Best Home Gym Matting Options
When setting up a home gym, one important consideration is flooring. Not only does gym flooring provide a comfortable surface to exercise on, but it also protects your equipment and your floors from damage. Having personally owned 2 independent gym venues, set up home gym’s and tried all these type of gym flooring, I can save you time and money by learning from my mistakes. In this blog, we'll explore some of the best options for home gym matting, including cost-efficient options like horse matting, and popular options like rubber square matting and foam interlocking matting. I’ve given each matting type a rating out of 30 (higher the better) judging them on: Cost, Quality and Look.
Horse Matting (A Cost-Efficient Option)
Horse matting is a cost-effective option for home gym flooring. It's a durable, slip-resistant material often made from non-toxic rubber and is often used in horse stables, so it can withstand heavy use. Horse matting is available in large rolls, making it easy to cover a large area, and it's easy to install by simply laying it down and can by fitted with a straight edge and a Stanley knife.
I personally use this for my outdoor gym at home as it is very weather resistant as well as the current floor in my personal training studio. However, it may not provide as much cushioning as other types of matting, so it may not be the best choice for very high-impact exercises like Olympic weight lifting.
I recommend getting 12mm for most home use. 18mm for more commercial use or if you’re looking for great protection for underlying floor. Bear in min the thicker the floor the higher the price.
COST 7/10
QUALITY 8/10
LOOKS 7/10
OVERALL SCORE 22/30
Rubber Square Matting (Best Quality)
Rubber square matting is another popular option for home gym flooring and most commonly used in commercial gyms. It's made from high-density rubber and is available in a variety of thicknesses, including 18mm. This type of matting is durable, slip-resistant, and provides good cushioning for high-impact exercises. The 1m by 1m size of the squares makes it easy to install and customize to fit the layout of your home gym. The only drawback of rubber square matting is that it can be more expensive than other options, especially if you're covering a large area.
COST 3/10
QUALITY 9/10
LOOKS 9/10
OVERALL SCORE 21/30
Foam Interlocking Matting (AKA. Puzzle Exercise Matting)
Foam interlocking matting, also known as puzzle exercise matting, is a lightweight, yet durable option for home gym flooring. It's made from a dense foam material that provides good cushioning and is available in a variety of colours and textures. The interlocking design makes it very easy to install and customize to fit the layout of your home gym.
Foam interlocking matting is also relatively inexpensive and is a good option for those on a budget. However, it is not as durable as rubber matting, so is not the best choice for home gyms using a lot of heavy dumbbell or barbells.
This can be a great option for more bodyweight based workouts. The 60cm x 60cm 1cm thick squares are good for ab workouts, pilates, and yoga but will likely come apart with some HIIT exercises. If purchasing these puzzle mats for higher impact activities I recommend the larger 1mx1m 4cm thick interlocking mats. These are also great for Brazilian Jujitsu practice as they are less likely to come apart and provide greater cushion on impact.
COST 9/10
QUALITY 4/10
LOOKS 5/10
OVERALL SCORE 18/30
Rubber Roll Matting
Another option for home gym matting is rubber roll matting. It's made from high-density rubber and is available in a variety of thicknesses, making it suitable for different types of exercises. This type of matting is easy to install, as it can be cut to fit any area, and it provides excellent cushioning and slip resistance. Rubber roll matting is also durable and can withstand heavy use, making it a popular choice for home gyms. The only drawback of rubber roll matting is that it can be more expensive than other options, especially if you're covering a large area. However, it's a versatile option that can be used in a variety of applications, from home gyms to commercial workout spaces.
COST 7/10
QUALITY 7/10
LOOKS 6/10
OVERALL SCORE 20/30
WARNING
While rubber matting is a popular option for home gym flooring, it's important to be mindful of the source of the rubber. Some cheap matting is made from recycled rubber, which may contain toxic chemicals and pollutants. These chemicals can potentially release into the air or leach into the ground, posing a health risk to you and your family. When purchasing rubber roll matting, be sure to choose a reputable brand that uses high-quality, non-toxic materials. It's also a good idea to research the manufacturing process and check for certifications, such as those from environmental organizations, to ensure that the matting you choose is safe for use in your home gym.
CONCLUSION
When choosing flooring for your home gym, it's important to consider your budget, the type of exercises you'll be doing, and the layout of your gym. Horse matting is a cost-efficient option closely followed by rubber roll matting, while rubber square matting is great for a larger budget looking for that commercial finish. Foam interlocking matting (puzzle exercise matting) are great options for some activities providing good cushioning and are easy to install. Whichever type of matting you choose, make sure it's durable enough to withstand heavy use and provides a comfortable surface to exercise on.