What Are The Advantages Of Using PVC Flooring In Gyms?

Some time ago, There was a list of 9 types of floors to use in gyms, among which it was determined that vinyl floors are an excellent option for this purpose, regardless of whether it is a professional gym or a space to exercise at home.

Among the different options available, there are several that are also good options when thinking about a training area; among these are modular carpets, rubber floors, Easy Deck floors and vinyl tiles.

GENERAL ADVANTAGES OF VINYL FLOORS IN GYMS

The first thing to consider when remodelling a gym floor is the type of exercise that will be performed in each area since, depending on its use, it can be affected by falling objects, liquid spills or the constant friction of the machines. In addition, it is always important to remember that the floor you use cushions the impacts in case you perform activities with jumps. Remember that your well-being always comes first!

Among the advantages that we can highlight of PVC floors, it can be said that:

• They are versatile as they can be installed in areas where different sports activities such as basketball, yoga or martial arts are practised. This also allows them to be used in multipurpose gyms, especially in schools or universities, that can sometimes function as a meeting space in which chairs or tables are temporarily installed.
• Provides a good level of shock absorption.
• They maintain their uniformity as long as the manufacturer’s recommendations on installation and care are followed.
• They have a high resistance to wear, supporting the use of heavy elements.
• They are cost-effective and economical products, offering an excellent price-to-durability ratio.
• They are low maintenance cost.
• They are easy to install and repair.
• They are non-slip, offering safety for athletes.
• They are available in a wide variety of designs, finishes and presentations.
• They are a product with a high level of asepsis, preventing the appearance of bacteria, fungi and mites. Ideal for those exercises that must be done directly on the floor (abdominals, yoga, stretching, etc.).

FLOORS TO BE INSTALLED ACCORDING TO TO USE

Below we have organised, in general terms, the type of exercise performed in each area and the floor that best suits it.

Cardio zone

There are usually two areas where cardiovascular exercises are performed. One of them involves the use of heavy machines, such as treadmills or ellipticals, where the use of a floor that resists the weight of the devices without being damaged is required, that supports wear and possible scratches; in addition, the base must work as thermal and electrical insulation to avoid accidents due to the wiring and plugs of the machines.

On the other hand, there are the areas for group cardio activities, generally used for dance classes, kickboxing, spinning or TRX; classes that require the use of a floor that absorbs the impact so that the knees and ankles are not affected. In addition, despite requiring non-slip feet, it is necessary that they provide a specific sliding capacity to be able to exercise movements with ease but still maintain grip and not slip completely. It should be noted that these same spaces are also often used for quieter physical activities (yoga, pilates or stretching) that require very close contact with the ground, where you must lie down for long periods, implying that the floor must provide a certain warmth, in addition of the asepsis above.

Since in these places there is a high probability of liquid spillage, including sweat, the floors must be easy to maintain and clean.

Sometimes in group activity areas, they install ceramic tiles or laminate/wood floors that wear quickly and are often very slippery. For these cases, vinyl floors are beneficial since they provide solutions to the previously mentioned needs.

Weight and bodybuilding area

Activities like CrossFit and functional training have become fashionable in recent years. These are activities that are performed in intervals of time but at a very high intensity, including weight lifting, physical rotation, and plyometrics, among others. What is essential in these exercises is to use weights, everyday items (tires, wooden boxes, among others) and a good floor that supports and resists the demands of each activity.

Within the routine, a short warm-up phase is carried out, which usually includes jumps (jumping jacks), jogging or jumping rope, and then continues with weight lifting in which accidental falls of said elements may occur or that they drop them after a moment of excitement or fatigue, something that must be taken into account when choosing the floor.

Generally, in these areas, two types of floors are installed, PVC and rubber, one on top of the other. However, the latter is the most common because it resists constant weight, the fall of heavy objects, liquid spills and, in addition, absorbs – very good – the impact. Rubber floors are used on the original base of the room, which is usually made of PVC, wood or ceramic, forcing the rubber to absorb shocks so that, after the fall of weight, the floor “base” is not damaged.

One of its advantages is that it is modular, allowing it to adapt to the shape of the place or offering the ability to put it on or take it off whenever necessary, even for cleaning and maintenance or replacement.

Humid areas

For wet areas (swimming pools, saunas and Turkish baths), it is feasible to use a Deck-type floor that, in addition to having a wooden appearance – stunning and elegant -is water resistant and has excellent grip, perfect for preventing accidents and landslides. It can also be used in outdoor and indoor areas.

Offices and dressing rooms

In offices and dressing rooms, which are also part of a gym but where there is no greater physical demand, it is possible to install a floor resistant to wear and tear from constant traffic without requiring an impact-resistant base.

For these areas, a traditional PVC floor can be installed, be it vinyl tiles, LVT, linoleum or even carpet (especially for the administrative region). The decision depends on your taste, the decoration style and the budget.

RECOMMENDED FLOORS FOR HOME GYMS

If you have chosen to install a small gym at home, you can use the same options mentioned above. In this case, you must take into account that:

• If you use machines, the floor must be able to support their weight.
• Provide a good grip, and be anti-slip and anti-static.
• Resist changes in temperature, humidity and vibrations.
• Isolate the impact and noise, you have neighbours, and the constant trampling can bother them.
• Be easy to clean, install/uninstall and maintain.
• Be hygienic and hypoallergenic.

The most common is that a vinyl floor or modular carpet is installed throughout the room. On it, at least in a specific area, foam or rubber tiles are installed to carry out particular activities. Remember that the choice of the main floor depends on the type of implements that you are going to use in your training.

Vinyl flooring offers a wide range of patterns, textures and colours that you can outfit a gym to fit a specific style. For example, you can create a gym that evokes elegance and glamour, as 5-star hotel gyms are often seen, or give it a more sporty and casual feel.