Introduction
Fitness enthusiasts who need to train while sitting face unique challenges. Protecting their legs from injury during workouts is paramount. Enter the LapMat™ by Equip Products—a patented device specifically designed to safeguard the legs of those who train sitting down. Originally created for paraplegics, the LapMat™ has proven to be an essential tool for a broader audience, including occupational therapy and physical therapy patients, the geriatric community, and obese individuals beginning their fitness journey. This article will explore the benefits, uses, and features of the LapMat™, highlighting why it stands out as an essential tool for fitness.
What is the LapMat™?
The LapMat™ is a specially designed cushion that provides robust protection for the legs during seated workouts. Its primary purpose is to prevent skin sores and severe injuries, such as broken femurs, caused by dropping heavy fitness equipment like barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells onto the legs.
Why Was the LapMat™ Developed?
Protection for Paraplegics
Initially, the LapMat™ was designed for paraplegics who cannot feel their legs. This lack of sensation makes them highly susceptible to skin sores and fractures when heavy objects are dropped on their legs during workouts. The LapMat™ acts as a barrier, significantly reducing these risks.
Expansion to Other Users
Over time, the LapMat™ has shown its value beyond its original purpose. Patients in occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) have found it incredibly beneficial. The geriatric community and obese individuals at the start of their fitness journeys also benefit from its protective features, making it a versatile tool in various fitness and therapeutic settings.
Key Features of the LapMat™
Patented Design
The LapMat™ boasts a patented design that ensures maximum protection and comfort. Its unique structure effectively absorbs the impact from dropped weights, safeguarding the user’s legs.
Durable Materials
Constructed from high-quality, durable materials, the LapMat™ is designed to withstand the rigors of regular use in fitness environments. Its robust construction ensures long-lasting performance, providing users with reliable protection over time.
Versatility
The LapMat™ is not limited to paraplegics. It is highly useful for anyone who trains sitting down, including elderly individuals and those with obesity who may need to sit during their workouts. Its versatility makes it an invaluable addition to various fitness and therapeutic programs.
Benefits of Using the LapMat™
Enhanced Safety
The primary benefit of the LapMat™ is the enhanced safety it offers during workouts. By providing a protective barrier, it minimizes the risk of injuries from dropped weights, ensuring a safer training experience.
Increased Confidence
Knowing that their legs are protected allows users to train with greater confidence. This is particularly important for paraplegics and those with limited mobility, who may otherwise be hesitant to engage in strength training.
Support for Rehabilitation
For patients in OT and PT, the LapMat™ supports their rehabilitation process by allowing them to participate in strength training safely. This can accelerate their recovery and improve their overall physical condition.
Enhanced Safety and Confidence with the LapMat™
Enhanced Safety
Protective Barrier
The primary benefit of the LapMat™ is the enhanced safety it offers during workouts. By providing a protective barrier, it minimizes the risk of injuries from dropped weights, ensuring a safer training experience. The LapMat™ is designed to absorb shock and distribute the weight across a larger surface area, preventing concentrated pressure that can lead to serious injuries.
Injury Prevention
For paraplegics, the elderly, and obese individuals, the risk of injury from dropped weights is significantly higher due to limited mobility or lack of sensation in the legs. The LapMat™ effectively mitigates these risks by providing a robust shield that can withstand the impact of heavy fitness equipment, such as barbells and dumbbells.
Increased Confidence
Boosting Morale
Knowing that their legs are protected allows users to train with greater confidence. This is particularly important for paraplegics and those with limited mobility, who may otherwise be hesitant to engage in strength training. The assurance provided by the LapMat™ can boost morale and encourage users to push their limits safely.
Encouraging Participation
The LapMat™ plays a crucial role in encouraging participation in fitness activities. By eliminating the fear of injury, it enables users to focus on their workouts and achieve their fitness goals. This is especially beneficial for individuals at the beginning of their fitness journey, who may need additional support and confidence to start training.
Product Options and Specifications
Small LapMat™
Dimensions and Fit
The Small LapMat™ is designed to fit neatly within the span of the femur, allowing for easier clearance of barbells in a wheelchair. It measures 14.5 inches wide and 9 inches from front to beltline. This compact size ensures that it provides adequate protection without being cumbersome.
Ideal Users
The Small LapMat™ is ideal for individuals with shorter legs or those who prefer a more compact cushion. It is perfect for paraplegics, elderly individuals, and others who require protection during seated workouts. Its size and design make it a practical choice for various users.
Large LapMat™
Dimensions and Fit
The Large LapMat™ is ideal for taller individuals with longer legs. It measures 16 inches wide and 11.75 inches from front to beltline. This larger size provides extensive coverage and protection, ensuring that users with longer legs are adequately safeguarded during workouts.
Ideal Users
The Large LapMat™ is suitable for users with longer legs or those who require more extensive coverage. It is designed to provide maximum protection for paraplegics, the elderly, and obese individuals during seated workouts. Its larger size ensures that it can accommodate various body types and needs.
Quad Straps
User-Friendly Design
Quad straps are available for those with impaired hand dexterity, making it easier to secure the LapMat™. These straps are user-friendly and designed to help quadriplegics and others with similar conditions. The loops are easily accessible with a thumb or finger, ensuring that the LapMat™ can be secured without difficulty.
Additional Support
Quad straps provide additional support and stability, ensuring that the LapMat™ stays in place during workouts. This added feature is particularly beneficial for users who may struggle with securing the cushion due to limited hand function.
Using the LapMat™ for Various Fitness Activities
Strength Training
Overhead Presses
The LapMat™ is invaluable during overhead presses. Users can confidently perform these exercises, knowing their legs are protected from any accidental drops of barbells or dumbbells. This protection allows for a more focused and effective workout.
Dumbbell Use
During seated dumbbell use, the LapMat™ provides a cushioned surface that prevents injury from dropped weights. This is especially beneficial for individuals with limited mobility, ensuring they can engage in strength training safely. Offering that extra layer of safety and security.
Cardio Workouts
Seated Cardio Exercises
For seated cardio exercises, the LapMat™ can remain on the user while they are wheeling and it acts as a buffer between their chest and knees. This is particularly useful for high para injuries who have little or no control of their core. Some high injury paraplegic athletes literally fall over if they lean to far forward.
Rowing Machine Workouts
When using rowing machines, the LapMat™ can protect the legs from any accidental impact with a box or other device that is used when using the Concept2 Row Erg. A Concept2 Row Erg seat slide can be removed and a box is used as leverage for para athletes to use the rower.
Testimonials and User Experiences
Success Stories
Adaptive Athletes
Adaptive athletes have praised the LapMat™ for its effectiveness and ease of use. Many have shared how the LapMat™ has allowed them to train harder and longer without fear of injury. These testimonials highlight the LapMat™’s role in enhancing safety and performance.
Elderly Fitness Enthusiasts
Elderly users have found the LapMat™ to be a game-changer in their fitness routines. Its protective features have enabled them to participate in exercises they previously avoided due to the risk of injury. Their success stories demonstrate the LapMat™’s impact on improving fitness and quality of life.
Expert Endorsements
Occupational and Physical Therapists
Occupational and physical therapists recommend the LapMat™ to their patients for its safety and versatility. These professionals recognize the LapMat™ as a valuable tool for rehabilitation and fitness, endorsing its use in various therapeutic settings.
Fitness Trainers
Fitness trainers have integrated the LapMat™ into their training programs, especially for clients with mobility issues. They appreciate the added safety it provides, allowing them to design more comprehensive and inclusive workout plans.
Conclusion
The LapMat™ by Equip Products is a groundbreaking device that offers unparalleled protection for individuals who train while sitting. Originally developed for paraplegics, it has proven to be an essential tool for a wide range of users, including those in occupational therapy, the geriatric community, and obese individuals. With its patented design, durable materials, and versatility, the LapMat™ stands out as a premier solution, offering enhanced safety and support during seated workouts. Equip Products has truly revolutionized fitness training for those who need to sit, providing a solution that ensures protection and peace of mind.