| Aerial Hammock Crash Mats

Safety During Training: Key Factors and Choosing the Right Crash Mat

Safety during training depends on several factors such as the quality of the equipment used, experience, the type of activity, the meticulousness of the trainer, and safety measures in place. One of the fundamental pieces of training equipment that ensures safety is undoubtedly the crash mat. It is difficult to imagine a comfortable and successful training session without this extremely important accessory. It significantly reduces the risk of injury and nearly completely eliminates the danger of severe falls. Additionally, this applies to almost every discipline, from gymnastics to aerial acrobatics. Moreover, a good sports mat is excellent for use at home, as well as in pole dance schools, fitness clubs, or aerial studios. It is one of the essential pieces of equipment for any athlete involved in gymnastics or acrobatics. For children, it can also be a great place for play. You can find tested, safe, and high-quality gymnastic mats for various disciplines at Flying Rose.

How to Choose the Right Crash Mat?

The type of crash mat should be selected based on personal preferences and the type of activity. A completely different product is recommended for pole dance and another for children’s play in a home gym. Considerations should include thickness, size, firmness, filling, and material.

Each crash mat should be chosen according to the size of the room and the activity. A standard size is considered to be a mat measuring 200x120x10 cm. This size allows for the performance of most exercises and is very versatile in different training contexts. However, different standards should be adopted when an acrobatic mat is needed, for example for aerial hoop and aerial silks. In these cases, gymnastic mats of standard dimensions or round ones with diameters from 1 m to 1.5 m are used. As for thickness, it mainly depends on the height at which the equipment is suspended. A minimum thickness of 10 cm is recommended. For rigs and higher spaces, mats with a thickness of 20 cm are advised.

Pole dance mats have different characteristics. They are usually round, with diameters ranging from 120 to 160 cm and thicknesses between 5 and 15 cm. Pole dance mats must have a notch to accommodate the pole. At homes, foldable mats are popular as they are easier to store between training sessions.

Each gymnastic mat also has the appropriate firmness. Soft mats are recommended for light training, stretching exercises, and for children. In aerial acrobatics, soft mats may "bottom out" and not provide adequate cushioning, so in this case, a firmer option is recommended.

The ideal filling for a training mat does not deform or compact. It is most commonly polyurethane foam, which, combined with good material (PVC or faux leather), maintains its properties for a long time.

In our store, there are two types of mat coverings: PVC (otherwise known as plawil) and faux leather. Both are waterproof and can be cleaned with water. Faux leather is well-suited for home conditions, while PVC offers greater durability, making it suitable for outdoor training and gymnasiums.

How to Care for a Sports Mat?

After training, every gymnastic mat should be cleaned and disinfected. The care method should be adapted to the material of the product, but a universal method is cleaning the mat with a soft cloth soaked in mild detergent. The product must dry thoroughly before being folded and stored away.