Whether you’re renovating the basement into a gym or simply want to work out more at home, it’s important to consider the material underfoot. The type of floor can have a significant impact on your safety, comfort, and support, so it’s worthwhile choosing one that will benefit you in the long run. At our Calgary flooring store, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you find a home gym floor that’s right for you. Here’s four to start you off.
Carpet
Funnily enough, carpet is one of the most popular flooring choices for home gyms. They’re also popular in actual gyms, which has likely inspired people to replicate at home. Of course, we’re not talking thick, plush shag-pile; instead, opt for a short low-pile or commercial-grade carpet with a tight loop. This type of carpet is highly durable (though still soft underfoot), family-friendly, and has excellent traction for HIIT workouts. Downsides include carpet burn (imagine sit-ups or planks) and cleaning requirements – as most carpets retain moisture, mould can occur if not professionally cleaned. That said, waterproof carpets are now in the market which would alleviate that problem. You could also put an exercise mat down to prevent carpet burn.
Carpets are great for:
- Yoga
- Cardio workouts
- Weight training
Rubber
Rubber is probably the best choice if you are converting a room into a full-time fitness area. It’s a common gym flooring material and works well for the majority of workout types. Rubber is resilient, versatile, and can last for over a decade, even with daily wear and tear. It’s incredibly easy (though often heavy) to install, available in the form of mats, rolls, and tiles. It’s also the best for shock absorption, making it great for weight training. You can sweat it out on a rubber floor without worrying about ruining the material – rubber is waterproof and, therefore, also easy to clean with a damp mop. There are, of course, some disadvantages to rubber – it can be expensive compared to other floors, and there’s very little insulation.
Rubber gym floors are suitable for:
- Weight lifting
- Fitness classes (thanks to the noise absorption)
- Everything else (thanks to its versatility)
Vinyl
If you want a gym floor that is practical, water-resistant, and easy to install, vinyl is your answer. It’s a long-lasting material that is easy to clean and has a range of different color options. Vinyl is a smart choice if you don’t want a full-time home gym; it’s a popular flooring type installed throughout the home, so it won’t look out of place if you remove the gym equipment. Vinyl is less shock absorbent than other materials, which is a downside, and they can puncture if you drop objects on them, so they’re not the best choice if using heavy weights.
Choose a vinyl gym floor for:
- Dancing
- Yoga
- Bodyweight/low-intensity fitness classes
Cork
Cork is a sustainable material that is perfect for eco-conscious athletes. It’s shock-resistant, flexible, and water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about getting a sweat on. Like vinyl, it’s also a great choice if you want your room to be multi-functional. One disadvantage though, is that it can be easily torn or dented.
Consider cork for:
- Weight lifting
- Fast-paced cardio workouts
- Exercise machines
Before you decide on which floor is best suited to your home gym, consider the type of exercise you’ll be doing, the equipment you’ll be using, and whether the space will have a multi-purpose. For guidance and advice on your home gym floor, contact our experts at Home Flooring Design Centre, in-store or online.