The must-have accessory for any public or private gym space is a rubber exercise mat.  The rubber flooring absorbs shock upon impact, protects the flooring beneath it from heavy workout equipment, and most importantly, it is easy to clean, allowing you to maintain a hygienic workout environment.  There are several rubber flooring options to consider depending on the size of your space, the amount of traffic it sees, and how you intend to use the room over an extended period of time.

Interlocking rubber exercise mats

These mats can be purchased by the tile for a quick and custom installation that will look great in your space.  The interlocking edges are rigid enough to stay in place and keep the flooring system flat over time.  This is the right flooring choice for public gyms where you are going for a cohesive and uniform look for an entire weight room or bank of cardio equipment.  The rubber should be at least 2” thick to withstand the weight of heavy equipment.  The rubber can be wiped down periodically with a standard cleanser to sterilize the gym, and it will dry quickly without absorbing any stains or odors.

Large rollout rubber mat

If you are outfitting a home office or tv room with some exercise equipment, you may prefer a rollout rubber exercise mat.  These can be purchased or cut to fit any room and don’t require any sort of installation or preparation – just roll the mat out and you’re ready to go!  These mats tend to be a bit thinner than the interlocking rubber tiles, so they are better suited to home gyms rather than public spaces.

Localized rubber exercise mats

If you are happy with the flooring in your gym or exercise room and simply want to protect it from the wear and tear of heavy weights or exercise equipment, you should invest in a set of smaller rubber mats to fit beneath each machine, bench, or weight rack.  This will keep the room looking clean without crowding it.  Localized mats give an exercise room a lighter feel, but keep in mind that they introduce multiple levels to your flooring surface, which means they will collect dust around their edges and need more cleaning and regular attention.