We hate to say it, but your home gym sucks! If it didn’t, you wouldn’t be here looking for better ways to build a place to train at home. Everything from the way you design your home gym to its location, the products you use, and even the small details can fundamentally change your home gym. It can also change the way you train. Having an inferior home gym setup means you won’t be able to train harder, longer, and it also means you’ll likely have to be replacing your equipment more often. Let’s get down to business. What exactly sucks about your home gym?

Your Home Gym Location

Is your home gym set up in the wrong place in your home? Every home is different, but there are still some generally great places to build a home gym, including:

• The basement: basements often provide ample space, allowing for a variety of equipment, including enough room for martial arts mats, training bags and bag racks, and even weights and other equipment. Being somewhat isolated, it minimizes noise disturbance to the rest of the house. The downside? Basements can be damp and have poor natural light, which may require additional ventilation and lighting solutions.
• The garage: like basements, garages offer a solid floor and more than enough space for various equipment. Garages are also separated from the main living areas, reducing noise disturbance. However, temperature control can be an issue, as many garages are not insulated. This space may also require additional lighting and could compete with parking or storage needs.
• A spare bedroom: most bedrooms have good ventilation, heating/cooling, and natural light. They are comfortable, but space might be limited, restricting the amount of equipment you can have.
• The attic: attics can offer a secluded space away from daily household activities, providing privacy for workouts. They often provide ample room once properly finished and insulated. However, not all attics are accessible or structurally designed to support heavy equipment. They also may require significant investment to convert into a usable space, including proper flooring, ventilation, and temperature control.
• Shed or detached garage: outer buildings can provide a good home gym space without taking up valuable space inside the home. The downside to them is that they have a significant initial setup in terms of insulation, electricity, and possibly plumbing. Weather conditions can also impact access and usage.

When choosing the right space for your home gym, consider your:

• Space and layout
• Subflooring
• Ventilation
• Insulation
• Noise levels
• Accessibility
• Budget

Your Home Gym Flooring

What are you using as a training surface in your home gym? Do you have any gym flooring at all? No matter which martial arts discipline you practice, you’ll need to choose the right flooring option. What’s the best flooring for a home gym? Nothing beats foam martial arts mats. These mats offer superior:

Safety and protection:

foam martial arts mats are specifically designed to absorb impacts, reducing the risk of injuries during high-intensity workouts or martial arts training. The cushioning effect helps protect joints and muscles during falls or jumps, making them ideal for a variety of exercises.

Incredible comfort:

martial arts mats provide a comfortable surface that is gentle on the feet, knees, and back. The extra padding ensures a more enjoyable workout experience.

Enhanced performance:

the supportive nature of foam martial arts mats can help improve your performance. The stable yet yielding surface can enhance balance and coordination, crucial elements in both rolling and striking arts. This can lead to better form, higher efficiency in movements, and ultimately, better workout results.

Versatility:

these mats are incredibly versatile, suitable for a wide range of activities beyond martial arts, including weightlifting, aerobics, and bodyweight exercises. They are easy to install in any home gym, regardless of shape or size.

Durability and maintenance:

foam martial arts mats are designed to withstand heavy use, resisting wear and tear while being easy to clean and maintain. This durability ensures your home gym flooring remains in top condition, supporting your fitness journey for years to come.

Are There Other Flooring Options?

Absolutely. If you’re looking for martial arts home gym flooring options that are not your typical ZEBRA Mats, you can choose from:

• Puzzle Mats: these are more affordable and very easy to set up. You’ll get excellent quality mats at an affordable price.
• Home Roll-Out Mats: if space is limited, nothing beats roll out mats. These comfortable and affordable mats are incredibly easy to roll out when in use and even easier to roll up and store when you’re done!

Your home gym doesn’t have to suck anymore! Get the best products for martial arts home gym training at ZEBRA today!