Rubber flooring gets most of the attention. It is tough and practical. But some gym areas need something different. Here are three smart options that solve common problems and make training feel better for your members.

We will look at astro turf, weightlifting platforms, and martial arts mats. Each one has a clear job. You can use them alone or mix them to shape your space.

1) Astro turf for sleds, speed work, and sport drills

Astro turf is a great pick for indoor sports zones and functional training lanes. It gives you a smooth, durable surface for sled pushes and pulls, acceleration work, agility ladders, crawling patterns, and warm-ups. The big win is protection. Using a turf lane for sleds saves your rubber flooring from scuffs and burn marks.

Why gyms use astro turf

• Protects surrounding floors from sled friction
• Consistent glide for sleds and prowlers
• Safer, smoother surface for sprint starts and agility drills
• Easy way to create a visible, dedicated lane

Sizes and layouts

• Order a set length and width for a straight lane
• Use turf tiles to build any shape you need
• Add start lines, distance markers, or colour blocks to guide sessions

Branding options

• Custom logo prints help your gym look sharp in photos and on tours
• Colour choices can match your brand and help with wayfinding

Where to use it

• Functional lanes beside free-weight areas
• Indoor sport training bays
• PT studios that run circuits or team prep

Explore our Astro Turf range for options, widths, and custom looks.

2) Weightlifting platforms for heavy barbell work

A weightlifting platform gives lifters a stable centre section with grip and a rubber perimeter to absorb impact. It protects your subfloor, reduces noise, and makes each lift feel consistent. This setup suits Olympic lifts, deadlifts, and heavy pulls.

Core benefits

• Stable footing for confident starts and catches
• Impact damping that helps keep drops quieter
• Floor protection under racks and lifting zones
• Clear boundaries so lifters set up in the same place every time

Custom looks

• Add your logo to the wooden centre insert for a sharp finish
• Pick colours that match the rest of your gym
• Use one style across all platforms to keep your strength area consistent

Practical tips

• Place on a flat, level base
• Keep edges flush with nearby flooring so plates do not catch
• If noise is a major concern, use extra drop pads in the hot spots

See the full category here: Weight Lifting Platforms. If you run group sessions or a busy strength area, branded platforms help build team identity and make the space look professional.

3) Martial arts mats for impact, grip, and safety

For striking, grappling, and conditioning drills, martial arts mats create a forgiving surface that helps manage falls and rolls. They also let you zone the room with clear colour cues, which keeps classes tidy and safer.

Thickness options

• 20 mm for light combat sessions, pad work, and mixed training
• 40 mm for throws, takedowns, and more frequent ground contact

Colour and layout

• Use one colour for the central area
• Add a contrasting border to signal the edge of the safe zone
• Create lanes and squares to guide footwork drills

Why coaches like mats

• Quick to install and reconfigure
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Good grip with enough give to protect knees, hips, and shoulders

Check out our Martial Arts Mats range for thicknesses and colours.

How to pick the right mix

Think about how your members train in each corner of the room. Then match the surface to the job.

• Sleds and circuits: a turf lane protects rubber and gives smooth travel
• Heavy barbell work: platforms protect floors and cut noise
• Combat zones and floor drills: mats manage impact and mark safe areas

A few quick questions can help:

• What movements happen here each hour of the day
• Do we need a visible lane or boundary
• Is noise or floor impact a concern
• Do we want branding or colour coding for classes

Installation basics

• Start level. A flat base makes everything feel better underfoot.
• Plan clearances. Leave room for lifters, sleds, and coaching lines.
• Mind transitions. Keep edges flush so plates and shoes do not catch.
• Seal the layout. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for adhesives or interlocks.
• Check the room. Avoid damp corners and allow airflow where needed.

Care and cleaning

• Astro turf: brush fibres, vacuum debris, and spot clean as required
• Platforms: wipe the wood centre with a damp cloth, mop rubber, and check fixings
• Mats: regular sweep and mop, disinfect after heavy sessions

Small checks each week keep everything tight and tidy. Replace worn tiles or sections before they become a hazard.

Ready to plan your flooring mix

If you have any questions or are interested in purchasing equipment the trained staff at Fitness Equipment Ireland are happy to help.

Contact us via phone at (01) 816 7510 or email [email protected]

Where to find us: Unit 1 Kylemore Park West, Dublin 10 D10WC62