You’ve probably heard about anti-fatigue mats at the very least. If you stand for long periods, you might be wondering are anti fatigue mats worth it? This article helps you decide if anti-fatigue mats are a good option for you… And more! So, stay tuned!
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Fatigue-reducing mats can increase your productivity and reduce downtime as you work. Source
Are anti fatigue mats worth it?
1. Anti-fatigue mats make standing more comfortable
Many people are in jobs or perform tasks throughout their day which leave them in a standing position for long periods. This constant standing static posture can be tiring on your legs and feet.
Discomfort is even more likely if you are standing on a hard floor.
When standing on a standing mat, it provides cushioning to alleviate this pressure on your body.
Thus, it becomes a more comfortable experience to stand for longer periods.
2. Anti-fatigue mats reduce effects of standing
Studies have shown that there are numerous negative effects to standing for long periods.
The effects of standing on your body include:
- Postural muscle fatigue
- Bone and muscle pain
- Lower limb disorder
- Joint and spinal compression
- Foot issues, e.g., flattening of the arches
- Muscle tension
- Varicose veins
- Circulation problems
When you’re in a seated posture, your body is more susceptible to slouching and adopting poor postures. However, with an anti-fatigue mat, you are forced to stand in a more neutral posture.
The effects of adopting a poor posture include back pain, joint degeneration, spinal curvatures and rounded shoulders.
3. Anti-fatigue mats are budget-friendly
Anti-fatigue mats have a price range between $29.99 – $99+. This makes them an affordable entry option for practically any budget.
Plus, if you plan to share it with other, you could split the cost if you were interested in purchasing one of the more lavish or expensive anti-fatigue mats!
4. Anti-fatigue mats increase alertness and focus
It’s easy to get sluggish when you’re sitting on a chair. But when you’re standing on an anti-fatigue mat, you won’t get away with that.
By performing these regular micro movements on an anti-fatigue mat, your body will feel more alert.
You’ll feel even more alert on an anti-fatigue mat than just using a standing desk alone.
Studies have shown that anti-fatigue mats help to improve coordination, eye control and concentration.
5. Anti-fatigue mats can be used in many areas
You might be under the illusion that anti-fatigue mats are only for workshops or kitchens. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, anti-fatigue mats are often used in a wide variety of home and office settings.
Anti-fatigue mats for standing desks are a prime example of where a standing mat could be used.
If you don’t own a standing desk, you could use them while doing other activities, whether it’s:
- Cooking in the kitchen
- Watching TV
- Listening to music
- Chatting with people
You could even share with other coworkers, friends or family.
6. Anti-fatigue mats come in different styles
Probably one of the biggest challenges you’ll have when picking an anti-fatigue mat is the type that you want and what anti-fatigue mat would best suit you. Fortunately, you have several types to choose from.
These come in different shapes, styles, sizes, colors and even different materials. So, there’s bound to be one that suits your needs.
Plus, if you work in an area where there are the environmental factors that could affect the mat, you can get industrial mats which have properties including:
- Chemical resistant
- Anti-slip
- Drainage built in
- Fire resistant
- Oil resistant
- Anti-static
7. Anti-fatigue mats increase productivity
We already know that anti-fatigue mats help to boost our productivity. An offset of this benefit is that you’re going to spend less time taking breaks from your static posture.
Further to that, if you feel more comfortable, you’ll spend less time thinking about your discomfort and more time will be spent completing meaningful work.
In addition to that, if you have to take time off work as a result of your discomfort or injury, that’s going to severely impact on your downtime and thus productivity.
Disadvantages of anti-fatigue mats
1. Anti-fatigue mats can cause a trip hazard
Anti-fatigue mats introduce instability into your posture to strengthen and improve your posture and balance. But with that instability comes a risk of falling and injury.
In general, anti-fatigue mats are considered safe to use, provided you use them properly.
The risk of injury is more likely if you select an anti-fatigue mat that is too advanced for your capabilities.
Therefore, when choosing and using an anti-fatigue mat, take this into consideration along with learning how to properly use an anti-fatigue mat.
2. Anti-fatigue mats can cause become damaged
Standing mats are designed to withstand the elements of everyday life. However, if you select the wrong type of mat, then it is liable to damage or wear and tear.
Take for example, if you use your anti fatigue mat in a kitchen or workshop where chemicals, hot materials or flammable materials are present. If these happen to fall onto the standing mat, then they could burn or damage the mat.
This could even cause a fire in a worst-case scenario.
Factors which can affect damage to the mat include:
- Whether they are used properly
- How often they are use
- If the correct footwear is worn
- If objects are placed or rolled over the mat
- The type of standing mat durability selected
Anti-fatigue mats tend to have an average lifespan of 2 years. But proper care and cleaning can make them last even longer!
3. Anti-fatigue mats can be too hard or soft
If you choose the incorrect type of mat, it could lead to an uncomfortable experience.
Choosing a mat that’s too hard tends to offer little comfort.
On the contrary, choosing an anti-fatigue mat which is too soft could force your body to try and balance itself.
This could ultimately cause your body to work harder and consequently lead to you suffering fatigue.
On top of all that, if the mat is too soft, it could bottom out which defeats the ability of it to offer cushioning support.
4. Anti-fatigue mats can make cleaning more difficult
It’s obviously easier to clean a floor when no mats are present. Dust and dirt often accumulate on, around and underneath mats.
To properly clean anti-fatigue mats and their surrounding area, they need to be fully lifted up. Then the floor and top underneath of the mat should be cleaned.
As well as cleaning the mat, you’ll need to ensure that you have appropriate cleaning materials to clean them. This typically consists of a brush or cloth, water and detergent.
Generally, anti-fatigue mats are not machine washable.
Finally, the mat will need to be dried before returning it to the area.
Related: Balance boards vs anti-fatigue mat – cheat sheet included
Conclusion
As you can see, the advantages of anti-fatigue mats strongly outnumber the disadvantages of anti-fatigue mats. The advantages primarily outweigh the disadvantages.
But how much weight you place on each factor will determine if these mats are suitable for you.
If you need further information or would like to expand your knowledge further with fun and insightful facts about anti-fatigue mats, I have just the thing for you!
Here are some other useful articles I wrote that you should go check out:
- Balance board vs anti-fatigue mat – cheat sheet included
- How to choose an anti-fatigue mat – 16 essential factors
- How to maintain anti-fatigue mats – 12 easy tips
- How to clean a balance board? 21 do’s & don’ts
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