How to Reduce Treadmill Noise in an Apartment – You most likely didn’t consider the noise when you purchased your treadmill. However, it is currently inconvenient to exercise while attempting to watch TV or listen to music.
Or maybe it’s upsetting your partner, kids, etc. Because many treadmills are so noisy, your neighbours could stare weirdly at you. They could already be.
If you’re determined to reduce treadmill noise, this comprehensive advice is what you are looking for on Google. I’ll demonstrate a couple of quick and easy ways for you to complete it on your own and a couple of tougher, though more powerful, soundproofing techniques.
I’ll outline all the possible solutions, and you may choose which ones to employ based on how loud the noise is where you are. But if you take any of these actions, I guarantee you’ll hear less noise on your next run.
Contents
- 1 1. Use the treadmill on a completely flat surface
- 2 2. Place anti-vibration, non-slip pads under corners/wheels
- 3 3. Place a rubber mat under the treadmill
- 4 4. Soundproof the room
- 5 5. Lubricate the belt
- 6 6. Wear lighter shoes or go barefoot
- 7 7. Use the treadmill at specific hours
- 8 8. Relocate the treadmill
- 9 9. Walk or run on an incline
- 10 10. Run slower
- 11 11. Purchase a quieter treadmill
- 12 Frequently Asked Questions
- 13 Final Word
1. Use the treadmill on a completely flat surface
Ensure the treadmill is on a level surface with even edges. It will sway when in use if it even slightly leans to one side. Naturally, any wobbling will produce noise and, over time, harm the treadmill (pun intended). As a result, you should address it first.
2. Place anti-vibration, non-slip pads under corners/wheels
Machines that vibrate on the floor benefit from the use of anti-vibration mats. Most of all, they are useful for washers, refrigerators, and noisy treadmills.
You may reduce the vibrations when the treadmill presses against the floor by placing soft but thick rubber pads beneath each corner and/or wheel of the machine.
This is extremely useful if your treadmill is set up on a concrete or hardwood surface. You can utilize a variety of anti-vibration mats and pads.
Just be mindful of the dimensions of your treadmill’s corners. The pads or mats should be larger than the corners to ensure that they stay in place while being utilized.
Ensure they are at least half an inch thick to absorb the noise truly. On the majority of treadmills, these anti-vibration mats will fit. They are frequently employed in commercial gyms that don’t already have interlocking floor mats.
3. Place a rubber mat under the treadmill
Instead of using anti-vibration cushions, adopt this alternate strategy. It’s really a matter of personal choice. Additionally, some treadmills are flat or almost flat.
A rubber mat that encloses the whole space beneath the treadmill is the ideal option for safeguarding the floor, the treadmill, and shock absorption.
Ensure the treadmill mat you purchase is big enough to cover the entire space underneath the machine. Additionally, it should be sturdy and composed of solid rubber.
Check out previous customers’ evaluations of the product to determine its durability and how effectively it absorbs noise.
The Rubber-Cal Treadmill Mat is now the most widely used. Two sizes are offered: 48-inch × 6.5 feet and 48-inch x 7.5 feet. This is the best choice from all the customer reviews I could find on Amazon and fitness discussion boards.
You can try putting a thick rug under the treadmill to at least partially absorb vibrations while you wait for your professional rubber mat to arrive.
4. Soundproof the room
You probably don’t have a dedicated space in your home for exercising. Most individuals use their treadmills in front of the TV in the living room.
However, if the noise affects individuals in adjacent rooms, you may employ a few soundproofing measures on the walls, doors, and/or windows.
A typical method of giving the wall more bulk is to install a layer of drywall. This extra bulk may keep a significant amount of the noise from leaving the room.
Mineral wool batts can also be inserted between the wall joists. Screwing mass-loaded vinyl to the wall joists is an additional choice.
A standard wall or ceiling may be soundproofed using all of this. However, because reconstructing a wall takes time and is untidy, you may just put a layer or two of moving blankets on the wall.
These will absorb part of the noise and lessen the echo in the space. It’s the simplest and most economical choice. This page has further information about soundproofing a wall.
Installing a floor underlay, sometimes referred to as a subfloor, is the solution if the noise is disturbing those downstairs. This may further insulate the floor against fluctuations in temperature and sound. When used with a rubber mat, it may totally remove any noise issues.
However, hollow interior doors are the area of the space most susceptible to reverberating sounds. Soundproofing these is not too difficult. Remove any openings and cracks first. There are a few gaps between the door and the frame.
Also, between the door and the ground, apply weather-stripping tape to the door frame to close the first gap. Use a standard door sweep for the second gap.
In my condo, each door has a typical silicone door sweep. There are a variety of approaches to reinforce the hollow door itself.
One solution is to fill the hollow area with a soundproofing substance. The simplest solution is to place one or two moving blankets on the door.
Fiberglass panels are also available. Alternatively, install a curtain rod and drape long, soundproof drapes over the entranceway. These are all good choices, and I discuss them in greater depth in my essay.
If you’re concerned about the treadmill noise coming through the window, the first thing you should do is seal the gaps with weather-stripping tape. Tape the window frame until there is a good seal when the window is closed, much like you would the door frame.
The window coverings can then be covered with heavy noise-cancelling drapes. Alternatively, you may plug the window while using the treadmill and take it out when you’re through.
Both alternatives will keep sunshine out, so you could be better off installing an additional acrylic window glass. This article has further information on each choice.
5. Lubricate the belt
Every treadmill has a belt, which keeps the rollers in constant, quiet contact with one another.
The belt will experience additional friction and noise if it is dry. Depending on how frequently you use it, the belt has to be oiled every 3 to 6 months. By doing this, you can minimize noise.
How should the treadmill’s belt be lubricated? That is dependent on the design and varies from treadmill to treadmill.
General instructions on lubricating a treadmill belt are provided below. For information about your particular treadmill’s needs, consult the user handbook. You may also use this process:
How should I lubricate a treadmill belt? This depends on the particular treadmill. Therefore, you should look in the user (owner’s) handbook for this information.
If you purchased your treadmill from a store, the starter kit that came with it likely included the necessary oil and equipment. If you have the starter kit, it’s probably still there because this oil may survive for years.
Try Googling your model to see if there is information from the manufacturer accessible online if you don’t have a user manual and starting kit. If not, you should use a typical lubricant. Synthetic, petroleum-free oil is required for almost all treadmill belts.
This treadmill lubricant has received more than 1,000 favourable customer ratings on Amazon. Most treadmill manufacturers, including Nautilus, Life Fitness, Horizon, and many more, function nicely with it. Does it also work for your brand? The product page has the information.
6. Wear lighter shoes or go barefoot
Running in heavy shoes will make more noise than running in military boots. I am well aware of the significant impact that footwear may have.
In the past, I’ve run in some very bulky shoes (I like to call them tanks). They were noisy and made me feel sluggish and heavy.
So certainly try wearing lighter shoes. Try walking or jogging in socks or without any shoes. Walking barefoot occasionally is beneficial to both the feet and the mind.
I know these aren’t “fixes” for the treadmill per se, but you may want to try them immediately and see if they make a difference.
7. Use the treadmill at specific hours
If you’re concerned about disturbing the neighbours, try using the treadmill at a reasonable hour. In general, avoid using it before or after 8 o’clock.
If you know your neighbour’s work schedule and other routines, try utilizing the treadmill while they aren’t home. Does the noise even exist if no one is around to complain?
8. Relocate the treadmill
Relocating the treadmill is another option to reduce its impact on others. Perhaps the size or layout of your residence prevents you from doing this, but here are two overarching principles.
- Put the treadmill as far away from the living room and bedroom of the neighbours.
- Place the treadmill in the centre of the space. By doing this, you may reduce wall echoes.
9. Walk or run on an incline
Do you have an inclination setting on your treadmill? If so, try sprinting or walking up the hill to hear if it makes any less noise. Given that you will move more slowly and gently, I’m quite confident there will be noise.
I like a small slope on the treadmill for working the glutes, hamstrings, and calves. Running frequently puts too much strain on the lungs. A modest inclination is still preferable if you use the treadmill to tone your legs and reduce weight.
10. Run slower
You will vibrate more when running faster since you hop on the treadmill at high speed. As I previously stated, you don’t have to run slowly and lower your performance to decrease vibrations.
You may go more slowly while effectively working the leg and abdominal muscles by running or walking up an incline. Your new exercise plan will also be highly praised by your neighbours. Why, I wonder. ????
11. Purchase a quieter treadmill
Not every treadmill makes noise to the same degree. Some have a quieter engine, a stronger base, better (and more) shock absorbers, etc.
All of these elements can potentially lower the noise by a few decibel levels, which could be sufficient to resolve the issue fully.
Below are my top 5 suggestions for buying a quieter treadmill. In this post, you’ll discover a few other silent exercise techniques that you may not have known about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to use a treadmill in an apartment?
It’s vital to consider how having a treadmill in your apartment can influence your neighbours. Refraining from doing anything if you believe it would annoy them can be preferable. But if you’re sure your neighbours won’t object, go ahead and install a treadmill!
Can you use a treadmill in an upstairs apartment?
If your complex’s rules don’t forbid it, you can install a treadmill in an upper apartment. However, before doing so, ask your building management and nearby residents. You don’t want to harm your apartment’s flooring or walls, and a noisy treadmill might be a bother above.
Can my downstairs neighbours hear me walking on a treadmill?
If you have hardwood or another hard-surface flooring, your downstairs neighbours may be able to hear you using the treadmill. Vibrations and impact sounds produced by treadmills have the potential to pass through the floor and into the ceiling below.
Where should I put my treadmill in my apartment?
If you don’t have a second bedroom or office, put your treadmill in your living room. When not in use, folding models don’t take up much room on the floor. To conceal it, put it behind a nice fabric cover, a screen, or some plants.
Final Word
It might be tough to reduce treadmill noise. Particularly if the ceiling, walls, and floor are thin and poorly insulated against impact sounds.
The main issue is the vibrations. A rubber pad put underneath the treadmill will unquestionably be helpful.
Running shoes or walking barefoot can minimize noise, whether jogging or walking uphill. In essence, all the advice I’ve given you is useful, and if you combine it, you may succeed.
The next stage is to soundproof the space by adding bulk to the walls, doors, windows, and/or floor if that is insufficient.
It will be effective to place an additional soundproofing barrier between the treadmill’s noise source and the housemate or neighbour who will receive the noise. I hope this is helpful; take care.
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