When I did my feature about AcroMat (link below), I told Richard Ward, the company’s marketing director, about my existing anti-fatigue mat, and how much my body hurt. He said, “It’s worn out.”
He then added they send samples at no cost to prospects. But once it arrived, I sent him a check for it. I feel very strongly about not accepting free stuff for the write ups I do — even if the company does send out samples.
So with that out of the way . . . let me tell you about my AcroMat experience.
Yes, the old mat had definitely worn out
I work at a standing desk (which I love!) but was constantly shifting on my existing mat. I could feel myself sinking into it. I would turn it, but that didn’t help. My ankles were beginning to hurt, a lot, as did my knees and hips. The pain was becoming a little much, so I moved my office chair back up from the cellar.
I attributed all of this pain to walking and playing with my dog Rocky versus the old mat being worn out (that is, until I talked to Rich Ward).
Rocky is a big boy with lots of energy. We do two walks a day plus lots of running around time in the yard, which isn’t level (or flat).
My mat arrived, nicely rolled in a box. I could see / feel the difference immediately with regard to material thickness. Plus, the shipment included a packet of gummy bears — which I promptly ate. Nice touch!
Once unboxed, I put it down and over a few days, I worked back into standing at my desk. Several weeks later, I realized I no longer hurt. I had stopped taking Advil. I felt good when I walked with Rocky and no longer needed to sit down and rest while playing with him.
I was even riding my bike and working out at the gym again (although still taking it easy on leg day).
The AcroMat difference
According to Rich Ward, “our mats are made for “long-term standing — 6-8-10+ hours every shift — so they are slightly firmer than a lot of mats out there. The idea is, if you’re going to stand for long hours on a mat, and move back and forth across your workspace, you need to be able to move without sinking, which could be a trip hazard and also puts added pressure on your joints.”
He adds that for those using an AcroMat anti-fatigue mat at home or in the office, you may feel a difference when standing in socks versus shoes; it feels softer in socks, and firmer in shoes, which is by design.
The mat I have is from the QS-100-1 Series, textured with beveled edge, 5/8″ thick, size 2’x3′.
If you’re a manufacturer, and you have employees standing for good portions of the day, I encourage you to check out AcroMat. One, you’ll improve your employees’ health and well-being. And two, you’ll improve workplace safety.
And if you work at a standing desk in your home or corporate office, you can order a mat right off the AcroMat website. Well worth the investment!
Thank you again, Rich Ward, for sending the mat. I’m so happy to be pain-free again — and am amazed at how something as simple as an anti-fatigue mat can make such a world of difference.
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Links
AcroMat Sees a Need a Fills It — A Keep It Made USA write up
AcroMat 100-1 Series mat — This is the one I have; it’s the perfect size if you have a standing desk (I have the 3′ long one)
Made in USA — IMovR Standing Desk — A Keep It Made USA write up
Full Disclosure
I’m not paid nor asked to write about products or the companies that make them. All links in this piece are FREE — meaning, they’re not sponsored or paid for.
My mission is to keep manufacturing jobs stateside and this blog is my way of giving back. We like to think a “small” choice, such as purchasing a product made in the U.S. by American workers, won’t make a difference. It does.
