Gear Spray, a deodorizing and disinfecting product, on gymnastics mats and other gym equipment will keep gymnasts healthy and in peak performance condition for practices and competitions by eliminating odors and preventing the spread of bacteria.

FAQs

What are gymnastics mats made of?

Impact-absorbing cross-link polyethylene foam is commonly used in gymnastics mats, and they are encased in a vinyl covering that is both durable and water-resistant. They are built to withstand heavy foot traffic without tearing or puncturing and are simple to disinfect. Carpeted surfaces on other mats can help with floor exercises that require more grip.

What types of gymnastics mats are available?

Gymnastics mats come in a few different varieties. You could discover that one choice is more convenient than another depending on how often and where you want to transport your mat.

Folding mats

Folding mats’ vinyl-coated panels fold up for easy transport and storage. Because of their portability and compact design, panel mats are frequently used in gymnastics. These mats are great for gymnasts of all experience levels.

Roll out mats

Roll out gymnastics mats are convenient not only because they can be rolled up like a yoga mat when not in use, but also because they are lightweight and compact.

Landing mats

Landing mats are constructed to absorb as much force as possible during a landing. Superior gymnastics and martial arts training calls for them. These mats, which are sometimes called “crash mats,” are typically thicker than their thinner counterparts and have mesh sides that enable air to escape upon contact, further cushioning your fall.

Competition mats

When it’s time for a match or a floor routine, competition mats are designed to cover a huge surface. Depending on the sport, the tops could be made of carpet or vinyl. They can be quickly and easily deployed, making them ideal for use in places like gymnasiums and convention halls. Most roll out competition mats can be ordered in a variety of colors to best suit your needs and those of your school or squad.

Can you attach gymnastics mats together?

If you purchase several gymnastics mats, you may join them together with Velcro to form a larger training surface.

When and where are gymnastics mats most useful? To get the most out of your practice, what sort of mat do you recommend? What follows is an explanation of the aforementioned points.

Can you use gymnastics mats for home practice?

If you have enough room, you can use any of our gymnastics mats at home. To make home practice more convenient, some mats fold up or may be unrolled.

How thick should a gymnastics mat be?

The thickness of your gymnastics mat should be selected with your intended use in mind. When it comes to impact absorption, thicker mats are preferable over thinner ones.

To help you decide, consider these possibilities:

• Tumbling mats and gymnastics mats should be between 1-3/8 inches and 2-1/2 inches in thickness. Multipurpose mats of this size are ideal.
• Crash mats and landing mats are usually 8 inches to 12 inches thick.
• Incline mats, sometimes referred to as “cheese mats,” can range in height from 14 inches to 16 inches. These mats’ primary function is to provide a stable surface for novices to practice on rather than to absorb impact.

What are the best gymnastics teaching tools?

• Basic gymnastics skills like rolls, walkovers, and handsprings can be learned with the help of wedge mats, also called inclination mats. They can also be used as landing mats, crash pads, and tumbling aids in the classroom.
• The balancing beams are only raised a few inches off the ground, so even novice gymnasts can practice safely. They include a tough foam core and a vinyl outside for maximum protection. They may be folded in half so that you can carry them with you wherever you go.

Are gymnastics mats waterproof?

Waterproof gymnastics mats are those that are encased in vinyl. However, there are a wide variety of gymnastics mats to choose from. Water can be absorbed by the exposed foam in mats made with a foam base that is just covered with carpet or vinyl.

Can gymnastics mats be used outdoors?

Mats wrapped in vinyl are so watertight that they can be put outside year-round. The vinyl coating will keep the mats safe from the elements. Some mats, such as those with a vinyl or carpet top, can’t be left outside permanently since they soak up water and promote the formation of mold and mildew. Foam mats should not be left outside permanently, although they can be used temporarily if brought inside after usage.

Conclusion

Do a happy dance of elation now that you know the truth! Whether you’re a gymnast, cheerleader, wrestler, or martial arts enthusiast, you’ll be able to make a well-informed choice regarding the type of mat you need now that you have access to this information.

Our flooring specialists are standing by to answer any further inquiries you may have through phone or live chat.