Home Gyms on a Budget - Foam Floor Mats Tick All The Boxes
Many people are now switching to working out at home. You don’t have to worry about queuing for equipment, scheduling in childcare or fitting in sessions between work commitments.
However, if you’re going to work out at home, you need to make sure you have the proper equipment. One essential piece of equipment for any home gym is suitable flooring to exercise on and support equipment.
Foam floor mats provide a cushioned surface to work out on that are less costly than other gym flooring options such as rubber tiles, rolled rubber and sports turf. Similar to standard gym flooring, foam floor mats reduce the impact on your joints, provide a soft and comfortable surface for training on and they protect your subfloor from damage.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at why foam floor mats are a great option for those of us designing a Home Gym on a budget.
Why should I Workout at Home?
There are plenty of reasons to make the switch from working out at the gym to working out at home. Cost, convenience, and comfort are just a few of the reasons that people choose to work out at home instead of going to the gym.
Working out at home can save you a lot of money. Gym memberships can be expensive, and if you're not careful, you can easily spend more money on things like fuel and childcare. Working out at home eliminates all of those costs.
Convenience is another big factor when it comes to working out at home. You don't have to worry about getting to the gym on time or fighting for a parking spot. You can work out whenever you want, for as long as you want, and you don't have to worry about anyone else.
Comfort is another reason that people choose to work out at home. You don't have to worry about what you're wearing or how you look. You can be completely comfortable while you're working out, and you don't have to worry about being self-conscious.
Long-term fitness goals are also a big reason why many of us choose Home Gyms. Just going for a quick gym session each week is no longer an adequate way of getting fit and being consistent. People have recognised the importance of incorporating lifestyle changes to achieve fitness goals and one of them is implementing permanent workout spots at home for ongoing health and wellbeing.
Overall, working out at home is a great way to save money, have efficient workouts to hand and consistently stick to fitness lifestyle goals.
What Exactly are Foam Floor Mats?
Foam mats are made from EVA foam, which is a type of closed-cell foam that is soft and cushioning and available in different thicknesses, usually 20mm to 40mm. This makes them ideal for exercise and supporting gym equipment.
They can also be used for other purposes such as kids play spaces and specialist sports like MMA and Boxing.
They can be connected together to cover a large play area or exercise space either with or without adhesive. They can also be cut to fit around obstacles such as pillars or furniture.
Foam floor mats are a versatile and economical flooring option that can be used in a variety of settings. Whether you need a mat for your home gym or your child’s playroom, foam mats are an excellent choice.
Benefits of Using Foam Floor Mats in a Home Gym
A home gym is a great way to get in shape and creating a safe and comfortable work-out environment is important. That's where foam floor mats come in. With similar properties to rubber gym flooring, foam floor mats are a very cost-effective way of achieving the protection you need.
Here are just some of the benefits:
1. Impact Absorption
One of the most important benefits of foam floor mats is their ability to absorb impact. When you're working out, your feet and legs will strike the ground with significant force. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and long-term damage to your joints and bones. Foam floor mats help to absorb some of that impact, making your workouts more comfortable and reducing your risk of injury or friction burn.
If you're doing high-impact exercise in your home gym—such as plyometric workouts or HIIT, you'll want to ensure your floor can absorb some of the impact. Foam floor mats are an excellent way to do this.
2. Slip Resistance
Another benefit of foam floor mats is that they offer slip resistance. This is especially important if you're using weights or other equipment in your home gym. If your floors are slippery, there's a risk that you could lose your balance and fall, which could lead to serious injuries.
To secure your weights and other equipment, as well as to protect yourself from falls, it's important to choose a floor mat with good slip resistance. Foam floor mats provide a stable surface for you to work out on, helping you stay safe during your workouts. Most foam floor mats have a textured surface in cross-hatch or Tatami basketweave to allow for great grip and traction underfoot.
3. Noise Reduction
Foam floor mats also help to reduce noise levels in a home gym. If you have hardwood or tile floors, the noise from your workouts can be quite loud and disruptive. Foam floor mats can help to dampen that noise, making it easier for you to concentrate on your workout and stay motivated. Plus, it'll be easier for family members or roommates who aren't working out to stay nearby without being bothered by the noise.
4. Protect Your Floors
When you purchase high-quality foam floor mats, you're also protecting your floors from damage. If you drop weights or other equipment, it can cause chips, cracks, and scratches in your flooring. Over time, this damage can add up, leading to costly repairs or even the need for a complete replacement. Foam floor mats act as a barrier between your floor and your workout equipment, protecting your floors from damage.
5. Temperature Regulation
Another benefit of foam floor mats is that they can help regulate temperature in a home gym. If you have cold floors, it can make working out less comfortable and even cause injuries like joint pain or muscle cramps. But if your floors are too hot, it can make it difficult to focus on your workout and make you more likely to overheat.
Foam floor mats provide insulation that helps keep floors at a comfortable temperature so you can focus on your workout without being too cold or too hot.
6. Foam Floor Mats are Lightweight and Portable
if you like to switch up your workout location from time to time or fancy a change of colour, many foam floor mats are portable as well as reversible meaning you can change your colour choice, add patterns and transport to other spaces for workouts. They are ideal for PT’s who may need to transport equipment around to use in different gyms or outdoors for Bootcamps.
7. Easy to Install
Foam floor mats are also easy to install. Unlike other types of flooring, there's no need for adhesive or special tools although some like to glue down their mats for a more permanent solution. They interlock like a jigsaw puzzle meaning you can fit them DIY. Most foam floor mats come with border pieces that you can use around edges and corners.
8. Affordable
Foam floor mats are an affordable way to create a comfortable and safe home gym environment. Unlike other types of flooring, foam floor mats are relatively inexpensive and easy to find.
9. Versatile
Foam floor mats are also versatile. You can use them in a variety of ways to create the home gym setup that works best for you. For example, you can use them to create a workout area in your living room, basement, or garage. Or, you can use them to create a weightlifting area in your home gym. You can even use them to create a yoga or Pilates studio.
Sports such as MMA, Boxing and Gymnastics choose foam floor mats because of the type of training they do.
Foam mats are best at supporting the body when jumping, throwing, kicking and tumbling while the soft surface prevents friction burn.
How to Choose the Right Foam Floor Mats for Your Needs
When shopping for foam floor mats, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right mats for your needs:
1. Size of your space: The first thing to consider is the size of the space you have available. You'll need to measure the length and width of your room to see how much flooring you'll need to cover. Then, add an extra 10% to account for any cuts or waste.
2. Thickness of the mats: Another thing to keep in mind is the thickness of the mats. If you're using the mats for a weightlifting area, you'll need thicker mats that can provide more cushioning and support. However, if you're using mats for yoga or Pilates, you can choose thinner mats that are easier to grip.
3. Type of material: Another important thing to consider is the type of material the mats are made from. Some foam mats are made from PVC, with a foam core. Each type of material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs.
4. Consider the price: Finally, you'll need to consider the price of the mats. Foam floor mats are generally more affordable than other types of flooring, but the price can still vary depending on the size, thickness, and material of the mats.
5. Consider your needs: Take some time to think about your needs and what you'll be using the mats for. This will help you narrow down your options and choose the right mats for your home gym.
Final Thoughts
Foam floor mats are a budget-friendly piece of equipment for any home gym. Not only do they provide a comfortable surface to work out on, but they also help protect your floors from damage. If you're looking for a way to create a safe and effective workout space in your home without spending alot of money, foam floor mats are the way to go.
