Magnetized exercise mat

Abstract

The present invention involves an exercise mat having magnetic properties. The mat is preferably rectangular in shape and comprised of magnetized polyvinyl chloride foam material. A thin net layer of fibers can be positioned on top of and/or below the foam layer to increase strength and durability. The foam material can contain a magnetic flux in the range of 400 gauss to 3950 gauss, preferably 800 gauss to 2550 gauss. Alternatively, the exercise mat can comprise an inner layer of magnetic material surrounded by outer layers of non-magnetized foam material. The exercise mat can also contain two or more handle grips or support openings for use when performing various activities, such as yoga or aerobic exercises.

1 . An exercise mat comprising: 
 a) a magnetized layer of material; and    b) a non-magnetized layer of material positioned on at least one side of the magnetized layer of material for the purpose of increasing strength and durability    wherein the magnetized layer has a magnetic flux in the range between 400 gauss to 3950 gauss,    whereby the exercise mat provides magnetic stimulation while a user engages the exercise mat while performing various exercise activities, including yoga.    
     
     
         2 . The exercise mat of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetized layer of material comprises polyvinyl chloride foam.  
     
     
         3 . The exercise mat of  claim 1 , wherein the non-magnetized layer of material is positioned on each side of the magnetized layer of material.  
     
     
         4 . The exercise mat of  claim 1 , wherein the non-magnetized layer of material is a polymer fiber laminate.  
     
     
         5 . The exercise mat of  claim 1 , further comprising means for supporting a user coupled to the magnetized layer of material.  
     
     
         6 . The exercise mat of  claim 5 , wherein the means for supporting a user is at least one hand grip.  
     
     
         7 . The exercise mat of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one opening in the magnetized layer and the non-magnetized layer for the purpose of providing support to a user during various exercise activities.  
     
     
         8 . The exercise mat of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetized layer has a magnetic flux in the range between 400 gauss to 1200 gauss.  
     
     
         9 . An exercise mat comprising: 
 a) a substantially hydrophobic layer of material;    b) a magnetized layer of material positioned on top of the hydrophobic layer of material; and    c) a partially absorbent layer of material positioned on top of the magnetized layer of material    whereby the exercise mat provides magnetic stimulation while a user engages the exercise mat while performing various exercise activities, including yoga, and the non-hydrophobic layer of material absorbs moisture to provide a drier and more comfortable exercise surface.    
     
     
         10 . The exercise mat of  claim 9 , wherein the magnetized layer of material is polyvinyl chloride foam.  
     
     
         11 . The exercise mat of  claim 9 , wherein the substantially hydrophobic layer of material is a rubber composite.  
     
     
         12 . The exercise mat of  claim 9  further comprising a polymer fiber laminate for the purpose of increasing strength and durability.  
     
     
         13 . The exercise mat of  claim 9  further comprising a polymer fiber laminate coating matrix positioned on the distal surface of the partially absorbent layer of material for the purpose of increasing strength and durability.  
     
     
         14 . The exercise mat of  claim 13 , wherein the means for supporting a user is at least one hand grip.  
     
     
         15 . The exercise mat of  claim 9 , further comprising at least one opening in the magnetized layer, the hydrophobic layer, and the non-hydrophobic layer for the purpose of providing support to a user during exercise.  
     
     
         16 . An exercise mat comprising: 
 a) a magnetized layer of material;    b) a non-magnetized layer of material positioned on at least one side of the magnetized layer of material; and    c) means for supporting a user coupled to the magnetized layer of material,    wherein the magnetized layer has a magnetic flux in the range between 400 gauss to 3950 gauss,    whereby the exercise mat provides magnetic stimulation while a user engages the exercise mat while performing various exercise activities, including yoga.    
     
     
         17 . The exercise mat of  claim 16 , wherein the magnetized layer of material comprises polyvinyl chloride foam.  
     
     
         18 . The exercise mat of  claim 16 , wherein the means for supporting a user is at least one hand grip.  
     
     
         19 . The exercise mat of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one handgrip is coupled to the magnetized layer of material by an attachment ring secured to the magnetized layer of material.  
     
     
         20 . The exercise mat of  claim 16 , wherein the means for supporting a user is at least one opening in the magnetized layer and the non-magnetized layer for the purpose of providing support to a user during various exercise activities.