When setting up a fitness space—whether it's a home gym or a commercial fitness center—the type and thickness of your gym flooring play a crucial role in safety, durability, and performance. From intense CrossFit sessions to heavy weightlifting and low-impact cardio workouts, each zone requires flooring that meets specific impact and support needs. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the ideal thickness for gym rubber flooring and help you make informed choices with insights from leading gym flooring suppliers in Dubai and the UAE.

1. Ideal Flooring Thickness for Cardio Workouts

Recommended Thickness: 6mm to 8mm

Cardio zones are typically used for activities such as treadmill running, cycling, HIIT, or aerobic exercises. These workouts generate repetitive, high-frequency foot contact, but don't involve dropping weights.

Why 6mm–8mm works:

• Offers basic shock absorption

• Reduces foot and joint fatigue

• Easy to clean and install

• Compatible with most cardio machines

Flooring Tips:

• Choose high-density gym rubber flooring for better sound dampening and reduced vibration.

• For multi-user spaces, interlocking rubber tiles are a practical choice for easy replacement and maintenance.

Best Use: Home gyms, fitness studios, hotel gyms, and apartment complexes.

2. Ideal Flooring Thickness for Weightlifting Zones

Recommended Thickness: 10mm to 20mm (or more for extreme drops)

Weightlifting areas demand thick, shock-absorbing flooring to protect both the subfloor and the equipment. Thicker gym rubber flooring is also critical to reduce noise and vibration from dropped barbells and plates.

Why 10mm–20mm is ideal:

• Protects the subfloor from damage

• Minimizes noise from weight drops

• Offers high durability under heavy load

• Adds stability for lifting platforms

Flooring Tips:

• For Olympic lifts or deadlifts, opt for 20mm+ flooring or use rubber tiles with built-in drop zones.

• Look for beveled edges to avoid tripping hazards in platform transitions.

Best Use: Commercial gyms, powerlifting zones, strength training centers.

3. Ideal Flooring Thickness for CrossFit Training

Recommended Thickness: 15mm to 20mm

CrossFit requires a hybrid floor that supports dynamic movement, high-impact plyometrics, and occasional weight drops. The flooring should be both resilient and grippy to prevent slips during lateral moves or box jumps.

Why 15mm–20mm works:

• Withstands high-impact movement

• Absorbs force from barbell drops

• Provides cushioning for burpees and jumps

• Durable for high-traffic, functional spaces

Flooring Tips:

• Choose best commercial gym flooring options with anti-slip textures.

• Modular rubber flooring or tiles allow for customized CrossFit layouts.

Best Use: CrossFit boxes, functional fitness studios, hybrid training gyms.

Thickness Comparison Chart

Why Thickness Matters in Gym Rubber Flooring

• Safety: Reduces risk of injury by cushioning impact and reducing slips.

• Longevity: Protects flooring investment and gym equipment.

• Performance: Offers the right balance of firmness and resilience for different workouts.

• Noise Reduction: Thicker flooring helps absorb sound in high-impact training zones.

Choosing the right thickness ensures your space meets both safety and comfort standards—something every gym owner or home fitness enthusiast should prioritize.

What to Ask Gym Flooring Suppliers in Dubai and UAE

If you’re building or upgrading a fitness space in the Middle East, selecting the right partner from the many gym flooring suppliers in Dubai and across the UAE is crucial. Ask the following:

• Do you offer custom thickness options?

• Are your rubber flooring solutions slip-resistant and shock-absorbent?

• Can the flooring handle heavy gym equipment?

• Is the material eco-friendly or recycled?

• Do you offer professional installation services?

Whether you're setting up a home gym or a high-traffic commercial center, the best gym flooring suppliers in UAE will help you choose a product that fits your budget, style, and functional needs.

Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Gym Flooring

• Environment matters: If you're placing flooring in a humid garage or outdoors, opt for moisture-resistant rubber.

• Design counts: Go for flooring that complements your gym's aesthetics while maintaining grip and functionality.

• Maintenance: Thicker flooring typically lasts longer and resists wear and tear, reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Conclusion: Build Strong From the Ground Up

When it comes to building a high-performance gym—whether commercial or home-based—the foundation is everything. Choosing the right gym rubber flooring and selecting the ideal thickness based on usage type ensures safety, durability, and better workout outcomes.

For cardio, 6mm to 8mm is sufficient, while 10mm to 20mm is necessary for weight zones and CrossFit activities. Work with experienced gym flooring suppliers in Dubai and across the UAE to find the best commercial gym flooring solutions that suit your specific needs.