Is a Jigsaw Exercise Floor Mat Needed for Martial Arts?

A jigsaw excise floor mat is a soft pliable material usually made out of rubber or foam. It is designed in such a way that the pieces can be taken apart and then easily locked back together again. The term "jigsaw" indicates that the pieces are designed to lock together just like a jigsaw puzzle. There is no intention of putting together a pretty picture, however--there is an objective involved for their use.

Significance

Jigsaw exercise floor mats provide a safe work surface for martial artists, yogis and wrestlers. Other people use them in their business, showrooms or homes to perhaps protect a wooden floor, but this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to uses for this design.

Function

One way a jigsaw floor mat is used is for absorbing shock from tumultuous throws in martial arts like jujitsu . It also provides a no-slip-grip while working on poses in yoga. It is exceptionally excellent for providing a cushion for sparring partners who take their opponents down to the ground like wrestlers and mixed martial arts fighters. While a jigsaw floor mat is not absolutely needed for martial arts, it is better to have your face smashed into a soft surface than a hard one.

Types

There are many variations of the jigsaw exercise floor mat because there are certain elements that make it better, depending on what you are using it for. There is a version that is raised and bumpy on the top. Adding certain types of textures can provide the ultimate nonslip environment. There are even still more variations to the types of textures.

Specific Texture Types

There are rubbery circles that are great to absorb shock when walking, in order to protect your back. These types of jigsaw exercise mats are used under gym equipment and machinery to protect the body while in motion. The other textures might include a series of short and fat little lines or hash marks. These may run a little cheaper and could provide a great option for kids' workout rooms or day care facilities.

Warning

Just because these jigsaw exercise floor mats provide a great surface to practice martial arts or yoga and other various sports, it should always be taken into consideration that these work surfaces are there for a barrier of protection and in no way are a substitution for using common sense when working out. In other words do not use them like a mattress. Injuries can still occur due to a false sense of security, assuming the floor will make everything fine and good. Do not horse play on the mats because falling off could lead to fatal injuries. It is recommended to use the mats under close supervision especially when studying dangerous martial art techniques. Be considerate of the workspace itself because there is a slight possibility the mats could come apart. Consider taping them together if there is any possibility of this occurring.

References

• Ways to Use a Jigsaw Interlocking Floor Mat
• Types of Jigsaw Floor Mats