Must-Have Properties of Gym Floors

Everyone from bodybuilders to calisthenics boffins want a safe and dependable base to workout from. Fact is, no gym equipment is used more than the floor itself and you’ve got to get it right to provide the best possible experience for customers.

Here’s what to look for in gym floors:

Shock absorption

The floor should be built to absorb shock, and especially in areas where free weights or machines (with weight plates) are used. This is necessary to protect the sub floor. This is achieved with a rubber floor surface and elastic layers. Impact protection slabs up to 80mm thick will be needed for deadlift areas.

Durability

Durability is measured in two ways: impact resistance and abrasion resistance. The best gym floors have a high rating for both. Impact resistance means you can drop weights without the floor splitting. Abrasion resistance is the ability for a floor to resist surface wear caused by two materials rubbing, such as trainers and tiles.

Non-slip

Sweat, water, protein shake – even blood. Things get spilt in the gym and it’s absolutely essential the floor remains non-slip when wet. Slippery gym flooring systems can cause serious injury or even death. Every area should have a non-slip surface, from the sprint track to functional training areas. It’s as simple as that.

Noise reduction  

While some noise is expected in a gym, no one wants to be deafened. Because of this, gym flooring should be designed with acoustics in mind. High performing shock pads and impact absorbing isolation rings are good solutions for machines. For your floor, acoustically tested elastic layers installed underneath rubber tiles will be sufficient.

Fire safety standards

Fire safety is always a crucial consideration for gym floors. The EU standard DIN EN 13501-1 evaluates flammability. The fire test for flooring is ISO9239-1 and flooring tested to this standard is what you want. Many flooring products exceed the standards set out. EPDM rubber tiles are a good example of a fire-resistant material.