Commercial Gym Turf: Dos, Don’ts, and Key Considerations
Adding an athletic sports turf zone to your commercial gym is one of the best ways to increase functionality and “cool factor.” However, a sled pull on the wrong type of turf can ruin the floor—and your members’ joints.
The “Dos”
DO Choose Short Pile: For sled pushes and pulls, you want a short, dense pile (typically 1/2″ to 3/4″). Too much height creates “drag” and can cause the sled to catch.
DO Invest in Padding: If your turf will be used for plyometrics or high-impact jumping, choose a turf with an integrated 5mm or 10mm foam shock pad to protect athletes’ knees and ankles.
DO Secure the Perimeter: In a commercial setting, “spot gluing” isn’t enough. Use a full-spread adhesive to ensure the turf doesn’t “bubble” or shift under the weight of a 300lb sled.
The “Don’ts”
DON’T Use Landscape Turf: Soft, long-bladed backyard turf will melt and fray under the friction of heavy gym equipment.
DON’T Ignore Hygiene: Sweat and skin oils accumulate quickly. Set a schedule to sanitize your turf weekly with a non-toxic, turf-safe disinfectant.
Consider the The Sled-Friction Coefficient
When selecting turf for a commercial gym, one must consider the Coefficient of Friction (CoF). A sled lane needs to provide enough resistance for a challenging workout but enough “glide” to prevent the equipment from stuttering or damaging the turf fibers.
Nylon-based turfs are the gold standard here because nylon has a higher melting point; the friction generated by a heavy weighted sled can actually “melt” cheaper polyethylene fibers, leading to bald spots over time.
Design a Floor for Performance: Contact Sports Turf Warehouse
Sports turf is a great material for any gym. It is versatile and allows a variety of workouts while also letting you create an indoor/outdoor workout experience your members will love.
By investing in a high-density, texturized nylon pile, gym owners ensure that the “pile set” remains consistent regardless of how many hundreds of pounds are being pushed across it daily.
Located in the heart of the world’s turf capital, Sports Turf Warehouse is a family-owned and operated pillar of the Dalton, GA community. We specialize in providing premium, long-lasting synthetic grass solutions for everything from pristine residential lawns and professional-grade putting greens to high-performance athletic fields. Contact us today for a custom quote and learn about our custom services.