REP FITNESS Ab Support Mat with Optional Tailbone Protector - Abdominal Exercise Mat for Situp and Core Workouts

Bought this based on the other reviews, the price, and knowing what I was going to get. First off - for anyone who's read the reviews, they know that the mat should have the steeper section in the small of the back, rather than further up, so this pad is obviously oriented in the wrong way and won't disengage your hips like you want. Knowing that - I figured I could probably modify it to make it do what I wanted, and it turned out to be much easier than expected, so I'll add the steps so that others can do the same if they want, plus it makes the pads detachable, so you can use them separately.1. The flat pad is sewn on one side and given a bit of "flap" which is then tucked into the raised pad at one end2. The raised pad has a wooden backing to give it some shape, and the flat pad is simply stapled into this to fix them together. You can separate the two pads by simply removing these staples (something like 10-15 staples total)3. Once the two pads are separated, you can re-orient the pads correctly4. Pick up some Velcro strips from your local hardware store, I found some that are designed for fabric and have a bit better adhesive than standard5. Put one side of Velcro on the flat pad (where the flap is) and the other side of Velcro on the underside of the pad - make sure you have it oriented correctly!6. If you're worried about the Velcro staying put, use some standard paper staples to hold the Velcro on the flat pad, and use a staple gun (with shallow staples!) to hold the Velcro on the raised padNow I can use the two pads combined for situps, I can separate the flat pad and use it for hand stand push ups, and I can even fold the two pads together to make a bit higher pad (for a HSPU beginner or similar)

I started a fitness program about a month ago and started with absolutely no core strength. When I tried to do abdominal exercise, I could hardly do the movements. It hurt my lower back, and when I did do the movements, I was constantly scooting everywhere. It was terrible. I got really discouraged. A patient at an office I work at, who was a yoga instructor, recommended looking into an ab mat. What I like the most about the ab mat is it really does help with the abdominal exercises. It does not strain my back, but supports my back, so I am able to do the exercies and get an ab workout instead of just straining my back. I think the tailbone protector is unnecessary since I have a yoga mat, but if someone doesn't have a yoga mat, they may like the tailbone protector.But these mats are not one size fit all. I think I would get an even better workout if I was able to go back further, but the high arch of the mat is almost too "high" for my back, or else it is too long, because I definitely cannot come close to laying down on the ab mat.All in all, a satisfied customer. I like my pink ab mat a lot. Happy for the recommendation.

This is a great way to help allow you to do side leg lifts and crunches without placing undo strain on your back. If you're getting pain when using it you've got the hump either too far or too close to your tail bone. I get back pain a lot, and it has kept me from doing sit ups(well it could be a little laziness too.), but with this my only excuse is laziness. It takes all the pressure off my back and puts it on my stomach wear it belongs.The extended padding does a great job of keeping it in place. And not only is it good for sit ups, it is also great for stretching your back. I just lay face up on it with the hump right above my buttocks, and stay that way for 10 minutes a day, it really loosens my back up.

Another great product from a fantastic company!I already had a typical ab mat without the tailbone protection. Saw that Rep started carrying this one, and at a great price, so I figured I'd give it a try. Couldn't be more pleased with it. Makes doing sit ups, especially on a hard surface, a lot more bearable (I would say enjoyable, but I don't know that sit ups are ever enjoyable!)I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a quality ab mat.

Here's the scoop on the ab mat, I have no lower back pain when I do sit-ups or crunches. This was lower tail bone pain, and it's absolutely alleviated. Now if it were a little bigger and longer, my goodness 😱, the abs that could be accomplished.

Unlike old-school situps and crunches, the Rep Fitness Ab Mat stretches your rib cage so that as your torso elevates and the pivot point moves down the spine each ab muscle is isolated and lengthened, and then idividually contracted, for a better and much more focused core workout. The high density foam core is firm with ~ 1/4" give in my 1-finger depression test. Not too stiff, not too high, didn't require breaking in, & no odor (as some other reviewers claimed). Fits both my wife's petite 5'2" body and my 6'1" frame. Very comfortable to use right out of the box. Elevate it with lumber or a big book underneath if you want even more stretch on your rib cage. Textured vinyl cover is tough, doesn't slide around and wont absorb sweat. Product is built to survive intense and continual use at Crossfit, where it is a staple in the equipment lineup. Yet another quality product from a highly reputable national exercise equipment supplier and a much better way to perform a variety of movements that work the core. I bought the basic model without the tailbone protector so i can use it on my weight bench in the decline position. Highly recommended.

I workout on a rough surface in my basement and chafing during situps is a definite concern. I have an original Ab mat that works well but it does not have the bum cushion this one has. If you are doing higher rep sets of situps, ala crossfit, I would recommend this pad. I have used mine for months indoors and have had no issues with the material or any of the stitching. I think this is a good value for the home users but I would not necessarily recommend this for commercial use, you can clearly see that the stitching is better on the Ab Mat products so they may hold better to heavy use.