LapMat's™ & Legs
The LapMat™ by Equip Products was born from a critical need in the adaptive fitness community, particularly among wheelchair users in CrossFit. We discovered that many athletes were using AbMats—designed for back support during sit-ups—as makeshift leg protection when lifting barbells, dumbbells, or kettlebells. While the AbMat excels for its intended purpose, its curved, contoured design caused weights to roll off or into athletes’ stomachs, making it an unsafe and ineffective solution for protecting legs during seated workouts. This realization sparked our mission to create a safer, purpose-built alternative: the LapMat™.
The Painful Test That Inspired a Solution
To understand the problem firsthand, we conducted a simple experiment: we sat on a box, placed a 45-pound barbell on our legs, and then lifted it a few inches before letting it drop. The impact on our femurs was shockingly intense—far more painful than anticipated. This test underscored the real risks seated athletes face when weights are dropped, even from a short distance. For able-bodied individuals, the pain is immediate and obvious, but for wheelchair athletes, particularly those with paraplegia or quadriplegia, the dangers are even more insidious.
Hidden Risks for Paralyzed Athletes
Many wheelchair athletes with paralysis may not feel the impact of a dropped weight, but the consequences can be severe. Skin abrasions, cuts, or pressure sores can develop, requiring months of treatment to heal. In extreme cases, broken bones are a risk. Even without sensation, the body may respond with autonomic dysreflexia—a potentially life-threatening reaction triggered by trauma. These risks highlight the critical need for proper leg protection during seated workouts, whether in a gym or a clinical setting.
The LapMat™: Engineered for Safety and Performance
The LapMat™, available in Small and Large sizes, is the world’s only PATENTED solution (US D835,428 S) designed specifically to safeguard the legs of seated athletes and patients. Crafted with input from top adaptive athletes and manufactured with precision in our Midwest facility, the LapMat™ offers unmatched protection and versatility. Its innovative design includes:
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Shock-Absorbing Protection: A custom foam top layer absorbs impact, while a bottom foam layer shields legs from harm. A rigid core disperses weight evenly, reducing injury risk.
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Dual-Purpose Versatility: Use the bottom foam’s bounce for wall ball exercises or seated mobility drills, perfect for adaptive fitness or OT/PT rehabilitation.
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Skin-Safe Straps: Designed to prevent abrasions and protect skin integrity, these straps ensure a secure, comfortable fit for users with paralysis or mobility challenges.
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Compact Precision: The Small LapMat™ (14.5" wide, 9" front-to-beltline) fits within the femur’s span, enhancing barbell clearance and supporting functional movement.
Why the LapMat™ Matters
Whether you’re a wheelchair CrossFit champion, a geriatric patient, an individual with obesity, or someone starting a fitness journey from a seated position, the LapMat™ empowers you to train harder and recover stronger. For occupational and physical therapists, it supports functional training, promotes neuroplasticity through safe, repetitive movements, and boosts confidence by minimizing injury risks. By replacing makeshift solutions like floor mats or cushions, the LapMat™ delivers precision, safety, and performance.
A Call to Protect Seated Athletes
If you work with wheelchair users in a gym or clinic, prioritizing leg protection is non-negotiable. While we’re admittedly biased, we believe the LapMat™ and LapSecure Mat are the best tools on the market for seated athletes. They bridge adaptive fitness, rehabilitation, and inclusive wellness, ensuring everyone—from CrossFit competitors to therapy patients—can pursue their goals with confidence and safety.
Join the revolution in seated fitness and rehabilitation. Discover the LapMat™ at Equip Products and protect your power today!