Doing exercise is a routine for most people. Hence, the gym flooring should be apt otherwise; it might lead to undue stress and possible injury. It a known fact that you should not work out on concrete floor. Choosing the correct flooring for gym or home gym allows to workout longer while ensuring the integrity of your joints, muscles and tendons. Irrespective of type of exercise you are doing, the flooring plays important role. First, you need to consider few points before Gym Floor Refinishing
Type of Workout You Want To Do:
If you are doing high impact workout like aerobics, dance aerobics etc then you need a high floor. It should have substantial adsorption of energy and stability. This type of workout needs full rubber gym floor. If machines like treadmill, elliptical bike are to be kept, then very strong flooring is essential. There should be substantial rubber or foam mat between machine and floorboards.
Subfloor:
If the flooring is already done or if home flooring is wooden, it gives less stress to your body. On the other hand, if the flooring is concrete, it might lead to injury of tendons, ligaments and cause stress on your body. Concrete flooring is firm and unresponsive.
Style and Color:
Simple type of floor will be cheaper while high quality floors will be very expensive. Basic colors like black, blue are less expensive. If you try to match the flooring with other decor, you will end up spending more money on flooring. Unique colors and logos will cost more. Hence, if you are on a budget, then try to get simple and best deal. Your aim should be to create a place safe and comfortable for workout.
Price:
Thick floor will be expensive. Standard thickness for gym flooring is 3/8’’.But apart from this; you can also select other flooring types that will suit your needs.
Safety is Important:
Gym flooring should be done in such a way that it should ensure safety. It should not put any stress on body.
Types of Gym Floors:
There are three types of flooring and range in price. The cheapest flooring is rubber mats and expensive is rolled rubber.
- Rubber Mats: Rubber mats range in thickness and are available in ½ inch, 3/8 inch and ¾-inch thickness. They are durable and less expensive. They come in black, blue and brown colors. If you are using heavy weights that put stress on your body, then use a mat of 3/8 inch thickness.
For placement under machines, ½-inch mats are good option. Since they are made of 100% recycled rubber, they give off a strong cloying odor, which is very unpleasant. Hence, make sure the gym is well ventilated to stay away from the odor.
- Interlocking Tiles: Interlocking tiles are easy to install and are flexible enough. These tiles come in 3/8-inch or ½-inch thicknesses. If they get damaged, they can be easily replaced. You may purchase these in solid black or with a color fleck. The tiles that offer a little bit of color hide dirt better, making them a bit easier to maintain. Interlocking tiles are generally stable, absorb impacts well and are versatile. They have average cost and are a good option to use for flooring.
- Rolled rubber: If you want variety in flooring, then rolled rubber is a good option. This gym floor comes in 1/8-inch, ¼-inch, 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch and ½-inch thicknesses. Rolled rubber is good for covering large areas. It is available in 70-foot or 80-foot sheets that are four-feet wide. It is very easy to cut and install. It can be cut and replaced, if damaged. It does not need to be glued, but an adhesive is used to prevent thinning.
Small things can make a big difference. Hence, be very cautious and aware of all the possible options before finalizing gym flooring.
Author Bio: Daniel is a passionate blogger and writer. He is in Gym Floor Refinishing business for over 5 years and is suggesting few points to think over before you do gym flooring.