Treadmills help keep you in shape. Running on a treadmill is exhilarating and empowering. You can do it while listening to music or watching your favorite show. You can be as focused or out of it as you want during your run.
However, some people worry about treadmill noise.
That’s probably one of the main factors stopping you from purchasing a treadmill today. Well, we’re here to promise you that you can find a treadmill that fits your apartment.
Read the article below to find out exactly how noisy treadmills are and what you can do about this problem.
Is It Normal for a Treadmill to Make Noise?
Yes, it is normal for a treadmill to make some noise because:
- The treadmill has moving parts. The motor and the belt create sound when you’ve turned that treadmill on.
- You have moving parts. When you’re using the treadmill, your steps generate sound. Of course, running creates more noise than simply walking.
- There’s vibration. When the treadmill is in use, it creates vibration. The floor and the walls absorb that vibration so that it can bother your downstairs neighbors.
So, are treadmills noisy upstairs?
Yes, treadmills are noisier upstairs than downstairs because of those vibrations. That’s why most people put their treadmills in their basements or at ground levels.
However, if your house is well soundproofed, chances are you won’t hear much of your treadmill.
That brings us to the next point:
Are All Treadmills Loud?
No, all treadmills aren’t loud. In fact, some models are specifically created to limit the sound they produce to about 60 or 70 dB, like the NordicTrack X22i.
To get a better idea, 70 dB is the equivalent of a dishwasher.
So, treadmills aren’t supposed to be loud, but you’re supposed to hear them. There’s no such thing as a perfectly silent running band.
That said, here’s how to choose a more quiet treadmill:
- Heavy, stable base. You need a treadmill that doesn’t wobble, squiggle, or creak when you’re using it. As such, you want one that’s heavy enough to support you even when you’re running at full speed.
- Rubber feet. These feet take away some of the vibrations that go through the floors so that you won’t disturb your downstairs neighbors as much.
- Shock-absorption belt. Look for a treadmill that has grade-A deck suspension. Cushiony treadmills don’t transmit vibrations and don’t create noise when you’re running on them. Besides, they also reduce impact to your knees and ankles, so they’re the safest option.
Are Manual Treadmills Loud?
Some manual treadmills are louder than electric treadmills, especially the cheaper models. Usually, this happens because they’re less sturdy, and the primary indication of that construction is the maximum user weight.
So, remember this:
Pro tip: The higher the maximum user weight, the sturdier and, therefore, most likely quieter your treadmill is.
Besides, manual treadmills are cheaper, so their manufacturers invest less in grade-A, shock-absorbing materials. That’s another reason why manual treadmills tend to be squeakier.
How to Reduce Treadmills Noise in an Apartment?
If you bought a treadmill that’s too loud for your apartment, don’t despair; there’s plenty of stuff to try.
- Make sure the belt is adjusted correctly. If the treadmill’s belt is too loose or too tight, the treadmill will malfunction and, therefore, start squeaking. To avoid this, open your user manual and read how to tighten the running belt correctly.
- Lubricate that belt. Check with the instructions manual again to see how to lubricate your running band correctly and how often.
- Use a mat. A mat, carpet, or isolation pads under your treadmill will reduce the amount of vibrations that your downstairs neighbors can hear.
- Move the treadmill away from the walls. The closer that treadmill is to walls, the more vibrations will get to other apartments in your building. However, if you don’t have enough space to move your treadmill, consider some acoustic foam panels that absorb those vibrations and noise.
- Don’t run on your treadmill when your neighbors or roommates are sleeping. If your treadmill isn’t very quiet, avoid running on it when you know other people in your building/your home need quiet. Instead, try an incline walking workout during these periods.
However, the best way to reduce treadmill noise in an apartment is to purchase a quiet model from the get-go.
Mary advocates for one powerful idea: fitness is about challenging yourself, but it’s not a race against the clock. She wants people to understand that the best fitness equipment doesn’t have to be expensive or very popular. The best workouts and machines should always fit your style and needs, not the other way around. So, Mary’s dedication and hard work are the engines that keep this website going.
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