Why 100% Recycled Rubber Is the Future of Gym Flooring

Of all the flooring options available for gyms and fitness facilities, rubber flooring has emerged as an industry favorite.  This is for many reasons, a few of which being it is extremely durable, has excellent noise dampening qualities and is comfortable underfoot.  But that is just scratching the surface!  In this article we will talk about why rubber flooring has taken over this industry and why it is here to stay.  

Recycled Rubber Flooring - A Green Flooring Choice That Has a Significant Impact 

Every year, the U.S. produces over 290 million scrap tires. That’s a massive pile heading toward landfills, increasing fire risks, and potential environmental damage. But a single commercial gym floor can use rubber from 20,000 to 40,000 tires! You can imagine how much space this saves in our landfills while preventing groundwater contamination in the process.  By opting for recycled rubber flooring, you're directly cutting into waste and supporting a circular economy.

Less Energy, Reduced Carbon, Smarter Gym Flooring

Producing new rubber is energy-intensive.  It includes processes like petroleum extraction, high water usage and greenhouse gas emissions.  In contrast, recycled rubber uses as much as 72% less energy!  This dramatically slashes CO₂ emissions, sometimes by hundreds of pounds per square foot of installation.  That’s not just eco-friendly, it’s a climate-conscious upgrade.

Health-First: Low VOCs for Cleaner Air

In gyms and fitness facilities where members are breathing heavily, indoor air quality is especially important.  Traditional synthetic rubber floors, vinyl, laminate and even some wooden floors can off-gas harmful volatile organic compounds. Recycled rubber, particularly PVC-free and Low VOC options, are much safer and certified by organizations such as FloorScore.  If you would like to learn more about why low VOC flooring is important, see this article.

Durable, Resilient, and Cost-Savvy

Good flooring is about longevity. Premium recycled rubber mats can be expected to last 10-12 years or even longer in high-traffic gyms when properly maintained.  Though upfront costs might run a little higher than basic floors, the long-term benefits pay back quickly.  Recycled rubber flooring benefits include lower maintenance, less frequent replacements, and decreased equipment wear. 

Safe, Cushioned, and Quiet

Recycled rubber delivers excellent shock absorption, reducing injury risk and strain on joints.   Its non-slip, anti-static, and anti-fatigue qualities facilitate workout safety and comfort.  Along with cushioning your feet, recycled rubber absorbs noise extremely well, especially when you get into the 1/2” - 3/4” thickness range. To learn more about the soundproofing qualities of rubber flooring, read here.

Stylish and Easy to Clean

One major strength of rubber flooring is its customization potential.  Styles include a variety of colored fleck options, different textures and sizes.  Rubber flooring can also be cut to fit any size so you can get wall to wall coverage whatever the space looks. 

To clean rubber flooring effectively, use steam mop or floor scrubber with a pH neutral cleaner.  This will leave a sleek, clean look in minutes.  For consistent, great results every time, we recommend this cleaner.

Buy it right, by it once. 

Choosing commercial gym flooring made from 100% recycled rubber with low VOCs is a smart, sustainable choice. It helps reduce waste, conserve energy, and creates a safe, long lasting and comfortable workout space that saves you time and money.

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