Crash mat measurments?

Forever Young started this discussion · 7/31/2012

Hi everyone, I am trying to make my own crash mat and am trying to figure out the best measurements. Who has a crash mat that is perfect? What are the measurements? Is it best to go square or round. If round - what circumference is the best. If square - what size. Also, how thick is your crash mat? I am planning on making mine out of high density foam and am not sure on which thickness to go. If it is to thin it might not do the job, but if it is too thick it might be too hard, which totally defeats the object.😕 If anyone has a crash mat that they love - please help me out! Thanks 🌸

6 replies

chemgoddess1 · 7/31/2012
I looked into making my own at one point and truthfully once you get materials factored in with time and aggravation it really is cheaper to buy one. That said, I prefer the round ones but they are difficult to move and store. 3-4" is a good thickness as thicker than that makes some stuff difficult (at least for me) when you really need the ground to push off (think handsprings and cartwheels). Also once you get a certain thickness the vinyl tends to tear at the seams. Keep an eye on craigslist for gymnastics or karate studios that are selling off their gear.
Forever Young · 7/31/2012
Thanks Chemgoddess1 😉 Unfortunately, I live in South Africa and for me to buy one internationally and ship it over is not possible which is why I am looking to make my own. There is no one in this country (that I know of) that makes them. I have looked at the price of the high density foam and the mock leather material to cover it with - and the price is not too bad. I just don't want to make one that is too big or too small to serve a purpose. It is for home use so I wont be lugging it around anywhere which is a bonus. I spend all my time practicing on my own so I feel I really do need a safety net of sorts for when trying out new moves. Do you have one and what are the measurements of yours? Does it do it's job well? 😀
chemgoddess1 · 7/31/2012
I ahve used a few different ones. The one that the studios here have is the yoga direct mat. This is it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0046A01WM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=datwomdai-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0046A01WM Measures 60-Inch in diameter 5-Inch thick Non-toxic foam with hard wearing PVC Water resistant Safe velcro fastening I found a circular mat by chance a few years back that I use. Prior to that I just purchased two really really really big pillows and prior to that no one used crash mats. When I tried stuff at the studio I just folded up a yoga mat under me. If I were to look from something now I would probably just buy a few patio cushions and velcro them together. Either that or I would buy a papasan cushion and try to do something with that.
Forever Young · 7/31/2012
Thanks Chemgoddess1 for the information. Do you think personally that a 60-inch diameter is big enough? What I don't want to happen is the mat breaking my fall for my body but my head cracking open on the tiles...... 😮 Anyone else have a great crash mat that would like to share their thoughts?
Dancing Paws · 7/31/2012
I have the yoga direct crash mat and it work just fine. My brother just used it, though, and it tore at the seams under his weight (oh well, no biggie.)
Minnie St Martin · 8/10/2012
I have been looking for an affordable and practical option. Today I found it! I just bought four "camping pads" from Home Depot at $14.98 each. They are 72"x30"x3" plain foam. I plan to double stack them and make a zip cover with inexpensive sturdy fabric. This will give me a 6" thick pad that measures 72"x60" and the total cost will be under $100. I will leave it square shaped since it will also go under my aerial silks. Yay!