In this blog, I will discuss all the possible reasons a treadmill produce noise. At the same time will provide solutions on how to soundproof it effectively.
Whether you’ve seen one on TV or at the gym, everyone should be familiar with a treadmill by now. Keeping fit and healthy by having your treadmill in your home or apartment is a terrific method to do it. If you’re like me and enjoy staying physically active, you’ve probably used a treadmill and experienced how noisy it can be at times.
When mine began to make too much noise, I stopped using it. As a result, I entirely neglected to conduct several workouts. Not at all healthy!
So, for my own sake and the sake of my family, I resolved to find a solution to lessen the noise and make it quieter.
I discovered that the main source of the noise was impact noise. The treadmill would bang once my feet touched it, and it was the same with each step.
The roar grew louder as I rushed faster.
Not only was there impact noise from my jogging, but there was also noise from the engine and the mat squeaking.
I’ll discuss the best methods for soundproofing a treadmill without breaking the wallet here, so you don’t have to cut back on your treadmill use.
How to soundproof a treadmill?
Before starting to answer this question. What would I suggest is that to first try to know the reason behind the noise?
What causes Treadmill Noise?
Your noisy treadmill could be caused by several factors, but the most typical issue is the belt.
- The belt may be loose
- The motor may be clogged
The first step is to determine whether the belt is too tight or too slack. You’ll need to reference the instruction manual for your specific treadmill to properly adjust it.
Because a treadmill’s motor can quickly become clogged with junk as it gets older, it’s critical to clean it regularly.
Now lets us discuss how can we soundproof a treadmill.
- Use A Treadmill Mat
- Use Isolation Pads
- Lubrication of Belt
- Ensure the Treadmill is Assembled Correctly
- Make Sure That Treadmill is On A Level Ground
- Change Location of Treadmill
- Examination of Bearings
- Maintenance
- Adjust Your Running Style
- Use Suitable Footwear
- Go for A Quieter Treadmill
Here are some of the most effective ways to make your treadmill much quieter.
Use A Treadmill Mat
Aside from the motor and the belt, one of the main sources of noise on a treadmill is of course! you. Impact noise is produced when an object collides with a hard surface, such as when you’re running on a treadmill and your feet collide with the deck.
The simplest solution to prevent impact noise is to use the appropriate form of insulation, such as a thick foam mat, beneath your machine. A Stamina fold-to-fit equipment mat is one of the most popular treadmill mats. These mats are inexpensive and will extend the life of your treadmill.
Material Needed |
thick foam mat |
Stamina fold-to-fit equipment mat |
Use Isolation Pad
The noise made as your feet strike the treadmill’s deck is one of the most annoying, but you may help to remove it by utilizing a treadmill isolation pad. These pads were created to reduce treadmill noise and vibration.
Unfortunately, not every sort of isolation pad will work, so I recommend that you shop around before making a decision. If you want to save time, I recommend that you look into this popular and economical option.
Material Needed |
treadmill isolation pad. |
Lubricate Belt
Lubricating your treadmill belt is another item you should perform regularly, even if no one tells you to. Certain high-tech treadmills will remind you when it’s time to oil them, but they’re very pricey.
We recommend using a treadmill belt lubricant to keep your belt lubricated. It’s recommended to clean the treadmill between the belt and the deck before using it. This can be done by wiping the two surfaces with a dry cloth to ensure that any small dust particles are removed.
Material Needed |
treadmill belt lubricant |
Ensure The Treadmill is Assembled Correctly
Your treadmill may create noise if it was assembled incorrectly. Make sure you follow the instructions in the manual exactly. To ensure safety and prevent noise, make sure all screws, bolts, and nuts are tightened.
Make Sure That Treadmill is On Level Ground
You have to make sure that the treadmill is placed on levelled ground. Otherwise, it will make a lot of noise.
Change Location of Treadmill
If your treadmill is currently set up on a concrete or wooden floor, it should be relocated to a garage or garden.
However, we understand that not everyone can install their treadmill in their backyard, so if you can’t, we recommend investing in a treadmill carpet. The more noise and vibration the carpet absorbs, the thicker it gets.
Material Needed |
treadmill carpet |
Examination of Bearings
If you’ve regularly oiled your treadmill and are still hearing squeaking noises, you should inspect the bearings and rollers.
Bearings are constantly attached to the rollers, thus getting to them can take a long time. It’s essential to repair the bearings if they’re worn out or damaged in any way, as bad bearings might generate strange noises from your treadmill.
How to replace roller bearing?
Here is how you can replace the roller and bearings by watching this video
Maintenance
Routine treadmill maintenance or having it serviced by a professional will help you extend the life of your treadmill and avoid costly repairs. You should check that all of the belts are pretty tight and oiled every couple of months or so and that the motor is well cleaned.
Adjust Your Running Style
Treadmill noise is caused by heavy footfall, as we’ve already explained several times in this post.
There are several things you can do (listed above) to minimize the impact of your steps and help you run more silently; however, the best approach to reduce the effect of your steps is to correct your running stride.
When you run with your heel on the ground, you’ll make a lot of noise (almost like someone striking the treadmill as hard as they can) since your entire body weight strikes the treadmill without any cushioning.
When you strike the ground with the mid-part of your foot, you will make a huge noise reduction, to the point where your jogging will be nearly inaudible.
When you run in a midfoot style, your foot acts as a suspension system, cushioning the impact of your weight.
Use Suitable Footwear
When you run in shoes with thin flat soles, there is very little cushioning, so the treadmill absorbs the entire impact of your steps, making it louder than it would be otherwise.
Shock-absorbing heels are common in running shoes, which decrease the impact of your feet contacting the ground. They also lessen the impact on your knees, allowing you to run for extended periods without risking damage.
Investing in a nice pair of running shoes with a thick shock-absorbing sole will help lessen the noise you generate on the treadmill, especially if you work on improving your running gait as well.
Best Shoes Available |
ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes |
Under Armour Men’s Shoes |
Go for A Quieter Treadmill
If none of the measures above has worked, your last option is to purchase a new, quieter treadmill, such as the NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
Conclusion
A treadmill is a great method to keep in shape and be physically active. The treadmill, on the other hand, creates a lot of noise while you’re running. The treadmill noise may be an annoyance to family and neighbours, so soundproofing is necessary. If none of these suggestions works for you, a quieter treadmill may be the way to go. It’s crucial to understand that a quieter treadmill does not imply that there will be no noise; it just implies that it will be quieter than a traditional treadmill. Quieter motors, strong frames, and padded tracks are included in the more silent variants.
Frequently Asked Questions. (FAQs)
Is it possible to soundproof a treadmill?
Yes, it is possible to make the treadmill less noisy, you can not make it completely soundproof as you will make some noise. When you are exercising on it obviously but, still as we have discussed various reason and their solutions to make a treadmill soundless will work. All you need to do is just try it.
Can my downstairs neighbour hear my treadmill?
When used, treadmills can produce a lot of vibration, and vibration equals noise. If someone is on the floor below you, there’s almost no way they won’t hear you work out. They definitely will hear the noise but, it can be reduced as we have discussed placing a mat under the treadmill to reduce the noise impact.
Are treadmills noisy in apartments?
Treadmills can make a lot of noise in apartments because of three things: moving machine parts (motor/belt), your steps when walking or jogging, and vibrations conveyed to the floor and walls. All three regions can be made to be more manageable, but the noise will always be generated. As we have discussed in this blog, we can always find solutions to implement it.
Will the treadmill damage my floor?
Unfortunately, a treadmill will almost surely destroy your hardwood floors. Treadmills are usually quite hefty. This machine’s weight can leave significant indentations in your hardwood, carpet, and another wood flooring.
Where should I put my treadmill in my house?
It’s time to go out of the garage. When the room is at a premium, the garage may be the only viable alternative. Getaway in the basement according to my acquaintances, the basement appears to be the most popular site for treadmills.
Can I put the treadmill next to a wall?
“Placing a treadmill against a wall is not a smart idea. You’ll get jammed between the wall and the treadmill if you fall and the treadmill belt continues to turn,” Anzalone added. The safety key is the finest protection, as a treadmill will not operate without it.