Benefits of Rubber Gym Flooring
Creating the best workout environment requires careful consideration, with the marriage of design and function at the forefront of priorities. One of the most important considerations that shouldn’t be overlooked is the gym flooring.
Whether a commercial gym, boutique fitness facility, or private home gym, the surface used can and will significantly impact a range of factors including safety, performance, aesthetics, and one’s overall experience.
Rubber gym flooring has emerged as an obvious standout solution when it comes to which gym floor to install, mainly due to it’s versatility across many training modalities.
Going beyond mere aesthetics, rubber floors provide a durable foundation that stands the test of time, successfully enduring the elements that accompany intense physical activity.
With that said, in what follows, we’ll be uncovering the many advantages of installing rubber floors in YOUR gym, whatever the setup may be; From exceptional durability and safety features to its versatility and low-maintenance nature.
With this guide, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of why rubber flooring is the premier choice for most, and why those who fail to install it tend to regret it soon after.
So, if you want to elevate the exercise environment for you, your members, and your staff, this article is for you. Let’s jump right into it!
Top 6 Benefits of Rubber Floors
Garnering widespread recognition for its many advantages, rubber gym flooring has become the go-to choice for those most educated in the gym-building business.
Whether you’re a gym-designer, gym owner, fitness enthusiast, or athlete, rubber is undoubtedly the superior gym surface for installation and training, and for more reasons than one.
In this section, we’ll be diving into the six most prevalent benefits of rubber floors and why YOU should consider it as your number-one choice if you’ve yet to decide which type of flooring to install.
Versatility
Arguably the most obvious and most considered advantage of rubber gym mats is their versatility of function. Not only does it cater to a broad spectrum of physical activities but it also comes in a variety of thickness levels and surface textures.
Whether you’re installing it for weightlifting and high-volume bodybuilding, or heart-pounding cardio sessions and sports, rubber gym floors remain the most suitable and adaptable for the requirements of any number of fitness demands.
Finally, withstanding its versatile functionality, rubber matting is also versatile in the way of installation and aesthetics. With the ability to be installed in custom designs and colours, YOU can create unique workout zones to your liking to make for an appealing atmosphere.
Shock Absorption & Acoustics
Especially in shared spaces but also relevant in private home gyms, noise reduction remains an important consideration for most. Luckily, rubber flooring excels in both shock absorption and acoustics, reducing the overall vibrations caused by high-impact exercises and heavy equipment.
Not only does this advantage make for an overall more peaceful and less-distracting workout environment but it also reduces the concern about safety or floor damage, as loud noises are often associated with such concerns.
Whether you’re looking to enhance the overall experience for your gym members OR you’re hoping to minimize disturbances in neighboring spaces, this feature underscores the many practical benefits that come with installing rubber floors.
Non-Slip & Safety
Rubber also excels in safety, boasting an effective non-slip surface ideal for intense workouts, cardio areas and heavy foot traffic. Intentionally designed to provide appropriate traction, the ultimate result is a reduction in accidents and injuries, proving invaluable for the liability of private gyms AND the performance of athletes.
Whether you’re performing HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), weightlifting, yoga, or any other form of physical activity, rubber gym floors add a welcomed layer of safety, ensuring athletes and gym owners alike that it’s the preferred flooring choice for more reasons than one.
Durability
The unrivalled durability of rubber is an advantage that can’t be denied. Boasting a remarkable level of durability that’s proven to stand up against the most intense and tough of workouts, this type of flooring doesn’t succumb easily to the rigour of gym life.
From enduring the relentless pounding of weights and the friction of cardio equipment to maintaining its strength after continuous foot traffic and heavy-duty cleaning activities, the durability is unmatched.
As a result of this level of durability, this naturally high-resistant flooring ultimately becomes extremely cost-effective and safe in comparison to its less-durable cousins; an investment that guarantees less maintenance and more safety over the course of time.
Maximise you gym space
With space often at a premium, especially in the UK, we believe it’s essential to make your entire gym floor a usable training space. Rubber flooring invites your members to pick up a set of Dumbbells (or Kettlebells, YBells and so on) and train anywhere on the gym floor. This encourages users to train functionally anywhere, whereas Vinyl or Wood flooring suggests that the machines are the only place to train.
Aesthetics
Combining the previous five advantages into one results in the overall aesthetic appeal of rubber flooring. With no worries about damage or stains, and because of its versatility of design both in the way it’s installed and its colour/design variety, rubber is a competitive choice for those prioritizing aesthetic appeal. Subtle changes in design and finish is also a great way to create specific zones on the gym floor.Types of Rubber Flooring
There are several types of flooring to choose from, and it oftentimes can be hard to know which type to choose when building out a gym or fitness facility, especially when you’re not familiar with the differences between each.
Rubber floors are typically installed via gym floor mats, interlocking tiles or rolls, and come in several types, each designed to meet different needs and preferences. Not all gym flooring is created equal, with higher quality through to entry level products available. The choice of workout surface largely depends on factors like the type of exercises performed, the amount of traffic, the budget, and aesthetics.
The most common types of floors are:
Rubber Mats: These are individual square or rectangular pieces of rubber flooring. They are typically thicker and provide excellent shock absorption, making them suitable for heavy weightlifting areas. They are often used in powerlifting or Olympic lifting zones.
Rubber Floor Rolls: This type of workout surface consists of large, continuous rolls of rubber. It's a popular choice for commercial gyms because it's easy to install and covers large areas with minimal seams. Rubber Rolls come in various thicknesses and can be customized for specific applications.
Interlocking Tiles: Rubber interlocking tiles are easy to install and can be customized to fit the gym's layout. They have a puzzle-piece design that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making them a good choice for home gyms. They offer shock absorption and come in different thicknesses and patterns.
High-Density Flooring: High-density floors are made with a higher density of rubber, which provides greater durability and resistance to wear and tear. It is suitable for high-traffic areas and commercial gyms.
Wrapping it Up
Often overlooked, the choice of your floor material plays a pivotal role in determining both the safety and functionality of the gym. Emerging as a standout solution for the reasons discussed throughout this article and more, rubber gym flooring is a superior option.
From its exceptional durability that will withstand the rigours of daily strain to its versatility in form and function, this low-maintenance, cost-effective option makes for a practical choice for large commercial gyms and boutique private fitness spaces alike.
Extending far beyond aesthetics alone, this workout surface has many advantages worth exploring. So, whatever the demands of your fitness space might be, rubber floors remain the foundation of the best gyms around the world.
About Stronger Wellness
Benefitting from 25 years of experience within the Fitness Industry, Stronger Wellness specializes in crafting premium and highly functional Training Spaces throughout the UK. Our comprehensive services encompass Consultancy, Gym Design, Gym Flooring, and premium Gym Equipment. Partnering with leading global brands, we offer the most cutting-edge, award-winning products to create innovative and exceptional fitness environments.
Feel free to reach out to us to explore how we can contribute to your fitness space endeavors.