Author: Jacek Szymanowski (M.Sc.Eng. Biotechnology, Sports Nutritionist)
Reviewed by: Sergii Putsov (20 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience)
Assuming you are planning to open a home gym, you must have already researched equipment and stuff. But what about the flooring? The flooring is the base of your gym and will influence its durability, cleanliness, aesthetics, and even noise. So, selecting the best home gym flooring is a priority.
And if you haven't given a thought to this part, don't worry; we got you covered with this list of the best home gym flooring. Have a look.
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the American Floor Mats Interlocking Rubber Tiles.
American Floor Mats made some exceptional and easy-to-install gym flooring. If you're looking for something to protect your floors, you can't go wrong with these tiles.
Top 8 Home Gym Flooring Options Reviewed
- American Floor Mats Rubber Flooring – Best Rubber Square
- Rubber King Interlocking Tiles – Runner-Up
- Rubber-Cal “Eco-Sport” Interlocking Tiles – The Thickest Option
- Regupol Aktiv Flooring – Premium Pick
- Rubber Cal Elephant Bark Floor Mat – Best in Rolls
- Rogue Deadlift Platform + Balancefrom Puzzle Interlockingtiles – Separate Platform + Cheap Thin Foam Cover for Rest of Space
- BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat – Best Foam
- Artificial Grass Turf – Best Add-on
1. American Floor Mats Interlocking Rubber Tiles – Best Rubber Square
American Floor Mats made some exceptional and easy-to-install gym flooring. If you're looking for something to protect your floors, you can't go wrong with these tiles.
- Shape: Rectangular
- Material: Rubber
- Color Palette: 10% blue, 10% gray, 10% red, 10% tan, solid black
- Item Weight: N/A
- Thickness: 0.38 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 48 x 48 x 0.38 inches
- Special features: Easy to install
They're made to absorb any shock and pressure, so you can put whatever kind of weights or equipment on them without worrying about damage – to either the equipment or the floors.
The 0.38'' thickness is a perfect balance of stability and cushioning. The surface is stable enough for all types of workouts and will remain durable. Each tile is 2''x2'' and covers 4 square feet – more than enough coverage for home gyms.
photo by @tquibber
What stands out with these tiles is how seamless they are once you place them. There's no need for glue because they're interlocking, and you can also reposition them easily. This is great if you like moving your workout space or your equipment. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the teeth on the tiles will fray a bit if you assemble and disassemble them frequently. Still, it beats having to mess with glue, right?
The tiles will comfortably cover any type of area because they come as center, border and corner tiles. If you're on the hunt for some protective, versatile flooring, give these a try!
Positives:
Easy to install
Center, corner, and border tiles available
No need for adhesive
Could be better:
Fraying on teeth if the tiles are frequently assembled and disassembled
We asked Jon Alvarez, owner of Group III Barbell Gym at Madison, WI, USA to share his thoughts/opinions on all the products on this list:
"Would I buy it? Absolutely! It is a superb product. But be cautious, based on my experience, this product seems a bit expensive per square meter."
2. Rubber King Interlocking Tiles – Runner-up
If the top pick isn't that much to your liking, take a look at the runner-up! Another interlocking set of tiles, which means – no messing with glue.
- Shape: Puzzle
- Material: Rubber
- Color Palette: Grey
- Item Weight: N/A
- Thickness: 7 mm
- Product Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 0.24
- Special features: Anti-slip
These tiles are very robust and the rubber they're made of is very sturdy. They go way beyond the foam options you may be used to and are super versatile and suitable for a lot of different exercises.
Their versatility is the best thing about them – yoga, weightlifting, running on a treadmill, functional fitness... There's nothing that comes to mind that you can't use them for. They're also good if you want to do your workouts barefoot because of their non-slip features.
These don't come as center/corner/border tiles, but they're easily customizable with just a knife; simply cut out the flat-edge pieces and you can make them fit in the corners or against walls.
photo by @rubberking.official
Something that comes in very handy is the fact they absorb sounds, so you can jump rope at 4 AM if you want to without disturbing anyone. And there's one more thing you don't often see with gym flooring – emphasis on air quality. The tiles are made through a non-vulcanized process that uses no harmful solvents or VOCs, which means they have practically no odor and they're also non-toxic.
You may notice that they don't sit perfectly flush and the matting surface has a bit of play. This is why it's important to be careful if you're cutting the edges off. Do it little by little so you can make sure they fit perfectly and leave no space in between.
Positives:
Non-toxic
Little to no odor
Absorbs sound
Could be better:
No center/corner/edge tiles available
The pieces don’t sit perfectly flush
This is what Jon Alvarez, had to say about Rubber King Interlocking Tiles:
"Worth it? I’d buy it. Just keep in mind that these are only about ⅔ as thich as the number one spot. So plan accordingly if you decide to go for this one."
3. Rubber-Cal “Eco-Sport” Interlocking Tiles – The Thickest
A lot of people like the gym flooring to be thick and if you're one of them, then we have something for you! At 1'', these tiles are thick, durable, and will soften the impact.
- Shape: Square
- Material: Neoprene
- Color Palette: Blue, coal, green, red
- Item Weight: 35 lbs.
- Thickness: 1''
- Product Dimensions: 19.5 x 1 x 19.5 inches
- Special features: Thicker than most other flooring
These are very good for abrasive surfaces or super heavy equipment. The robust construction and thickness makes them durable in the harshest of conditions.
But they also have some other handy benefits – they will soften impact and reduce vibrations. This makes it great not just for the floors, but for you as well.
photo by @rubbercal.official
Being environmentally conscious has never been more important than today, and Rubber-Cal is aware of it. The flooring is made of recycled rubber materials, which makes them not only eco-friendly, but also resistant to UV rays and abrasions. Also, because they're so durable, you can use them indoors and outside.
They're easy to put together thanks to the interlocking system and connector pins, but have a hard time staying together sometimes. However, since they're so flexible, when you notice one getting disconnected, it's easy to bring it back. All in all, these are excellent, even with the minor flaw taken into account.
Positives:
Thick
Eco-friendly
Reduce vibrations
Could be better:
They may have issues staying connected
Regarding the Rubber-Cal "Eco-Sport" Interlocking Tiles, Jon was concise and straight to the point:
"I’d use them in my gym. Solid and thick enough for heavy weightlifting sessions."
4. Regupol Aktiv Flooring – Premium Pick
For people who have a large home gym area, the Regupol flooring mats come in rolls that can measure around 25' in length. And you can also get rolls of 50' upon request.
- Shape: Rolls (rectangular sheet when opened)
- Material: Rubber
- Color Palette: Black with color particles
- Item weight: 1.7 Pounds per sq.ft.
- Thickness: 0.3 and 0.5 inches
- Product Dimensions: 300 X 48 inches
These rubber mats for gym are easy to assemble and disassemble. Just open them, add some carpet tape or fixtures to prevent shifting, and spread them like normal carpets. You can cut it with a sharp blade to alter any side or dimension.
The recycled rubber mats are known for their toughness. They can absorb and reflect a huge amount of stress without impacting your main floor. But again, the absorption may increase or decrease depending on the thickness you get.
One good thing about these mats is their material quality. The tiles may look smooth and thin, but they are made to last long. Even with tough use, the mats can last for years without any problem.
photo by @boilingrivercf
The texture of the mats enables them to hide a high amount of dirt, so they won't need much cleaning. It makes them the best home gym rubber flooring option. However, with constant use, you will generate odor. You need to clean them with a quality solution and air them regularly to prevent problems.
Being rubber, the stability of these tiles is, without any doubt, high. It doesn't compress and offers you a great grip. Plus, it reflects any impact from fallen equipment and weights. Although, they might bounce and hit something or your feet, so be careful.
The rubber-based mats are the best and the cheapest solution for any large home gym. They cost less and last longer. And while the main color of this rubber flooring for home gym is black, the granules in them come in more than 20 color options.
Positives:
More than 20 color options
Available in long lengths of 25 and 50 feet
Heavy-duty and anti-slip floor
Could be better:
Minimum order of 100 Sq feet
When it comes to Regupol Aktiv Flooring, Jon Alvarez, a gym owner, suggests opting for rolls:
"Great floor tile. Would use it. And by choosing rolls, you’re getting the best deal per square meter. I’d personally choose the rolls."
5. Rubber Cal Elephant Bark Floor Mat – Best in Rolls
The rubber Cal Elephant Bark floor mats are a solution for anyone who has to cover a large area with flooring and doesn't want the hassle of small tiles. It's a roll-type flooring that can cover around 4 feet of length per piece.
- Shape: Rectangular sheets
- Material: Rubber
- Color Palette: Black with color dots
- Item weight: 7.61 pounds
- Thickness: 0.19 inches
- Product Dimensions: 48 X 24 to 48 X 300 inches
The product comes in the form of long sheets, similar to yoga mats, just made of rubber instead of foam. They don't need installation or tools. Simply spread them like general mats, match their ends for a seamless look, and use some glue or carpet tape to fix them.
Suppose you are planning to use this sheet over soft main flooring, don´t. While the rubber may offer some resistance against damage, its thickness is not enough to eliminate much shock.
The rubber flooring for home gyms uses recycled tires as its main material. The material in itself is long life, super tough, and resistant to all kinds of impacts. The EPDM added into it further enhances its quality and makes it UV-proof too.
photo by @rubbercal.official
The rough and grainy structure of the rubber mat makes it ideal for long uses. The mats can hide most of the dust and will not look dirty. But again, like other rubber mats for the gym, this one also needs regular airing and odor-reduction treatment.
The 0.19 inch thick sheet is highly abrasive and non-compressive. It can easily retain both its shape and its position. It will form the perfect base for your workout, provided you don't need much impact or noise dampening.
These long-length mats cost a fraction of what most mats will cost for the same area. Not to mention, they have high strength, which enables them to undergo long rough usage without issues. Thus, it's a great deal if you have a large gym area to cover.
Positives:
Comes in widths of 2 to 25 feet
Water and UV resistant
60A durometer
Could be better:
Better to use extra cover or platform for heavy lifts
When asked about the Rubber Cal Elephant Bark Floor Mat, Jon started smiling:
"I use these down at my gym! Let me tell you — it is REALLY good."
6. Rogue Deadlift Platform + Eva Foam Flooring – A Compromise Solution
If you’re looking to protect the floor inside your home gym and you’re also on a budget, then you can use affordable EVA foam such as BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat. This will ensure your floor is protected without burning a hole in your pocket. But, if you’re into deadlifts, and are often lifting heavy weights, then using just the affordable EVA foam won’t cut it. The EVA foam wasn’t designed to withstand rigorous pounding by heavy weights being dropped on them. What you’ll need is a dedicated deadlift platform – and our suggestion is to use the ROGUE Deadlift Platform on top of the affordable foam mat.
- Shape: Rectangle
- Material: Powder-coated steel
- Color Palette: Black
- Item Weight: N/A
- Thickness: 2''
- Product Dimensions: 8’ 4’’ L x 4’ 4’’ W inches
- Special features: Doesn’t require bolting to the ground; has 4 pegs as anchors for resistance bands to enhance deadlifting
The ROGUE deadlift platform has the following dimensions: 8’ x 4’. It has an 11-gauge 2x2 Steel frame and, when bought, comes with two floor plates (as standard). You won’t have to bolt this platform into the ground (which is perfect since you’re placing it on top of the EVA foam flooring, and it is very easy to assemble due to its bolt-together setup and the laser-cut, precision-bent gussets.
photo by @texarkanasportsplex
To complete the ROGUE deadlift platform, you’ll need to insert 8 Rogue Rubber 24x24-inch tiles (1.5-inch thick with a crumb/smooth finish), which are sold separately. The ROGUE tiles are rubbery, very durable, stiff, and firm to help absorb the impact of heavy weights being dropped on them.
The Rogue platform is a great addition to any home gym where heavy lifting is involved – especially for deadlift lovers! And by opting for the BalanceForm Mats as a layer underneath, you’re also ensuring that the rest of your gym floor is protected.
Positives:
Dedicated platform for heavy ifting
Extremely durable and can take tremendous beating without suffering damage
The platform is designed to add extra resistance to deadlifts (requires 2 resistance bands)
No need to damage flooring (requires no bolting in)
Could be better:
The platform, even though it is designed to be used with tiles, required the user to buy them separately
Might not easily fit in smaller spaces due to its 8-ft x 4-ft size
Once set-up, is hard to move around the gym
Next we’ve asked about the ROGUE deadlift platform + affordable EVO foam combo:
"Yeah, definitely! It’s a great combination, these two. Keep in mind that the deadlift platform’s not suitable for snatch, or clean and jerk. It’s simply too small. The EVO foam tiles are the cheapest, but not very durable. What I would do is cover the entire gym floor with the BalanceFrom Evo Mats and then put the deadlift platform on top of it. That could work if you are tight on a budget! "
7. BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat – Best Foam
The Puzzle gym mats by Balance From are a reliable choice if you’re looking for a foam exercise mat that is simple to assemble due to its simple yet effective puzzle design. The BalanceFrom Mat furthermore combines durability, versatility and value. Once disassembled, they are really easy to store (you can easily stack them). Let’s see what sets them apart from others and why they earn the title of ‘Best Foam’ gym flooring.
- Shape: Interlocking Tiles
- Material: EVA foam
- Color Palette: Black, Blue, Grey
- Item weight: 6 Pounds per 6 tiles
- Thickness: 0.5-1 inches
- Product Dimensions: 24 X 24 inches
These tiles follow the standard puzzle-type structure that makes them easy to assemble and disassemble. Just align the interlocking pattern, push it a little, and you are good to go. Disassembling them will also be a breeze.
In contrast to most other foam flooring, the protective quality of BalanceFrom tiles is not fixed. The tiles come in multiple thicknesses, and the protection will depend on the thickness you buy. But still, it's foam, so you can expect decent impact absorption.
The material used for these tiles is EVA foam; which is known for its durability. The company has also done great work on the upper side pattern to offer decent traction for all your activities. Overall, the build quality is impressive.
The maintenance and cleaning of this flooring are the same as most other EVA-based tiles. You can keep it new with regular vacuuming and wiping with a chemical-free solution.
This interlocking exercise mat comes in a couple of different top patterns. You have the standard industrial floor pattern, checked patterns, and a simple line pattern. The traction of the flooring will change slightly for each pattern. But the overall performance, noise absorption, and durability will be up to the mark.
With different patterns, areas, colors, and thickness options, this gym flooring is a perfect option for everyone. You can make selections according to your place, floor material, and workout. You don't have to pay for thickness or size you don't need.
Positives:
Comes in 0.5, 0.75, and 1 inch of thickness
Ideal for soap and water cleaning
Moisture resistant
Could be better:
Can strongly compress under constant heavy load
Not the best floor cover for dropping weights
We jumped straight to the next product, as it was the EVO foam from the combo above — BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat:
"Foam tiles such as these would be best suited for dedicated warmup/stretching areas."
8. Fas Home Artificial Grass Turf – Best Add-on
Workout spaces can look boring and monochromatic sometimes so to break up that color scheme, here's some grass turf. Everything is easier to look at when you have some greenery included, even if it's artificial.
- Shape: Rectangular
- Material: Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Rubber
- Color Palette: Green
- Item Weight: 8.48 lbs.
- Product Dimensions: 84"L x 48"W
- Special features: Drainage hole
The turf resembles natural grass (except under direct sunlight) because of its 1.38'' height and it's a great choice if you want to freshen up the look of your home gym.
The grass has 4 tones of color, which adds to its realistic look and it's UV-resistant, which means direct sunlight won't damage it. But it will make it look like a bunch of plastic green blades, unfortunately.
The back is rubber and has drainage holes, so water seeps through easily. The surface always remains dry.
If you're worried about installing it – don't be. It's the easiest thing in the world to do, you just roll it out to whatever surface you want to place it on.
You can use the grass turf as a dedicated warm-up area for your gym. It breaks the monotony of typical indoor floorings while, at the same time, placing you in a mood that’s more aligned with nature.
Be vary of using a sled on the turf (especially if it’s packed with heavy weights). The dragging motion can damage the turf, ultimately leaving you with bold spots on the flooring.
This is a fun way to add some color to your environment, and the ease of assembly (if we can even call rolling it out assembly) makes it even better.
Positives:
Looks somewhat realistic
Drainage holes in the back
Easy way to decorate
Could be better:
Looks very plastic under direct sunlight
Can be damaged quite quickly
And as the last product, we has asked Jon Alvarez about the Fas Home Artificial Grass Turf:
"The ‘yes’ streak ends here. I wouldn’t buy this one. And it is not because I have anything against turfs. They have their uses. The thing is that buying turf is surprisingly more complex than most people think. This turf appears to be for aesthetic purposes and will likely wear and damage quickly with sled pushes."
What Is Home Gym Flooring?
During a gym session, people will use and drop weights that can damage your standard flooring. The same is also possible due to the weight of large gym machines. And since it's costly to replace the whole floor with something like wood or cork, it's essential to use home gym flooring. It forms a layer over your usual floor, adding to damage resistance and shock absorption. Its the reason why the market for gym flooring is increasing along with the number of flooring options.
The floorings are available in many different designs, materials, and sizes. But for home gyms, it's best to stick with the following options.
6 Benefits of Having Home Gym Flooring
Getting the best gym flooring is a great help in enhancing the aesthetics of your place. It can make the place look clean and also influence its hygiene. They are developed to prevent issues like mold and bacteria.
Moreover, the gym floors are high in impact strength. They can absorb most of the shock, preventing any damage to your main floor. Not to mention, reduce the noise of falling equipment and weights.
Good quality gym floor mats can also prevent gym injuries by providing a softer landing surface and better grip you need for your workout. They also form a very even and somewhat non-shifting surface, reducing the risk of stumbling.
Regardless of whether you already own gym flooring, or are just planning to buy, it doesn’t hurt to know all the benefits of using them.
✅ Floor Protection
The most obvious benefit – it protects your floors. Heavy gym equipment can do a decent amount of damage if you don't use some kind of floor protection. When thinking of ‘floor protection’, heavy lifting often comes to mind, but that is not the only issue. Static equipment (e.g., exercise bikes) can leave scuffs, imprints, and even scratches on the floor if the floor is unprotected.
✅ Equipment Stability
Gym flooring is cushioned, which means it will make your workout equipment more stable. It will reduce movement and vibrations so your machines and accessories stay in place.
✅ Absorbing Shock
If you get high-quality flooring, then you'll notice how well it can absorb shock. This comes in handy with jumping or running, and it's also good for your joints. Also, it's important to note that shock-absorbing flooring can prevent falls.
✅ Less Noise
Workouts can be loud, but gym flooring will absorb a lot of the noise and make the environment more quiet. Imagine dropping weights on the floor and the noise that would produce. With a good surface, however, you don't have to worry about that.
✅ Comfort
Have you ever tried working out on hardwood floors? If you haven't, do yourself a favor and don't try. It's extremely uncomfortable, which is why you need the cushioning that gym flooring can provide.
✅ Hygiene
Gym flooring is easy to clean and maintain. You just wipe it down, and all the sweat, dust, and grime goes away. This makes your gym more pleasant, and hygienic, and there's less bacteria and odor.
7 Main Types for Home Gym Flooring
1. Rubber
Rubber flooring is the most preferred option for home gyms due to its ease of use and cost. It's the cheapest gym flooring option that's also ready to use without any expert installation. Just measure your place, cut the sheets according to it, and lay them out. You can use carpet tapers or other fixtures, but the flooring type can work perfectly even without them. As for size, it's available in multiple sizes and both as rolls and as tiles.
Another big advantage is that rubber is easy to clean. Plus, rubber is pretty durable, shock absorbent, and it's high on grip. The rubber flooring is perfect for activities like weight lifting that need high stability and traction. So, dropping weight isn't a problem. Although, this flooring can have that rubbery odor.
2. Stall Mats
Being honest, stall mats are a subtype of rubber mats. It's like a thicker version of rubber flooring that's designed for farms. They are used for horses, so you can expect very high durability and damage resistance. And it doesn't need much cleaning.
The flooring usually comes in tile shape, and you can cut or add tiles to fit your needs. However, you will need some sort of fixture, like carpet tape, to create clean seams. And as it's made from recycled tires, the odor is rather strong. It does reduce with time, though.
3. Foam
Foam-based gym floor mats are the best alternative to rubber. It has identical features and offers somewhat the same life and ease of installation. The difference is that this flooring comes in standard-size tile and will have some sort of pattern to interlock them. Like rubber, you can cut the foam pieces to adjust the size. Most companies will also provide specific pieces that interlock with the end tiles.
The only problem with foam gym flooring is that it compresses. If you keep a machine or heavyweight in the same place for a long time, it will form a permanent compression. Moreover, this compression makes the flooring unsuitable for weight lifting. And being soft, the foam flooring is easy to cut and can take heat damage.
4. Carpet
Turf carpets are yet another great material for your home gym. The material, as you can guess from its name, depicts a particular terrain, usually a grass field, over a layer of foam. You may have seen them being used for football grounds. Although, the turf carpets used for the home gym are softer.
The flooring is great for activities like lunges, warming up, short-distance sled works, hip thrusts, and more. However, it's not ideal for heavy workouts. In other words, it's not a standalone type and is mostly used in combination with rubber or foam mats.
5. Vinyl
If you intend to use the gym for light workouts and Yoga, Vinyl can be an option. The material offers a long life of 5-10 years and is the best flooring for a workout room in terms of aesthetics. Vinyl is also water and mold-resistant. Plus, it's very easy to clean it.
But again, you cannot use it for weight training as it has zero noise reduction and shock absorption. Your floor will bear the full impact of any drop. Plus, it's very thin, so you need to combine it with yoga mats or underline. Thus, it's the last resort.
6. Plastic
This usually comes in the form of interlocking tiles, it's lightweight and easy to put together. Plastic flooring is also very affordable and comfortable. It's not as durable as rubber flooring, but can still offer decent protection for your floors and equipment.
7. Turf
Artificial turf is the most unique type of flooring you can get, and it's also very visually appealing. It's used in functional training areas, sled pushes, and agility exercises. The turf is cushioned and grippy, so it's great for many different types of workouts. When it comes to maintenance, regular brushing is required. This way you’re keeping the fibers upright. Also, do an occasional wash to remove accumulated dirt and sweat. With proper care and the turf’s durability, it will remain in good condition for a long time.
What to Look For in Home Gym Flooring?
Flooring is a big deal, so you want to make sure you're getting something that will suit your needs – and this means it should be comfortable for you, and it should protect your floors and equipment. There are a few very important things to pay attention to before you decide on what to add to your home gym.
How to Choose Proper Flooring?
1. Ease of Assembly
The easier and more straightforward the gym flooring is to assemble, the better (especially if you have a home gym setup where you have to assemble/disassemble on a daily basis). Look for flooring options that have clear-cut instructions and ensure they don’t require any additional or specialized tools. Mats and interlocking tiles are commonly user-friendly.
2. Protection
Floor protection is there to protect the floor, and the athlete (think of joint friendliness). Think of the types of exercises that will be performed and choose accordingly.
3. Material
The quality of the materials affects all of the listed criteria in some way. When buying floor tiles, your primary criteria should be product longevity. High-quality materials will resist wear and tear better, helping it to retain its good condition for longer.
4. Durability
If you’re going to do heavy weightlifting, using heavy gym equipment /machinery (e.g., treadmills, rowers, exercise bikes, etc.), or moving equipment around the gym regularly, then you’ll benefit greatly from getting flooring that will be able to withstand the rough treatment without showing signs of wear.
5. Price/Quality
Think of your budget and how much flooring you need. It might be tempting to buy cheaper options, but it is vital to weigh the price that you’ll be paying with the benefits you’ll enjoy (or not enjoy). Sometimes investing more upfront can save you more money in the long run – while providing you with greater benefits.
6. Thickness
This will affect comfort and shock absorption. Thick flooring (like rubber and foam) is going to absorb shocks and make the workouts easier on your body, but especially the joints. If you’re unsure what good thickness is, keep in mind that standard gym flooring varies in thickness from ¼ inch to ¾ inch (you can even find some specialized going to 1 inch in thickness).
Choose the thickness of the flooring depending on the exercise/workout you plan on performing. For heavy weightlifting, a thicker mat is often better. For basic training and basic body exercises, ¼ of an inch can suffice.
7. Type of Exercise
Flooring needs to match the workouts you do, so don't skip this step. If you do a lot of heavy lifting and weight training, choose something durable, like dense rubber. If you like yoga and bodyweight exercises, then your best bet is something comfortable and cushioned, like foam or carpet.
Tips From the Champ
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
8. Noise Reduction Abilities
Rubber and foam are the absolute best when it comes to reducing the amount of noise. If your workouts include dropping weights or high-impact movements, then foam or rubber flooring is ideal.
9. Grip
Good grip will prevent accidents that can lead to injuries. Rubber, vinyl, and certain kinds of foam are very grippy, so you have less to worry about slips or falls with them.
10. Compression
Compression refers to how much the flooring gives under pressure and how well it bounces back. You want minimal compression for heavy lifting and equipment because your priority is stability. Rubber and vinyl are known for low compression, so they're ideal for weightlifting.
11. Color and Design
Color and design have a huge impact on how your gym looks, so choose something that won't annoy you if you're looking at it on a daily basis. Keep the theme of your gym in mind, but also consider the fact that lighter colors show dirt and wear more quickly than darker ones.
5 Tips on How to Install Home Gym Flooring
Installing the flooring correctly can be a very simple thing to do, if you make sure you know what you're doing first. It's also crucial when it comes to the flooring's functionality and longevity.
1. Space Preparation
The first step is to clear the area your new flooring is going to be installed in. Clean it thoroughly and remove furniture or anything else that may get in the way.
2. Measuring
Once everything is cleared out, it's time to measure the space so you know how much flooring you need. Keep in mind, there may be some cuts or adjustments done to the flooring.
3. Start from the Center
Start at the center and work your way out. If you need to make some cuts to make the flooring fit against the walls, they'll be less noticeable because there will be no cuts in the center.
4. Proper Alignment
If you're using interlocking tiles, make sure the connectors are properly aligned. If the connectors are not aligned, there can be gaps, and the final result may be uneven.
5. Adjusting
As you go along, check that everything is leveled and aligned and make sure there are no gaps. If you need to, you can make adjustments.
How to Clean Home Gym Matting in 6 Steps
1. Sweeping and Vacuuming
Make sure you're regularly removing dust and dirt that builds up. This makes sure your surface keeps its nice appearance for a long time.
2. Cleaning Spills and Stains
As soon as you see a stain or spill on the flooring, wipe it down with a damp cloth and some mild soap. If you let the stain sit, it will set, and you'll have a very hard time removing it.
3. Deep Cleaning
Gyms, in general, can be filled with all sorts of bacteria(even ones resistant to antibiotics!), so your flooring needs to be deep-cleaned every once in a while, so set up a routine. If there are no instructions from the manufacturer, a deep clean every few weeks is ideal.
4. Use Mild Cleaning Products
Harsh chemicals can damage the flooring, so use something mild and gentle. You can also find cleaning solutions designed especially for mat cleaning.
5. Avoid Too Much Moisture
Don't soak the mat. Instead, use a damp cloth, because too much moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and odor.
6. Air Drying
Anything other than air drying at room temperature is a big no-no. Also, direct sunlight can cause damage just like heat can.
FAQ
The thickness of your home gym flooring mats will depend on your main flooring material. If it is something hard like concrete, a quarter-inch thick flooring is good, whereas, for softer material, you will need a thickness of half an inch or more.
Do you need gym flooring for your home gym?
The gym floorings are not just for aesthetics. They are essential for hygiene, damage prevention, noise dampening, and for extra grip. So, yes, it's good to have it.
Do you need to put anything under the gym flooring?
Most of the best mats for home gym don't need any lining. They may need some tape or glue to hold them in place, but that is all you will need, except vinyl flooring. This flooring is not good for noise prevention, so you might want to add a carpet or foam for that purpose.
Can I put the gym floor over the carpet?
Yes, you can use the floor over the carpet, but it's risky. There's a chance that the carpet underneath can slip, causing shifts in the floor, which may injure someone. So, if possible, don't do it.
Conclusion
Finding the best home gym flooring may need some research, but with this list, you know the top products to consider. If you are looking for long-term flooring at an affordable rate, just go for the American Floor Mats Interlocking Rubber Tiles.
And don't forget to share your experience using these home gym floor mats in the comment section below. Also, let us know any flooring you think should be on the list.
References:
1. "Global Gym Flooring Market by Type" Data Intelo: https://dataintelo.com/report/gym-flooring-market/ (accessed May 10, 2023).
2. Dawn C. Mackey "The Flooring for Injury Prevention (FLIP) Study of compliant flooring for the prevention of fall-related injuries in long-term care: A randomized trial" PLoS Med. 2019 Jun 24
3. Bethany Keenan "A comparison of floor surfaces for injury prevention in care settings: impact forces and horizontal pulling force required to move wheeled equipment" Osteoporosis International July 2020
4. Nabanita Mukherjee "Diversity of Bacterial Communities of Fitness Center Surfaces in a U.S. Metropolitan Area" Int J Environ Res Public Health 2014 Dec 3.
5. Nsikan Akpan "Your gym mats may be breeding antibiotic-resistant germs" PBS NewsHour Dec 11, 2018
6. Ju-Hyeong Park "Mold exposure and respiratory health in damp indoor environments" Front Biosci (Elite Ed). 2011 Jan 1;3(2):757-71
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Hello @Maria!
As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to clean your home gym flooring at least once a week. However, the frequency of cleaning really depends on how often you use your gym, how sweaty you get, and what types of exercises you do. If you work out every day and tend to sweat a lot, you may want to clean your flooring more often. On the other hand, if you only use your gym a few times a week and don’t sweat too much, once a week may be sufficient. It’s important to choose a cleaning solution that is safe for your flooring and won’t damage it over time. Regular cleaning can help keep your gym flooring looking and smelling fresh, and can also prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
Maria
How often should I clean my home gym flooring?
Thomas Dubois
Yo, fellow lifters! I recently got my hands on this ProsourceFit exercise mat, and it’s a total game-changer! As someone who lifts at home on a carpeted surface, finding the right gym mat for carpet was a struggle, but this one is perfect. The interlocking tiles make it easy to install, and the anti-skid pattern ensures I don’t slip during my workouts.
Plus, it looks pretty sleek with its smooth borders, and there are different color options to match your style. The ½ inch thickness provides excellent shock resistance, and I haven’t had any issues with noise or impact. The only thing to note is that it can compress a bit under very heavy weights, but that’s not a dealbreaker for me.
Overall, this item is a must-have for anyone looking for a durable, easy-to-use gym mat for carpeted floors. It’s made my home workouts so much better, and I highly recommend it!