Types of Intermediate Gymnastics Mats: Pros and Cons

What if you’ve mastered back walkovers but can’t do handsprings? The intermediate gymnastics mats that you require, my buddy, are in short supply! If you’re not sure which mats are right for you, consult our shopping guide.

It may be time to step up your training a notch now that you’ve mastered the fundamentals of the sport. Maybe you’re just getting started, but you’ve already got a decent handle on things and want a mat that can grow with you for many years.

You’re ready for an intermediate-level gymnastics mat if either of those describe you. These mats are suitable for all ages and abilities. They even have some advanced-level instructional aids. A good place to start if you’re somewhere between beginner and advanced is with these.

From forward rolls to back tucks, intermediate mats have you covered. Unless you’re shopping for a little toddler – in which case, beginning is OK – these are the best place to start.

What should you look for in an intermediate mat?

Safety

Aside from forward rolls and cartwheels, you’ve probably moved on to other high-risk techniques like backflips. Because, let’s face it, you’re almost certain to trip and fall on your mat at some time.

There’s nothing to be concerned about! However, this does not necessarily imply that you will suffer harm. A solid, shock-absorbing mat for intermediate gymnastics (combined with good technique) will allow you to take risks, challenge yourself, fall down, and get back up without fear of smashing your head open on the kitchen floor..

Make sure the mat you purchase is appropriate for your intermediate level because not all mats are designed for this purpose.

Helpfulness

For intermediate and advanced level maneuvers like front and back walkovers, there are some excellent instructional aids that will help you along the way.

Returning to the safety ratings, a thin, cheap mat purchased from eBay for $6 will not assist you in achieving your objectives in terms of safety. I know, it would be nice if it were that easy.

The good news is that you don’t have to fork over a fortune in order to find the correct mats for your vehicle. Just be sure the mat has been approved for your level of activity before purchasing it.

Easy Maintenance

Maintaining a mat is a time-consuming chore that no one enjoys doing. If that’s the case, I have a whole house to clean…

The reality is, we’re always looking for ways to make our lives easier, and these mats do exactly that. With the exception of the Home Cheer Mats, all of our mats and accessories are easy to clean with a damp cloth or typical sanitizing product thanks to their smooth vinyl casing.

When you’ve finished practicing for the day, simply put your mat away in your room. Each mat is extremely lightweight and easy to transport.

Types of Intermediate Gymnastics Mats

Many mats are available to students at this level. So, let’s see what you have to work with.

4′ x 8′ x 2″ Tumbling Mats

Even if a workout mat isn’t enough for you, and the thought of spending a lot of money on one causes you heart palpitations, what do you do?

Even though our Tumbling Mats aren’t as dense or colorful as our standard folding ones, they’re a great, low-cost alternative if you don’t want the additional shock absorption.

These mats are suitable for all levels of gymnastics and martial arts practice. They’re great for practicing forward rolls and cartwheels, which is what most kids use them for. Adults enjoy the convenience of putting them away when it’s time to switch activities.

These will be your go-to mat if you need to be protected against beginning/intermediate level gymnastics and martial arts (think up to front and back handsprings).

4’x8’x2” Folding Mats

Our classic folding mats are a slight improvement over our tumbling mats in that they are denser and offer an additional level of shock absorption. Also, they come in a variety of colors (black is also an option if you’re not a fan of color).

Okay, I’ll admit something. Playing favors is against the rules, but I can’t help it. This mat is fantastic! I’m swooning over the vibrant color options, which include a rainbow option.

Because of the higher density, longer-lasting vinyl, and fun color selections, I believe this mat is the best choice. You can practice more advanced movements for a longer period of time on their backs. Even when you’re not soaring in the air, they’re easy to store.

If you want a multi-level gymnastics and martial arts mat that’s vivid, resilient and easy to store, our 4’x8’x2″ Folding Mats are your best bet.

Home Cheer Mats

You can’t go wrong with this intermediate mat. It’s ideal for cheer, tosses, back handsprings, martial arts, wrestling, and anything else you can think of.

Most of our customers like our cheer mats. As a result of their versatility, they can be used by anyone. In addition, they’re made to last.

If you don’t know what you need, they come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. A mat too large for you will cost you money and take up too much space.

We recommend our Home Cheer Mats if you’re looking for a mat that can handle several levels of gymnastics, cheer or martial arts.

Tumbling Mats

Intermediate gymnasts with aspirations of becoming super-advanced might consider these. A more advanced mat, but one that you can grow into and that will support your entire learning process, is this one.

You can use our standard folding mats at any level. Nevertheless, if you’re doing double back layouts and jumping high enough to slam a basketball, you need something extra — extra durability, additional shock absorption, and an additional guarantee of safety (in the form of a 1 year warranty).

These mats have a few extra features that are worth noting. They can be used as wall cushioning or to cover a whole floor. They’re the “I can do it all” mat, if you will.

We’re confident that our 5’x10’x2″ Tumbling Mats will meet your needs whether you’re a professional gymnast or martial artist looking to pad out a large area of floor space or a portion of a wall.

Highlights of Intermediate Gymnastics Mats

• Nontoxic
• An easy-to-carry weight (in most sizes)
• Clean, transportable, and easy to store
• A great tool for teaching beginner to intermediate techniques

Limitations of Advanced Gymnastics Mats

• Intermediate mats are more expensive than those for beginners.
• Olympic-level advanced moves aren’t for everyone.

The Best Gymnastics Mats That Ensure Safety And Comfort

Using tumbling mats while engaging in physically demanding or risky activities can assist ensure comfort and safety. If you’re interested in acrobatics, acrobatics gymnastics or wrestling, you’ll need these. This is why we’ve put together a list of the four best tumbling mats in 2022 that are now available for purchase.

Best Tumbling Mat

ProsourceFit Tri-Fold Folding Thick Exercise Mat – Best Overall

If you’re searching for a long-lasting tumbling mat, this is an excellent choice. Like many of its sort, it features a tri-fold design, but it includes an unique foam that enables it maintain its shape even after extended use.

PROS

• Transportable in both size and weight
• Tear-resistant
• a breeze to clean

CONS

• Thinner than normal

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

Even if it’s less expensive, this folding mat may nonetheless give great levels of comfort, protection, and long-term performance. Protective vinyl is used to make this six-foot-long, non-absorbent mat, which is resistant to tearing and punctures.

PROS

• Carrying handles have been added.
• Absorbent technique for capturing water
• High-density foam is used in its construction.

CONS

• Some people may feel it’s excessively firm.

BestMassage Gymnastics Mat – Honorable Mention

Those searching for a larger mat with thick, plush foam may consider this one. It’s made for gymnastics, so it’s excellent.

PROS

• Sturdy but supple
• Non-abrasive, high-quality leather
• Attach a second mat using the side stickers.

CONS

• When folded, there is no method to keep the mat in place.

Giantex Gymnastics Mat – Also Consider

Premium materials used in the production of this mat help to offer optimal comfort for the user. It includes an abrasion-resistant high-quality PU leather cover and is lined with an environmentally friendly, soft but resilient EPE foam.

PROS

• It’s possible to choose from nine different color schemes.
• The handle and four-fold design make it easy to carry.
• Designed with a zipper seal for simple installation and cleaning.

CONS

• It’s not cheap.

Tumbling Mat Buying Guide

The importance of regular physical activity cannot be overstated. Most people don’t realize that exercising doesn’t necessitate going to a commercial gym. When it comes to practicing gymnastics at home, you don’t have to leave your own house.

Even if you’re a seasoned gymnast, the right tumbling mat can help you learn new techniques more quickly and safely.

Having looked at all the possibilities, we came up with this guide to assist you make an informed decision. Tumbling mats come in numerous shapes and sizes; this tutorial explains how to choose the best one for your needs.

What should you consider before buying a tumbling mat?

Thickness

To get the optimum results, you should aim for a thickness of between 1 and 2 inches. Tumbling will be more difficult on a mat that is too thick, since the hands and feet will be sunk into the surface. A thin yoga mat also won’t offer any protection or padding to your body.

Children’s mats, for example, can be up to four inches thick. For children, a thicker mat provides shock absorption and protection, making it ideal.

Size

When it comes to purchasing a mat, space can be a major issue. Before you acquire a tumbling mat, make sure you have enough room to set it up and perform your tricks without running into anything or someone.

Mats come in a variety of sizes, so finding the right one for your intended area shouldn’t be a problem. The standard size of a tumbling mat for domestic use is 8 feet long by 4 feet broad.

Cover material

Gymnastics mats can have vinyl or PU leather as their outside covering. In addition to being incredibly durable, vinyl has a non-slip surface that makes it safer to tumble. PU leather, on the other hand, is the priciest, but also the most luxurious.

Durability

Choosing a long-lasting model is the next step. The durability of a product is determined by the material used on the interior.

If you choose a foam model, make sure that the tumbling mat will keep its shape and feel for a long time. Make sure that the materials are resistant to sharp objects if you opt for an inflated one.

How much does a tumbling mat cost?

You should expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $800 for the majority of tumble mats. The price is influenced by a number of criteria, including the material’s thickness, durability, and size. So, before making a purchase, consider your requirements and your budget to determine the best tumble mat for your purposes.

How did we choose the best tumbling mats?

In order to select the best tumbling mats, we conducted extensive study and analysis. The following criteria have been met by each product on our list:

• Reactions from Clients: 40%
• 20% of the value
• 40% of the market share is attributed to the brand.

As a result, we were able to determine which products were most suitable for tumbling and other forms of exercise. Since this evaluation is based on extensive research, you can rest assured that it is authentic.

What types of tumbling mats are available?

Folding mats

It is possible to store folding mats in a compact manner thanks to a vinyl-covered panel that folds up. For tumbling mats, this panel mat is the most popular choice because it is simple to store and move. 4 ft wide by 8 ft long is the most popular size for this folding mat.

Cartwheel mats

These mats are designed to be used for practicing cartwheels. Hand placement guidelines are woven into the surface of most mats, whether they are paneled or one-piece. Beginners and children alike will benefit greatly from these.

Incline mats

To help gymnasts learn to roll, they are suitable for beginners. Young tumblers can practice rolling backward and forward without putting undue strain on their bodies with the aid of these devices. Inexperienced gymnasts are not advised to utilize the incline mat for more difficult activities due to the danger of injury.

Flexi-roll mats

The Flexi-roll mat is designed to resemble a competition floor in terms of appearance and feel. If you want to experience what it’s like to sit in a competition area at home without having to travel all the way to one, this is your best bet.

When not in use, these tumble mats can be folded up and stored in a similar way to folding mats. Instead of folding them, you just roll them up and tuck them away.

What are gymnastics mats?

Gymnastics, cheerleading, martial arts, and wrestling all benefit from the shock absorption provided by gymnastics mats. In order to protect your joints and keep you safe, they cushion your landings.

What are gymnastics mats made of?

In general, gymnastics mats are manufactured of impact-absorbent cross-link polyethylene foam, which is then wrapped in a tough vinyl shell. Clean and sanitary, no matter how many people use them. Designed to withstand heavy traffic without being damaged by tears or punctures. In some cases, the tops of the mats are carpeted to help with floor routine traction.

What types of gymnastics mats are available?

Gymnastics mats come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You may prefer one of these options above the others, based on your preferences for portability and intended purpose.

Folding mats

The panels of folding mats, which are vinyl-covered, fold up for easy storage. A popular choice for gymnastics mats, these panels can be stored and transported easily. These mats are ideal for gymnasts of all levels of ability.

Roll out mats

If you don’t need the mat, you can roll it up like a yoga mat and store it in your gym bag.

Landing mats

The ultimate impact absorption is provided by landing mats. Athletes in the upper levels of gymnastics and martial arts will benefit greatly from them. Also known as “crash mats,” the thicker, air-permeable sides of these mats enable for a more comfortable landing.

Competition mats

During a match or floor routine, competition mats are designed to cover a huge area. Depending on your sport, they may have carpet or vinyl tops. Easy to deploy, they’re ideal for places like gymnasiums and convention centers that host large gatherings. To match the colors of your school or team, you can typically find roll-out competition mats that can be custom-colored.

Can you attach gymnastics mats together?

Numerous gymnastic mats can be connected together using Velcro to provide a larger practice area if you purchase multiple mats.

Use and Durability

Do you know where and how to put your gymnastics mats to good use? Do you have a certain practice that necessitates a certain type of mat? These queries will be answered in this section of the site.

Can you use gymnastics mats for home practice?

As long as you have enough room, you are welcome to use any of our gymnastics mats in your own house. You can practice at home using folding and roll-out mats that are designed to be easy to store.

How thick should a gymnastics mat be?

For the best gymnastics mat, you need to consider how you intend to use it. Thick mats often provide better impact absorption than thin mats, and vice versa.

This is what you have:

• Mats for tumbling and gymnastics should be between 1-3/8′′ and 2-1/2′′ thick. Larger mats can be used for a variety of purposes.
• Crash mats, also known as landing mats, are thicker than standard mats to prevent injury in the event of a fall.
• Incline mats a.k.a. cheese mats can reach a height of up to 16 inches at its peak. The purpose of these mats is not so much to absorb impact as it is to provide support for new users as they learn the fundamentals.

What are the best gymnastics teaching tools?

• Using wedge mats, or inclination mats, is an excellent way to teach the fundamentals of rolls, walkovers, and handsprings in gymnastics. Tumbling aids, crash pads, and landing mats can also be used by teachers to help students learn.
• Beginner gymnasts can practice on balance beams because they are only a few inches off the ground and so have no fear of falling out of the apparatus. With a vinyl-coated foam core, they are extremely durable. As a result, they may be easily transported.

Are gymnastics mats waterproof?

Gymnastic mats covered in vinyl are considered waterproof. Other types of gymnastics mats, on the other hand, may differ. Carpet or vinyl-covered foam mats aren’t waterproof because the foam underneath can soak up water.

Can gymnastics mats be used outdoors?

Due to the near-complete waterproofness of vinyl-encased mats, they can be permanently placed outside. The vinyl will provide weather and UV protection for the mats. It is not recommended to use mats with simply a vinyl or carpet surface as permanent outdoor flooring since these mats can collect moisture and promote mold and mildew development. However, if you take your foam mats back inside after using them, you can leave them outside for a short period of time.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Make certain you know how to properly care for your mat once you’ve found it. Fortunately for you, there’s no catch when it comes to gymnastics mats! They’re made to be easy to clean while also being quite durable. What is it like to keep your mat in good condition?

How do you clean and sanitize gymnastics mats?

Regardless of whether they are covered in carpet or vinyl, gymnastics mats are incredibly simple to keep clean. Dust and filth can be easily removed from your home with a simple sweep or vacuum. Spot clean the mats by wiping them with a damp towel.

Keep in mind that these are the basic methods for maintaining the aesthetics of your mats. To avoid the growth of bacteria, you must sterilize the mat before and after each usage, regardless of whether it is covered in vinyl or carpet.

Mats can be sanitized in a variety of ways, depending on the type of material.

How to Clean Vinyl Gymnastics Mats

Bacteria can be easily eradicated from vinyl mats if the appropriate products are used. Use one of these disinfectants and a clean cloth to clean the mats.

• Spraying ULINE Cleaner & Disinfection on exercise equipment after usage is recommended because of its fast-acting, low-odor disinfectant properties. Makes cleanup simple because it doesn’t need to be diluted with water
• In order to maintain a clean and hygienic atmosphere, Ecore at Home Enviro Care Neutral Disinfectant can be used on a wide range of surfaces. Applying it can be done in a number of different ways, such as with a cloth or mop, sponge, coarse spray, or by submerging in water.
• Wipes: Don’t have the time to search for a specialized cleaner? Wipes are the answer. A quick and easy approach to sanitize a mat is to use the disinfectant wipes you can buy at the supermarket.
• Mix two parts water with one part alcohol or peroxide to make your own homemade sanitizer. After that, all you have to do is wipe it down and let it air dry entirely before reusing it.

How to Clean Carpeted Gymnastics Mats

You have better traction when you walk on carpeted floors because of this, but when it comes time to clean them, you’ll need to use some unique cleaning methods. Here’s what you’ll need to keep your carpet-topped mats clean.

• There’s no doubt about it: using carpet shampoo. Handle a carpet-topped mat the same way you would treat a standard carpet. Vacuum and cleanse the carpet after each use to remove any bacteria that may have accumulated.

How do you repair gymnastics mats?

Use a patch made from adhesive-backed vinyl to fix a tear in your mat’s protective vinyl shell if necessary. Take the following actions.

1. Cut the patch into a circular form so that there are no sharp edges.
2. Remove any air bubbles by smoothing the patch over the wound.
3. Apply sealant to the edges of the patch to ensure it’s firmly in place.
4. It’s best if you let it dry for a couple of days. Then get back to work, because your mat is as good as new!

Duct tape can also be used as a temporary remedy if you need to repair your mat on a tight budget.

Conclusion

After all that hard work, it’s time for a cartwheel! No matter if you’re an aspiring gymnast, cheerleader, wrestler, or martial arts enthusiast, having the answers to these questions will help you make an educated decision about the type of mat you require.

If you still have unanswered queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our flooring experts.

You’re all set to go window shopping, right?