Don’t be fooled by their simple appearance – foam mats are far more versatile and beneficial than they look. Whether you’re an athlete, a keen fitness enthusiast, or simply in need of a comfortable surface to exercise on, foam mats can offer tremendous support and protection.
Table of Contents
In this article, we’ll explore exactly what foam mats are, how to use them, and why they deserve a spot in your studio. home gym or play space.
What Are Foam Mats?
Foam mats are cushioned surfaces typically made from EVA or PVC foam, both of which are soft, flexible, lightweight, and resilient. They’re commonly seen in gyms, training studios, playrooms, childcare centres, and schools—anywhere people need a safe, padded floor. You’ll often find foam mats in places where reducing impact or providing grip is crucial, such as martial arts dojos, yoga studios, and boxing gyms.
Key Features of Foam Mats
- Lightweight & Durable: Easy to move around and resistant to everyday wear and tear.
- Easy to Clean: A quick wipe with a damp cloth or mild cleaner is usually enough.
- Simple Installation: Many foam mats use interlocking edges, making them a breeze to put together and customise to any space.
- Variety of Sizes & Thicknesses: From thin mats for yoga to thicker options for high-impact martial arts mats, there’s a foam mat out there for every need.
Applications & Uses
Part of the foam mat’s appeal lies in its versatility. Here are just a few ways you can use them:
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Workout Mat
Ideal for yoga, Pilates, and other floor exercises, foam mats offer cushioning to protect your joints and reduce strain on hard floors. -
Gym Flooring
They’re often laid down in larger areas to protect floors from heavy equipment or to create safer, more shock-absorbent surfaces for activities like lighter weightlifting and functional training. -
Children’s Play Area
Foam mats are perfect for playrooms, nurseries, and schools. They provide a soft space to crawl, walk, or tumble on which is non-slip helping reduce bumps and trips. -
Home Gym
If you’re setting up a workout area at home, foam mats are a brilliant choice. They’re easy to install, come in a variety of colours and thicknesses, and help dampen noise and vibrations. -
Martial Arts & Combat Sports
From Judo and MMA to Boxing and Karate, foam mats help prevent friction burns and cushion falls during high-impact moves.
10 Top Benefits of Foam Mats
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Cushioning & Safety
A foam mat’s prime function is to keep you safe. By absorbing impact, it protects against injuries and is especially helpful for kids or athletes doing floor-based drills and tumbling. These mats also feature a slip resistant surface to prevents slips and falls. -
Joint Protection
The shock-absorbing properties reduce stress on ankles, knees, and hips, allowing you to exercise for longer without discomfort. -
Noise Reduction
Foam mats help muffle sounds, whether it’s the clanging of weights in a home gym or the enthusiastic stomping of children at play. -
Floor Protection
Heavy equipment, weights, or constant foot traffic can damage floors. Foam mats act as a buffer, preventing scuffs and scratches. -
Comfort & Anti-Fatigue
Standing or working out on a foam mat reduces muscle fatigue and discomfort, especially on hardwood or tiled floors. -
Durability
High-quality foam mats can handle a lot of wear and tear, making them suitable for high intensity fitness environments, busy studios and domestic play areas. -
Easy Installation
Many foam mats feature interlocking edges, which fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. This design makes setting up or moving them around a breeze. Plus you have the option to glue them down for a permanent solution. -
Low Maintenance
A quick sweep or wipe down usually does the job. They’re water-resistant, so spills and sweat wipe away easily. -
Affordability
Foam mats are typically more cost-effective than traditional flooring materials and come in a range of styles to fit your budget. -
Versatility
Use them in your garage, home office, kids’ bedroom, or professional studio—the possibilities are practically endless.
Different Types of Foam Mats
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Interlocking Foam Mats
Designed with jigsaw-style edges, these interlocking foam floor mats are super easy to install and come in various colours and textures. They’re great for creating a custom-sized workout or play area. -
Tatami Foam Mats
Inspired by traditional Japanese flooring, these tatami foam mats feature a basketweave texture for excellent grip and impact absorption. Perfect for MMA, Karate, or other martial arts.
Customer Feedback:
"I can't recommend the Tatami tiles high enough. They were really simple to fit, the quality of the material is excellent and they have made such an impact on the look and feel of our studio. Very happy indeed"
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Judo Foam Mats
Extra thick and dense to absorb the impact of throws and grappling, Judo Mats are ideal for high-impact martial arts training. -
Combat Foam Tiles (PVC Surface)
With a foam core and smooth PVC top layer, these tiles are robust and easy to clean, making them a mainstay in large MMA studios, for Boxing gym flooring, and Gymnastics spaces.
In Summary:
Tips for Taking Care of Your Foam Mats
- Regular Cleaning: Vacuum or sweep away dust and debris. Spot-clean with mild soap and water if needed.
- Quick Drying: If the mat gets wet, dry it promptly to prevent mould or mildew.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Excessive sun exposure can cause fading or damage over time.
- Store Properly: Roll up or stack your mats in a cool, dry place when not in use.
With a little care, your foam mats will stay in top condition for years, offering continuous support and comfort.
Conclusion
Foam mats may look simple, but they offer a wealth of benefits—from protecting floors and reducing noise to cushioning joints and making workouts more comfortable. They’re an excellent investment for both home setups and professional studios, thanks to their versatility, durability, and affordability.
Ready to transform your space with the perfect foam flooring? Browse our specialist MMA Mats or explore our range of foam mats for play.
