When exercising, nothing is more annoying than dealing with subpar flooring. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or you've been at it for years, the last thing you want is to worry about your footing, which can affect your progress and activities.
So, how do you pick the most suitable gym flooring for your humble abode? Here is a short guide to help you with your decision.
Different Kinds of Home Gym Flooring
If you've ever been to a gym, you've seen different kinds of flooring. Each type has its own unique benefits, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs and budget.
Rubber
Rubber flooring is the most used type in commercial gyms, so it's one of the best gym floorings for a home gym. For instance, it’s slip-resistant and absorbs impact, which can help your joints, especially during high-impact training. Rubber flooring is ideal for high-impact aerobics or strength training with free weights because you won't easily dent or scratch it like foam. However, it's also one of the most expensive home gym flooring options.
Foam
There's nothing quite like the feeling of taking a running jump and landing on a soft, springy surface. That's why foam gym flooring has become a popular choice for home gyms and exercise studios. Foam flooring provides maximum cushioning and shock absorption, making it ideal for high-impact activities like running, jumping, and aerobics.
Besides protecting your joints from impact, foam flooring also helps reduce noise levels, making it more comfortable for you and your neighbors. However, a downside to it is it's not as durable as rubber flooring.
Carpet
Carpet has been a popular flooring option for homes and businesses for many years. It is attractive, affordable, and easy to install.
Carpet is not without its drawbacks, though. It’s difficult to clean and can stain easily. It also traps dust, pollen, and other allergens, harming people with asthma or allergies. For these reasons, many people choose to install hardwood floors or vinyl in their homes.
Gym floors are no different. Many gyms now opt for rubber flooring or other types of hard-surface flooring because it is easier to keep clean and does not trap allergens.
However, carpet has certain advantages that make it a good choice for gym floors. This type of flooring absorbs sound and provides cushioning, making working out more comfortable.
Vinyl
Vinyl gym flooring is a great choice for a few reasons. It's budget-friendly, wherein you don't have to spend a fortune on top-of-the-line flooring to get the job done. It’s also easy to install. You can do it yourself in a couple of hours, and there's no need to hire a professional.
Additionally, it's durable. Vinyl flooring can withstand a lot of wear and tear, so it's ideal for high-traffic areas. It’s also easy to clean. Sweep or mop it down as needed, and you're good to go.
Of course, there are a few disadvantages to vinyl flooring. For one, it's not as cushioned as some other types of flooring, so it might not be as comfortable for longer workouts. It can also be slippery when wet; be sure to use caution when working out in bare feet or socks.
Overall, vinyl gym flooring is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable, durable, and easy-to-maintain floor.
Hardwood
There's no denying that hardwood flooring has a classic appeal. But when it comes to this type of gym flooring, there are a few things you should take into account before making the switch from any kind of flooring. For one, hardwood floors are a bit more unforgiving than carpet on dropped weights or errant elliptical trainer wheels. If you're the type of person who likes to work out barefoot, you might find the smooth surface of hardwood a little tough on the soles of your feet.
However, hardwood floors have their advantages. They're easy to clean and lend an air of elegance to any space. So hardwood floors might be the way to go if you're looking to give your gym a more sophisticated look.
What to Consider When Choosing Gym Flooring
Anyone who's ever stepped barefoot onto a cold, hard gym floor knows that not all flooring is created equal. There are many things to weigh in when selecting the right floor for your workout space at home.
Purpose
First, you need to think about the types of workouts that you will do. For example, if you're planning on using the gym for aerobics or other high-impact activities, you need a floor that can absorb impact and minimize the possibility of injury.
Similarly, if you’ll do a lot of lifting or other strength-training exercises, you need a floor that can stand up to heavy weights without damage. You'll also want to factor in sound absorption and durability when making your choice.
Climate
It would help if you also considered the climate. If you live in an area with hot summers, you'll want something that won't get slippery or absorb a lot of ambient heat. On the other hand, if you live in a cold environment, you're better off with flooring that won't get too hard or chilly to the skin during the winter.
Type of Equipment You'll Use
You need to think about the types of equipment you will use and activities that will take place in the space. If you plan on doing a lot of weightlifting, for instance, you need something that can stand up to dropped weights. Alternatively, if you're mostly looking for a place to do some cardio exercises, you might not need anything heavy-duty.
Are you looking for something that will provide cushioning for workouts, or do you need something that's more slip-resistant for a dance studio? Whatever it is, make sure the flooring of your gym is suitable for you and your needs.
Budget
In every buying decision, you need to think about your budget. Gym flooring can range from affordable and convenient (e.g., carpet tiles) to expensive and high quality (e.g., professional-grade rubber mats). Go through your expenses to know how much you can spare. Then check your options online and see what fits your budget.
Maintenance
Maintenance is often times disregarded in people's minds when choosing home gym floors. They think about style, durability, and cost, but they don't always consider how easy (or difficult) the flooring will be to care for and clean.
That's a mistake because upkeep is an important aspect to evaluate when making your final judgment. For example, if you're considering carpeting, you'd want to make sure you choose one that can be easily vacuumed and washed. If you go with hardwood floors, you need to factor in the costs of refinishing every few years. Alternatively, vinyl is generally easy to clean and maintain.
Make sure to think about maintenance because, at the end of the day, no one wants to work out in a sweaty, icky mess.
When it comes to gym flooring for your home, there are many options to choose from. So, what type of gym flooring should you choose for your home? It depends on your preferences and needs.
That's why we put together this guide. We've outlined the different kinds of gym flooring and what you should consider when making your decision. Once you've thought about all these things, you'll be well on your way to determining the perfect flooring for your home gym.
To help make choosing a little easier, we've put together some helpful buying guides that you can check. They can point you in the right direction. We'll walk you through the different types of gym flooring available on the market and our top picks for each category. Whether you're looking for foam tiles or rubber gym mats, we have something for everyone.
June 22, 2022
