So, you have decided to convert a garage, basement or another room at home into your personal gym. The decision has been made so the next step is to start. Before filling your new personal gym with all the equipment you want to use, it is best to consider the type of flooring you have and how you are going to protect it or your equipment from it. One of the best ways to do that is by buying rubber matting for gyms. Hand gripper workout – How To Grow Your Grip · Start with your palms together, fingers pointing up near the chin.
Why does my floor need protection?
In this section we are going to talk about the different types of floor – cement, wood, carpet – and look at the pluses and minuses of using each of them.
Cement
Cement floors are hard and strong so damage will probably not be your first thought. However, consider how heavy some gym equipment is. Dropping heavy equipment can cause chipping and damage to a cement floor – and your equipment can also get damaged by impact with such a hard, inflexible surface.
On top of cement being cold in the winter months it can be hard on your feet, hands and knees when exercising. It can also be quite hard to clean. One plus is that it is the best base for laying a proper gym floor on top.
Wood
Functionally, wood floors can be quite good for a home gym. They have some ‘give’ and should not damage your equipment when you drop it. However, they present some of the same problems as cement floors. They can still be quite hard on your body when working out and they do not always offer the best grip. The biggest problem with this type of floor is its durability, as it will get scuffed, scratched and possibly cracked in a home gym.
Carpet
Carpets can be a comfortable solution and actually decent to work out on, especially ones with a low pile, but they come with a different set of problems. Apart from the fact that carpet is not the most durable option, its biggest problem is the possibility of mould, because some workouts are done on the floor and in general when exercising people tend to sweat and breathe more deeply. This mould can become toxic over time.
The solution
To solve these problems you can lay a new floor on top of the existing wood or cement flooring. There are a few options, but we are going to talk about rubber solutions because these offer gym users and their equipment valuable protection and because they are easy to clean.
Rubber rolls
Rubber rolls are mainly preferred for commercial gyms rather than home ones. This is because they can be expensive and are not easy to fit, especially if your room is an odd shape. On the plus side, they are durable and resistant to water and odour. You will not have to worry about damaging them or about any mould forming. They are suitable for a variety of exercises and have a good impact absorption.
Rubber mats
Rubber mats are a great choice for both commercial and home gyms. They can still be expensive but the benefits can outweigh the price. They are perfect to cover smaller spaces.
Just like the rubber rolls, rubber mats are durable, water- and odour-resistant, have good impact absorption and are good for all types of exercises. What sets them apart is that they are easy to install.
Rubber tiles
Rubber tiles are also very good to cover smaller workout spaces and as a cushion underneath heavier equipment. They are not the most durable and a tad expensive but quite versatile.
They are durable, water- and odour-resistant, have good impact absorption and are good for all types of exercises. Also, they are easy to install.
