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Gym Turf - What purpose does it serve?

By Paige Cerulli

Created: Oct, 2019 - Modified: Nov, 2024

In recent years, gyms have evolved to include workouts and activities that go far beyond weight lifting and running on treadmills. From high-intensity conditioning drills and sled work to CrossFit, HIIT, functional fitness, and competitive sports training, the need for a versatile gym floor is greater than ever. Where natural grass provides a cushioned surface that works with many activities, it certainly doesn’t grow well under artificial light and is costly and messy to maintain.

This is where gym turf comes into play. Artificial turf for gyms is an increasingly popular flooring option that provides a low-maintenance, affordable, and durable surface that works well for a wide variety of physical activities.

What Are the Benefits of Gym Turf?

indoor gym turf
Where artificial turf used to be seen only in an outdoor field, track, or training area, it is now being used for indoor arenas, centers, and gyms, too. Several aspects make gym turf a wise choice for many applications, from a garage gym to a professional sporting arena.

Versatility


Although rubber is one of the best flooring options for gyms, many find that turf is actually easier to train on. Gym turf can add traction when running and provide proper resistance when performing sled work. It offers some of the same factors that rubber flooring does, such as noise dampening and shock absorption properties, but it also provides the perfect floor for those athletes accustomed to training outdoors on fresh-cut grass. It can also accommodate a wide variety of fitness and training equipment and activities and provides comfortable footing with or without shoes.

Durability


Gym turf is made to last. It’s capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic, dropped weights, weighted workout equipment, rigorous sled pushes, numerous forms of exercise, and more. It is truly designed to be used and abused. The form and shape of the turf will not easily be compromised, as it is tough and resistant to tears, divots, holes, and more. That durability helps to maximize your investment in this gym flooring, while also keeping your gym looking its best.

Safety


Gym turf provides a shock-absorbing flooring option, especially when installed with a pad underlayment. This non-abrasive surface reduces pressure on athletes' joints, which is important when considering the safety of those practicing high-impact exercises. The risk of falls and injuries could be greatly minimized with this cushioning, and the reduction of impacts also enhances athlete comfort, so they can train longer. In addition, gym turf is slip-resistant and non-abrasive, creating an altogether safer environment for athletes.

Economical & Easy to Maintain


Although gym turf isn’t cheap, it is a cost-effective option for any indoor facility. Most options come with a warranty and require a simple mopping and brushing, as needed. You can save time and money on maintenance.

Attractive


Gym turf presents a much more attractive look than a standard black rubber floor. With options that range from grass green to customizable school colors, your space will be greatly transformed by the addition of turf. It is designed to look clean and professional without much effort.

How to Choose the Best Gym Turf for Your Needs

gym turf roll
When buying gym turf, it’s important to consider a few different qualities to identify the product that’s best for your needs.

Product Type


Gym turf is available in rolls or tiles. Gym turf rolls are often best for large-scale installations, such as when you’re installing turf in an entire room. Turf tiles are easier to handle and install, making them a popular choice for smaller installations, such as in a smaller room.

Gym Turf Thickness


The thickness of your gym turf will impact its performance and the types of activities that it’s suitable for. Gym turf with a shorter pile height can measure as thin as ¼ inch. These shorter turf products provide sure footing and are often ideal for CrossFit, spring workouts, yoga, and sled workouts.

Longer pile heights may measure three inches or higher. These pile heights are suitable for many sports types, including football, soccer, baseball, and softball.

Gym Turf Padding


When you buy turf for gym use, you’ll need to pair it with appropriate padding. You can purchase rubber or foam underlayments separately, which give the turf cushion and a feeling of rebound.

Alternatively, you can purchase padded turf, which features a built-in backing. That backing provides important shock absorption and anti-fatigue properties. Both indoor gym turf tiles and turf rolls are available with built-in backing, which can simplify the installation process.

Top Gym Turf Products to Explore

V-Max Artificial Grass Turf


versatile gym turf
Greatmats offers a very wide variety of top-notch turf options. The V-Max Artificial Grass turf is a very popular option and among the best indoor-outdoor turf roll options available on the market. The high-performance quality, durability, and value are unbeatable. It’s virtually maintenance-free and reacts naturally - even after heavy use over time! It is designed to provide a realistic feel with a blend of nylon and polyethylene. With a 3/4 inch pile height and 5 mm foam backing, you will enjoy the look and feel of a strip of soft, natural grass.



RageTurf UltraTile


turf tile for indoor gym
The RageTurf UltraTile is another attractive option that Greatmats offers. These tiles are extremely durable and slip-resistant. This product is extremely low maintenance, and it provides a reliable, and attractive surface that can be used indoors or outdoors. It is an economical and ecologically friendly option with a 12mm turf fusion bonded to a 1-inch recycled rubber base layer.



Arena Pro Sports Turf Roll


turf for physical therapy
If you are seeking a gym turf that is suitable for therapy, floor work, exercise, and stretching, choose the Arena Pro Sports Turf Roll. This high-performance turf features a blend of nylon and polyethylene that creates a soft turf that works well for sleds, performance agility, and stability balls. This flooring surface provides shock resistance and durability that is far superior to what is offered by carpet or bare flooring. It provides a level of safety, as it helps prevent falls and promote balance. Should a fall occur, it also provides cushioning. It has sound absorption qualities, as well, and it is easy to clean and maintain.

Order Gym Turf from Greatmats

If you are ready to order gym turf flooring, Greatmats truly is your one-stop shop! From large flooring rolls to individual turf tiles, there is an ideal option that will perfectly fit your space and budget. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to help you decide which product is for you.