Today, most people live an extremely sedentary lifestyle, and obesity is at an all-time high. Due to busy lifestyles, more people are opting to buy treadmills as opposed to going to the gym. A treadmill at home gives you the flexibility to work out at any time.
The biggest drawback of owning a treadmill is the noise, especially if you live in an apartment block. You certainly do not want your neighbors making a complaint that you are interrupting their sleep at 5 am! Does this mean you stop using your treadmill, or are there ways to quieten down a treadmill? In this article, we shall look at several ways how to soundproof a treadmill.
Reasons Why a Treadmill Makes Noise
A treadmill can make noise due to different reasons, such as:
- Treadmill belt adjustment: The treadmill’s belt is one of the top-most causes of treadmill noise. The first thing you need to do is check whether the belt is adjusted correctly. Check that it is not too tight or loose, and adjust it according to the user manual instructions.
- Motor clog: As your treadmill ages, the motor gets clogged with dirt and debris. Ensure you often clean the motor to avoid clogging.
How to Soundproof a Treadmill: An Ultimate Guide
Let us now look at the various ways to soundproof a treadmill:
1. Using A Treadmill Mat
The most noise on a treadmill other than the motor and the treadmill belt is the impact you make when you run on the treadmill deck. The best method to eliminate the noise of impact is to insulate. Insulation comes in the form of a thick foam mat under the treadmill. Treadmill mat brands are in their hundreds, and you can shop online for one that you can afford. Using a treadmill mat gives your machine a longer lifespan, and protects your legs from harm caused by the vibrations.
2. Lubricate the Treadmill Belt
Another way of soundproofing a treadmill is by regularly lubricating its belt. Neglecting to oil the belt reduces your machine’s lifespan, other than just making an annoying noise as you run. Some high-end treadmills have reminders that they are due for oiling, but most treadmills on average should be oiled every three months with a treadmill belt lubricant.
Before using the treadmill oil, ensure you clean the machine in between the deck and the belt. Run a clean and dry cloth in between the deck and belt, ensuring you remove all dust and any debris.
3. Buy Treadmill Isolation Pads
When your feet hit the treadmill deck, the sound can be extremely annoying to some people. Treadmill isolation pads are another excellent option for soundproofing treadmills. These pads are designed specifically for the reduction of treadmill vibration and noise. Isolation pads are placed under each corner of your treadmill, significantly reducing the treadmill’s noise.
Note that not all isolation pads work as promised, so you need to be extra vigilant before purchasing one. Check online on what customers say about each brand of isolation pads and the affordability as well.
4. Move the Treadmill To a Carpeted Area
If your treadmill lies on a wooden or concrete floor, chances are, the impact noise will be amplified. The best idea will be to relocate the treadmill to your garage or backyard if you have one. If you live in an apartment complex, this might be hard, so you may consider investing in a thick carpet, which will absorb the treadmill’s noise and vibrations. You can also move the treadmill to your balcony and get a rug for the balcony as well.
5. Replace Worn Out Bearings
You have tried lubricating your treadmill, but you still get some squeaking sounds from it. This could mean the roller and bearings have reached the end of their lifespan. The bearings are attached to the rollers, and accessing them can be quite tricky. If the bearings are worn out, you may consider replacing them yourself or getting a technician to change them.
6. Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your treadmill may seem obvious, but most people ignore the obvious, while some forget. To keep the treadmill in optimum working condition, you need to schedule regular maintenance dates. On these dates, ensure you:
- Clean the treadmill motor thoroughly
- Lubricate the belts
- Ensure you tighten the belts
Carrying out these simple maintenance tips ensures your treadmill lasts longer, and you reduce expensive repair costs.
7. Ensure The Treadmill is Assembled Correctly
Sometimes, your treadmill might make noise due to incorrect assembly. Ensure that you use the manual, as illustrated or stated. Make sure you tighten all screws, bolts, and nuts to ensure safety, and to reduce noise.
8. Buy Quieter Treadmill
If you have had enough of the treadmill noise, and have tried all these tips in vain, maybe it is time to get yourself a new and quieter treadmill. Quiet is relative and a treadmill will always make some noise when you run, but it also figures if you walk, it will be quieter. Quieter treadmills have built-in features such as a more silent motor, padded tracking, which absorbs the impact and strong and rigid frames.
9. Make Sure the Treadmill is on Level Ground
Make sure the treadmill lies on level ground. If the treadmill does not sit evenly, it will create a lot of vibrations. If you cannot find a completely flat area, use shims to level the machine.
10. Wear the Right Footwear
Shoes with thin and flat soles have little cushioning, and the treadmill takes in the full impact of every step you take, making extra loud noise. Invest in a pair of quality running shoes that have a thick sole.
Final Thought
A treadmill is an excellent way to stay physically active and healthy. However, the treadmill makes a lot of noise while you run. The treadmill noise may be a turn-off for family and neighbors, and soundproofing the treadmill is essential. Try these tips, and if none of them works for you, a quieter treadmill may be the way to go. It is important to note that a more silent treadmill does not mean there will be zero noise; it just means that it is quieter in comparison to the conventional treadmill. The more silent versions have quieter motors, sturdy frames, and padded tracking.