The Exercise Mat

Simply put, some exercise equipment and accessories will need to be replaced if a year old.  Primarily one should take a good look at the exercise mat if it has not been replaced in the past year.  Additionally, if the resistance bands are older than six months it is suggested that new ones be purchased.

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The mat is a very personal piece of equipment.  Depending on the portability and the amount of use the mat should be replaced at least once a year, preferably twice a year for lighter weight exercise mats.  As sturdy at the mat may be, just as with a mattress on the bed, the exercise mat begins to "give" in places where the most weight is placed ---- usually in the center one-third of the mat.

For the serious exerciser a new mat annually should be a must.  Even in the most sanitary of environments bodily sweat and perspiration get onto the mat covering and can be absorbed into the mat surface.  Bacteria can grow and cause serious health problems in some rare cases.  With MRSA and other bacterial infections on the rise and with the resistance these bacteria have developed against antibiotics, it is worth the small cost to purchase a new exercise mat. 

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Resistance bands are definitely the safest weight resistance training accessories.  However, in our opinion these resistance bands and tubes should be replaced at least once a year and preferably twice.  Depending on use, more often may be better.

Resistance bands will begin to degrade over time with use.  Each stretch of the band has to weaken it in some way.  Think of a rubber band.  The band will be useful for some period of time but eventually it will give way after too much use.  Rather than risk the exercise band popping during use it is suggested that the bands and/or tubes be replaced regularly.

If the bands you plan to use to begin a new exercise plan were purchased more than three or four months ago, it is suggested that new bands or tubes be purchased.  Look the bands over for discoloration.  Bands that have not been used and are becoming brittle will display a lightening in the color.  If it appears that one side of the resistance band has faded or if the resistance tubes are not as brightly colored as they once were, it may be time to purchase new sets. 

Again, think of a rubber band.  The rubber becomes brittle with age.  Often we have opened a box of rubber bands that have never been used only to discover that each with pop with the first stretch.  The same thing can happen with resistance bands.  Lack of use will make them harden and become brittle.  It is recommended that new bands be purchased rather than risking one breaking during a stretch.

Both exercise mats and resistance bands are relatively inexpensive.  Purchase new ones from time to time to guarantee cleanliness and flexibility.  It is always better to purchase new equipment rather than risking an injury.