Need advice on flooring

SRP

SRP

Cathlete
Hi Cathe -

I've also posted this on the open forum, but I'd like your opinion if you have time....

I am currently working out on tile over concrete slab. Ouch. I've been exploring flooring options that I can put in over my tile, and I found this website:

http://www.greatmats.com/aerobics-floor.html

They offer three flooring options, of which I'm interested in the first two: the Tile Flex Raised or the Cushion Tile.

Do you have an opinion of which would be the most effective for preventing injuries and absorbing impact? Let's pretend cost isn't an issue....

Thank you!
 
Hi Shannon! This is a tough call without actually having a sample in my hand.

I'm concerned that the cushion tile might be a bit too shock absorbent and not provide enough energy return (but I wouldn't know that wihout jumping on it). Remember a floor too soft is just as bad as a floor too hard.

The Tile Flex raised sounds like the better choice for energy return but may also have some drawbacks if it is too slick, noisy, or not raised enough.

I wish I could help you more, but buying flooring is just the same as buying workout shoes....you need to try them out first.

Good Luck and keep me posted!
 
I have the dense foam flooring, an option you were not considering, and it works great. I have it over a concrete slab and it tends to move around so I put my weights on it and it stays.

Angie
Monroe, WI
 
Hi, Cathe!

I apologize for the delay in responding. Things have been hectic around here. Thanks so much for your comments. I understand completely about trying a floor before buying. You've given me some good pointers to watch for, about slickness and energy return. I'm not jumping into this without more research, and I'll keep you posted.
 
One great option for flooring that is inexpensive is a "stall mat"...they are sold at animal supply stores (TSC, Quality Farm and Fleet) as mats for horse stalls. I have 2 of them side by side and they are PERFECT for workouts. Just the right amount of cushion with a no slip surface. They usually run about $30-$35 each, and they are pretty heavy, so they only work on basement floors.

Connie
 
Angie-

I'm researching flooring options and want to make sure of my choice. How thick is your flooring? I looked on line, and thought that the 5/8 inch version would be too thin. I am looking at the EVA Flooring foam that is 1 inch thick. Do you think that it is too thick?

thanks!

julia
 
I have the 7/8" thick foam flooring that is shown on Great Mats website (link is in a post above) and that works very well for me. I must tell you it is a bit slippery when you first get it but that wears off after awhile.

Angie
 
That's great to know!

In planning my workout area- do you think that a clear 8x8 area is big enough for most of Cathe's step workouts? I never measured my space, but wonder what other people use (as a guideline for ordering flooring)- I would hate to not make it big enough.

Thanks!

Julia
 
I think that is fine to start with. The great thing about these mats is that you can always order more. I have a 10X10 area that provides more than enough space for step workouts. I like the extra space because when I do the "Gauntlet" on "Terminator" I use both my regular step and high step. I can fit both on my mat.

Best of luck!
Angie
 
Hi there- I was wondering if you could tell me about the "clear 8x8 mat floor " that you referenced in your post above- I went to the greatmats website and looked for clear mats but did not find it- do you have a product # or could you tell me which web page you found it on?? thanks, deb
 
I think you misunderstood what she wrote. She was asking if a clear 8X8 floor area was big enough for step workouts. She wasn't speaking of clear-colored mats. We have been talking about the 7/8 dense foam mats that are on the Great Mats website. You can order any size you want, you just have to specify the area you want to cover.

Hope that clears it up for you...no pun intended.

Angie
 
Yes-thanks for "clearing" that up for me- pun intended-I think I spent too much time on the boards today-after reading so many posts the brain gets a little foggy--deb
 
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