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In this short post, we want to teach you a lesson about anti fatigue mats. By the end of this article, you’ll have an extensive knowledge of them and can purchase one to enhance your work space.
Contents
The Science Behind Anti Fatigue Mats
Anti Fatigue Mats were made to fix the problems of short term fatigue and long term damage. This is useful for workplaces where a lot of standing is involved. The mats are designed to stimulate muscle activity on the legs and feet.
Remember, anti fatigue mats are ergonomic floor mats. They provide a safe area for your feet and eliminates fatigue when working extensively.
Everyone knows that standing for more than 3 hours can be very uncomfortable. When working or cooking, you’ll start to lose concentration due to the hard surface.
That’s why anti fatigue mats are made for that reason ? tokeep you focused and make your job easier.
Anti fatigue mats are in the office, restaurants, and areas that require a lot of walking and standing. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to match any surrounding. This makes them versatile and prevents the users from experiencing injury.
Anti Fatigue Mat Material
There is a multitude of materials that are used to make an anti-fatigue mat. The average anti fatigue mat is made out of vinyl, rubber, foam, and gel. Every anti fatigue mat has different elasticity and thickness. This ensures you’ll find a mat that will meet and exceed your expectations.
Foam
Foam is the structure of the material that has trapped pockets of gas. This creates a springy surface for the user to stand on. Foam anti-fatigue mats comes in two materials:
Closed Cell ? With closed cell mats, the pores are not connected. This means they are unable to be filled by external elements. Closed Cell foam is stronger than open cell mats because they have a higher density.
Open Cell ? Pores inside open cell mats are connected. This means they create a soft surface and its cells fill everything around them.
Rubber
Rubber is a great option when looking for high-quality anti fatigue mats. The material is elastic and flexible, which makes it a useful surface for anti-fatigue mats. These mats are great due to the process of vulcanization and are one of the best materials used for anti-fatigue mats.
Vulcanization refers to the process where the virgin rubber becomes stronger. Alternatively, synthetic options are made to enhance the quality of the rubber. Because of this, rubber can be used to make hard or soft surfacing.
This is important because hard surfaces are used for people who stand but walk around continuously.
Gel
A gel mat consists of a dense material used for durable matting. While they offer good pain relief, they are less supportive and softer than other materials. Gel mats tend to be more expensive than other materials and are used for most projects.
But, you need to watch out for the lack of durability. They are not ready for heavy applications in industrial settings. Sharp machinery and objects can pierce the mat, resulting in long term damage.
Vinyl
Vinyl, also known as PVC, is the third most used plastic. Regarding anti-fragile mats, vinyl is a durable, resistant, and inexpensive source of material. PVC anti fatigue mats are ideal for harsh and abrasive environments. Some of the PVC options are resilient to oils, making it a perfect for kitchens.
Is The Mat Optimized For Hardness And Softness?
A mat that’s too soft can lead to increased fatigue. On the other hand, a surface that bottoms out too easily or is too hard is similar to not standing on a mat. As a rule of thumb, softer surfaces are more likely to wear out faster.
There are a lot of anti fatigue mats that have “softness” as their main feature. Most of these mats aren’t good at creating the optimal level of fatigue reduction.
Standing Fatigue
Cinderella Fibers As Reason For Fatigue
Cinderella fibers is another word for your slow twitch muscle fibers. You need your slow twitch muscles because they allow you to work and exercise longer than usual. When working for extended periods, these cinderella fibers start to weaken.
The only way to avoid this is to buy an anti-fatigue mat. They will reduce the stress placed on your joints, so you can work longer. Getting a pair of anti-fatigue mats will ensure your muscles won’t collapse during work.
Imbalance As A Reason For Fatigue
While working, you need to remain balanced in your posture and positioning. Most of the problems associated in the workplace happen because people tend to walk incorrectly. To prevent this, you need to step on the ball of your heel. This ensures you won’t injure yourself while you’re at work.
In fact, we suggest that you wear the right shoes when working. Make sure you have shoes with a soft rubber heel. Rubber heels are made to support your feet and prevent them from coming into contact with the surface. By doing this, you prevent yourself from becoming exhausted and from potential foot injury.
How Anti Fatigue Mats Prevent Fatigue
Reduce Falls And Slips
While this is a characteristic in all mats, this is especially true for anti-fatigue mats. Workers will feel safer when working on them! If a fall were to happen, the thick padding of the carpet would protect the employee from receiving any damage.
Lessens The Pain On The Joints And Reduces Physical Stress
Instead of standing on hard surfaces such as concrete, you should have your workers stand on thick, smooth, and flexible mats. While that extra flexible padding, the stress on the user’s body will become completely relieved. Think of it as a protective shield that protects you from receiving pain.
Conclusion
We believe you should invest in a pair of anti fatigue mats. They ensure your work place is a safer and more efficient environment. By getting one, you can prevent injuries and possibly save thousands of dollars in repair.
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