Big Mat mats are large-format, cushioned surfaces designed to provide protection in the event of a fall, for functional training on an unstable surface, and for sports rehabilitation programmes.
High shock absorption for landings after jumps and controlled falls
A stable and safe surface for proprioceptive and rehabilitation exercises
Suitable for gyms, CrossFit boxes, physiotherapy practices and sports training centres
Big Mat: the Sidea selection
Large mats, commonly known as Big Mats or Landing Mats, are protective and supportive pieces of equipment used in a wide variety of contexts: from fall protection during gymnastic routines to a work surface for functional exercises on an unstable base, right through to recovery protocols in physiotherapy and sport. What they all have in common is their large-format shock-absorbing structure — larger in size and thicker than standard mats — which allows for the safe management of repeated impacts, landings and prolonged periods of contact with the ground.
Who is the Big Mat playmat designed for?
Its range of uses is wider than one might think. In a Functional Training In this area, the large mat serves as a landing zone for box jumps, depth jumps and plyometric variations: its thickness absorbs the impact on the joints and reduces the risk of injuries caused by cumulative overload, which is particularly significant in high-frequency training sessions.
In CrossFit boxes and during sessions of Strong fitness training, the Landing Mat is placed beneath the bars or to the side of the apparatus when practising controlled drop movements, such as negative muscle-ups or dismounts from the bar. In this context, it is not an optional extra: it is a safety measure.
Fitness trainers and sports physiotherapists use it as a raised, shock-absorbing surface for proprioceptive exercises and training on an unstable base with balance board or proprioceptive cushions, and for certain stages of the post-injury rehabilitation programme where a hard floor is not yet recommended.
Even in the context of a personal trainer’s studio or a well-equipped home gym, a suitably sized Big Mat allows you to expand your repertoire of floor exercises — roll-outs, fitness grappling moves, active stretching — with a level of comfort that the yoga and Pilates mats standard products cannot offer.
How to choose
The first factor to consider is the intended use. A large mat intended primarily for fall protection — gymnastic movements, jumps, dismounts from the bar — requires a generous thickness (roughly 10 cm or more) and a material density capable of absorbing repeated impacts without losing its shape over time. The underside must be non-slip to prevent the mat from shifting during intensive use.
If, on the other hand, the mat is intended for functional and rehabilitative use — floor exercises, a support base for proprioceptive activities, or a work surface for recovery sessions — the thickness may be less, but the firmness and stability of the surface become critical factors. A material that is too yielding compromises the effectiveness of balance exercises and increases involuntary muscle fatigue.
Dimensions are just as important as thickness. A standard gym landing mat is wide and long enough to cover the landing area of an adult athlete, with a safety margin on either side. It is essential to assess the available space in the gym before purchasing: a large mat placed in a confined space becomes a hazard rather than a safety feature.
Finally, ease of use: the mats are moved around frequently during a session. The side handles, the overall weight and the fact that they can be stacked when not in use are details that make all the difference in day-to-day use.
Sidea products for the Big Mat floor mat
Sidea offers two complementary products in this range, available to order from the professional catalogue.
0405 Big Mat – Large Mat: the benchmark model for functional training and rehabilitation. With its large surface area and compact, stable construction, it is ideal for use as a work surface for floor exercises, active stretching sessions and exercises on an unstable base. The density of the material ensures cushioning without excessive compression under load.
0406 Landing Mat: specifically designed for fall protection and landing. Thicker than the standard Big Mat, it is designed to absorb the impact of jumps, controlled falls and gymnastic movements. Suitable for dedicated areas within gyms and CrossFit boxes where movements involving componentand air transport.
Both products fall within the Functional Training and Strong Fitness Training categories, confirming their versatility.
Why choose Sidea
Sidea has been selecting and supplying professional fitness equipment since 1999, drawing on its first-hand knowledge of the operational needs of gyms, fitness trainers and sports facilities. The selection of mats in the catalogue meets precise technical criteria: tested materials, dimensions suited to actual use, and construction designed for durability in high-frequency use environments. Our technical consultancy service enables you to assess which product is best suited to your specific context — available space, type of activity, weekly usage volume — before placing your order.
Domande frequenti - Tappetone
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The Big Mat is optimised as a training surface for functional, proprioceptive and rehabilitation exercises: it offers a stable surface with moderate cushioning. The Landing Mat is thicker and is specifically designed to absorb the impact of landings from jumps and controlled falls in gymnastics and high-intensity training contexts.
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No. A large rubber mat is a portable item designed for a specific purpose — fall protection or a localised work surface — not a flooring solution for the entire area. Technical rubber flooring has different structural characteristics: greater resistance to distributed loads, surface continuity and permanent stability, which a large rubber mat cannot guarantee.
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In exercises such as the floor press or floor extensions, a large mat can improve seating comfort. However, for exercises involving dropping the barbell or Olympic lifts, it must be used in conjunction with bumper plates and suitable sports flooring. A gym mat on its own is not sufficient to absorb the impact of heavy loads being dropped.
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In high-traffic environments — multiple daily sessions, repeated landings — it is advisable to inspect it monthly. Signs of critical wear include permanent deformation (the material does not return to its original shape after compression), detachment of the outer layer and localised variations in density, which can cause asymmetrical landing and increase the risk of injury.
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It depends on the type. A medium-to-high-density Big Mat provides a slightly yielding base that can complement low-level proprioceptive work. For specific protocols involving unstable surfaces — such as the use of balance boards or proprioceptive cushions — the mat acts as a safety zone around the equipment, rather than as a direct exercise surface.
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In addition to the physical dimensions of the landing mat itself, a safety zone of at least 50–80 cm on each side must be provided, particularly when used for landings or falls. In practice, for a standard landing mat, a minimum area of approximately 2.5 x 3 metres should be set aside to ensure the athlete’s safety during use.
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Sidea offers a range of instalment payment options to make it easier to purchase professional equipment. Please see the dedicated page: Payment options Sidea.
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If you work in the fitness or sports sector, register on the website as a Professional or as an ASD to gain access to the price list reserved for industry professionals. Pro registration allows you to view exclusive discounts and special terms across the entire Sidea catalogue.
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Yes, Sidea is an authorised supplier on the MEPA (Public Administration Electronic Marketplace). Public bodies, schools, universities, local authorities and public sports facilities can purchase Sidea equipment via the platform Public Sector Online Procurement. For information on product codes and direct MEPA orders, please contact Sidea customer service.
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Sidea guarantees the right to cancel within 14 days of delivery for all online purchases, in accordance with current legislation. Products must be returned undamaged and in their original packaging. For full details on returns, refunds and the warranty, please see the page Terms and Conditions of Sale.
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Sidea has been designing and distributing professional fitness equipment since 1999: over 25 years’ experience serving gyms, sports coaches, CrossFit boxes, personal training studios and enthusiasts of advanced home fitness. Official distributor StrongFirst e Luxiaojun, which is exhibiting at the FIBO international trade fair and is the technical sponsor of the Summit of Strength. Every product is designed with durability, functionality and suitability for real-world operational contexts in mind. The service Gym Design Offers bespoke design services with 3D renderings. A warehouse covering over 4,000 m² in Gambettola (FC) to ensure rapid order fulfilment, direct technical advice and a special price list for professionals and amateur sports clubs.
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