Selecting, purchasing and installing fitness flooring for your facility should be one of your most researched major decisions. Flooring is not only a costly expenditure; it is also a statement of your club to existing and future members.
• Make a list of every possible activity that occurs in the room in question. Sometimes a room has several physical activity offerings, such as group exercise, yoga, Pilates and multi-purpose. Once you list all the activities it will become easier to determine the appropriate flooring. For example, although recycled rubber flooring might be appropriate for activities within a strength area it does not provide the proper traction for pivoting and sliding that would be necessary for aerobics.
• Consider aesthetics. Does the proposed floor covering mesh with the general appearance of your facility? Floor coverings for fitness facilities have come a long way over the past 15-years. You have many options to choose from, select them wisely. Consult with your architect, designer and/or vendor before you make your decision.
• Consider alternatives. Consult with managers, owners of other fitness facilities about what floor coverings have worker well for them. Visit clubs in your area to see what they may be utilizing. Look at what has worn well and what has not and how the floors fit with the general look of the facility. Discard preconceptions you may have with various types of floor coverings. For example, you may initially want carpet in your cardio equipment room. Upon seeking alternatives you find that rolled rubber, rubber tiles; vinyl, or synthetic tiles may be a better solution.
• Get measurements or floor plans for the area in question. You need measurements when requesting proposals from vendors or manufacturers. Always make sure there is an overage factored into the footprint for waste and stock. You also may need wall base; threshold; transitions, etc. that needs to be factored into the product proposal and installation costs.
• Use the vendor or manufacturer as a consultant. That's really their job anyway. Ask for their suggestions on floor coverings for the area in question.
• Get references. With flooring more than anything else within your fitness facility. Get references on product, vendor, and/or manufacturer. Buy your flooring for a company that has industry experience and can offer you references.
The best way to be confident that you made the right choice for your facility is to gather as much information as possible. As you would when purchasing fitness equipment... become an educated buyer!
Gregg Maloley
VP Sales
Cell: (781) 727-8250
Fax: (781) 453-0165
Email: greggm@centaurfloors.com
Web: www.centaurfloors.com
