If you are creating a home gym, the right fitness equipment is important. But don't forget about gym flooring too.
When putting together a home gym, it’s easy to focus on all the cool new gym equipment you will buy. That’s where the real fun is, after all. But don’t forget about the flooring.
In fact, gym flooring should be your very first consideration, before you invest in your first cross-trainer or set of dumbbells.
High-quality gym flooring will protect the floor of your home gym, provide protection for your equipment, increase safety for you and any other users, and reduce noise.
Here are six factors to consider when you choose gym flooring for your home gym.
There are a few types of gym flooring to choose from, both of which come with pros and cons. The two main types consist of floor rolls and floor tiles, both of which are made from rubber.
Floor rolls are often a good choice when you are covering large areas of the floor, which makes them suitable for commercial gyms. One of the reasons for this is that they are more affordable for large areas. They also tend to create a smoother surface area when finished with fewer gaps.
Floor tiles are often more suitable for home gyms. They have the same strength and durability as rolls, and they also create a soft impact. They usually consist of squares about 1m x 1m in varying thicknesses.
Not much maintenance is needed, and the tiles are easy to clean. Also, there is the benefit that if one tile gets damaged, you can replace it without replacing your whole floor.
Next up, find out whether you can place the flooring directly or whether you will need underlay. This will depend on the current flooring in your home gym.
Underlay provides insulation between the floor and the flooring, and it increases shock absorption. But it is not always needed, and rubber tiles are usually installed directly on top of concrete surfaces.
The thickness of the flooring is one of the most important considerations. Gym flooring is available in various thicknesses, starting at about 10mm and going up from there to 20mm or more.
Ideally, your flooring should be no less than 15mm, which will provide a good level of protection for high-impact activities. In free-weight areas, 20mm might be better.
Gym flooring is available in many colours, and this comes down to personal preference. However, darker colours are ideal because they help to hide stains and scuffs. Lighter colours can start to look a bit grubby even though you keep your floor clean.
Another option is to choose different colours for different zones. A free weights zone with thicker flooring could be a different colour, and it depends on the size of your home gym.
Safety is paramount in any gym, and an anti-slip floor is important. Sweat and spilt drinks can be dangerous, so choose flooring that has good anti-slip qualities to reduce the chances of falling over and hurting yourself.
How much you spend on your gym flooring is up to you, but it’s usually a good idea to buy the best you can afford.
Low-quality gym flooring won’t last as long, and it might be more slippery. You will probably end up having to replace it sooner, and it can stick up at the edges. So try to choose high-quality flooring from a top brand. Even if it costs a bit more, it’s worth it.
Gym flooring is essential in any home gym, and it should not be something you only consider once you have dropped a dumbbell and damaged your floor. Before you buy any equipment, plan your flooring using the factors above, and create the perfect home gym so you can use it in comfort and safety.
Contact Pinnacle Fitness for more information on gym flooring
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