How to Reduce Treadmill Noise in an Apartment – 11 Super Useful Tips!

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How to Reduce Treadmill Noise in an Apartment: 11 Super Useful Tips!

How to Reduce Treadmill Noise in an Apartment – Most likely, you 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 neighbors could start staring at you weirdly. They could already be.

This comprehensive advice is what you were looking for on Google if you’re determined to reduce treadmill noise. 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.

1. Use the treadmill on a completely flat surface

Make sure the treadmill is on a level surface with even edges all around. 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. They are useful for washers, refrigerators, and noisy treadmills most of all. You may reduce the vibrations that occur when the treadmill presses against the floor by placing soft but thick rubber pads beneath each corner and/or wheel of the machine.

If your treadmill is set up on a concrete or hardwood surface, this is extremely useful. You can utilize a variety of anti-vibration mats and pads. Just be mindful of the dimensions of your treadmill’s corners. To ensure that they stay in place while being utilized, the pads or mats should be somewhat larger than the corners.

To truly absorb the noise, make sure they are at least half an inch thick. 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. The ideal option in this situation for safeguarding the floor, the treadmill, and shock absorption is a rubber mat that encloses the whole space beneath the treadmill.

Make sure the treadmill mat you want to purchase is big enough to cover the entire space underneath the machine. Additionally, you’ll want it to 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 treadmill mat. 48-inch × 6.5 feet and 48-inch x 7.5 feet are the two sizes that are offered. From all the customer reviews I could find on Amazon and fitness discussion boards, this is the best choice.

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

Most likely, you don’t have a dedicated space in your home for exercising. The majority of individuals use their treadmill in front of the TV in the living room. However, you may employ a few soundproofing measures on the walls, doors, and/or windows if the noise affects individuals in adjacent rooms.

A typical method of giving the wall more bulk is to install a layer of drywall. A significant amount of the noise may be kept from leaving the room by this extra bulk. 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 a ceiling may be soundproofed using all of this. However, because it takes time and is untidy to reconstruct a wall, 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 who are downstairs. You may further insulate the floor against fluctuations in temperature and sound by doing this. It may totally remove any noise issues when used with a rubber mat.

However, hollow interior doors are the area of the space that is most susceptible to reverberating sounds. However, soundproofing these is not too difficult. Remove any openings and cracks first. Between the door and the frame, there are a few gaps.

between the door and the ground as well. 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. Placing one or two moving blankets on the door is the simplest solution. There are also fiberglass panels available. Alternatively, install a curtain rod and drape long, soundproof drapes over the entranceway. These are all good choices, and I go into greater depth about them in my essay.

The first thing you should do is seal the gaps with weather-stripping tape if you’re concerned about the treadmill noise coming through the window. 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-canceling drapes. Alternatively, you may plug the window while using the treadmill and take it out when you’re through.

Both of these 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

There is a belt on every treadmill. It keeps the treadmill’s 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. A general instruction on lubricating a treadmill belt is provided below. For information about your particular treadmill’s needs, consult the user handbook. You may also use this process:

How to Reduce Treadmill Noise in an Apartment

How should I lubricate a treadmill belt? Additionally, it varies on the particular treadmill. Therefore, the user (owner’s) handbook is where you should go for this information. If you purchased your treadmill from a store, the starting kit that went with it likely included the necessary oil in addition to the equipment. If you have the starting 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.

On Amazon, this treadmill lubricant has received more than 1000 favorable customer ratings. The majority of 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 running 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 they also 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 am aware that these aren’t really “fixes” for the treadmill per se. But you may immediately give it a try and see if it makes a difference or not.

7. Use the treadmill at specific hours

Try to use the treadmill at a reasonable hour if you’re concerned about disturbing the neighbors. In general, avoid using it before or after 8 o’clock. Try utilizing the treadmill while your neighbor isn’t home if you know their work schedule and other routines. Does the noise even exist if no one is around to complain?

8. Relocate the treadmill

Relocating the treadmill is another option to reduce the impact on others. Perhaps the size or layout of your residence prevents you from doing this. But here are two overarching principles.

  1. Put the treadmill as far away from the living room and bedroom of the neighbors.
  2. Place the treadmill in the center 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 be moving more slowly and gently, I’m quite confident there will be noise.

For working the glutes, hamstrings, and calves on the treadmill, I personally like a small slope. Running frequently puts too much strain on the lungs. A modest inclination is still preferable if you’re utilizing the treadmill to tone your legs and reduce weight.

10. Run slower

You will vibrate more when running faster since you are essentially hopping on the treadmill at high speed. As I previously stated, you don’t have to run REALLY slowly and lower your performance to decrease vibrations.

You may go more slowly while still working the leg and abdominal muscles effectively by running or walking up an incline. Your new exercise plan will also be highly praised by your neighbors. Why, I wonder. 🙂

11. Purchase a quieter treadmill

Not every treadmill makes noise to the same degree. Some have an engine that is quieter, a base that is stronger, better (and more) shock absorbers, etc.

All of these elements have the potential to lower the noise by a few decibel levels, which could be sufficient to fully resolve the issue.

My top 5 suggestions if you’re looking to buy a quieter treadmill are listed below. You’ll discover a few other silent exercise techniques in this post that you may not have known about.

Final Thoughts

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.

Using running shoes or walking barefoot can further minimize noise whether jogging or walking uphill. In essence, everything of the advice I’ve given you is useful, and if you combine it, you may achieve great success.

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 DEFINITELY be effective to place an additional soundproofing barrier between the treadmill’s source of noise and the housemate or neighbor who will be receiving the noise. I hope this is helpful; take care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it OK to use a treadmill in an apartment?

It’s vital to think about how having a treadmill in your apartment can influence your neighbors. It can be preferable to refrain from doing anything if you believe it would annoy them. But if you’re sure your neighbors won’t object, go ahead and install a treadmill!

Can you use a treadmill in an upstairs apartment?

You can install a treadmill in an upper apartment if your complex’s rules don’t forbid it. 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 neighbors hear me walking on a treadmill?

If you have hardwood or other hard-surface flooring, your downstairs neighbors 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?

Put your treadmill in your living room if you don’t have a second bedroom or office. When not in use, folding models don’t take up much room on the floor. Put it behind a nice fabric cover, a screen, or some plants to conceal it.

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