Best Flooring Options for a Powerlifting Gym
Are you looking to build the ultimate powerlifting space? Whether you’re competing internationally or just looking to get in better shape, if you want to make the most out of your workout, you should analyze everything that affects it and find ways to improve it. A workout routine is multifaceted, and each factor can influence the outcome of a workout. The equipment you use, the food you eat, and even the time of the day can impact your workout. However, people often overlook one key factor when planning a gym: the floor. While different types of fitness routines like CrossFit might benefit more from other types of gym flooring, when it comes to weightlifting, you need to have a robust and resilient floor surface, such as a combination of diamond plate and rubber floors.
Just like you need powerlifting equipment, you will need powerlifting flooring to go along with it. Most exercise machines are heavy and bulky, and they will easily scratch, damage, and break any unprotected floor below them. Even worse, the pressure exerted by these machines intensifies as you pull and release weight. This constant changing of tension will erode the surface the system sits on, creating substantial subfloor damage. Utilizing the correct type of gym flooring for weightlifting will prevent this issue. Let’s look at some of the best flooring options for a powerlifting gym and explain why flooring is so integral to creating a functional and effective gym space.
Grip Your Equipment With the Right Floor
When you place an exercise machine on the floor, the only thing holding it in place is its weight. Gravity keeps the machine from moving, but it will slide some when you push and pull on it. It all depends on the weight of the machine and the strength of the person doing the pushing or pulling, but for the most part, there will be some give unless the floor grips the machine and prevents it from slipping. Rubber flooring inherently grips anything touching it, and it can positively anchor any exercise equipment with its anti-slip surface while protecting the floor beneath.
Rubber Flooring Is Superb
Rubber flooring is excellent for gym floors, but what type is best for your application? Rubber flooring comes in a myriad of different styles, including sheets, rolls, tiles, and mats. In addition to styles, there are multiple types of rubber flooring, such as recycled and vulcanized rubber.
Powerlifting gym spaces, featuring hardcore weights and extreme workouts, should employ vulcanized rubber between one-half and one-whole inch of vulcanized rubber. Vulcanization is a high-pressure process that creates a resilient and antibacterial rubber surface. This material in its roll form is perfect for gym flooring. While you can install these yourself, you should have a professional install the vulcanized rubber rolls to ensure the best placement and fit of the material. A gym with this type of flooring will absorb punishment from powerlifters and stay functional and aesthetically pleasing for years to come.
Take Your Gym to the Next Level
Creating a gym requires a lot of time and money, so don’t waste that effort by ignoring the importance of gym flooring. Proper gym flooring, such as vulcanized rubber, will protect your investment and create a safer surface for people to exercise. Specialized Fitness Resources is the industry leader in sports surfacing, specialty rubber products, and equipment. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you in the process of picking an appropriate gym floor for your application. Call us today at 305-752-0451 to request a quote and start installing the perfect gym flooring solution for your space.