Gym Flooring Underlay

Using a proper underlay for your gym floor may not be a top priority as you look to replace your flooring or set up a new gym. But in any commercial gym, CrossFit or HYROX box, or even home gym, the additional shock absorption and floor protection properties should be considered. Gym floor underlay comes in a range of options and can also act to reduce sound and vibrations.

Why Should You Use Underlay?

There are a number of reasons you should choose an underlay below your gym floor, which we expand on below.

Protecting Your Subfloor

• With repeated weight drops and heavy gym equipment, this can damage the subfloor (Whether that's a solid concrete floor or floating)
• Underlay tiles or rolls add a protective layer that absorbs energy
• Suitable thickness for the activity will ensure you prevent cracks and depressions in the subfloor

Shock Absorption

• Underlay reduces the impact on joints, muscles, and bones. This lowers the likelihood of workout injuries
• The rubber matting absorbs shocks from high-impact activities like jumping, running, or lifting weights, preventing strain on the body

Comfort & Performance

• Underlay helps to ensure workouts are more comfortable - which reduces fatigue for users
• A "soft springy feel" to the floor will be noticed by your members
• Enhancing athletic performance - especially for plyometrics, weightlifting and aerobic or functional activity

Noise & Vibration Reduction

• A good underlay will reduce noise which makes the gym environment quieter - great in residential or commercial buildings
• Minimize vibration that occurs from dropped weights and cardio machines during use.

Enhanced Grip & Stability

• Creates a stable base for the gym flooring you choose
• Good underlay will also help preventing shifting, ruching or uneven surfaces from the top layer

Moisture & Temperature Control

• Especially at ground or sub-ground level, the moisture-resistant properties will help prevent mould and bacteria buildup - crucial in high-humidity gym environments
• Underlay will also act as an insulator, maintaining a comfortable floor temperature. It also works with UFH (Underfloor Heating)

Compliance with Safety Standards

• For commercial gyms, many flooring regulations require proper underlay to meet safety and performance standards
• Helps businesses avoid liability issues related to flooring-related injuries
• Will reduce noise or vibration in commercial buildings

What Types Available?

There are a number of options for which underlay you choose for your gym. Please ask our advice on which one(s) would suit your needs and budget.

Rubber Underlay

• The most common choice
• Durable, shock-absorbing, and noise-reducing
• Available in range thicknesses from 8mm - 32mm as a single layer
• Doubling or tripling of layers is possible

Foam Underlay

• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Comfortable and often a choice for home gyms or yoga studios
• Also used for extra sound or vibration supression

Cork Underlay

• Eco-friendly
• Good for soundproofing