Best crash mat?

RoMo started this discussion · 8/3/2014

I started poling a few months ago and I've recently started working on inverts and things where I'm feeling a lot less secure on the pole. I've got a tendency to slip / fall / find myself once again proving that gravity is at work... :) Anyway, in the studio, we use these blue puzzle mats, which are dense and about 60 cm x 60 cm x , using two around the pole. At home, I've been using two foam children's mattresses. They are about 5 or 6 cm, thin and quite soft, although I'm not sure how much impact they'll absorb if I fall wrong. What's the best crash mat to use, assuming I WILL fall? Should I invest in special crash mats or are the foam mattresses enough? The thing I don't really like about them is I can't work on things like spins when they are on the floor... I'm 155 cm tall and 75 kgs -- curvy, voluptuous, padded... whatever you want to call it. ;) Thanks!

12 replies

AllysonKendal · 8/3/2014
I searched high and low for a less expensive crash mat then the YogaDirect one a lot of people have... In the US I just couldn't find one. I can't speak to the difference between it and your foam mattresses or anything else... But I really like my YogaDirect crash mat. I ordered it on amazon (free shipping with prime... And I had a coupon code). I got 4 inches thick. There is also an option for 5inches. I chose 4 because I have 8inch clearance under the bed in that room, so it can fold in half and go under the bed. I'm pretty cautious and I like having that safety net...(plus If my neck is hurt I'll be out of work). I haven't like had a true fall on it, but I have slid down faster than I would have liked... And it was cushy and wonderful. A lot of ladies here have the same mat. Some people use other things like couch cushions or crib mattresses.
happystace · 8/3/2014
I'm a beginner-intermediate poler and am just starting to work on inverted tricks as well. I think it's smart that you are looking into this early! I looked everywhere online trying to find a quality crash mat for a reasonable price. I would recommend at least 4" if you can afford it - a good crash mat, like a pole, is an investment. You will definitely be glad to have more inches between you and the ground should you have to rely on your mat! Like many others on the forum, I went with the YogaDirect mat - I have a 5" pink one. I like it so far, it serves it purpose and I have definitely tested it out a lot over the past few weeks. I can't comment on how it stands up to wear and tear, but it's really the only viable option I found! I'm in Canada, but mine shipped very quickly from the site itself.
happystace · 8/3/2014
I should add for those who don't have the money, I honestly considered buying large dog beds for this purpose.
Might Grip · 8/3/2014
We are still running our 10% coupon for Studio Veena members. Use coupon code Veena1 for your discount. www.mightygrip.com Thank you, Joel
pr1nc3ss · 8/4/2014
yes yogadirect and go to retailmenot.com for coupon codes. I got 5 inches thick too
Lucca Valentine · 8/4/2014
i use two crib mattresses and put them on either side of the pole then kinda wrap it all up in a big comforter... got both on craig's list for $20-$25 each. they take up a lot of room so i keep one behind my mirror and the other in a closet. other than the storage issue gotta say its very cheap and very effective. the comforter is for a little extra cushion but also to keep them from spreading apart if i do fall
Lucca Valentine · 8/4/2014
https://www.studioveena.com/photos/view_photo/53557de6-3fe0-43aa-a1c3-2a3a0a9aa0eb this is one of them after I'd picked it up. so not foam, full on pretty thick mattress. havent taken any really crazy tumbles on it but its worked well in the falls ive had so far ^_^
Tigerschic041721 · 8/4/2014
There are a lot of in depth discussions you can search for I can't find the one I was thinking of right now but in short I love my yogadirect mat from amazon :) I prefer round since it gives the full diameter if I do fall. You can also buy a protective cover if you plan to use heels in practice. The thinner mats may be a little better for spins if you plan to use it all the time but if you will be inverting I'd def reccomend 4+ inches and just get used to using the thicker mat with spins.
WebJunk · 8/4/2014
https://www.studioveena.com/forums/view/Fear_of_height_Help_20140419111429 That is a recent discussion. I have the 5" yogadirect and walking on it can be difficult so as Tiger mentioned a thinner mat might be better for more frounded spins.
ipole2 · 8/4/2014
Hello - I've been trying to use the coupon code to buy a mighty grip mat, but keep getting a "coupon code invalid" message when I enter Veena1 as the code. Is there something I'm doing wrong? Thanks very much for your help.
Might Grip · 8/4/2014
Egads!!! My Bad. Coupon code is Veena01. Note to anyone else that may wish to take advantage of the StudioVeena coupon Veena01 My apologies. Joel
ipole2 · 8/4/2014
That worked very well - thanks so much!