TumblePro 1-3/8" Polyethylene-Foam Custom Color Instructor Mats

Designed for performance and durability, these gymnastics Instructor Mats mats are wrapped in our thickest, most durable cover. Premium foam offers better recoil and energy return for advanced gymnastics and other high-impact activities. Customize your mats with your choice of 5 brilliant colors!

Extra-firm, shock-absorbing 1-3/8" thick closed cell polyethylene foam offers superb shock absorption and sturdy firmness, allowing mats to stand up to heavy institutional wear without compromising.

A heavy-duty 16 oz antimicrobial textured vinyl cover resists abrasions and is flame-retardant, washable, and mildew-resistant. Double-reinforced nylon-stitched seams add to the superior durability and mat life. A tacky surface provides traction for a variety of activities.

Choose hook-and-loop fasteners on 2 ends or on all 4 sides; the 1-1/2" strip allows mats to be linked together in a long run or combined to cover large areas. After use, fold these mats into convenient 2' sections for easy transportation and compact stacking storage.

Mats are available in 4 sizes, with 2 hook-and-loop fastener options, in 5 colors. Specify color(s) when ordering.

Size

• 4’ x 6’
• 4’ x 8’
• 5’ x 10’
• 6’ x 12’

Hook-and-loop Fastener Options

• on 2 sides
• on 4 sides

Specifications

• Polyethylene Foam
• 1-3/8” thickness
• High shock absorption

CA WARNING

15 Instruction-Focused Activities Using TumblePro 1-3/8" Polyethylene Foam Custom-Color Instructor Mats

The Gopher TumblePro 1-3/8" Polyethylene Foam Custom-Color Instructor Mats are extra-large mats designed specifically to give instructors more space for demonstrating and modeling fundamental movement skills. These mats feature firm yet cushioned polyethylene foam for stability and safety during rolling, balancing, stretching, or skill breakdowns. Their generous size and vibrant customizable colors also make them ideal as focal points for activity stations or group tasks. Below are 15 creative ways to use these instructor mats to teach, demonstrate, and reinforce fundamental movement skills during PE lessons for students of all ages.

1. Spotlight Skill Station: Place the mat front and center and have students gather around while you demonstrate key movements like a forward roll or bridge. Builds visual learning and spatial understanding.

2. Instructor Imitation Game: Model a movement on the instructor mat; students copy it on their own mats. Teaches observation, mirroring, and precision.

3. Color-Coded Cue Practice: Use different colors of instructor mats to signal different skill focuses (e.g., blue = balance, red = roll). Encourages movement awareness and visual processing.

4. Rolling Rhythm Routine: Demonstrate a forward roll followed by a pose to music; students repeat the sequence in rhythm. Combines rolling, timing, and coordination.

5. Jump & Land Modeling Zone: Use the mat to demonstrate proper jumping and landing form, with students copying your form in their space. Focuses on safe jumping and soft landings.

6. Mirror Me Mat Dance: Instructor performs a sequence of stretches, poses, or balance moves on the mat to music, and students mirror the routine. Builds coordination and listening.

7. Skill Breakdown Zone: Use the mat to break down complicated skills like a cartwheel or shoulder roll into steps for visual learners. Supports progressive skill acquisition.

8. Movement Modeling Station: Set the mat at a station with a visual or video demonstration so students can mimic the movement. Encourages independent learning and motor planning.

9. Visual Check Challenge: Instructor models correct and incorrect versions of a skill—students identify and discuss the difference. Teaches critical thinking and movement mechanics.

10. Movement Memory Match: Demonstrate a sequence of 3-5 movements; students must recall and repeat the pattern. Boosts memory and movement sequencing.

11. Instructor Freeze Frame: Mid-demonstration, freeze and quiz students on what movement you’re showing or what comes next. Builds anticipation and cognitive engagement.

12. Movement Reflection Mat: After demonstrating a skill, students reflect on what they saw and what they will try. Encourages mindful movement and metacognition.

13. Tumbling Target Zone: Use the large mat to show specific landing targets or directional rolls, emphasizing spatial control. Teaches accuracy and path consistency.

14. Teach-the-Teacher Time: Let students take turns using the instructor mat to teach a skill they've mastered. Encourages confidence and peer instruction.

15. End-of-Class Wind-Down Zone: Use the mat as a calming space to model breathing, stretching, and relaxation poses at the end of class. Promotes recovery and self-regulation.