Lifting Platform vs All Rubber mats

[Robert Callahan]

Was scanning around and couldn't find any threads on this topic, though there are a lot to sift through. Anyways I am setting up a home gym and just finished getting rubber mats to cover the floor in the room. My question is: What is the advantage to having a wooden platform to stand on for olympic lifts? Why not just cover the whole floor in the high density 3/4 inch stall mats and lift on those? Is it just for the hard surface that does not give (even though the mats give very little)? Or is there some other reason I have missed? Thanks for the input in advance!

-Robert

[Chad Edwards]

The stoutness of the wood to lift on is important. How important? I'm not really sure. I think another positive is the auditory feedback. In the oly lifts, timing the rack or overhead catch in the snatch is supposed to match the stomp. I think that the wooden surface gives a much better sound to match up with the lifts.

Also, the platform designates a surface just for lifting. If someone is on the platform, stay the heck outta the way.

[Christian Salas]

A wood platform is faster, as in you can move your feet faster into positions. Also it's harder.

[Steve Reggio]

The rubber matting typically has bumps or some other traction device on it and your feet can stick sometimes. Not a good thing on O-Lifts.

For the same price as a mat you can get a sheet of 3/4 good plywood and use that. It flows nicely and you will have an even floor surface.

[Jason M Struck]

the heavier the load, the more significant the advantage of the platform.

deadlifts.