Wrestling Mat
The wrestling mat is an important product for both professional and amateur wrestlers and even those who are engaged in martial arts because it reduces the impact of the body against the floor and therefore minimizes the possibility for injury. Knowing how to select the appropriate mat is vital because of the high level of physical activity that takes place on it. Low quality materials that are not sufficiently strong will not last very long under such kind of stress. More importantly, if the protection level provided by the mat is not enough this could result in serious injury or even death.
It is therefore advisable to buy the wrestling mat from a trustworthy dealer. Used mats may be purchased but it is important to remember that the wear and tear makes them gradually lose their ability to cushion the impact of the body on the floor. There is a need to be extra careful when buying this product from unknown sources, especially if used wrestling mats are being offered.
The basic material for the wrestling mat is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam or polyethylene foam. Mats constructed from polyethylene foam are thicker than those made of PVC foam but they are more costly and they are less durable. Polyethylene foam mats are lighter but thicker than PVC foam mats. Thus, they may be preferred during instances when they need to brought along when traveling to distance locations. However, they are more costly and are less durable. This type of wrestling mats are also more difficult to roll tightly so that they need a bigger space compared PVC mats. PVC wrestling mats have the advantage of lasting longer and offering the possibility for repair. This kind of wrestling mat is heavier but it offers the capability for better absorption of the force of impact.
After being used for some time, a wrestling mat may become nicked, torn our gouged. There is also a need to clean the mat because users tend to be sweaty and hot. This provides a suitable breeding area for bacteria that could infect the next users of the mat. Here are some techniques for restoring the mat as closely as possible to its original condition before it was used.
The mat must be cleaned first before restoration work can be made. It is advisable to disinfect the floor first before laying the mat on it. You may use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or bleach to disinfect the mat. The disinfectant has to be sprayed on the mat. The procedure is to spray two squirts of the disinfectant and this will be followed by one squirt of water. You will have to allow the disinfectant and the water to stay on the mat for at least 15 seconds. After this, you may use paper towels to wipe off the disinfectant and water. It is important to make sure that no disinfectant is allowed to remain on the mat because its fumes are hazardous to a person’s health. Use a towel to dry the mat and then store it in a vertical position.
The first step is to carefully scrutinize the mat for the above mentioned imperfections. Mats with too much wear and tear need to be thrown away because it is impossible to return them to their original condition. If the defects are minor, the next step is to use gasoline or mineral spirits to get rid of any adhesive, tar or grease. Mat glue is then utilized to repair the tears. Caulking compound may then the used to fill the small holes and gaps after the glue has dried. After allowing the compound to dry for one hour, the next step is to paint one side with polyvinyl paint. The paint should then be permitted to cure for two to three weeks.
