Reddit mentions: The best exercise mats

-mostly copied from an old post of mine.

Cheapest option/starter option, buy a cheap ~$15ea usb soft pad from amazon like these then tape them to a hard floor or a piece of plywood ~$35ea at most hardware stores.

Most of the cheap pads are considered cheap because the buttons sensors get warped overtime; specially when played on carpet. So taping a cheap pad to hard floor or a board usually makes it a "good" pad. The board also gives it weight and makes it harder to slide around on carpet. I've played on several boarded pads and they always work better than non boarded.

Why usb and not an old ps2 pad? Almost none of the adapters support 2 arrows being pressed at the same time. Some that work do exist but they are hard to find. There is a work around for the 2 button issue here but unless you already have an adapter I'd just buy a usb ready pad. Idk about xbox or newer pads/adapters, they may not have this issue.

Want foam? This is something you can easily add later. Put some puzzle exercise mats together or cut up a yoga mat and just set your boarded pad on top. You can cut to size and tape to the board so it wont slide. Again tape pad on board then tape on foam. This will give the buttons a nice hard surface to click on but still give the entire pad some cushion. I suggest 1/2in thick. Thicker is more expensive and thinner is a waste of time/money.

Hands on/serious option, build your own. ~$150 depending on materials used and how elaborate you want to get but ultimately the best option for modding and re-usabilty. - if it breaks, you know how to fix it because you built it.

Expensive/best of the best option.
Best pads on the market right now are http://www.precisiondancepads.com/ 4 arrow pad OmegaGX $350-$365ea with everything connector. These should still be taped to a board or used on hard surface so they don't warp. These things are an investment but totally worth it. In my opinion they are better (more sensitive) than the arcades. Yes I really mean that. -side note- This company started off as 1 guy building them himself in his basement because he didn't like the quality of pads on the market.

I recommend the OmegaITGX - basically has plywood under the nonarrow parts to give it more of an arcade/hard feel and makes the buttons seem more resessed. But after just checking their site I am not sure if they offer it anymore. Might want to email them about it. I havent tried a regular GX but I do enjoy and love the feel of my ITGX. - I have had a button sensor stick but it was easy to open and clean and haven't had a problem since. -edit they don't make the ITGX anymore.

Has to be Metal? This is where some problems come in. Most of the "good" reputable companies (Colbalt Flux, Blueshark, Red Octane) are long gone and you'll most likely only find them used on ebay, expect to pay ~$300. You can also play the ebay gamble and get a random unknown brand but seriously who knows how good its really going to be.

The last option is to buy real arcade pads but that is a lot of extra work and not really worth the cost. They are hard to find because they usually only come with a complete machine. I've heard they cost ~$500 but I've never seen a real price tag. Then if you want it to work with anything other than the official machine you pretty much have to solder the sensors to a controller or keyboard. It'd be cheaper and probably better to just build yourself if you're willing to go through this much work already.

TL:DR Get a cheap usb pad and you'll probably be fine as long as its on a hard surface. If you want quality then build your own or spring for the precision dance pads.

I did this for years, 1 to 2 week or just weekend excursions with my wife & daughter. You're going to find that every simple little thing can be an adventure for the kids. (and the "grownups"!)

Are you hoping that this becomes a family routine? Run off on every available weekend for some woods/down/family time?

I would first recommend that you do a family planning session with Mom and the kids. ( Cheat and discuss the overall plan with Mom first). IMHO, the more input the kids have, the more they feel like a real part of the whole thing rather than being dragged into something by Mom & Dad.

Gear in general, buy the best that you can afford. Good gear pays for itself in comfort, reliability, and performance. You're going to be putting this stuff through its paces, setting up, tearing down, living in it and piling it all, sometimes haphazardly into the vehicle.

Tents, You're going to be in a lot of different locales and weather conditions so I would definitely want something with a full fly. Drying out a tent when traveling is a distracting, time consuming, PITA. I would get two of them, one for the kids & one for the adults. A good 2 person should be big enough for them at their age. Understand that they will want to get away from the grownups sometimes and for them, having their OWN TENT is awesome!
Understand also that the kids will most likely end up sleeping in your tent most of the time so I would look for a good 4 person tent.

Sleeping bags, buy ones that are rated for the LOWEST temperatures you will encounter, It's very easy to partially unzip a bag that's too warm but more difficult to make a cold bag warmer. Avoid the real cheap ones, the insulation tends to bunch up in spots leaving you with a bag that has both lumps and cold spots.

Ground pads (padding directly under your sleeping bag), I would first try something like these, test them at home, along with all your equipment, and if they're not adequate you can upgrade to something better. Any worthwhile outdoor store should have a variety of sleeping pads already out & inflated for customers to try out. GOOD SLEEP is everything.

FOOD is also everything! for car camping cooking in a group I would find a Coleman Gas stove. I've had one for decades, they just WORK!
Also, you can run it on the unleaded gas in your gas tank, just buy a 6-8 ft piece of CLEAR 1/4" ID siphon hose and you've got as much stove fuel as you have gas in your vehicle. I've been doing this with mine since the mid- 1960's.

Eating gear, I Still have a basket that holds all the plastic cups & dishes, utensils, spices, Aluminum foil, even a smallish (10") skillet & cook pot. It's real handy to have it all organized in one package when you're hungry, or anytime.

Camp lighting. HEADLAMPS FOR EVERYONE! IMHO, These are cheap & reliable, and easy to find & replace if necessary. (Buy many extra batteries...)
For the Camp, one of These provides a soft light around the picnic table in the evening. The candle itself is readily available and easily replaced.

Water is life, You won't shouldn't need a filter at a campground but everyone still should have a personal water bottle. Custom water bottles for kids and adults can be fun.

First aid, bug spray, and band aids are a must for both the kids & adults.


That's the basics, get out & hands on shop, compare, and enjoy the trip!

EDIT, I just saw Big Agnes tents on closeout at REI, IMHO this looks like a good deal for a 4 person car camping tent. It's a good time to be shopping for gear, lots of stuff on sale right now. Check out Backcountry.com and Sierra Trading Post for decent gear at decent prices. YMMV

Here's the details on the stuff:

Power Rack. Had this about 6 weeks and I'm extremely happy with it. Looks fine, feels very sturdy, no feeling of tipping or instability even when I hang from the bar at front. Paint scratches when you move and insert the spotter bars but what do you want for $350 shipped. It's held 215 on multiple occasions with no issues. If you lift significantly heavier than this (300+) you may want to read reviews first, or invest in a less-starter rack, but for many/most people this will be fine forever. It's dead easy to assemble if you have a socket set and if you don't, great opportunity to get one, they're cheap! Assembly can be done mostly solo but the final bits really need a second person to hold stuff in place while bolts are inserted. Rack comes shipped in 2 or 3 (can't remember) boxes which are pretty unwieldy and heavy.

I went with this CAP barbell. This suits my needs very well with great knurling and came without bend, and I'm unlikely to put a bend in it with my sub-300 deadlifts. The barbell ships in a fun 7 foot cylindrical tube which caused the dude at the mail place to nearly topple over because he expected it to be light for some reason.

I also got this plate tree which holds 2x 45# bumpers, 2x 45# plates, and 2x 25#, 2x 10#, 4x 5#, and 2x 2.5#. Does the trick but paint scratches off the pegs like crazy but is easily cleaned up. Single box, about 30 pounds.

The bench is this one by Marcy. I wanted a simple bench and that's what I got. Great bench for the price and I haven't had any instability problems. Had this for a year and used up to 70# dumbbells and 215# barbell with it (I'm 215). Most weight total that's been on it was a 270# friend benching 185# for sets and he found it fine.

Assorted stuff: got these puzzle mats which do the trick for the right price and are stowable unlike a permanent mat. As I mentioned elsewhere the 45# bumpers are meant to mitigate any floor impact, and I'm not terribly concerned with keeping this floor perfect anyway (it's 10 year old laminate on top of concrete, and the "path" is linoleum). The plates were from a sale at the local FitnessDerp store (not its real name) and were 85 cents a pound -- I never saw any on Craigslist for less than that in the month I looked. Finally just some collars.

The cat in the picture highly recommends this crinkle tunnel.

I would suggest EVA foam. It is easy to work with and CHEAP. You can often find it at hardware stores as workshop flooring. Harbor Freight sells them in packs of 4 big tiles for $10...which is more than enough to make a large sword. I love Harbor Freight for cheap hardware stuff... check them out if you have one around.

Basically, this stuff;

http://www.amazon.com/We-Sell-Mats-Anti-Fatigue-Interlocking/dp/B001EJI6CK/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_0_1

It is easy to cut into desired shapes. You will probably want to add some sort of boning for support (wooden dowels, bent coat hangers, whatever). Judging from the Zabuza sword you want to make, you might need more of a mop handle support.

Before painting it, you will want to seal it. This is best done first with heat to melt a lot of the foam cells on the surface closed. I used a cheap heat gun I got for $15... its like an industrial hair dryer. A hair dryer would probably work to if its hot enough at close range. A very quick brush with a blow torch has been used for this purposed. You want to hit it just enough to make it a little shiny... not deform the top. I suggest cutting out a small tile to test with first.

After the melt sealing, I suggest going over it with Modge Podge craft glue (from any hobby shop... Hobby Lobby, Michaels, ect). Once that dries, you can prime and paint!

There is a useful EVA foam tutorial series that you might want to look at,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXxDfv2NaDY

Best of luck! I'm having a blast working on my DragonCon costume now. I'm doing an armored version of Captain Harlock from the old Galaxy Express animes.

Favorite movie? I don't know if this counts, but anything from Disney/Pixar. ANYTHING. I just love Disney an Pixar movies! Each movie is unique and wonderful!

I guess 4 $5 gifts since it gives more people the chance to win stuff! :)

$20

$5

Welcome here! I'll jump in on some of this....

I've worn Fitbits for several years - like 'em and think they're probably very good as pedometers and overall activity trackers during the day. But they really don't work well for strenuous exercise. The technology with the optical sensors simply doesn't react quickly enough to be accurate.

Much more accuracy with a chest strap heart rate monitor (I think gold standard) - my choice, a Wahoo tickr (https://www.amazon.com/Wahoo-TICKR-Monitor-iPhone-Android/dp/B00INQVYZ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496324625&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=heart+rate+monitor&psc=1). But I've used cheaper models in the past like this Garmin (https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-MAIN-61562-Heart-Rate-Monitor/dp/B000UOD5QM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1496324625&sr=8-4&keywords=heart+rate+monitor) and they do fine. A lot of people seem to like the Scosche arm bands (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=twister_B00KWHQJJW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) - I can't speak to the accuracy of those compared to a chest strap.

Regardless of what you go with, you'll want accurate heart rate feedback to sync with your bike (Bluetooth and/or ANT+ connectivity). Unless they've changed things with the newer Fitbits, I don't believe your Fitbit will sync with the bike's Android tablet - you'll want your HR monitor to "transmit" to your tablet so you can follow your heart rate data/zones on the tablet as you ride. [One nice thing you've probably noticed tho - the bike now syncs/uploads your workouts to your Fitbit page - with accurate heart rate data from the bike assuming you're using an accurate HR monitor, so you don't have to log your workouts separately to Fitbit.]

Here's the mat that we use under our bike (https://www.amazon.com/SuperMats-P-V-C-Treadmills-Machine-2-5-Feet/dp/B004IJI7HW/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1496325854&sr=1-1&keywords=supermats) - priced reasonable enough, and works fine. One note - if you're putting the bike on anything other than a hard surface (i.e. carpet), get a thick piece of plywood to go under the mat - really helps with stability.

I use Jaybirds and wouldn't ride without them, but there are much cheaper (and more expensive) options for Bluetooth earbuds. My wife doesn't like riding with earbuds and went with a small external speaker (https://www.amazon.com/SoundTorch-Generation-Bluetooth-Portable-Waterresistant/dp/B01GY84TFI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496325454&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=bluetooths+speakers&psc=1) that seems to put out pretty decent sound. Regardless of what you go with, you'll want to use something other than the speakers on the bike - they put out plenty of volume, but they're on the back of the tablet and sometimes the instructors sound "muffled" and can be hard to hear.

For what it's worth, my input.... ;-)

ps - Final thought on your concerns about moving the bike. Wheels are at the front, where most of the weight is with the flywheel and tablet, so I think you'll be fine - it's designed to be tipped at the front and wheeled into place.

I'm using a gym mat and love it. I searched around and found one that is only 1/4" thick and rated for shoes. At first I was just going to get carpet as a tactile marker, but figured might as well get something I can kneel on as well with my painful knees.

My mat is 4x6 foot, made by Square36 but they come in other sizes. I bought mine for $50 on craiglist, but now that I've had it a while can say it's definitely worth full price which is about double that.

Lays completely flat
I can drop to my knees/crawl around on hardwood floor
super thin so minimal trip hazard
no weird chemical smell
easy to keep clean
really stays put (grippy bottom)

I have no affiliations whatsover with the company that makes this, just really enjoy my mat more than I anticipated and stared doing yoga on it as well \^_^

edit: op, they have a 6x6 foot version

Yes they are usually coated in resin, usually with fibreglass strips on the inside for strength, they can then be painted and everything. I am in various stages of completion currently in making 4 skyrim helmets, skyrim steel sword and gun from halo. With props like weapons/guns/swords, you can resin the outside with a couple coats, then injection foam the inside and they actually turn out very durable and I'm really happy with my success doing that.

For more information on these and other processes, I can't recommend the 405th boards enough, they have more information than you could ever want on everything involved with pepakura costume making and beyond.

A popular choice alternative for halo armour (and mass effect etc) is to use EVA foam mats (they're flat on one side, 'diamond plate' on the other, and way cheaper than this (~$12) for 4 2'x2' mats). You cut out the patterns from them and glue them together very similarly to the way you do with paper in papercraft, except the 'paper' you're using is more 3 dimensional and there's no tabs to glue, just edges that you've cut accordingly. Some people then rubber coat them with plastidip although the EVA foam itself lends great durability to the builds.

Shoulders are what you need. You'll see results in two weeks, man. Get a copy of P90X through whatever means you have at your disposal ::cough::torrentifyou'vegotnomoney::cough::. Purchase these and this. Do not let that pull up bar intimidate you, man. You will be able to do pullups if you go the 90 days. Shoulders and Arms is the best routine. Stick with it for two weeks and that t-shirt will look a LOT better on you - of course it's way too big in the first place, but you don't want to go spending money on fitting clothes that you're going to shrink out of (if you stick with the P90X). You're also going to want something like this and maybe a few free weights if you're planning on getting serious with it, but really all you need right now is the bands to bulk those shoulders up. Get the resistance bands and do either the shoulder/bicep/tricep workout or get all of it and do the full workout. That will make you look better than any clothing you could purchase and make you feel better about yourself. Also post fashion pics of gf.

EDIT: Uhh...I just looked at your GW posts. You OWE it to your gf to buy those resistance bands. Forget the clothes, do the P90X routine!

1. Not sure if this counts, but I'm getting it for my boyfriends birthday...
   
   
2. Simon Pegg is English, Game of Thrones is English, and I need a beanie
   
   
3. I will write a book on this and I'll read it? God, I'm sorry, This is horrible.
   
   
4. Ha! Bet you weren't expecting these, were you?
   
   
5. I need a new flash drive...
   
   
6. The Knight Bus is purple.
   
   
7. A game.
   
   
8. I love steampunk.
   
   
9. A Dremel
   
   
10. Triforce key chain.
    
    
11. I can organize my DnD dice?
    
    
12. DnD is a hobby. Right?
    
    
13. This is kinda nerdy...
    
    
14. Turtles are totally natural.
    
    
15. Cthulu is very green.
    
    
16. Shirt
    
    
17. I find this funny
    
    
18. I'm still scared of the dark, and I could string these together as beads...
    
    
19. I can cut down some trees?
    
    
20. I need one of these
    
    Bonus:Mats?
    
    Happy happy cakeday!!!!!
    
    

I've been working out at home since 2013, and have collected most of what I need to workout. The only thing I'm missing is a rack, due to space concerns. Everything I have fits in my closet space. I have the following equipment:

• Powerblock Travel Bench - legs fold and lock on pins, it slides under my bed or in the closet
  
• Ab Roller - any cheap ab roller will do.
  
• Folding yoga mat - I pull this out for deadlifting and when ab rolling to give my knees a break from wood flooring and carpet. Again, any mat will do
  
• Standard barbell - mine holds... 250 lbs I think? Not a ton, but it works, and deadlift is probably the only lift I can even approach that kind of weight. More would be nice, but for that I'll need to start over with olympic gear.
  
• Dumbbells
  
• Around 200 lbs of standard plates in 25, 10, 5, and 2.5 lbs increments
  
• Foam Roller (18 inch model will do, I have 18" and 36" black), lacrosse balls, and Body Back Buddy - for trigger point therapy.
  
• Lifeline Power up Chin-up straps - I don't have any door frames that will support a pull up bar, and live in an apartment so don't want to damage the frames by mounting a permanent bar. These flip over a door and will support pullups, chin-ups, leg lifts, etc, and will work on any three-hinge door.
  
  Granted, you can't get all of these things on your budget, but I'd recommend a pull up bar (or the straps if your doorframe won't support it), some dumbbells (you can buy a 40 lbs set for around $40 in most stores), an 18" foam roller and lacrosse ball, and get some extra plates over time with the excess to get you started (only buy the extra plates when you cap out the 40 lbs, and only if you're going to continue exercising).

Awww! Congratulations on the pregnancy!

You're gonna have a girl on December 1st!

[$20] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FY0GWGM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=E4OUYZHAGC8A&coliid=IU2G56MHVHD86&psc=1)

[$40] (http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Sundome-2-Person-7-Feet-5-Feet/dp/B004J2KDH0/ref=cm_wl_huc_item)

Thanks for the contest! I hope you have an easy pregnancy :)

thanks a ton for responding. my biggest concern was how much area they'd need, and you really helped confirm my general assumptions. what i've decided on are these:

25 puzzle mat tiles: 2' x 2' x 3/4" each (~ .61m x .61m x 1.91cm) to form a 5x5 tile square. these were just about the best balance of thickness, price, and reviews that i could find.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B73OPLY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

i also bought a 4' x 8' x 2" (1.22m x 2.44m x 5.08cm) folding mat for the break falls & throws/techniques. these mats had good reviews and pricing.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KB4QX60/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

we do have an 8' + ceiling (right around 2.5m), so i feel pretty confident about these purchases now. thanks again.

this portable phone charger from my main wish list because my iPhone battery dies all the time (like recently when I was alone in the city and needed it for directions which really was scary) so if I had this and brought it with me I would be able to solve all of my problems!

this yoga mat from my "exercise stuff" wish list because my roommates and I are getting into yoga and they all have mats but I am too poor to let myself spend money on it!

this kong frisbee for my dog from my pets wish list because my dog is a boxer mix that destroys almost all of her toys but I think this would be tough enough and we can play outside in the sunshine!

this blanket from my local humane society wish list because they said they really need blankets of any kind and it makes me think of poor shivering little puppies and I want to give love to all of them :(

these shoe insoles on my "the fancy stuff" list because starting next month I will be going on clinical and have to stand for 8 hours a day so I want to be able to do my best without being distracted by sore tired feet!

this mp3 from my under $5 list because this song is so catchy!

shhhhh... thanks for the secret contest! :)

I know some gyms, like Chikara Crossfit, who use padded mats since they can't drop the weights. Don't quote me, but it's something to do with being in a basement or having windows for walls. I do not remember what I heard.

Anyways, doing a easy google search for the keywords "padded mats" gave me this first link to amazon for a 24"x24"x5" for $29.

We can probably better help you in the future if you post whatever image you are referencing when you state "I saw..."

During the CB demo it was noticeable but appreciated because you are walking around on four of these mats for the first time.

I was moving around quite a bit so I wanted to recenter myself during the transitions and not smash my face into a wall or the staff. So yes, a light leak option can be great for certain meatspace moments.

How about this stuff? A bit thicker than a yoga mat. Not free, but not overly expensive if you were building more than one or two bags.

They are sold at walmart/big box home improvement stores as well.

Ooh, I just thought of something else - go to a carpet store and ask if they have any underlay remnants - there should be something that works perfectly for your needs.

My bike and fluid trainer sit ontop of a fold-up exercise mat. It's the perfect size, and it has handles which makes it easy for me to slide it over to wherever i want (i.e., in front of the TV).

http://imgur.com/a/guLlW

I've used that set up in the winters and then mostly year round (moved to an area I'm not comfortable riding in) for a few years. Used it on wood floors and carpet, and it's been perfect on both. And during the time that I had it in my living room, it made it very easy to move it out of sight for a bit if necessary without taking the bike off of the trainer and what not.

Something like this, except I paid less than $30 for it I think:

https://www.bodybuilding.com/store/harbinger/tri-fold-mat.html?skuId=HARB2170110&PLASKU=HARB2170110&mcid=CG_PLA_US_GS_harbinger&bbdevice=c&bbskuid=harb2170110&gclid=CNiq5pPKiNQCFVhMDQodhyMDrg


Edit: Here's one for $25

https://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Health-Fitness-Tri-Fold-Exercise/dp/B0016BUR9G/ref=sr_1_10?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1495630683&sr=1-10&keywords=exercise+mat

I know egg crate foam like /u/YouHadTimeToWaste suggested is popular for DIY soundproofing. You could also just buy tiles which are meant for the purpose
I'd also suggest doing something like this to pad the floor, both for the kids' safety and for soundproofing. You could also lay rugs over that if you feel like it.
You could also keep some blankets and pillows out for fort building.

For festival camping I actually bring a fold-able exercise mat that I have. Basically can be used as a 1" mattress. I like a firmer bed so it works fine for me. Here's basically the one I have -

http://www.amazon.com/Everlast-Folding-Exercise-72-Inch-24-Inch/dp/B000O2GCS8/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1464119105&sr=1-3&keywords=exercise+mat+fold

This one looks promising as well -

http://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Health-Fitness-Tri-Fold-Exercise/dp/B0016BUR9G/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1464119114&sr=1-1&keywords=exercise+mat+fold

I ordered these plain, gray ones on Amazon with free shipping with other items. They arrived in like 2 days and are perfect.

Thanks for the contest! Hosting contests is a lot of fun. I've already done three and I will do more. They can be slightly addicting.

Matts & T- pins I would love to have these because they will make blocking my knitting projects so much easier. And I'll be able to use it to block Christmas gifts too! Yes I am already planning Christmas.

Thanks!

It's a "bargin outlet store". I don't think they have a site you can order from.

You can find EVA foam online pretty easily. Ebay and Amazon have plenty of options. Just Search for "EVA Foam".

We use work out mats similar to this (which might help with stinky bacteria) or this. They also work excellently for camping mats when backpacking :) We keep them in our coat closet and haven't had any issues with smell.

Thanks :D Looks good, what did you make it out of? Or was that the foam...? Is it like this foam http://www.amazon.com/We-Sell-Mats-Anti-Fatigue-Interlocking/dp/B001EJI6CK/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_0_1

I know this sub loves the TCS Horse Stall Mats but I found these on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074DSJLLY/?coliid=I1G9VYRCZACSZ7&colid=3LQJL0788BZYG&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

They look like they're cheaper and easier to install and I can get them delivered right to my house without the famous smell I've heard so much about.

Is there any downside to these mats?

I'm also thinking of getting some wide vinyl tape to hold the seems together.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MU7N3RI/?coliid=IEC6NCYHRPM7U&colid=3LQJL0788BZYG&psc=1

Anyone know if this tape will hold on those mats?

And then using some sealer to smooth the edges of the tape.

https://www.amazon.com/Plasti-Dip-Performix-Multi-Purpose-Synthetic/dp/B072LWS6ZR/ref=sr_1_20?keywords=performix+vlp&qid=1573683560&s=sporting-goods&sr=8-20

Thank you! This is what I used to block - it was pretty easy (my first time using wires, but definitely not my last).

Mats - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GNAGRKI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (much cheaper than designated "knitting" ones)

Wires - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JSQZ88/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (I think there is a smaller set available, too)

I used these. I work on the bottom of them (it's "non slip") and you can just take them apart and stack them on top of each other--if you wrap them in some painters tape they hold together pretty well! It makes a little 1'x1'x0.5' foam cube with puzzle in it.

We only have one table, so I have to pack them up and move them whenever we have guests over!

It'd definitely be a yoga mat for me. I have fibromyalgia, weak and bad knees, and a super slow metabolism. Losing weight is rough when you can't use your body the way it was meant to be used....and I am only 23!! I want to be be a normal young adult and be active and fun. I have been working on doing yoga and squats and such but it's rough when I have to get down on the floor for some poses...and I have wood tile floors. It's just overall not fun.

Thanks for the contest. You're doing something wonderful! <3

I did it for a while with my husband, we bought 2 40lb CAP Barbell sets and a doorway pull up bar. For the weights we waited until Amazon had a good deal (the price seems to fluctuate cyclically). We also bought some mats/flooring to put on the carpet (didn't want it to smell and felt like it's a better surface for working out). This is what we got (http://amzn.com/B001EJPGPA)
At least for me so far changing the weight hasn't been that big of a problem, maybe it's because for most things I use the ligtest disks anyway and I just adjust the number of reps I do.

The kid's versions of those are really slippery, u/skoobear. We had them for our wood floor and my husband almost wiped out several times when little dude pried one loose. We replaced them with the big yoga mat version - in addition to having better grip, they're also thicker for better padding. :)

Shop around a bit. We got a 16 piece at Sam's Club for $20.

Great idea! Here's the revised list:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00615748000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=31-32092008-2 (best deal I could find)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006JJM38S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER (bench)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041FQZMW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER (mat)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VLRVSC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER (Power cage)

I'm thinking about not getting the mat because it's getting kind of expensive.

I purchased this: HemingWeigh Extra Thick Foam Exercise Mat

I have wood laminate flooring, this has been a lifesaver. BUt you need to be barefoot or wearing just socks because it rips/scratches with shoes.

Edit: I just reread your post about it being constantly on the floor, my post wouldn't help you there oops! I'll keep it up though in case anyone else is interested.

The interlocking mats seem pretty popular. I'm going to pick these up.

im going to buy these foam interlocking squares around my pool table and that should help. they are inexpensive and seem to have good reviews!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004X165F6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Typically the 6-7mm EVA foam is referring to those interlocking floor mats. These can be found at hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowes for pretty cheap. They typically will have a textured side and smooth side.

use some EVA floor mats in your playing area. It will reduce the noise and the strain of playing standing.

http://www.amazon.com/IncStores-perfect-lightweight-gymnastics-exercises/dp/B00B73OPLY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1462371783&sr=8-4&keywords=eva+tatami

I use something similar in my kids room.

Edit: better link for larger areas

The mats you linked to are made from EVA foam not PVC.

You can find it used in exercise mats like this if you are going for thick stuff.

If you want it thinner you can also get it like this

Looks like wrestling mat tape Meister Premium Mat Tape for Wrestling, Grappling and Exercise Mats - Clear - 4" x 84ft - 1 Roll https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MU7N3RI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_01p0CbZQHMXPE

I don't have it, but I hope to get this One Check it out.

http://www.amazon.com/Barbell-Equipment-12-Piece-Puzzle-2-Inch/dp/B004X165F6

Super cheap, and they're okay. They slide around a bit, and I haven't found a place yet to buy the finishing edges, but it really isn't a problem.

Amazon?
Something like this: https://www.amazon.ca/CAP-Barbell-Puzzle-Mat-piece/dp/B0041FQZMW/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_bs_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZW8R2Y7QHZMZ39GS5Y45

Or

https://www.amazon.ca/Cap-Barbell-Equipment-12-Piece-Puzzle/dp/B004X165F6/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZW8R2Y7QHZMZ39GS5Y45

Theyre pretty spongy. I bought them from Amazon, you can find them here. I must say my cats have already torn holes in the mats with their back claws, so theyre not as durable as I hoped.

edit: I'll probably go with the horse stall mats here in a couple months.

I have this on hardwood floor. I also but a yoga mat in the middle for more cushion. The reviews with carpet liked it. http://www.amazon.com/Stamina-Folding-Equipment-84-Inch-36-Inch/dp/B0012MEZKG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1367697773&sr=8-5&keywords=workout+mat

I bought 12 of those fairly cheap interlocking floor pads. They aren't as good as the rubbery ones that most gyms have but they are good enough.

http://www.amazon.com/We-Sell-Mats-Anti-Fatigue-Interlocking/dp/B001EJI6CK/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1376153406&sr=8-15&keywords=gym+mat

The rack is this one: http://www.amazon.com/Impex-Marcy-Platinum-Power-116-Pounds/dp/B008UQLTIS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1406083293&sr=8-3&keywords=marcy+weight+rack

When I ordered it a week ago it was Prime eligible. Looks like it's not anymore... right now anyway.

I got a 300 lb olympic weight set from Dick's for $209.99 (local store). The stand is also from Dick's. Bought a few random weights (5-10 lbs, small ones) from Dick's while I was there.

The mats are these:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041FQZMW/

EZ curl bar: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004X168VW/ref=oh_details_o01_s02_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Under the weight rack are a couple dumbbell handles that take olympic weights (and the reason I bought some misc smaller weights). I got them from Dick's as well.

Overall, I made a list of things I need and compared local (Dick's) vs. online. I perused Craig's list every now and then, but decided to get new for all of these.

I had this issue as well (neighbors came a-knocking at 10pm to tell me to shut up). I never played a night again but I bought a set of 4 of these. I'm not sure how much they help, but I felt that not only the pedals transferred noise, but hitting the pads on the frame would get transmitted through the legs.

I use this: https://www.amazon.com/Stamina-Folding-Equipment-84-Inch-36-Inch/dp/B0012MEZKG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1499976499&sr=8-5&keywords=exercise+mat+fold

It works well and fits Thrasher's x-pen well. He has chewed up the edges a good amount, but it is still functional a year later. May have to get a new one eventually though.

Pink Yoga Mat

I am currently in physical therapy for my back. This would help with my home exercises that I have to do. I am currently using a blanket on the living room floor.

Thanks for this idea! I was trying to figure out what I was gonna do once I brought my squat rack and weights back home. I have a ton of room but I have tile flooring... You think this would work if I doubled up on them? It's foam :- \

If you're wet blocking and in need of mats you can also go to a big box store and look for foam exercise mats like these I bought a four set ages ago... You can connect and get the shape or size you need. It was much more convenient to pick them up in store and cheaper than the mats I priced online. Mine are holding up great after about 3 years of use (and I knit almost exclusively lace so they get a work out)

• Mats like these for your playspace.
  
  
• Future prescription lenses you put over the standard ones so you don't need your glasses. (VR Lenslab should have that covered)

The two shawls I've blocked were blocked on a towel in my mom's home office with the door closed to prevent feline intervention.

When I get back to school on Sunday, I have these waiting for me. I would have rather blocked the shawls on those, but I forgot to check which address Amazon was shipping them to (school vs. home). Oh, well. My dorm room doesn't have carpet, so it all works out.

How about a treadmill mat! This one folds up (I had a similar one a long time ago)
Stamina Fold-to-Fit Folding Equipment Mat (84-Inch by 36-Inch) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012MEZKG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qmKEAbCFZDC1Q
Edit: not as wide as you’d want but something to consider

Cheaper here on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001E4XL3E?cache=b63d0fff3a10220c13d23ec4205c5f8c&pi=SX200_QL40&qid=1407130163&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

Edit: oops, by cheaper I mean less per piece

All the armor is EVA foam from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001E4XL3E/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_5CuOub0KQ6CRS). The details are done in craft foam.

You can get a DDR pad for about 20 bucks on amazon you also need a ps2 to PC converter same thing with a pump dance pad. I found a DDR pad for about $7 at a old game shop maybe search for some there if you don't want to buy online. But you still need a converter. Or just get this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0076H4D8A?cache=8431cfcb1e6baee2459d10aa9639a3d2&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1409875417&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

You might want check out EVA flooring tiles.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001E4XL3E?pc_redir=1410667528&robot_redir=1

>Source some proper-sized 20kg plates

Just put your plates on a small makeshift platform of some kind. I used to use these things when I was lifting with non-standard weights.

You can consider using puzzle piece mats. This is what I used before using a yoga mat and I still use it when practicing crow and handstands since it gives extra cushion.

If Walmart doesn't pan out they're all over the internet, these are the ones I've been working with for bigger structure stuff but you could probably find some that are even cheaper.

Even Cheaper. 2ft x 2ft x 5 inches

https://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Health-Fitness-Tri-Fold-Exercise/dp/B0016BUR9G/ref=pd_sim_200_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0016BUR9G&pd_rd_r=JCN81HC9NQRR7FPQPJ9R&pd_rd_w=48V3M&pd_rd_wg=jplx6&psc=1&refRID=JCN81HC9NQRR7FPQPJ9R

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041FQZMW

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008I4XFWU

http://www.amazon.com/local/national/B00P2TNLS2?cid=td_&ref_=td_

https://www.amazon.ca/CAP-Barbell-Puzzle-Mat-piece/dp/B0041FQZMW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540256625&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_Q


Or I'll carry your dog anywhere

I used eva foam panels.

http://www.amazon.com/CAP-Barbell-Puzzle-Mat-piece/dp/B0041FQZMW/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1421532715&sr=8-12&keywords=eva+foam

https://www.amazon.com/CAP-Barbell-Puzzle-Mat-piece/dp/B0041FQZMW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1481121571&sr=8-4&keywords=cap+puzzle+mat

I wonder if yoga mats would work - get a red 1/2" for $20 and a black 1/4" for another $20, glue them together and you have a 24"x72" sheet for $40ish?

$0.023/ sq in vs. $0.071/ sq in

http://www.amazon.com/Cap-Barbell-Equipment-12-Piece-Puzzle/dp/B004X165F6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1376456684&sr=8-4&keywords=workout+mat

We put our mattress directly on the ground for a few months with my first and put interlocking exercise mats around the perimeter of the bed as an insurance plan. This time since we have a larger bed, we'll probably leave the bed on the box spring and just have the mats as insurance still.

It was a combo of amazon, walmart and craigslist.

• Fitness Reality 810XLT power cage - $199 on walmart
  
• Fitness Reality 1000 Bench - $105 on walmart
  
• Iron Grip weights - $1 per lb on craigslist (got 45s, 35s, and 25s)
  
• XMark rubber coated weights - $85 on amazon (got 10s, 5s, and 2.5s)
  
• Generic Oly bar (allegedly 700lb, feels good) - $80 craigslist
  
• CAP curl bar and dumbbell handles - $63 on walmart (These feel very cheap and will not last long- the bar is a little thin too)
  
• CAP dumbbell set with stand - $150 on walmart (These look and feel great)
  
• Barbell collars - $14 per set on amazon (these are awesome)
  
• Schwinn 420 Elliptical - $125 on craigslist (score!)
  
• HemingWeigh situp mat - $23 on amazon
  
• Black Mountain Resistance Bands - $20 on amazon
  
• WOSS strap trainers - $29 on amazon
  
• Golds gym puzzle mats - $18 per pack x4 on walmart
  
  The only thing I would have done differently is buy horse stall mats instead of the floor tiles. These these are OK but they are too soft and I can tell they wont hold up long. I was in an online ordering mind set and tractor supply shipping is out of this world. Later I realized I could find a local feed supply place and go pick up the stall mats. There's a place a few miles from me that sells them for $55 each. Im going to keep the puzzle mats for a bit and replace them with stall mats later.
  

I use this mat and this steamer. You can buy a blocking mat anywhere online but the puzzle mat is the exact same thing and it's much cheaper. I steam block all my acrylics with the hand steamer and for my wool I just get it wet in the sink with cold water, pat out the excess, and then pin onto the blocking mat and let dry.