DO I NEED A JUMP ROPE MAT?
Mats can be helpful for jump rope workouts when jumping on certain surfaces, doing certain skills or if you have an old injury.
If you’re prone to shin splints or have another underlying issue that you wish to avoid exacerbating through exercise, a jump rope mat can help. However, a mat will not eradicate the effects of excessively bad form.
If you’re doing gymnastic skills like push-ups and handstands then a large padded gymnastics mat is recommended to reduce the impact on your wrists and knees.
Mats can also help extend the life of your jump rope versus using your rope on a rough surface like concrete which can be unforgiving and will damage your jump rope.
It’s important to know which surface you’ll be jumping on to decide if a mat is recommended. Below is a detailed look at most surfaces you may find yourself jumping rope on.
JUMPING INDOORS
Jumping indoors on carpeted or rugged surfaces is not ideal. The rope will bounce off the floor and be hard to control. If you have no alternative, then a rubber 'yoga' mat is recommended.
Surfaces such as wood or laminate are great for jump rope, so a mat is not necessary. However, a rubber 'yoga' mat will be useful to save the flooring from damage.
Tiled surfaces are flat and hard, but slippery. Although not essential, a jump rope mat may be useful for avoiding injuries caused by slipping.
JUMPING OUTDOORS
Concrete surfaces are hard and sometimes very rough. They can be bad for you and your rope. Although not essential, a jump rope mat may be useful, especially if you're prone to shin splints.
Never jump on uneven concrete surfaces, especially with loose gravel or grassed areas. These posed serious risks of sprained ankles and other injuries. If you have no alternative, then a padded 'gymnastics' mat is strongly recommended.
Wooden surfaces such as decking aren't as hard as concrete so they're a better option to jump rope on. You won’t need a mat but check first the decking is strong and stable enough to support the impact of someone jumping.