Stop Using a Utility Knife to Cut Horse Stall Mats (Do This Instead)

Cutting horse stall mats with a utility knife is slow, frustrating, and unnecessary. Here’s a faster, easier method - plus the simplest way to move heavy mats by yourself. Starting Strength Coach Phil Meggers covers it all.

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Gym Equipment: How to EASILY Move Stall Mats!

The classic rubber horse stall mat is extremely useful. It's also a pain to move . . . or is it? Starting Strength Coach Phil Meggers shows how to easily move a stall mat with just one person and without any special tools.

(A Blast from the Past video originally published on 09/10/22)

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At Testify, we offer small group training, private coaching (in-person or remotely via Zoom), online coaching, and form checks. Interested in getting stronger, looking better, and having more energy?

How to EASILY Move Stall Mats! | Gym Equipment

The classic ¾-inch-thick, 4 ft x 6 ft horse stall mat is very useful for gyms - whether a commercial gym or a home gym. We’ve used many, many mats in the construction of our lifting platforms, and you can also simply use them as gym flooring.

However, they are a pain to move. A real big pain in the butt in fact, so whether you’ve got a partner to help you or you’re moving mats on your own, let’s solve this problem.

Note: While I’ve provided photos to help, all of these solutions are far more easily understood in action in the included videos.

Figure 1: Two People - hanging the mat over a board (top) and rolling up the mat (bottom)

TWO PEOPLE
If you’ve got two people, there are a couple of solutions (Figure 1), and we’ll cover a third option in the “reverse taco” section later in this article.

Solution 1
One option is to lay a board (or pole) on the floor. Next, lay the mat on top of the board. Finally, pick up both ends of the board and rest them on one shoulder of each person.

Solution 2
A second option is to simply roll the mat up and have each person grab one end.

Figure 2: Don’t use either of these methods. they’re dumb.

ONE PERSON (Reverse Taco Method)
Having two people is nice, but there is a very easy way to drag a stall mat when you’re on your own. Now, don’t try to drag it like the fool in Figure 2 - you’ll have to pinch the mat extremely hard between your fingers, it will be very difficult to keep that grip, and half the time, the mat will simply slip out of your hands.

Instead, do the following as described in the three steps below and as demonstrated in Figure 3.

figure 3

Step 1
Pick the mat up from the edges.

Step 2
Flip the mat so it creates a “hill.” The edges of the mat will now be wedged into your hands, which means that you don’t have to hang on very tightly at all.

Step 3
Drag the mat. You’ll be surprised at how easily you can hang onto the mat utilizing this method.

Figure 4: 2-person reverse taco method

This method can also be utilized by two people (Figure 4), and as mentioned earlier, this is far more easily demonstrated and understood on video than with the printed word and photos, so I’d recommend watching one of the included videos.

As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better.

-Phil

PS: Whenever you want even more Testify in your life, here are some free resources:

• Follow Testify on Instagram HERE.

• Subscribe to Testify’s YouTube channel HERE.

• Book a free intro and strategy session with us HERE.

• Pick up a free copy of Testify’s Squat Guide: 12 Tips to Improve Your Squat Now HERE.

• Get our free weekly email - containing useful videos, articles, and training tips - HERE.

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At Testify, we offer small group training, private coaching (in-person or remotely via Zoom), online coaching, and form checks. Interested in getting stronger, looking better, and having more energy?