Exercise Mats & Gym Flooring

Ideally, your home gym should have a dedicated flooring material, with the most common options being foam, vinyl and rubber. Rubber flooring tends to be the most versatile option, as it is strong, resilient, easy to install over existing flooring, and is suitable for both large and small rooms. Dedicated gym flooring also helps absorb the impact from dropped free weights and dumbbells, provides good overall traction, and is soft on your body – particularly the knees and back.

How do I clean rubber gym flooring?

While it may seem a bit daunting, cleaning your rubber gym flooring is quite easy with the right tools. Start by sweeping or vacuuming up any dust and small debris from the rubber surface. Next, in a bucket or container, mix warm water and dish soap (without oils or moisturizers) and evenly mop the rubber mats with the sudsy water. Be sure not to over-soak the floor, as the rubber needs to fully air dry before use, and avoid using abrasive mopping materials like scouring pads or steel wool.

How thick should rubber gym flooring be?

Once you determine that you want rubber flooring for your home gym, it's time to choose the right thickness. Rubber exercise mats tend to range from ¼ inches to 1 inch in thickness, and are used for varying purposes. If you’re using heavy stationary equipment like an elliptical or bike trainer, a ¼ inch thickness will protect both your floor and your gear from general wear. If you’re lifting and dropping weights over 100 lbs, it’s generally recommended to opt for rubber mats at least ½ inch thick, to best protect your flooring underneath. Finally, 1-inch-thick rubber is usually reserved for powerlifting, where very heavy weights are regularly dropped.

How do I stop my home gym from smelling?

If you find your home gym or workout area is accumulating smells, here’s a few steps you can take to keep your space clean and odour-free. First, wiping down your workout equipment after each use with a disinfecting solution will help eliminate germs and unwanted smells. Next, make sure your home gym’s floors are regularly cleaned, which includes wiping and mopping hard services with non-abrasive solutions like warm water, dish soap and white vinegar. Canadian Tire offers a wide selection of cleaning solutions for you to choose from. Lastly, consider adding a standing or overhead fan to your home gym to help ensure proper circulation, while also keeping you cool as you exercise. Find more info on How to Set Up your Home Gym.