A few key features characterize what is a good gymnastics mat. Firstly, good mats are designed essentially for gymnastics. They can be easily modified by either folding, attaching or adjusting. Furthermore, the best gymnastics mats tend to come with a good warranty. They may also have good reviews or they may be partly or fully handmade.
It is, however, more important to find a gymnastics mat that matches your needs than one that fits everyone’s. Finding the right mat therefore requires understanding your own needs. You can start mapping out your own needs by asking yourself:
- How big or small do I want the mat to be? Smaller gymnastics mats are more than enough for beginners while more advanced gymnasts require more space
- Does the shape matter? The mats are usually either rectangular or square.
- Do I plan to use the mat indoors or outdoors? Some mats are designed for indoor use only, while others can be used outdoors as well.
Once you’ve found answers to these questions, it’s time to look into the best gymnastics mat categories available.
Best gymnastics mat types for home
While there are several types of mats used in gymnastics, Airtracks, traditional foldable mats as well as crash mats tend to be the most commonly utilized ones. Let’s have a look at each of them to see how they differ.
Airtracks and other inflatable mats
Various types of inflatable airmats, also known as Airtracks, have gained popularity due to their versatility. They are often used for gymnastics at all levels, but many purchase them also for practicing tumbling or parkour. They can also be used for kids’ play and, in some cases, for water activities.
What makes inflatable mats so versatile? First and foremost, the softness level can be adjusted. Inflate them more and they’ll become bouncy and stiffer; inflate them less, and they’ll feel softer. They are usually available in various sizes to suit everyone’s needs.
Airtracks are often on the pricier side (at least when compared to traditional foldable mats). Depending on the manufacturer, the quality may vary. An airmat that is of high quality should have handmade seams and good warranty protection.
Foldable Gymnastics Mat
A foldable gymnastics mat is a great choice especially for beginners who aspire to practice individual moves at home. However, more advanced gymnasts can also enjoy this equipment on its own or by combining other pieces of equipment to enhance their practice. These mats are durable and easy to clean. Moreover, they are easy to store since they can be folded, which also makes it easy to bring it anywhere you may need it.
Crash Mats
Unlike Airtracks and folding mats, crash mats are a non-consistent category of mats that are simply made for lessening the impact when landing. Broadly speaking, any gymnastics mat could be considered a crash mat.
A closer look reveals that crash mats come in two common types; thick, large, foldable mats and thin, compact mats which are easy to throw under gymnasts if the landing doesn’t go as planned. All in all, crash mats are a versatile piece of equipment that many trampoline trickers and parkour enthusiasts find useful.
Conclusion
You may not always need the gymnastics mat that is deemed the best. Decide which option is right for you by comparing all the options.