How to Place Gym Mats in the Basement

You can build your own home gym, starting with gym mats.

Homeowners wanting to get in shape or train in martial arts can skip the local gym altogether and build a workout space at home in the basement. To make the basement a true gym, you'll not only need exercise equipment, but workout or exercise mats as well. You can install the floor mats yourself and place your exercise equipment around the room to your liking. Installing gym mats is a simple and straightforward project and needs only a little planning.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Vacuum
• Vinyl gym mat backing
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Decide where you are installing your gym mats in the basement. Determine how much of the floor you are dedicating to the gym mats.

2. Measure the dedicated space inside the basement with a tape measure. Write down the measurements and purchase vinyl gym mat backing as well as gym mats that will fit inside that space. Sizes will differ, but in general, backing is 4 by 6 feet and mats are 4 1/2 by 10 feet in diameter.

3. Clear the area of the basement floor where you are installing the gym mats, then vacuum the bare floor thoroughly so no dirt or tiny objects are trapped under the exercise mats.

4. Roll out the vinyl backing onto the basement floor, then place the gym mats over top.

5. Cut the excess vinyl backing protruding from under the gym mats to conform to the size of the gym mats with a utility knife.

References

• "Quit the Gym...Lose Weight at Home Now!"; Ryan Crandall; 2006
• "Home Fitness: Designing Your Own Home Gym and Workout Plan"; Suzanne Falaschetti; 2003