The Best Flooring Options for Your Home Gym
It all starts with the ground you’re walking (and sweating) on.
Your dream home training space is almost complete. You have state-of-the-art equipment, wall mirrors, and a kick-ass stereo system. But there’s one important thing you’re forgetting that lays the groundwork for any successful sweat sesh: the floor.
You might already have an unfinished basement space with concrete floor, but be warned: that’s not going to cut it. The poor traction and lack of impact shock absorption can lead to injuries from slips and falls and cause chronic joint pain. Concrete is just as unforgiving to your equipment, especially if you drop a weight. Unless working out in a gym of horrors is your thing, use the concrete as a subfloor instead and invest in a more fitness-friendly floor to put on top.
The right home gym floor can increase stability, reduce body impact, and boost plyometric power. It will also help keep your subfloor protected from scuffs, scratches, and cracks. When choosing a surface, consider the space, the type of equipment you’ll need, and what exercises you’ll be performing. From rubber to foam to cork to turf and more, here are seven flooring options for your workouts.
Most Practical: Vinyl
Price Range: $0.50/sqft.- $5.00/sqft.
Vinyl is a practical choice for flooring because it can stand up to the abuse of a home gym yet still be comfortable and chic for a living space. It’s mold, mildew, and moisture resistant, making it perfect for basements. Vinyl can even handle harsh cleaning chemicals to wipe up all your blood, sweat, and tears.
On the other hand, it can puncture and tear easily, so save the samurai sword workouts for the dojo. Vinyl flooring can also pose a health risk from VOC emission, which is a factor to consider before purchase.
Pros:
Long-lasting and easy to maintain
Mold, mildew, chemical, and moisture resistant
Extensive selection of styles and patterns
