Hey, this is a little related. I just refinished my basement - floated LVT over existing tiles throughout, except for the bathroom which is finished in tile, and so far things look good. No Grit
I'm setting aside an area for home gym space, and don't want the vinyl to get all beat to hell. Right now it has an exercise bike, rower, and slant board. Will get some free weights/rack and a functional trainer/cable-pull machine.
Of course the best way to protect everything is probably rubber flooring, but I'm wondering if a low pile synthetic carpet cut and bound into an area rug with a closed cell foam underneath would provide enough protection and feel stable enough underfoot for floor exercise/rehab like work.