Cheap Home Gym Flooring

July 19, 2009

Kids’ Reversible Tiles that are used to cover play areas make the most ideal cushioning for workout floors.

I use them for every type of workout I do, floor or standing, kickbox to yoga. When it’s a step day, I put a strip on both long edges of the step. They may need a little repositioning, and time to get used to them, but it’s worth it for how much better you feel during and after the workout.

Kids' reversible floor tiles.

They are durable, reversible, waterproof, and easy to clean. The surface is textured so it holds hardwood floors, bare feet, or rugs with minimal movement. The grip is perfect but they don’t stick to or mark the floor. The connecting edges do not come apart, no matter which direction you are moving in.

Their best feature is the shock absorption. Knees, backs, and ankles feel great. I notice much less foot fatigue and always feel I can go a little longer in my workout. For plyometric work, or anything with impact, you’ll be wondering how you can do so much more than before.

I like them for doing pushups or prone exercises, where the upper body weight is all on the wrist. With the mats, I can position my hands at the edge and let my fingers rest on the floor. It’s just a centimeter or 2, but my wrist is at a slightly more open angle than 90 degrees. Makes a big difference.

You can find them at Canadian Tire, often on sale for 9.99 – 11.99 for a set of 4. They’re also at WalMart and the Superstore. Consider buying 2 sets because you’ll get a wider surface area and if the connectors wear out, you have a replacement square. Every store I looked in has slightly different mats, and of course, no 2 work together. Buying 2 of the same kind right at the start is just easier. The ones in the Exercise section of the store tend to cost more than those in the Children section, but they’re not better in any way I can see, just less colorful.

I have a heck of a time finding things at CT. Like other stores have Price Checkers, this place needs computers where you can type in your item and be given an aisle number. Staff are great if you can find them. These tiles are usually in the center aisle.

For storing exercise equipment and protecting floors, these mats are ideal.

You don’t need a separate mat to do ab exercises or Pilates, though I do use a towel. For workouts that move quickly from floor to standing, you don’t lose time or have to stop the DVD.

You can hook your fingers on the edges and get a much better stretch, with the edge to hold on to as you pull away.

They provide a surface that the stability ball won’t roll onto and get in your way, but it’s close when you want it.

They’re quiet to work on, if you exercise when others are sleeping.

The grip is plenty good enough for doing plank work, or ab work on the ball. Your feet won’t slide all over and your wrists are cushioned.

The lines and right angles are quite useful to keep me square and symmetrical, in planks, yoga, or Pilates movements.

It’s a snap to piece together, choose a custom shape for your space, and take them down again. If it’s a kickboxing day, I make a big rectangular shape. They are nothing to store.

They come with a strip to close the unused locks so they don’t get damaged.

Just one of those cheap, simple, and effective things that make life much better.

Posted by Christine Scaman | Filed Under Move Thy Body

Comments

One Response to “Cheap Home Gym Flooring”

May on July 22nd, 2009 9:49 pm

Speaking of exercise, I saw you on the Collage Video website. Success story of the month, no less! Way to go.
P.S. I like Worldvision, too.