Gymnastic mats reduce injuries while offering comfort. These mats provide the right flooring for martial arts, tumbling, landing off parallel bars and rings, aerobics and calisthenics. Knowing what to look for in a gymnastic mat helps you choose the right one.

Look for tumbling mats containing high impact foam. Features include water, bacteria and mildew resistance. Thickness commonly varies between 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches. Select aerobic mats by size and thickness. Choose a small 24-by-42 inch size or a larger 24 by 72 inches with 1- to 2-inch foam. Choose thicker mats for training and landing events. These products commonly have 8- to 16-inch thick foam for additional protection. Purchase personal exercise mats suitable for home or gym. Exercise mats have thinner foam, usually less than an inch. Some are narrow and long, so measure the open area, and then pick a mat that fits the space.

Look for carrying handles, zippers for the foam and mesh breather bars on the sides of the thicker and larger mats. Consider hook and loop fasteners for wall hanging. A typical mat has foam, polyurethane filler or bonded foam with vinyl coverings. Vinyl fabric varies according to type and by weight. The weight ranges 14 to 22 oz. Some mats have reinforced stitching. Mats come in all colors, including black and white.

Choose standard size tumbling, landing and training mats ranging from 4 by 6 feet to 6 by 12 feet. Competition landing mats go up to 8 by 15 feet.

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