The Running Mat : Review

September 3, 2013

Ok, so I’m a bit late to the party here…

If you watched Dragon’s Den a couple of weeks ago, then you will have seen this bit of kit demonstrated on the show (Season 11, Episode 2, about 15mins in).

The Running Mat was created by Donna Kerr-Foley, as a portable outdoor exercise mat.

It is designed to be worn around the waist and unfolded for use, and is ideal for Personal Trainers, Boot Camp participants, runners and hikers. I’ve also heard it makes a pretty good picnic mat too 🙂

Whilst the initial pitch didn’t go down amazingly well with the Dragons (not sure why, I think it’s a great idea!), Donna eventually secured the investment she needed and is now being backed by Kelly Hoppen and Deborah Meaden. In fact it’s even being endorsed by Dame Kelly Holmes so I predict big things for this little mat!

Photo from The Running Mat website

I haven’t been on a long run with the mat yet, but have taken it out for a quick spin and am so far pretty impressed! With a buckle and adjustable strap to fasten it round your waist it doesn’t seem as if there would be any movement problems. The only improvement would be a way to tuck in the long loose end of the strap…

No, I don’t really run like this (fortunately)…

The mat may look a little large and bulky in these pictures but it’s super light. Once it’s on you really forget that you’re wearing it, and it fits nicely over your hips.

The Running Mat can then be unfolded and used for floor exercises without worrying about getting your hands/clothes muddy and dirty, and offers a little support for your back and hands against the ground.

The inside of the mat is also covered in a material which holds in the heat (like a space blanket) and is waterproof and easy to clean.

So you can head off on a run, stop and break it up with some press-ups, sit-ups or a bit of planking, and then be on your way again! Even use it for some relaxing yoga or stretching after your hike/run 🙂