The Benefits of Using a Workout Mat Carpet

It's not recommended to put rubber tiles, rolls, or even mats directly over your soft carpet as it's not stable and could lead to serious injuries. However, there are options for home gym flooring over carpets such as rubber gym floors, VersaRUBBER™ mats, or GatorSHOCK tiles, which are designed to work well over carpet. Carpet and rubber floors are also fine for yoga or Pilates-based floor workouts, or even strength workouts where you are only standing and lifting, not turning or twisting.

Although carpeting reduces the stress placed on bones and joints during exercise compared to harder surfaces like concrete, the friction that carpet provides can actually catch the edge of shoes during quick, dynamic movements such as pivoting, which can up the risk of knee injuries and ankle sprains. You can safely workout on carpet flooring, although the carpet is soft, lacks support and stability for lifting and for machines, and can absorb bacteria. It is advisable, therefore, to lay down hard rubber mats or build a lifting platform over your carpet to get the most out of your home gym. There are also workout carpet options that work wonderfully, such as low pile gym carpeting, but it is important to ensure that the carpet is not overly plush or high pile as that may make it difficult to work out on.

According to certified Olympic weightlifting coach Paolo Galang, horse stall mats are the easiest and most popular option for gym flooring. They're easy to trim to fit any space, they're absorbent (for dropping barbells loaded with bumper plates), sturdy, and stable. Plus, they're easy to clean and mop. There are also other options available such as rubber flooring, foam interlocking mats, vinyl power mats, and commercial-grade rubber mats, depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Working out on a carpet can be harder than working out on a hard surface, such as concrete or hardwood floors. This is because when you exercise on a carpet, the carpet can create more friction, which makes it harder to slide your feet or move your body quickly. Depending on the type of exercises you are doing, this could lead to an increased risk of injury, particularly if you are performing dynamic movements like jumping or pivoting. Additionally, carpet provides less support and stability for lifting weights and using gym equipment, which could also increase your risk of injury. However, it's important to note that the level of difficulty when working out on a carpet depends on the type of carpet you have, as a low-pile carpet can provide better support than a high-pile carpet.

The ideal thickness of an exercise mat depends on the type of exercise you are performing. For yoga or Pilates-based floor workouts where you are mostly doing low-impact exercises and holding static poses, a mat that's between 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thick is usually sufficient. This thickness provides enough cushioning for your joints, while still allowing you to feel connected to the ground.

For high-impact exercises, such as jumping or plyometrics, a thicker mat is recommended to provide more shock absorption and prevent injury. A mat that's 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick can be a good option for these types of exercises.

Overall, the best thickness for an exercise mat depends on your personal preference and the type of exercise you will be performing. It is recommended to try out different thicknesses and choose the one that feels most comfortable and supportive for your needs.