Do your downstairs neighbours worry about the noise your treadmill makes? Or perhaps you’re debating getting a treadmill but are concerned it will be an eyesore in the neighbourhood? There will always be some noise generated by a treadmill.
Apartment living shouldn’t prevent you from owning a treadmill (unless it’s prohibited, of course). BrickUnderground claims that some residential complexes won’t let them at all.
Fortunately, precautions may be done to lessen the noise and vibration, from selecting the correct treadmill to locating it in the best possible spot. By doing this, you’ll be less likely to disturb your neighbours when you’re trying to get in shape.
Keep reading if you’d want to learn how to lessen treadmill noise in an apartment without sacrificing your running gear.
How to Make a Treadmill Quieter
Assuming your treadmill isn’t malfunctioning, here are nine suggestions to assist you lessen the amount of noise it makes throughout your flat.
1. Use a Treadmill Rubber Mat
Rubber treadmill mats are one of the greatest solutions to lessen the noise of your treadmill.
Rubber mats are a simple and inexpensive way to reduce foot vibration and provide shock absorption by spreading the impact.
In addition to reducing the amount of noise your machine makes as it vibrates and transmits sound through your floor, utilising these pads will also help you save money on your electric bill.
Additionally, they will help to minimise noise levels and protect the floor from scratches caused by treadmills and other fitness equipment.
The Rubber-Cal Treadmill Mat is one of the most popular and recommended treadmill mats, and it comes in a variety of sizes to fit treadmills of various shapes and sizes.
A nice treadmill rubber mat may make a huge difference in the amount of noise a treadmill creates. We highly recommend them.
2. Relocate Your Treadmill to a Carpeted Area
In the absence of a treadmill mat or if you simply like to reduce noise levels even further, you may wish to place your treadmill on a rug or carpet.
With every step, your treadmill will vibrate on a hardwood or hard floor, causing a lot of noise.
However, placing it to a carpeted area would further reduce vibrations, allowing you to reduce the noise generated by your machine.
As the carpet gets denser, the more noise and vibrations it can absorb, and you’ll be amazed at how much quieter your treadmill will run.
Naturally, if you have carpet in your apartment, you may not want your treadmill in that particular room. It is feasible, however, to utilise a rubber treadmill mat in conjunction with a quick and cheap solution that can perform miracles.
3. Use Treadmill Isolation Pads (Anti Vibration Pads)
Treadmill isolation pads, also known as anti-vibration pads, are another alternative for reducing the amount of vibration your treadmill produces.
To help reduce the noise of your machine, these pads are typically comprised of a rubber foundation with a layer of foam on top.
There are a variety of options, but these PneumaticPlus Anti-vibration Rubber & Cork Isolation pads are perfect for treadmills and are quite affordable.
All you have to do to put isolation pads on your treadmill is place them under each corner.
The treadmill noise in your gym, house, or apartment will be significantly reduced as a result of this.
4. Check the Position of Your Treadmill
Treadmill noise can be reduced in your home by adjusting the treadmill’s position.
Noise can be an issue if you place your treadmill close to a wall, as sound waves will bounce off the walls and increase the volume significantly.
Keep your treadmill in the middle of the room whenever you can.
Acoustic foam panels, which are great sound absorbers for walls and ceilings, are an option if you must be close to a wall.
Your treadmill’s noise will be less disruptive to other sections of your home or apartment if you use this method.
A seemingly innocuous trick can make a huge difference.
5. Lubricate your Treadmill Belt
Keeping your treadmill well-maintained and lubricated may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people fail to do so.
When it comes to maintaining the treadmill working at its best, this is one of the most critical tasks.
If the belt is allowed to dry out, it might produce more noise and greater friction. As a result, it may be louder because the motor has to work harder.
Check out the video below for step-by-step instructions on how to grease your treadmill belt.
Of course, every kind of treadmill is different and will require its own specialised maintenance routine so be sure to check your owner’s handbook before performing any type of maintenance like this.
6. Treadmill Anti-Vibration Pads
Isolation pads may not be as effective as anti-vibration ones. Anti-vibration cushions are constructed of PURE, DENSE RUBBER, whereas isolation pads are made of porous cork substance.
It effectively absorbs and prevents impact sounds and vibrations by compressing the treadmill corners against the floor. At least half an inch thick anti-vibration cushions should be used to dampen the noise.
Soundproofing different home appliances is their primary function. Even at a gym without interlocking floor mats, you can witness this technique in action.
Keep the pads in place by making sure they’re larger than the corners.
7. Soundproof Floors
The treadmill might make a lot of noise if it is put directly on concrete or a wooden floor. Thick carpeting or a thick rug might help soundproof your floor.
Keep in mind that a thicker carpet will reduce noise and vibration better.
Vibrations can be reduced by laying down interlocking floor tiles. These are primarily seen in fitness facilities of all kinds.
Underlayment, such as acoustic, can also be used. However, you may have to dismantle your apartment’s floor structure to apply it.
A remodelling project, on the other hand, is an option if you’re game. Just be sure to get your landlord’s okay first.
8. Soundproofing Blankets
Some apartments have walls that are so thin and permeable that they can be a real pain. As a result, noise from your room will be carried into the rooms of your neighbours. It’s even worse if the treadmill is right next to the door.
Soundproofing materials can be installed either inside or outside of the walls.
It’s best to verify with your landlord first, though, if possible.
Soundproofing blankets are an option if you don’t want to destroy or damage your walls. It is possible to secure them to the wall in a variety of ways.
- Like a poster, attach them to the wall with tape or glue. Use heavy-duty industrial adhesive to keep the blanket in place.
- Put it up on the wall using a nail.
- Hang the curtains from a curtain rod.
- If you don’t want to ruin your walls, use a mounting putty or tack.
This can also be applied to your floors!
9. Regularly Clean the Treadmill Motor
A filthy motor is the most common cause of motor noise.
Sucking in dirt and debris, these portions of the machine are the worst. If the treadmill isn’t cleaned regularly, it will make more noise and may possibly harm the machine.
To learn how to clean a particular device, consult the user handbook. When cleaning the treadmill’s motor, you may need to disassemble it.