Ultimate Gym Flooring Guide: Planks, Tiles, Rolls and Mats for Your Fitness Space
Martial arts matts for a barefoot movement studio designed by Biofit for Natural WAy in calgary, canada
Whether for a hotel gym, residential gym or commercial gym scenario, when searching for gym flooring, you’re likely weighing up factors such durability, comfort, price and suitability for user activity.
This article by Biofit's gym designers and fitness consultants is intended help you select flooring that matches the intensity of your workouts and withstands the test of time – whether it’s for heavy lifting, yoga, or cardio.
Discover the ins and outs of gym flooring, from thickness to material choice, all tailored to enhance your fitness space.
Key Takeaways
Gym flooring thickness should correspond to the intensity of workouts and the type of equipment used, ranging from 5mm for yoga to over 40mm for high-impact activities like weightlifting.
Installation of gym flooring can be either loose laid for easy maintenance and adaptability or adhesive for a more permanent, stable solution, with each method serving different needs and preferences.
Rubber gym flooring is highly recommended due to its durability, shock absorption, versatility, and environmental sustainability, making it suitable for a variety of fitness spaces, including home gyms and outdoor areas.
Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Gym Floor
The quest for the perfect gym flooring begins with a fundamental question: How thick should your gym floor be? The thickness of your gym flooring is pivotal, as it must match the intensity of your workouts and the type of gym equipment you use.
A residential yoga studio, a bustling commercial gym, and a serene Pilates room each demand different levels of cushioning and support. For general fitness activities, a sweet spot of 1cm to 1.5cm thickness provides an optimal balance of comfort without sacrificing stability.
However, the requirements change as the intensity of the exercises varies. Yogis and Pilates enthusiasts might seek softer mats with a minimum thickness of 5mm for floor contact exercises, ensuring comfort and promoting a harmonious practice environment. Meanwhile, core-focused workouts benefit from a slightly thicker mat of around 1.5cm to provide additional cushioning for the lower back.
The thickness also influences the acoustic properties of your gym space, with certain thicknesses mitigating noise better than others — a factor often overlooked but significant for creating a peaceful workout ambiance.
sustainable LVT tiles with wood grain effect in the Biofit designed hotel gym for Fritton lake members club, uk
Flooring for Stationary Equipment and Light Weights in gyms
When it comes to areas designated for stationary exercise equipment or light weights, stability is paramount. An 11mm thick gym floor mat strikes the ideal balance, capable of supporting equipment like:
stationary bikes
treadmills
ellipticals
rowing machines
while also safeguarding your floor from the rigors of daily use. Vinyl tiles with a robust rubber base are particularly well-suited for cardio machines that endure constant motion, ensuring that even the most spirited spin session doesn’t wear down the integrity of your gym space.
In contrast, areas stocked with free weights or used for Olympic weight training necessitate a more heavy-duty approach. Stationary equipment demands a sturdy yet forgiving surface to accommodate both the equipment and the user’s need for a stable platform.
The right matting can also protect the subfloor from the pressure and abrasions of stationary exercise equipment, prolonging the life of both your gym equipment and the flooring itself.
High-Impact Workouts and Heavy Lifting
For gym warriors engaging in the high-octane world of CrossFit or the iron paradise of weightlifting, the gym floor must be ready to take a beating. A thick battalion of 30mm rubber mats stands ready to absorb the shock and awe of dropped weights, preserving both the gym floor and the weight plates from damage.
The intensity of these sessions requires not just any mat, but one that can handle the relentless energy of a heavy-duty workout, with recommendations hovering around the 40mm mark for maximum impact resistance.
Powerlifting and Olympic weight training, where heavy loads are the norm, call for even thicker reinforcements. A 43mm gym flooring mat, designed to withstand up to 300kg, provides the necessary bulwark against the ground-shaking drops of heavy barbells.
Not only do these thicker mats offer protection, but they also feature shock-absorbent qualities that ensure safety and comfort for the athletes, allowing them to push their limits without fear of injury or equipment damage.
Seamless Integration: Loose Laid vs. Adhesive Installation
After selecting the appropriate thickness for your gym flooring, the next step is to consider the method of installation. Loose laid mats offer a straightforward solution, with easy maintenance and a seamless fit that can be adapted to any gym layout. This type of installation not only provides a smooth finish but also keeps dirt and dust at bay, making the cleaning process a breeze.
Adhesive installation, on the other hand, is the go-to for a more permanent flooring solution. It’s the answer for facilities that demand an immovable surface, ensuring that the gym floor remains intact regardless of the intensity of the workouts performed atop it. This approach may require more upfront effort, but it pays dividends in the longevity and stability of your gym flooring, especially when using a binder adhesive.
The Benefits of Rubber Gym Flooring
Rubber gym flooring emerges as the champion of versatility and durability, catering to a wide range of environments from bustling commercial gyms to tranquil home workout spaces. Eco-conscious fitness enthusiasts can take solace in the fact that many rubber floor tiles are crafted from recycled tires, thus contributing to environmental sustainability. Moreover, sprung rubber tiles offer an eco-friendly option without compromising on performance, made from low VOC, non-toxic recycled materials.
Beyond its green credentials, rubber flooring boasts antimicrobial properties, essential for maintaining a hygienic workout environment where sweat and germs are common visitors. Its innate shock absorption protects not just athletes but also the floors beneath from the wear and tear of dropped weights and high-impact activities.
With a non-slip surface, sleek beveled edges, and resistance to abrasion and flames, rubber gym flooring mats ensure a safe, secure, and professional workout space for all users.
Creating a Custom Gym Space
Transforming an area into a bespoke gym space is akin to creating a personal fitness oasis. Whether it’s for a home gym, a commercial facility, a garage gym, or even an outdoor workout area, the right gym flooring can be tailored to suit your specific needs.
Matching ramp sections can be incorporated for an aesthetically pleasing and functional finish, allowing you to create a space that not only looks professional but also supports the large range of your fitness pursuits.
Home Gym Transformation
The dream of a home gym is not far-fetched; with the correct home gym flooring, any room can be transformed into a sanctuary of health and fitness. Rubber tiles are the favored choice for this metamorphosis, providing easy installation and robust protection against heavy weights and vigorous workouts. Interlocking rubber tiles, in particular, offer a swift and reliable flooring solution, ensuring your home gym is ready to support your fitness goals right from the get-go.
Anti-slip flooring is another key component in the home gym conversion, offering modular design and superior grip for a wide array of workouts. Whether you’re lifting weights, doing cardio, or practicing yoga, these tiles adapt to your fitness routine, providing a stable and secure platform for your exercise equipment and your own physical exertions.
outdoor gym design by biofit for IKOS porto petro in spain with a turf flooring roll
Outdoor Fitness Areas
When it comes to outdoor fitness areas, the flooring must be as resilient as the athletes using it. Synthetic gym turf stands out as a robust option, offering a surface that can withstand the elements and the intensity of outdoor workouts while adding an element of natural beauty to the setup. The durability of these materials ensures a long-lasting solution for your outdoor gym, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer to take their fitness regime outside.
Outdoor tiles, specifically rubber ones, provide:
Rugged durability
Perfect for laying directly onto concrete
Withstand the rigors of the environment
Made from recycled rubber
Tough and eco-friendly, supporting your workouts and the planet all at once.
Ensuring Safety and Comfort
The right gym flooring does more than just complement your workout regime; it ensures your safety and comfort, too. With their impact-absorbing properties, gym floor mats reduce the risk of injury, providing a cushioned surface that supports your joints and muscles during high-impact exercises. The benefits of gym floor mats include:
Reducing the risk of injury
Providing a cushioned surface
Supporting joints and muscles during high-impact exercises
Non-slip surfaces for maintaining stability and preventing accidents
These gym mats, including yoga mats, are especially important when workouts involve rapid movements or the handling of heavy weights.
Moreover, the protective qualities of rubber gym flooring extend to the subfloor, shielding it from the potential damage caused by free weights and equipment. This layer of protection not only preserves the integrity of your workout space but also contributes to a quieter, more comfortable gym environment by dampening vibrations and reducing acoustic noise.
Maintenance and Longevity
A commitment to regular maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity of your gym flooring. Simple practices like dust mopping play a crucial role in preventing surface scratches that can accumulate from dirt and debris. Additionally, maintaining a clean gym floor is essential for avoiding slippery surfaces that could lead to accidents.
With the use of common household cleaning products or specialized cleaning systems, gym flooring mats can be kept in pristine condition, extending their life and keeping your gym space safe and hygienic.
In the case of rubber gym flooring, the modular design of the tiles simplifies maintenance further. Should a section of your floor suffer damage, individual tiles can be replaced without the need to overhaul the entire floor, making it a cost-effective and practical choice for gym owners.
When utilizing equipment like automatic scrubbers, it’s important to adhere to the floor’s weight limit and select the appropriate pads to ensure thorough yet gentle cleaning. Following a cleaning guide can help you make the right choices in this process.
Acoustic performance in gym flooring selection
The acoustic performance of gym flooring is a critical aspect that should not be overlooked. The right flooring selection can significantly reduce noise transfer, which is particularly important in multi-level gyms or residential buildings where soundproofing is essential.
An acoustic underlay placed beneath the gym floor tiles can effectively minimize the reverberations of dropped weights, creating a more serene and focused workout environment for all gym users.
Summary
As we reach the end of our gym flooring journey, we’ve explored how the right flooring can transform any space into a fitness haven, whether it’s within the cozy confines of a home gym or the expansive layout of a commercial fitness center.
From the critical selection of thickness to the intricate details of maintenance and acoustic performance, each element plays a pivotal role in creating a safe, comfortable, and enduring workout environment. Armed with this knowledge, you are now ready to step forward and craft the gym space of your dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness should I choose for my home gym flooring?
Choose a gym flooring thickness of 1cm to 1.5cm for general exercises. For heavy weights or high-impact workouts, consider thicker mats around 30-43mm for better shock absorption.
Can rubber gym flooring be used in commercial settings as well as home gyms?
Yes, rubber gym flooring can be used in both commercial settings and home gyms due to its durability and hygienic properties. It's a versatile option for various environments.
How do I maintain my gym floor to ensure its longevity?
Regular maintenance, including dust mopping and using appropriate cleaning products, is critical for preventing slips and extending the lifespan of your gym flooring. Consistent upkeep will help preserve the quality of the floor over time.
Is there a difference between the installation of gym flooring for indoor and outdoor spaces?
Yes, outdoor fitness areas need more durable materials like synthetic turf or recycled rubber tiles that can withstand weather, while indoor gym spaces can use a variety of rubber mats depending on exercise intensity.
How important is acoustic performance when selecting gym flooring?
Acoustic performance is crucial when selecting gym flooring, as it can significantly reduce noise transfer during workouts, creating a more pleasant environment for users.