Innovation is key in the world of fitness, and the Stakt Mat Pro sets a new standard. It’s not just a mat, it’s a fitness tool designed to provide comprehensive cushioning and support, adjustable for all exercise styles, and doubles as a fitness brick to keep things organized in the gym, group classes, or at home.
Why is a mat so important? While mats are a must-have for any gym or studio, they are often not designed to meet the varied needs of users and operators.
When it comes to choosing a mat, most gyms and studios take a one-size-fits-all approach, offering the same standard mat for everything from HIIT and Pilates to yoga and stretching. This “one-size-fits-all” solution has led to a lot of frustration for users.
These different exercise styles place different demands on the body, especially in terms of joint protection. People who engage in high-intensity workouts may benefit from a thicker mat for support and cushioning, while yoga practitioners may need a thinner mat for balance and grounding.
In addition, it can be very difficult to maintain the quality of the mat with intensive daily use. Due to the fact that the mat is used by many people every day, its wear and tear increases quickly, so operators and owners should consider its extremely high durability when purchasing a mat.
Additionally, storage poses aesthetic and logistical challenges. Rolled-up rugs look cluttered and detract from the overall appearance of the space. Storage racks are an option, but they can be bulky and take up valuable space.
That’s the case for Millie Blumka and Taylor Borenstein. During the pandemic, the friends were forced to rely on thin yoga mats for various at-home workouts. They were frustrated and realized they needed better support and flexibility to meet the demands of their daily workout routine.
This gap in the market became their mission, which motivated them to create a product that would be a better solution for others facing the same problems.
In 2021, they released the Stakt yoga mat, and they clearly had something right on their mind. In 2022, it wowed the Shark Tank audience and was soon named one of the best inventions of 2023 by Time magazine. What started as a new take on the thin yoga mat has evolved into a wellness brand focused on creating the most functional, versatile, and easy-to-use fitness products on the market.
The Stakt Mat is an advanced folding yoga mat that provides four different levels of support and is thicker than any other premium mat on the market.
“When moving from exercises that require a standard mat, like abdominal exercises, to elbow plank exercises that require more cushioning, the mat can quickly transform to support both exercises and be ready for the next pose or exercise, whatever that may be,” says Brumka.
“When fully folded, it can be used for exercises like inclines and declines, and can be used to train and program around it,” Borenstein explains.
This versatility transforms it from a simple mat into a fitness tool that can easily facilitate any group fitness class or workout, and then can be neatly stored away to keep the space clutter-free.
Additionally, Stakt Mat is made from a non-porous, eco-friendly material that is easy to clean, stain resistant and extremely lightweight.
Blumka and Borenstein initially developed it for home users, targeting a B2C model. However, as the mat’s popularity grew, studios and gyms began to buy it, realizing its versatility and usefulness.
“Studios loved the mat for its ability to facilitate a variety of classes and programs, and we started getting requests for a commercial version that could withstand heavy use,” Borenstein said.
Blumka and Borenstein set out to create a high-performance mat that would retain all the features and benefits of the original, but offer more.
“We knew it had to be very durable to withstand not only repeated use, but also different types of shoes, sweat, etc., so it also had to have grip,” explains Blumka.
That’s where the Stakt Mat Pro comes in, with a patented premium textured layer that provides extra durability to withstand the rigors of gym use and superior traction to handle everything from high-intensity workouts and everyday running shoes to intense yoga sessions.
“Adding this textured layer allows us to provide unmatched stability and support without sacrificing weight,” Borenstein said. “It was important to us that the mat be lightweight and flexible.”
“From an instructor’s perspective, these mats have taken our Pilates workouts to the next level,” said Michael Scott Birro, head instructor at Tribeca Pilates. “They’re sleek, beautiful, and stable.”
“The Stakt Mat Pro is revolutionary,” said Hilary Hoffman, founder of Soto Method. “It has all the stylish and versatile benefits of the original Stakt mat, but is more durable and gym-friendly. We wear it in our sneakers during yoga classes and never notice any wear! Plus, it’s so easy to wipe down after class, every client feels like new.”
With two versatile, unique and problem-solving products under their belt, the duo decided to create a third functional product with the same philosophy – Stakt Weights.
The innovative Stakt Weights are a stylish and portable strength training solution with exceptional versatility. With a simple twist, users can adjust the weight from 2.4 to 6 pounds, making it ideal for dynamic training.
“We designed Stakt Weights to look great, eliminate clutter inside and outside your workout area, and provide a completely customizable experience,” said Blumka.
The dumbbells are comfortable to hold and easy to use. They are currently available in three elegant colors: Iron, Dune and Sea Foam, with more colors coming soon.
The brand’s mission is to create practical and comfortable products that enhance workout results without sacrificing style, and they plan to continue in that direction.
“We are committed to continuing to improve and create more functional products that are both effective and versatile,” Borenstein said. “We want to make life easier for gym owners and end users while improving the overall fitness experience.”
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