An important and mostly underestimated area in a gym is the floor. This part is very important, because it helps to protect equipment and furnishings from damage and can also prevent the trainees from injuring themselves during a workout. Which floor for which area? How thick does it need to be? Should the floor be able to bounce? All these questions and where to find the right floor are answered below.
What floor coverings are there and for which area are they suitable?
Floor requirements differ depending on the area. For example, in the free weight area, a different floor is needed than in the cardio area. The reason is clear: in the cardio area, the floor does not have to absorb shock or cushion the impact of weights; in the free weights area, it is different. The following floors are available:
This flooring is particularly well suited for training areas in which many joint-loading, running and jumping exercises are performed. The thickness is 2 - 3 cm and is non-slip and sound-absorbing. This floor covering is used especially in the functional fitness area, in course rooms or therapy rooms.
Rubber mats are used less in training areas. With a thickness of 8 - 12 mm they do not have such a high shock absorption. The flooring is more suitable for changing rooms, walkways or offices. The comfortable and joint-gentle walking feeling, the anti-slip coating and the high abrasion resistance distinguish the subfloor.
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The extremely shock-absorbing subfloor is characterised by high durability, break-proof material, slip-resistant surface and abrasion resistance. The thickness is approx. 15 mm and consists of recycled rubber granulate. The floor covering is used particularly frequently in areas where increased sound-absorbing and shock-absorbing properties are required. Examples are the free weight area, areas for drop training, functional training area or in special course rooms. The special feature: Many floor mats can be used both indoors and outdoors.
The perfect addition to the equipment park. With underlay mats the main floor is spared from scratches and dents and remains in top condition. With a thickness of 0.4 cm, the floor covering is ideal for strength and cardio equipment. Moving equipment is much easier and leaves no unsightly marks.
When working with heavy weights in the gym, fall protection mats are a must. With a thickness of 40 mm and a material made of solid rubber with a hollow chamber honeycomb system on the underside, the mats cushion weights of up to 500 kg. The area of application here is especially in the free weight area, more specifically in the deadlift. Since a lot of weight is moved here and this is often dropped on the floor, fall protection mats are ideal here to protect the floor.
What should be considered when buying?
When buying flooring, there are a few points that should be considered. Once the areas have been clearly divided and a type of floor has been decided upon, the next question is what requirements the flooring should meet. The density should be at least 900 to 1,100 kg/m³ and the floor covering should have a thickness of 6 to 10 mm. As a subfloor for equipment, an underlay mat is sufficient to protect the floor. Another question is the shape of the flooring. Here there are usually three different forms: Puzzle mats, rubber flooring on a roll or rubber sheets. It all depends on the space. Rolls are particularly suitable for large areas, while puzzle mats and rubber sheets are more suitable for smaller areas. All three variants are easy to install and can be adapted even without manual skills.
Conclusion
You should not save on the floor. Low-quality products may be cheaper to buy, but after a short time they can turn out to be a cost trap. Basically, you should get an idea of which areas in the gym are intended for what and which floor is best suited for it. With the right floor, your gym will not only stand out visually, it will also support your members and ensure a comfortable workout.
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editorial fitnessmarkt.de (NJ)
Image credit: #AdobeStock_92576429_WavebreakMediaMicro
Published on: 8 August 2019