Sprung Gym Flooring: Delivering Performance and Protection at Iron Time Gym
When the owners of Iron Time Gym approached us in 2022, they had already undertaken the ambitious task of transforming a derelict floor of Cullingworth Mills in Bradford into a premium fitness destination. The challenge was clear: the flooring solution had to deliver high performance for heavy-duty training while preserving the unique character of the building’s historic interior.
Our role was to evaluate the requirements of the project, identify the potential risks, and specify a system that would provide long-term durability, safety, and visual harmony with the restored 100-year-old building.
The Client’s Requirements
From the outset, several pain points were identified:
- Load-bearing capacity – The gym was to include a large strength and free weights zone capable of accommodating Olympic lifting and heavy resistance equipment. The flooring needed to absorb impact and protect both users and the original mill floor.
- Multi-use functionality – With training zones including free weights, cardio, conditioning, functional fitness, and group classes, a versatile specification was required.
- Time-sensitive installation – The client required a system that could be installed quickly and without specialist contractors in order to keep renovation schedules on track.
- Aesthetic integration – The flooring had to complement exposed brickwork, steel beams, stone, and original timber flooring, ensuring the new design retained the character of the space.
- Ease of maintenance – As a busy commercial gym, the surface had to be straightforward to clean and resilient to high footfall and constant use.
Our Specification
We specified 210 m² of 30mm PRO Tiles with an Anti-Shock base, including matching ramp edges and corner sections. This was installed across all training areas, while retaining the refinished timber flooring for walkways and inter-zone transitions.
This specification addressed the key requirements as follows:
1. Strength and Protection
The 30mm PRO tile delivers a load-bearing capacity of up to 200kg, making it suitable for Olympic lifts and repeated heavy impacts. This safeguarded both the structural integrity of the original floor and the longevity of the new gym surfaces.
2. Efficient Installation
Our PRO system uses a compression-fit method. No adhesives or specialist tools are required, which significantly reduces installation time and costs. This aligned with the client’s need for a practical and efficient solution during a tight refurbishment programme.
3. Shock Absorption and Comfort
The Anti-Shock base provides superior energy absorption, improving safety for users and reducing fatigue in high-intensity areas such as free weights and group studios. This ensures the gym could accommodate both casual members and performance athletes.
4. Aesthetic Compatibility
The uniform black finish with bevelled edge detailing delivered a clean, professional appearance while enhancing the warmth and character of the surrounding original materials. This balance of heritage and modernity was essential to the overall interior design concept.
5. Hygiene and Maintenance
Our PRO tiles are designed for easy upkeep, requiring only routine cleaning. We also supplied a tailored cleaning and maintenance package to ensure the floor retained its professional finish from day one.
The Outcome
The completed installation created a flooring system that not only performs under the demands of a high-traffic, equipment-heavy commercial gym but also contributes to the overall design narrative of the site.
- All zones—from the free weights area through to the group class studio—are unified under a consistent, professional flooring system.
- The preserved timber walkways provide a visual contrast, linking heritage with modern performance.
- The seamless integration of edge and corner sections ensures both safety and accessibility across the entire facility.
The flooring now underpins a facility equipped with leading fitness brands such as Hammer Strength and Panatta Sport, ensuring the interior is consistent with the premium expectations of today’s fitness market.
Project Highlights
| Specification | Performance Benefit |
| 30mm PRO Tile with Anti-Shock Base | Up to 200kg weight capacity, impact protection for Olympic lifting |
| Compression-fit installation | No adhesive, no specialist labour, reduced downtime |
| Bevelled black finish | Professional aesthetic, harmonises with timber, brick and steel |
| Routine maintenance package | Simplified cleaning for long-term presentation |
| Matching ramp edges and corners | Seamless finish and improved safety navigation |
Conclusion
At Sprung Gym Flooring, we specialise in supplying technically advanced solutions that balance performance, protection, and design integrity. The Iron Time Gym project illustrates our ability to respond to complex client needs with a specification that delivered durability, safety, and style—all while respecting the unique character of a historic building.
This installation demonstrates not only the resilience and adaptability of our PRO Tile system, but also our expertise in identifying the right flooring solution for diverse fitness applications. By addressing the client’s pain points with a targeted, engineered solution, we ensured the new facility opened with a flooring system designed to perform for years to come.
