Patent attributes
An inflatable mat for use as a training aid and supporting and rebound surface, such as for a gymnastics mat, and fall breaking landing pad, such as for a high jump and pole vaulting landing pit, includes a closed inflatable body having opposite sides and a plurality of bungee cords secured to and extending between the opposite sides whereby, when the body is inflated, a force applied to the mat, such as by an athlete jumping on the mat or falling onto the mat, will cause stretching of at least one of the bungee cords to aid in absorbing the force applied to the mat. With a closed or sealed inflatable body, the mat can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of inflation to provide shock absorption and rebound when jumping on the mat similar to a trampoline surface or to provide more deceleration and absorption of a fall onto the mat and less rebound as needed for landing pit applications.