A gym floor is often overlooked and under-considered. The gym equipment is usually first on the list (and rightly so), but a functional and aesthetically pleasing gym floor will make a big difference. Here are some key considerations:
1) Flooring specification - There are two main types of gym flooring; resilient and shock absorbent.
Resilient flooring can be vinyl, LVT, carpet tile or timber. It is designed for high-traffic areas, reception zones, spin studios and cardio/fixed-resistance areas. It is hard-wearing, easy to clean, and available in many different finishes.
Shock absorbent flooring can be rubber (tile, roll or sheet), cushioned vinyl, sports timber or EVA foam. These types of floors are used in weights areas, stretch zones, high-impact studios and functional areas.
2) Acoustics - Repetitive impact and heavy dropping create both airborne noise and structural reverberation. This can cause issues, especially in neighbouring premises. There has been a steady rise in acoustic consultants being employed to carry out on-site tests to help reduce or eliminate these issues.
The correct gym flooring can help reduce acoustic issues. This includes ‘Jacked Up’ floors, acoustic foam, foam block systems and rubber products. Investigating acoustic solutions early on can save a lot of pain in the future.
3) Floor zoning - This works only if the space is big enough. Zoning can help create dimensions for a gym facility without erecting stud or low-level walls.
Floor zoning also helps control what activities are carried out. This can help if the impact needs to be contained in an isolated area for acoustic or structural purposes (for example)
4) Sustainability - Gym flooring can be eco-friendly. Rubber flooring products that are made of recycled tyres are popular and save a lot of landfill waste. Most timber flooring products are FSC approved and vinyl is usually made from a small percentage of recycled products.
Bamboo flooring is exceptionally eco-friendly. This is because of its rapid growth rate. It is also a particularly hard-wearing product.
For more information, or to talk to us about your flooring requirements, contact us at info@xlgyminteriors.com
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