With the cost of living rising many people are looking for ways to cut out what could be considered non-essential spending. I suppose a gym membership could come into that category but for those of you who like to keep fit is that an option? One way you can retain your fitness while saving your monthly membership charges is to do your workouts at home.
So, you’ve decided to cancel the gym membership and are going to do your workouts in the comfort of your home, so what equipment would be useful? One of the most useful pieces of equipment is a gymnastics mat. This is because it can be used for many different reasons and in a lot of exercise routines. So if you are going to buy a gymnastic mat for your home what are some of the things you need to think about before making your purchase?
What Type of Gymnastic Mat Best Meets My Needs
There are many different varieties of gymnastic mats and while most can be used at home there are one or two that are much larger and much more suited for use in a professional gymnasium. The first thing you need to think about when choosing a gymnastics mat is how much space you have available to you. For example, if you have a large garage to work out in you can get a larger one, however, if your exercise space is confined to a small corner of your bedroom a smaller mat may be in order.
Another thing to take into account is what thickness you need the mat to be. This will ultimately depend on how you see yourself using it. If it is just for basic stretches then it will not need to be as thick as if you want it to absorb the impact of falls or jumps. You should also consider where you are going to store your mat when not in use. Unless you are lucky enough to have enough room to leave your gym equipment set up you will need somewhere to keep it.
What Kind of Exercises Can I Do on a Gymnastics Mat
Gymnastics mats can be used in several different ways, but there are some limitations. Small Flexi roll mats for example are really good for practising and perfecting basic tumbling skills such as forward and backward rolls. If you want to perfect more advanced skills such as handstands, bridges and cartwheels you will need to invest in a larger mat. There are also wedge mats that are specifically designed to help you with walkovers, handsprings and other rolling exercises.
Are Gymnastics Mats Safe to Use at Home
Gymnastics are safe to use at home as long as you are careful. You should always avoid placing your mat close to doors, walls or large items of furniture. Also, think about the flooring you place the mat on in relation to the exercise you are doing. For example, if you are exercising in a garage that has a paved or concrete floor it is important to ensure the mat is big enough for the routine you are carrying out. If it is not you could end up landing on the hard ground and injuring yourself.
Conclusion
So, in answer to the original question we think that gymnastic mats can be a useful addition for anyone who enjoys exercise. Even if you retain your gym membership then an exercise mat will undoubtedly come in useful to continue practising at home.
