Gyms experience a lot of vibration from dropped weights, machine use and people working out. While it is impossible to stop vibration entirely, it is possible to isolate it and reduce its ability to transfer from zone to zone.

The key to controlling vibration

Around 90% of gym vibration happens through the floor, so controlling vibration requires isolating the floor so vibration cannot travel.

The best way to isolate a floor is with a floating sprung floor, where the floor sits above the subfloor with an air gap. This system isolates the gym floor from the subfloor, stopping vibrations from travelling through the building itself.

However, not all gyms can have a sprung floating floor, in which case you need layers of vibration-absorbing foam and rubber with different densities. The top layer should be a tough, durable EPDM rubber, while the underlay should be a softer rubberised foam that is rated to compress under load and absorb shock.

Why flooring system thickness matters

Just like there’s no replacement for displacement, there’s no replacement for thickness when it comes to vibration absorption. A thicker floor absorbs more vibration because there is more material to absorb shock and impacts.

Rubber floor tiles can be as thick as 50mm, which is sufficient to protect flooring from severe impacts, like 80kg dumbbells. As we go down the ladder to 30mm, the ability of the floor to absorb shock decreases.

However, the thickness of the top layer doesn’t really matter. What matters for vibration absorption in gyms is total floor thickness.

For example, a 40m rubber tile will absorb vibration better than a 50mm tile when it is paired with a thicker underlay. The underlay, which is typically up to 15mm thick, acts as a buffer between the tile and the subfloor.

However, not all gym zones need thick rubber tiles. Yoga and martial arts zones can make do with rubber matting (rolls). Although only up to 10mm thick, this flooring combined with underlay absorbs vibration for functional fitness.

Summing up

Isolating your gym floor with a sprung floating floor is the best way to stop vibration travelling through a building. Outside this, you can layer up a gym floor with various foam and rubber layers to absorb vibration and sounds.

Thicker floors deal with heavier vibrations but there is a balance between thickness and use case. In weight zones, a thick floor is essential, but functional fitness zones, martial arts areas and yoga zones can use seamless rubber rolls.