Demand for home gym equipment has gone through the roof with many athletes deciding to set up their own workout areas for the short and long-term future.
Having a dedicated space for training certainly motivates you to get sessions in, and the flooring is one of the most important choices when designing the space.
Here, Built for Athletes takes a look at six of the best surfaces to consider for a home gym.
Interlocking Foam Squares
Interlocking foam squares are possibly the most popular choice for home gyms due to being light, easy to put down and relatively affordable. They are generally not the most durable of options though so may need to be replaced quicker than other surfaces, particularly if you’re moving heavy weights around.
Rubber Mats
Rubber mats are ideal to place underneath heavy exercise machines like treadmills or cross-trainers. They are more stable than foam, meaning they are less likely to slip, and can deal with high forces.
Heavy Duty Rubber Mats
If you’re designing a gym to use for the long term and will be lifting weights, then investing in a heavy-duty, commercial-standard rubber mat could be worth your while. While it will cost you more than other options, having a more professional feel to your home gym may provide more enjoyment, and it is likely to last for a very long time.
Artificial Lawn
If you want to do functional exercises like sled workouts or sprints then artificial lawn might be the option for you. Synthetic turf can work particularly well in outdoor gyms because they blend into garden areas nicely.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a practical offering if you don’t want the space to be a gym all the time and expect to be using it for other activities. You can easily find a durable vinyl that will be stylish and suit multiple needs.
Carpet
Carpet tends to be used frequently in home gyms and it actually does a decent job. It’s soft on joints and is very hard to tear. The downside is that if you’re sweating heavily into carpets it can promote bacteria growth and unpleasant odours.
