Thursday, May 23, 2013

Utilizing Gym Mats For Athletic Safety

By Abigail Sanders


Gym mats are essential a foam padding. They are placed on the ground to provide a softer landing surface for athletes. While they are primarily for protective safety, they also provide comfort to the body compared to landing on a hard surface. They cushion the athlete's whole body when they are training or performing and as a result injuries are reduced.

The feet are especially important to protect as they often receive the most impact during events and training. Injuries to the feet or ankles can completely sideline an athlete. These types of injuries can also develop into a very serious issues that may require surgery if repeated shock occurs.

Foam mats have excellent shock absorbing ability and provide a greatly reduce risk of bodily injury. The shock absorbency eliminates pain during landings when performing on hard surfaces such as concrete or hardwood. Injuries occurring during both training and competition see a significant decline. A much softer landing surface is less stressful on the bones and joints and prevents long term pain problems.

Typically, mats are both water and bacteria resistant. This resistance reduces the spreading of germs between several athletes using the same piece of equipment and reduces sickness. Mold and mildew are also prevented from developing while the equipment is stored. Sweat and other liquids transfer easily and can cause mold growth, but the resistance of the material eliminates this problem.

Commonly, athletic injuries occur to the head, neck and back, especially when mats and other safety equipment are not used. Occurrence of these types of injuries can be complicated even further during performances that involve other people, such as wrestling or cheering. When these factors are combined with high impacts, mats are an important part of safety.

Sports, such as wrestling, allow for some protective gear to be worn but it still leaves other parts of the body open to impact. This type of equipment is a primary defense and the only that work so efficiently to reduce shock. Headgear can protect the head, but other vulnerable parts are left without protection if a mat is not being used.

Cheering is considered one of the most high risk sports there is that use mats for safety. A cheer routine during competition does not allow for safety equipment, such as headgear, to be used. Mats are the only safety equipment that can be utilized to fall within rule guidelines. Serious injuries and death, in some cases, have occurred while performing routines when no mat was being implemented. Luckily, competitive settings always have foam safety equipment in place to protect the athletes, even when events are being held outdoors. It also important to remember though, that they are just as vital during practices.

Gym mats do not guarantee complete protection from all injuries, but they do greatly reduce the chances of them occurring. A high quality mat should be used during competition and practice if body impacts are a hazard of the sport. Any respectful training facility will have these available, but for the athlete practicing at home, they can also be purchased at a reasonable cost from a large number of suppliers.




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