[UPDATED in 2025]
If you’re setting up a home gym or looking to upgrade your current workout space, one of the best investments you can make is a quality gym mat. The right mat creates the ideal foundation for your strength training routine, ensuring safety, comfort, and durability. Whether you're lifting weights, performing bodyweight exercises, or doing resistance band work, a good mat is essential for protecting your flooring and enhancing your performance.
What Equipment Do You Need for Strength Training?
When it comes to strength training, the equipment you need can vary depending on your fitness goals. However, one thing all strength training routines have in common is the need for appropriate flooring. Whether you’re lifting heavy weights or using your body weight, the right gym mat ensures your workout is safe and effective.
These pieces of equipment are essential for a varied and effective workout. However, if you’re lifting heavy weights or performing intense exercises, the last thing you want is to damage your flooring. That’s why a thick, shock-absorbing gym mat is crucial for protecting your floor and ensuring your safety. A quality mat will be anti-fatigue, non-slip, and shock absorbent – all essential features for a successful workout.
How to Add Strength Training to Your Routine
Strength training isn’t just for bodybuilders or competitive lifters. It’s an essential part of any well-rounded fitness regime. Regular strength training can help improve bone density, boost metabolism, and support overall joint and muscle health. The great thing about strength training is that it’s adaptable to all fitness levels, and you don’t need a huge gym setup to get started.
Here are some easy ways to incorporate strength training into your routine:
- Bodyweight Exercises: Think push-ups, squats, planks, and pull-ups. These exercises require no equipment and are perfect for beginners.
- Try Personal Training or Group Classes: For beginners and seasoned lifters, 1-2-1 and group training is one of the best ways to get into strength training.
- Free Weights: Invest in home equipment and start lifting dumbbells or barbells to target specific muscle groups and build strength. Watch online tutorials or follow video workouts to try different types of training and tips on proper form.
- Weight Machines: If you have access to a gym, machines can help you focus on controlled movements with guided resistance.
- Resistance Bands: Great for adding extra intensity to exercises without the need for heavy weights.
- Join a Gym: If you want more variety, you can always head to your local gym for access to more equipment and expert guidance.
- Create a Home Gym: Build a home or garage gym for flexible and varied workouts on your terms.
Customer Feedback:
" I wanted to start doing weights but wasn't really up for going to a gym so I bought a home rig and weights to set up in my shed. I love that I can train anytime I want without worrying about childcare. My gym mats make all the difference in changing my shed into a mini exercise space that I can escape too!"
The 3 Best Strength Training Gym Mats for Your Home Gym
The right gym mat is crucial for any strength training session. A good mat provides the right amount of cushioning and support, whether you're lifting weights, using resistance bands, or doing bodyweight exercises. Here are three of the most popular gym mats for strength training, each catering to different needs and budgets:
1. Antishock Rubber Gym Mats
If you’re looking for a balance of affordability and durability, Sprung Antishock Rubber Gym Mats are an excellent choice. These mats come in thicknesses of 43mm to 63mm, which are perfect for supporting your strength training needs. The thicker the mat, the better it is for absorbing the shock from heavy weights. These mats offer excellent shock absorption, are non-slip, and provide great sound insulation – perfect for a quieter workout.
2. Garge Heavy Duty Rubber Gym Flooring
For those who need an extra tough and versatile mat, garage gym flooring is a fantastic option. At 30mm and 40mm thick options with studded undersides, these mats are tough enough to handle weightlifting, powerlifting, and other strength training exercises. Whether you’re setting up a home gym, an outdoor gym or need reliable flooring for a commercial space, these mats offers excellent impact resistance and durability. It’s ideal for protecting both your equipment and your floor, especially when performing high-intensity exercises.
3. Sprung Konnecta Self-Locking Gym Tiles
If you’re looking for a premium solution for your gym, Sprung Konnecta Self-Locking Gym Tiles are worth considering. These mats come in thicknesses of 20mm and 30mm, offering a balance of structural support and flexibility. The interlocking gym tile mechanism makes installation a breeze, and the tiles are designed to support medium to heavy weights. They’re perfect for functional training, strength workouts, and conditioning routines. Plus, they offer excellent shock absorption and are highly durable, making them ideal for professional gym setups.
Tips for Choosing the Right Gym Mat
When selecting a gym mat, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Thickness: The thicker the mat, the more shock absorption it will provide. If you’re lifting heavy weights or dropping barbells, opt for a thicker mat (at least 40mm or more).
- Material: Look for mats made of high-quality rubber or foam that offer durability, comfort, and stability.
- Non-slip Surface: Ensure the mat has a non-slip surface to keep you safe during your workouts. This is particularly important if you’re lifting heavy weights or doing dynamic movements.
- Waste: When ordering your gym tiles (1m x 1m), always ensure you include 5-10% waste on
Whether you're starting with bodyweight exercises, using weight machines or planning to take on Olympic weightlifting, investing in the right gym mat is a key step in creating a safe and effective strength training space.
Conclusion
No matter what kind of strength training you’re doing – whether it’s lifting dumbbells, using resistance bands, or performing bodyweight exercises – a good gym mat is essential. It will protect your flooring, enhance your comfort, and ensure your safety during every workout. From affordable rubber mats to premium self-locking tiles, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.
If you are looking to introduce Strength Training into your routine, explore our Home Gym Flooring and Gym Equipment for top choices.
