How Do Anti-Fatigue Mats Work?

What happens to the human body when you shift from hard surfaces to an anti-fatigue mat? Ergonomist Crystal Nelson shares 3 key benefits.
1. Stimulate postural leg muscles
Postural leg muscles, especially lower leg muscles, help us remain standing and balanced.
The cushion of an ergo mat works by stimulating these muscles.
“When these muscles are activated, it helps to use our venous pump, which helps to circulate the fluids throughout our bodies,” says Crystal. “So, the muscles assist the veins in their job and help them to pump the blood and fluids from head to toe and back up again.”
2. Absorbs impact and returns energy to the feet
“In short, an anti-fatigue mat absorbs the shock when you're walking and creates a cushioning effect and therefore reduces fatigue,” says Crystal. “This can have a secondary effect and travel throughout your legs and back.”
Anti-fatigue mats create a “low pressure” impact, which helps our bodies conserve energy.
Hard surfaces create a “high pressure” impact, which correlates to increased pain and fatigue more quickly.
3. Tips for getting the right mat
More important than having an anti-fatigue mat is having the right mat.
Crystal shared 4 things to look for when searching:
I. Look for mats with a 3-7% compression rate under avg. adult weight.
II. The bottom of your mat should be constructed to prevent sliding.
III. Every edge of the mat should be beveled to reduce trip hazards.
IV. Determine the best mat design based on your workspace.
In brief, if you have a complex workspace, don’t trying and piece together rectangles to fill the area. Get the custom size and shape you need to prevent gaps, edge-standing and constant on/off stepping.
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Crystal, the Owner of Alter Ergo and Fargo Ergonomics, joined AcroMat General Manager Russell Herbert for a wide-ranging discussion about the impact of standing on hard surfaces, how anti-fatigue mats reduce pain and discomfort, ergonomic solutions to pair with your mats, and the best solutions when mats aren’t an option.
View the full discussion: • How Anti-Fatigue Mats ...
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