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Outdoor gyms are a fantastic way to stay fit while enjoying fresh air and nature. However, choosing the right surfacing for an outdoor gym is crucial for safety, durability, and performance. The right flooring can reduce injury risk, withstand harsh weather conditions, and provide the right amount of grip and cushioning for different exercises.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about outdoor gym surfacing, including materials, pros and cons, and safety considerations.
Why outdoor gym surfacing matters
When designing an outdoor gym, flooring is often overlooked, but it plays a critical role in the functionality and safety of the space.
It is important to note that with Sunshine Gym equipment, there is no need for a safety surface to be installed as all our equipment all has a critical fall height below 0.6 metres. However, a safety surface can inspire confidence in users, making first impressions and the usability of the gym much more inviting.
Choosing the right surfacing is important for many reasons, most important of which is injury prevention. High-impact workouts and bodyweight exercises require flooring that absorbs shock and reduces stress on joints.
Dropped weights and high foot traffic can wear down poor-quality flooring, and outdoor gyms are exposed to rain, sun, and temperature changes, so the flooring must be durable and weatherproof.
Now, let’s explore the different types of outdoor gym flooring options and their pros and cons.
Rubber Bound Mulch
Rubber is one of the most popular choices for outdoor gym surfaces due to its durability, shock absorption, and weather resistance. It has a very natural appearance resembling the shape of rough-cut bark chippings that were once widely used as playground surfacing.
The pros of rubber bound mulch include:
- Excellent shock absorption for high-impact workouts.
- Slip-resistant, even in wet conditions.
- Long-lasting and low maintenance.
- All year-round access – no gym downtime in the winter.
Rubber bound mulch has one major flaw – it’s rarely laid on a hard base and most installations are laid directly on top of natural ground to keep costs to a minimum. If little or no consideration is given to how substantial the ground beneath the mulch is, the surface becomes very uneven and can become uninviting to users.
Artificial Grass
Artificial grass is another popular outdoor gym flooring choice, especially for functional fitness areas and sled-pushing workouts. It looks and feels just like natural grass, but it does not require the same high-level of maintenance and can be used all year round to sustain footfall in areas such as outdoor parks and sports pitches.
The pros of artificial grass as surfacing for an outdoor gym includes:
- Provides a soft surface for bodyweight exercises and stretching.
- Drains water effectively, reducing puddles and slip risks.
- Low maintenance compared to natural grass.
- Aesthetic appeal, giving a natural look to the gym.
Artificial grass can be a great addition to an outdoor gym in the right circumstances. However, in the wrong situation, it can actually work against you. Locations where artificial grass is not suitable include public parks due to high levels of vandalism such as lighting fires, breaking glass bottles and general damage.
Wet Pour Surfacing
Wet pour is commonly found in playgrounds but is also used for outdoor gyms due to its shock absorption and durability. Wet pour is quite simply made up of rubber chips in a certain size mixed together with a specialist glue and laid flat on the ground to create a safety surface.
The advantages of wet pour surfacing for an outdoor gym includes:
- Highly weather-resistant and UV stable.
- Available in various colours and thicknesses.
- Soft and cushioned, reducing injury risk.
- Recognised as a safe and inviting area for users of all ages and abilities.
The biggest drawback to wet pour is the cost in comparison to other options, especially when any excavating is required, and hard standing bases need to be laid. It is worth noting as well that wet pour shrinks over time. A good installation will result in more time passing before this happens but inevitably it will require repairs.
Rubber Grass Mats
Rubber grass mats, sometimes simply called grass mats or by their various branded trade names, are designed to protect an area of natural ground immediately in the main footfall areas of an outdoor gym.
The pros of rubber grass mats for an outdoor gym surface include:
- Provides excellent cushioning to reduce the impact on joints and prevent injuries during workouts.
- Natural appearance once grass has established, usually 3-4 weeks in the spring and summer.
- Designed to allow water to pass through easily, preventing puddles and maintaining a dry surface.
- Low cost and can be used in various layouts and is suitable for different types of outdoor gym equipment.
The biggest drawback of rubber grass mats comes from a maintenance perspective. The effectiveness of grass mats comes from the grass being able to establish and grow through them.
Top three considerations when choosing outdoor gym flooring
1. Impact absorption & safety
For high-intensity workouts, weightlifting, or calisthenics, flooring with good shock absorption (like rubber) helps reduce stress on joints and protects users from injuries.
2. Weather resistance
Outdoor gym flooring must withstand exposure to sun, rain, and temperature changes. UV-resistant and water-resistant materials like wet pour and rubber mulch are excellent choices.
3. Slip resistance
Ensuring a non-slip surface is crucial, especially in wet conditions. Rubber and textured artificial grass provide good grip.
Choosing the right surfacing for your Sunshine Gym
Choosing the right outdoor gym flooring depends on your workout needs, budget, and environment. Rubber flooring offers excellent durability and impact absorption, while artificial grass provides a softer, aesthetic option. For more technical information, read our Buyers Guide to Surfacing.
By considering factors like safety, weather resistance, and maintenance, you can create a high-quality outdoor gym that lasts for years while providing a safe and effective workout space.
Thinking about upgrading your outdoor gym flooring? Let us know which option suits your needs or contact our teams on 01782 571719 today!