puzzle mat questions

eminenz2

Cathlete
Hello, Educated Crowd!

I am planning to get some black puzzle mats to set up my workout area in our new house. I will be putting the mats on top of ceramic tile. Here are my questions:

Do I need to put anything under the mats to protect the tile from the mats sticking to the surface?

What is the minimum number of mat squares I need to do Cathe's workouts with appropriate enthusiasm (LOL!). I am 5'3", if that matters.

Thanks so much!


Susan L.G.
 
Hey Susan,

Sorry I do not have an answer for you, but this is really a coincidence! I am having ceramic tile installed in my great room starting today! And I was about to post a question about getting exercise mats to work out on!

If you don't mind me asking, do you know where you plan to get the puzzle mats? I have seen posts where someone has said they got them at Home Depot or Lowe's. But, I have never seen them there. I am not sure which department they would be in.

We have been remodeling for about six weeks now, and my workouts have not been consistent at all. Especially the past 2 weeks. I am ready to get back in the routine after we finish up, and before I start attacking holiday goodies! ha! ha!

Thanks for any suggestions! Sandra
 
I have seen them at the Home Depot in the carpet and flooring sections, with the door mats and such. I don't know how much they cost though.

Susan L.G.
 
Some Walmarts also have them, in a 6-pack for something like 19.95 (maybe less).
As for how many you need, it really depends on the workout. Some of Cathe's workouts use more space than others (CK, Circuit Max or Body Max..I forget which one). For CK, you'need about 4 squares by 6 squares to do it as Cathe and crew do (24 squares). For the "Max," about 3 squares by 5 squares. FOr most other workouts, 4 x 4 or 4 x 5 would probably work alright.
 
Thanks Kathryn and Susan for the suggestions.

Susan, I know the question was not answered regarding whether the tiles will "stick" to your flooring, but my husband seems to think that the tile is pretty durable (at least the type that we are getting). He said that he was not really worried about what I would do to the floor. (I wore out the carpet in our great room, before, Ha!)
 
I suppose if I was really motived, I would pick the tiles up after working out - like that's gonna happen! LOL!

Maybe if Just took a peek every so often, just to make sure it's OK, though.

Thanks!

Susan L.G.
 
I use puzzle mats and got them at Target. The Home Depot in my area stopped carrying them and the ones Target had were denser anyway making them more cushioned. They won't hurt your floor.

Edited to add: They were in the same section as other workout equipment, dumbbells, step, yoga mats, etc.

Jo
 
I got mine at Sam's club and there were 8 pieces which I think totaled 33.5 feet. I bought 3 packages and I think it was 14.97 per package. It gives me plenty of room and is definitely worth the money. The mats are so much better than working out on carpet or a hard surface (it won't kill your joints) so I highly recommend them.

Good luck, Wendy
 
I found my mats at Dick's sporting goods store. They have two types: 1) 2ft X 2 ft mats 10 mm thick pack of 4 for $19.99, and 2) 2ft X 2 ft mats 20 mm thick pack of 6 for $50. I find that I need to have a minimum of 6ft X 8 ft area to do step blast, KPC, and other workouts. I bought 2 packs of the 20 mm size (12 tiles) and they work great on a carpeted floor.
 
I have the interlocking mats from Home Depot in my workout room. My floor is also ceramic tile. They do not stick to the tile at all. I've removed them several times for cleaning and the tile is fine. I have them wall to wall, so the they don't move at all.

Another important point. You will need TWO layers of the mats over your tile. One layer just isn't enough cushioning for your joints if you plan to do any sort of step or jumping.
 

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