Martial arts mats are specifically designed to absorb impact, provide traction, and create a secure surface for athletes. However, they aren't indestructible. In order to preserve the longevity and functionality of your mats, which are an investment, it's essential to be mindful of what you place on them. This not only extends their lifespan, it also helps ensure a safer and more effective training surface. What should not be placed on your martial arts mats? Feel free to train hard on them, but avoid putting these things on them.

Heavy Weights and Gym Equipment

While you can place medicine or plyo balls on them while working out, placing heavy weights and other gym equipment directly on your martial arts mats can lead to premature wear and tear. The dense, textured surface of the mats is designed to absorb the impact of falls and provide a cushioned training area for athletes. However, the pressure exerted by heavy objects can cause compression and damage the integrity of the mats over time. The edges on weights can also puncture the vinyl surface. This compromises the ability of your mats to provide a safe and stable training surface.

Alternatives to Use

Invest in dedicated weightlifting platforms or areas with flooring designed to withstand the impact and pressure of heavy weights. This ensures the longevity of both your martial arts mats and your gym equipment. Quality fitness flooring includes rolled rubber, rubber puzzle tiles, etc.

Shoes: Take Them Off!

Shoes carry dirt, debris, and even bacteria that can transfer onto your martial arts mats. Additionally, the rubber soles of shoes can leave scuff marks and cause unnecessary wear on the vinyl surface. This not only compromises the hygiene of the training area but can also reduce the lifespan of your mats. You don't train in your shoes, we're sure of that. However, even if you're not training, it's best to avoid walking on your martial arts mats with shoes on at all times. Enforce a no-shoes policy on your training area and provide a designated area for athletes and trainers to remove and store their footwear before stepping onto the mats. This helps keep the training surface clean and extends the lifespan of the mats.

Anything with Pointed Edges or Sharp Objects

Martial arts mats are designed to absorb impact evenly across their surface. Placing objects with pointed edges or sharp objects on the mats can cause localized pressure, leading to punctures or tears. This compromises the structural integrity of the mats and poses a safety hazard to practitioners. Ensure that your training area is free from any objects with sharp edges. Designate separate spaces for equipment storage to prevent accidental damage to the martial arts mats.

The Wrong Type of Mat Cleaner

Using the wrong type of cleaner on martial arts mats can have detrimental effects on their texture, grip, and overall performance. Harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning solutions may degrade the material, compromise the antimicrobial properties, and affect the mats' ability to provide a safe and sanitary training surface. Select a mat cleaner specifically designed for martial arts mats. These cleaners are formulated to clean effectively without compromising the integrity of the mat material. Regular cleaning with the appropriate solution helps maintain a hygienic training environment. By avoiding these common practices, martial arts gym owners can extend the lifespan of their mats, ensure a safe training environment, and provide practitioners with an optimal space for skill development and physical conditioning.