Creating a space to work out at home comes with a range of benefits, from being able to exercise whenever suits you, to being able to add equipment that will help you reach your goals. There are a few factors to consider when it comes to designing your own home gym, like the equipment you need, from cardio and weight machines to the best weightlifting belt. But there is one aspect that is often overlooked – the flooring you’ll need. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular types of gym flooring and the benefits that come with each.
Why is flooring important in a home gym?
Creating your own home gym is exciting, but there is one crucial element that you must not overlook when designing your space, and that’s the type of flooring you use. If you’re working out in your bedroom, or you’ve doubled up another room to use as your gym space, you might not think you need to worry about your flooring – carpet is soft so surely, it’s ideal? But this isn’t always the case.
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the perfect flooring, with the most important being safety. Choosing flooring perfect for a gym means you will be able to benefit from shock absorption, you don’t have to worry about slipping and injuring yourself, and you can reduce the chance of odours taking hold. Along with this, if you drop your gym equipment, the material that you choose can absorb the sound, and impact, to reduce noise and damage.
Types of home gym flooring
Depending on what you think looks and feels best, there are a few types of flooring that you can add to your home gym to make it feel like a functioning space, so you can get the most out of your workouts. Here are a few types of flooring you could choose for your home gym, and the benefits that come with each.
Rubber flooring
This is one of the most popular types of flooring when it comes to gyms, and you can implement it into your space easily, as it usually comes in rolls or interlocking squares. A couple of the main benefits that come with using rubber for floor tiles are that they are incredibly strong and great for shock absorption, so if you’re lifting heavy barbells or dumbbells, this flooring could be the best choice for you. It’s also bouncy, so could also be great for HIIT or cardio-based workouts. It’s easy to clean and environmentally friendly – you can even choose from a range of colours to suit your style and home aesthetic!
Foam flooring
Whilst rubber can be expensive, foam is a great option for those of us that need ideal gym flooring at the fraction of the price. This material is both light and soft and can be used for a range of different exercises. It’s particularly good for covering hard concrete – perfect for those working out in the garage – and can be great if you need a comfortable surface to perform Pilates, yoga, or cardio workouts. Foam flooring often comes in tiles, so you can choose the amount you need to fit in your space. Most foam floor materials can be wiped clean too. If you lift heavy weights, the foam may not be the best idea as the impact could leave dents and lead to tears.
Carpet flooring
When working out from home, your space may already be carpeted which is a bonus – but it does depend on the type of carpet and whether it allows you to maintain your grip. If you are looking to carpet your gym area, there are a few benefits that come with it.
For example, choosing a carpet specifically for the gym means high-quality durability, you don’t have to worry about wear and tear, and the impact it might have on the overall look – your carpet should stand up to impact from weights and movement. If you’re performing yoga on your carpeted area, choosing an exercise mat is the best idea to prevent you from sliding. Another issue that you might find when it comes to using carpet for exercise is that it can absorb sweat, so if you’re looking for a wipe-clean type of flooring, this may not be the best option.
