What Sports Use Rubber Flooring?

Rubber flooring can be used for a variety of different sports and activities and it is the material of choice for some professional sports.

Rubber flooring is most widely used as a general surface for weight training, running, aerobics and plyometrics. In professional sports, it is used for gymnastics and weightlifting because it provides protection to the user.

Here’s a list of what sports use rubber flooring:

• Weight training
• Aerobics and plyometrics
• Cross fit
• Running
• Balancing
• Gymnastics (as a secondary material)

Rubber flooring can also be used as secondary material. For example, in gymnastics, rubber flooring is used as the base floor. Gymnasiums then use crash pads and foam pits for functional gymnastics to protect the gymnast.

The different types of rubber flooring

There are several different types of rubber flooring:

• Rubber tiles – these are 30mm or 40mm thick and are used for weight training. They are the material of choice for free weight zones in gyms
• Rubber rolls – these are 10mm or 15mm thick and are used as a general surface for aerobics, plyometrics and functional fitness
• Impact protection slabs – these are up to 80mm thick and are used in deadlift zones and heavy weightlifting zones

When not to use rubber

Rubber flooring is not suitable for sports and activities that require a slippery surface that the user can spin and pivot on. For example, dancing and martial arts require surfaces that the user can turn on. Rubber is too grippy.

Rubber flooring is also unsuitable for sports halls because sports halls are used for court games (basketball, badminton, etc.). Sports halls and gymnasiums need a hard surface like vinyl, polyurethane or hardwood.

Choosing the right rubber flooring for your sport

If you are building a floor for weight training, we recommend rubber floor tiles because they are thicker than rolls and easy to replace if damaged.

If you are building a floor for aerobics and plyometrics, we recommend rubber rolls because they are seamless and easy to clean.

If you need extra floor protection, you should use impact protection slabs, so that your gym goers have a safe surface to slam down weights on.

If you’re unsure which type of sports flooring is best for you, call us on +44 (0) 1706 260 220 or send us an email at sales@TVS-gymflooring.com and we will offer some helpful advice.