Sitting or standing in one position all day long is tough on the body. The Topo Mat is an anti-fatigue mat that keeps you moving with its alluring, varied surface. The video below is a sped-up version of standing desk exercises using the Topo Mat. You can reverse the mat to vary your terrain even more (technically, I’m using it backward in the video).
The teardrop in the middle is great for stretching the feet from several angles. Don’t just drape your foot over the teardrop; inch by inch, change positions to massage every nook and cranny of your foot! The dome-shaped rise in the back (or front, depending on how you look at it) is perfect for stretching the calves (gastrocnemius, not baby cows). Add a slightly bent knee for the deeper soleus muscle. You also get a different intensity of stretch when using the mat from the front or when it’s turned around. The mat is cushioned enough to stand on without shoes (which I recommend), and it’s way better than standing on flat concrete or hardwood floors all day. The improved circulation from moving around and stretching the feet and calves is sure to keep you alert and productive. The mat’s surface is slightly textured to give it an airy feel.
When I first saw the Topo Mat, I was skeptical that it would improve on my current standing workstation, which had a tray of rocks, yoga tune-up balls, and a styrofoam dome. I still love and will use my old tools, but I will also use the Topo Mat. It slides easily across the floor with a push of the foot so that I can go from the Topo Mat to the stone mat without hassle. Since I work from home, I can do whatever the heck I want with the stuff lying around. In a regular office building, the Topo Mat’s practicality and convenience make it an ideal choice.
In case you are wondering, I’m wearing Correct Toes™.
Standing Desk Exercises
Buy your Topo Mat here (Amazon Link)
Find more Standing Desk Exercises here.
Author: Barbara Horsley has more than 26 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist. She specializes in abdominal massage and Visceral Manipulation™ and is an NCBTMB-approved educator. In addition to being certified in abdominal massage, she also studied biomechanics and restorative exercise. She is also a Certified Women’s Herbal Educator and a graduate of the IWHI Perimenopause & Menopause Certificate Program.