A Guide To Gym Soundproofing

There are two important aspects to gym soundproofing:

• Soundproofing from gym activities (e.g. clattering weights) – this is achieved by reducing noise transfer between spaces
• Soundproofing and shock absorption from impacts (e.g. dropped weights) – this is achieved with a high-performance floor

If we can absorb a percentage of noises and vibration in these areas, it’s possible to significantly reduce noise levels in a gym.

Soundproofing and noise reduction is desirable in small spaces where noises can frustrate people and in large spaces that act as echo-chambers.

Soundproofing The Floor

Your gym flooring needs to be able to absorb impacts from dropped weights. This is important to reduce vibration transfer. Vibration can be felt throughout a gym and it’s one of the leading causes of gym user complaints.

The floor needs to be thick enough to absorb impacts and be of a density that will allow the weight to compress into it but not bounce.

We recommend EPDM rubber floor tiles with a medium density underlay. The rubber will absorb the impact and the underlay will give the weight something soft to compress into. A weight dropped on this floor will make a ‘thud’ but won’t ‘crash’.

Soundproofing Walls

Gym walls can be soundproofed with acoustic panels. These are installed onto walls and solid ceilings to absorb sound. The effect this has is significant because noises that would bounce around are cancelled out immediately.

The acoustic difference is noticeable immediately after installation. Noises don’t travel as far, and this helps to isolate different gym zones. The panels reduce mid and high-frequency sound waves like clattering metal and background noise.

We offer a wide range of acoustic panels for gyms. They are available in a wide range of colours and can be installed anywhere. Some panels have a self-adhesive backing, or we can fix the panels to your walls with screws or tape.

Soundproofing Doors

The most important thing is for gym doors to be installed properly with very few gaps. The doors should be solid rather than hollow. You can install acoustic panels on doors to deaden sound and this works well for internal doors.

Good practice also makes a difference. Keeping doors closed and making sure they close themselves is a good way to reduce noise transfer.

Find Out More

For more advice about gym soundproofing, feel free to contact us. Give us a call today on +44 (0)1706 260 220 to have a chat with our experts.