lunges
sidew split squat
burpees
push-up variations
dumbbells horizontal or vertical (narrow, wide, pike + look at 2, then 8)
sit up variations
Ab wheel
shelf variants
mountain climbers
stretched roll sideways
1000+ possibilities
Ready to start your training?
Exercises with high neurocognitive impact challenge both the body and the brain by combining coordination, balance, reaction time and decision-making. These exercises help improve cognitive functions such as attention, memory, motor control and reaction time. Here are some exercises on the mat that have a strong neurocognitive impact:
How it works: Use the boxes as a tic-tac-toe board. A partner gives directions to jump quickly to specific boxes (e.g., box 1 for "X," box 5 for "O"). The player must make quick decisions about where to jump to.
Neurocognitive impact: This exercise combines quick thinking, spatial awareness, and motor planning. Players must strategically plan their movements while quickly switching between boxes.
How it works: Your trainer or partner names a series of box numbers (e.g., 1, 4, 9), after which you must memorize this sequence and move to it by jumping or stepping. The difficulty can be increased by making the sequence longer or increasing the speed.
Neurocognitive impact: This exercise trains working memory and improves both mental focus and spatial memory while coordinating your physical movements.
Neurocognitive impact: Stimulates rapid visual processing, responsiveness and decision-making, and provides a strong connection between brain and exercise.
Neurocognitive impact: This combines physical activity with cognitive challenges (dual-tasking), challenging your brain to process motor and cognitive functions simultaneously.
9 full-body cardio exercises that, using the mat, add an additional neurocognitive component. By using the mat, you can integrate visual, spatial and cognitive challenges, keeping the brain active and creating a cognitive stimulus during the physical workout.
Using the mat adds a unique dimension to traditional cardio and strength training by incorporating neurocognitive challenges, which not only helps improve physical fitness but also enhances brain function. This leads to a more efficient and complete workout experience.
Proprioceptive exercises aim to improve body awareness, coordination and balance by training the brain and muscles to better control movements. These types of exercises are particularly valuable for different audiences, from children to seniors, and can be performed well on the Cartesio Mat by using the boxes and color coding. Here are some proprioceptive exercises, categorized by level and target group.
Importance of proprioceptive exercises by target group
With these exercises, each target group can benefit from an improvement in body awareness, balance and coordination, tailored to their specific needs and level.
1.1. One-legged jumping between courses
1.2. Color jump
1.3. Twisterdrill
2.1. Squats with eyes closed
2.2. Lateral box steps
2.3. Lunges in boxes
3.1. Single-leg plank with compartment displacement
3.2. Jump to hold
3.3. Dynamic side lunges
4.1. Tandem steps across subjects
4.2. Single-circle steps
4.3. Support runs in boxes
Ready to start your training?
Find out what the experts are saying about the Cartesio Mat. Their experience and insights offer valuable perspectives!
Honorary doctorate in physical therapy, Move to Cure, external consultant for Medical Staff at Real Madrid, head of Red Devils medical staff since 2010, ...
In the sports world people prefer props that are easy to use, this mat is a very good example!
Sports Technology, Innovation & Business developer University of Ghent
It is possible to apply for a doctoral work around this mat, but I think students themselves will choose the mat to do research with it as soon as it is on the market, for example, for parkinson's patients, obesity in children... I myself teach judo and can see its use in footwork.
dean LO + kine Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- There are plenty of markers on it! - Cognitive patients use the mat by memorizing certain sequences and doing an exercise on each number, for example, or just memorizing. - Neurological patients, with hemineglect, for example, try to work across the center line. - Weight shifting exercises: lunges - general exercises: using the different lines we can continue to control the range of motion. - general: good quality of material, non-slip. - A top mat that definitely belongs in a physical therapy setting!
master of physical therapy at ZNA Middelheim Antwerp, crossfit coach, Olympian bobsledder
We are looking for play formulas to stimulate play both in the classroom and in children's practice. The Cartesio Mat offers many opportunities to strengthen the motoric development of children
master of LO and exercise science, Bodymap
For us, the mat is a fine addition to our range of training equipment. We mainly use the mat during our warm-up routines in which mobilization and low-intensity strength exercises are at the core. In addition, we find the size and design ideal for setting up a game-based learning environment to give plyometric and stretching exercises a playful touch.
master of LO and exercise science, B-Fit and the Fit Factory
I find the mat super practical to use to explain techniques to people (failure passes, split squats), teach as well as help them perform consecutive reps identically. The foot position is different for deadlifts, kettlebell swings, sumo deadlifts, etc. I am impressed with the concept and elaboration. The mat is very practical for making people aware of their technique quickly.
sports psychology, Next Level Burcht - HIIT
Postures are easier to learn and adjust, variations become possible even during a workout and without demonstration. Learning more complex movements is also faster. The mat does need some extra protection when using heavy dumbbells or weights. Repetitions can always be performed beautifully and identically, even when fatigued. Exercises are easy to perfect and small adjustments are always possible so that exercises can be done optimally. Nice to combine push up handles with to do different exercises and still have a correct posture.
HIIT
I have been using the Cartesio Mat for a few months now and am still discovering new possibilities. The mat is evident in rehabilitation in athletes and children but also offers options toward gait rehabilitation for the elderly and rehabilitation of neurological patients. Moreover, it looks nice!
lic. Physical therapy + Msc, PT, MT, CHT
I use the mat in my physical therapy practice and am very satisfied with it . It is of pleasant quality, works non-slip and allows me to have my patients exercise in an original and creative way. Furthermore, the level at which you can exercise is very extensive: so I can entertain both my older population and my younger or athletic population. I definitely recommend the mat.
lic. Physical therapy, Kinevremd
By using the numbers and colors in different ways, you are neurocognitively stimulated while moving. The mat allows for three-dimensional movement and invites exercise forms that combine strength, mobility and flexibility - very accessible and approachable at first, very challenging for athletes. After guidance by a professional instructor, you can get started yourself. Can be used both preventively and curatively.... Rehab must be fun!