“Walk Off” then “Walk On”

In an odd flip of obvious meaning, the floot mats used to protect gym floors by having someone walk on the mat before walking on the floor are called “walk off” mats.

We’re guessing that the term relates to the act of “walking off” grit and dirt from a shoe’s sole before stepping on to the gym floor.

The proper use of walk off mats requires that they be regularly cleaned or replaced, since they will otherwise just become one more source for contaminating a floor.