Options for Octagon Gymnastics Mats
When you want the best product for specific tasks, having a custom size and shape often delivers the results you want to see. A high-quality octagon gymnastics mat is ideal for learning or perfecting particular tumble or gymnastics skills.
The shape of a gymnastics octagon mat provides a little bit of sturdiness as the student braces the body against the mat to practice walkovers, back handsprings, and more skills. The octagonal shape of the mat helps the student learn how to bend the body at the proper angle for doing the desired skill. An octagon gymnastics mat delivers benefits that other mats simply cannot match. Plus, the eight-sided mat delivers a cool look and shape that the kids (and maybe a few adults) will definitely be eager to try.
Sizes of Gymnastics Octagon Mats
At Greatmats, we offer multiple sizes of octagon gymnastics mats. Small mats work well for the youngest students, and we offer medium- and large-sized octagon mats for older and taller students.
It’s essential to use the right size of eight-sided mat that matches the height of the student, or the mat’s ability to support the body weight and positioning will be off, making it more challenging to learn the skill correctly.
Benefits of Tumbling Octagon Mats
We only offer the highest quality of octagon gymnastics mats. Some of the biggest benefits of sticking with our eight-sided tumbling mats include the following.
- We offer six different sizes of mats, ranging from 15 inches in width to 40 inches, helping you match the mat to the size of the students.
- The octagonal shape of these mats is ideal for helping beginners learn the body movements and positioning they need to work on a skill.
- For more advanced athletes, the shape can help with perfecting certain aspects of a skill.
- We design these custom mats with premium materials, including an 18-ounce coated vinyl cover and a 70-ILD polyurethane foam on the interior.
- They’re made in the United States.
- More than a dozen colors are available, and you can select colors individually for the end panels and the side panels.
Potential Uses for Octagon Gymnastics Mats
There are countless ways to use an octagonal gymnastics mat. Here are just a few:
- Train torso-bending skills such as walkovers, back handsprings, and forward rolls
- Fine-tuning for experienced gymnasts and cheerleaders
- Teach advanced skills like leaps, tick-tocks, and over splits
- Set up mats as obstacles for fun training games
- Equip your home practice space, school, gym, or professional training program
Gradually, with improved strength and body awareness, students can graduate to performing these skills without the mats’ assistance.
Where to Use Gymnastics Octagon Tumbler Mats
You can use octagon gymnastics mats in places like:
- Gymnastics studios
- Cheerleading studios
- Home practice areas
- Kids’ play areas
- Sensory rooms
- Schools
- YMCAs
- Fitness centers
Octagon Gymnastics Mat Q&A
What size of octagon tumbler do I need?
The best size of tumbling octagon mats will depend on the sizes of the people who will be using them. Small gymnastics octagon tumbler mats will be for very young children who are 3-1/2 feet tall or shorter. Large octagon tumbling mats work for older students who are 5 feet tall or taller. Greatmats has a variety of sizes available.
What kind of mats help with backbends and back walkovers?
The best kinds of
mats that help with backbends and back walkovers will have a specific size and shape. Use incline mats, foldable cushioned mats, or roll-out cushioned mats for learning backbends. Octagonal mats and hexagon mats provide excellent body support for practicing back walkovers.
What mats should I use for back handsprings?
The
best mats to use for back handsprings will depend on whether your students are learning the skill or are trying to make subtle improvements as advanced gymnasts. For beginners, wedge and large octagon tumbling mats are the best choices for body support. After learning the skill, flat floors work well for practice and building strength, such as roll-out mats, fold-up mats, and interlocking mats.
How much do gymnastics mats cost?
The
cost for gymnastics mats varies depending on the design. An octagon gymnastics mat or incline mat will start at $200-$300. A flat gym mat that adds extra cushioning costs about $140. Thick safety mats for gymnastics that offer maximum cushioning to protect against falls and hard landings start at around $500.
Are gymnastics mats waterproof?
The
waterproof capabilities of gymnastics mats will vary. They technically do not fit the definition of waterproof, and you should not leave them outside in the weather or dunk or soak them in water or a cleaning solution. However, you can clean the vinyl cover with a damp rag. Try to wipe up any spills on them immediately. Let them dry completely before stacking or using them.
