This Home Gym Flooring Actually Stays Put On Carpeting, Hardwood, And Tile

When you first set out to build a solid workout space at home, you don't think much about home gym flooring. After all, you've got to get yourself some basic equipment, like dumbbells and resistance bands first! But it only takes one trip on your living room's shaggy carpet or one dumbbell cracking your basement tiles to realize that the right flooring is definitely worth the investment—especially if home workouts are a regular part of your routine.

“From the outside, flooring creates part of the atmosphere," says Patrick Regan Sr., vice president of procurement for Life Time fitness clubs. It says yep, this is where I work out. "Outside of aesthetics, though, safety is a big factor.”

Plus, the right floor can also help absorb any workout-related noise—think the sound of your feet landing after a jump squat. If your floor is someone else's ceiling (talkin' to you, apartment-dwellers!), the right home gym flooring could be the difference between a consistent routine and very angry neighbors.

The issue, then, is: Which type of flooring is the best to invest in? There are SO many materials available, including cork, rubber, foam, and more. And, of course, they've all got unique pros, cons, and price points, to boot.

Though cork isn't as durable and may break down over time, it’s extremely versatile and non-toxic, Regan says. While rubber is very durable, it's not as portable. Meanwhile, foam is portable but won’t last as long. “It really just depends on what your fitness goals are, as well as what you’re looking for,” he explains. If you've got a permanent workout space, you might want to install hefty rubber, while foam tiles come in handy if you've got to pack away your gym space after finishing your sweat.

Whatever your space and budget, these top-rated home gym flooring picks get the job done.