Perhaps you would love to work out in your basement or outdoors, but you cannot stand the thought of the cold, hard concrete beneath your back or butt. You can transform the floor instantly with interlocking exercise foam mats. The mats are durable, portable and work both indoors and out to offer a cushioned exercise surface.
What They Look Like
Interlocking exercise foam mats resemble really big jigsaw puzzle pieces. The mats are pieces with knobs attached around the perimeter. Each mat generally measures 2 feet by 2 feet. Some have strips you pull off the tile to expose the knobs, while others come in two versions: those with knobs and those with straight edges. The minimum mat thickness is generally 5/8 inch, with denser mats up to 7/8 inch. Generally made of lightweight EVA foam, the mats are usually latex-free, waterproof and fire retardant.
What They Do
Foam mats are great shock absorbers, which work well for high-impact aerobic exercise and weightlifting, as long as you select the densest mats for the heaviest weights. They provide traction to keep your feet, body and exercise equipment in place. The cushioned flooring absorbs sound and can instantly transform a cold, hard concrete floor into a warm, inviting environment. You can use the mats for things other than exercise areas, such as placing them in high-traffic hallways and children's playrooms.
What They Come With
Instant installation is one of the mats' main features. You don't need any glue, tools or fasteners, just enough mats to interlock and cover your desired space. They are equally as simple to remove. Colors vary from bright yellow to basic black, lime green to burgundy. Rather than a foam-textured top, some come with a faux wood laminate or carpeting over the top layer. Vacuuming and spot cleaning with a sponge is all the maintenance they usually need.
What They Cost
Interlocking foam exercise mats are available at flooring retailers, with the cost varying by thickness and style. The thinner mats cost $7.50 each in late 2010, while the denser mats cost $8 each. Some retailers sell the mats in sets of four or with different flooring size configurations. Many offer bulk pricing if you buy 400 square feet or more. Those with the laminate or carpet tops cost more than the standard foam.
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