Get Fit With Foam!

The benefits of exercise are well known and widely supported by decades of study, research and experience. However, some traditional methods of exercising like running or weightlifting may be difficult for some individuals because of injuries, physical capabilities or access to the right equipment. Fortunately, there are many alternatives that provide low-impact, in-home exercises that can eliminate travel time and the cost of specialized equipment or gym memberships. Whether you prefer traditional or alternative exercise, The Foam Factory offers a selection of excellent foam accessories to enhance your workouts and improve your health.

Charcoal Firm Body Wedge

Augmenting even the simplest workout with a foam exercise product can work muscles harder and access muscle groups that may not have been used during traditional methods. One of the best ways to maximize a simple exercise is with a body wedge. Available in heights of 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 inches, a The Foam Factory medical foam wedge pillow is firm enough to increase the angle of your exercise, boosting the productivity of a workout. Leaning against it or bolstering your legs can add an extra dimension to abdominal, oblique, back and other core exercises. Conversely, a foam support wedge can also be used to reduce the angle of an exercise for people just starting a new routine or those who have a limited range of movement.  Medical foam support wedges have zippered, removable covers available in 100 percent cotton twill or 100 percent micro-fiber suede, both in many vibrant colors. Additionally, a removable black vinyl foam support cover is also available, easy to wipe down after workouts.

One way to get the most out of a workout is with balance exercises. For individuals reluctant to invest in a gym membership or wary of falling off of one of those large, inflated rubber balance balls, The Foam Factory manufactures strong, closed-cell polyethylene cylinders for use as  foam rollers that provide a safe, easy and cost-effective alternative. Available in a range of diameters from 1-1/2 inches up to 6 inches and lengths of 17, 35 and 70 inches, these forms can be selected to fit any use. Firm enough to support weight without being so hard that they become uncomfortable, rollers can be used in many exercises as a yoga or Pilates foam roller, or with crunches, sit-ups and push-ups.

When placed under the lower back, the angle of sit-ups and crunches is increased, with the greater range of motion working muscles more intensely. Rollers can also be placed under the hands during pushups to create additional muscle tension through balance. Additionally, a high density foam roller may be split down the middle, creating a semi-circle with a flat base for those who want balance exercises with greater stability. Other types of balance exercises can be performed with rollers under the legs, side or back as well. Foam roller exercises can assist in self-massage too, stretching and relaxing muscles and tendons. By slowly rolling body weight over the body bolster, a targeted massage is created exactly where it’s desired.

A cushioning, protective workout surface is a vital part of safe and beneficial exercise, allowing traction and support without unnecessary pressure on the body. The Foam Factory manufactures numerous foam materials that excel as exercise flooring, whether an entire room requires padding or if all that is needed is a personal mat to take along with you.

One of the most popular padding materials for exercise flooring is gymnastic rubber because of the stability and support it offers while protecting and cushioning users. Dense and shock absorbing, this high density foam provides many beneficial qualities for exercise use. Those vibration and shock absorbing qualities mean the movement and activity of one person on the floor mat will not affect another. It is durable and moisture resistant and features a smooth outer skin for easy cleaning after workouts. Gym rubber is available in sheets for covering large areas and is also able to be cut into interlocking tiles for constructing temporary matting that can be expanded or contracted based on need and easily disassembled and stored when finished. This is particularly beneficial in facilities that utilize single rooms for multiple purposes throughout the day.

Polyethylene Foam Rollers

For personal, smaller-scale use, The Foam Factory also manufactures closed-cell exercise mats in a variety of materials. Made from gym rubber, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) or neoprene, these mats can be customized to any length, width or thickness. Great for Pilates and yoga, personal exercise mats can be used by any individual looking for a more cushioning surface without a sacrifice in stability. These can soften pressure points during sit-ups or crunches and provide a non-slip surface while performing stretches or poses. Neoprene and gymnastic rubber are available from 1/8 of an inch with XLPE starting at 1/4 of an inch in seven different colors. Like gymnastic rubber, neoprene and XLPE are both moisture resistant and easily wiped down for sanitary purposes after use. They are also both durable and flexible materials that will absorb shock well.

With the proven benefits of exercise, staying active is worth the effort, no matter how you do it. Whether it is prior injuries or health issues keeping you from performing particular exercises, or you are uncomfortable with certain workouts, there are safe and effective ways to optimize your current exercise regimen. The Foam Factory’s foam exercise products can be just what you get the most of your workouts.

Note: The Foam Factory will not have any liability to anyone for incidental or consequential damages or any other liability, injury, loss or damage arising out of or related to our products, even if The Foam Factory or an authorized representative of The Foam Factory has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Tags: Body Roller, Body Wedge, Exercise Foam, Exercise Mat, Pilates Mat

Posted in Health and Fitness