Should A Treadmill Be On A Mat?

Jogging on a treadmill at home has many advantages. Not only will you save money on gas and a gym membership, but you can also enjoy training in the privacy of your home. While you could start training on your treadmill right away, you might be wondering whether you should use a mat under the machine. If you're curious whether a treadmill mat is a smart investment, we've researched this very question and compiled the info for you below.

Whether your treadmill is on a hardwood floor or a carpet, you should place a treadmill mat under it. This handy mat will dampen your treadmill's vibrations, which helps preserve your floor and extends the life of your machine. By decreasing overall vibrations, treadmill mats also help keep your unit stable and reduce the noise it gives off. 

Treadmill mats may seem like an unnecessary accessory, but they provide many benefits for at-home runners. Keep reading to find out why a treadmill mat is one investment you won't regret. 

A young fit man running on a treadmill in his house, Should A Treadmill Be On A Mat?

The Basics Of Treadmill Mats – Why You Need Them & What To Look For 

A high-quality treadmill mat is an excellent investment for all at-home joggers. Let's take a closer look at why these mats are so important and how you could choose the right one for your home.  

What Are The Benefits Of Having A Treadmill Mat? 

The top reason to use a treadmill mat is to reduce the vibrations your unit produces. In fact, all of the benefits related to treadmill mats could be traced back to this anti-vibration feature.

For instance, since your treadmill doesn't shake so much, it's far less likely to slide out of place. Less vibration also means it will take longer for the nuts and bolts in your treadmill to loosen, which could extend the life of your machine.

But mats aren't just about protecting the longevity of your treadmill. Indeed, if you're using a treadmill on hardwood, you need a mat to preserve your floor. Runners who use treadmill mats also enjoy a quieter indoor run.     

What's The Best Size For A Treadmill Mat?

To figure out your treadmill mat's ideal size, you first need to write down your machine's length and width. After you know how much area your treadmill takes up, add at least 6" to each side. This will give you an idea of the ideal dimensions for your treadmill mat.

By the way, manufacturers sometimes list the ideal mat size for your device in the owner’s manual. Be sure to review any official paperwork for a mat size recommendation.

What Material Is Best For A Treadmill Mat?

As you search for treadmill mats, you'll soon discover most products are made with either rubber (specifically EVA) or PVC. While either of these materials will provide extra stability to your treadmill, there are a few differences worth noting.

The most significant distinction between PVC and EVA mats is their noise-canceling strength. Most treadmill enthusiasts believe rubber mats have superior noise-dampening qualities compared with PVC products. Even with a reduced thickness, EVA seems to offer runners a quieter ride experience.

On the other hand, PVC mats seem to have greater durability and longevity versus rubber mats. Many treadmill enthusiasts also believe PVC is better at resisting moisture.

For those who are interested in PVC treadmill mats, here's a popular suggestion on Amazon.

Find out more on this Amazon link.

If you’d prefer looking into EVA foam mats, then please take a peek at this model.

Click this Amazon link for more details.

How Thick Should A Treadmill Mat Be?

Choosing the ideal mat thickness depends on a few factors, such as your unit's weight, how delicate your floors are, and the mat's material. As a general rule of thumb, you should look for a mat that's at least 6-mm thick. For more specific recommendations, you should always consult your treadmill's owner manual. You could also call the company’s customer service department if you have any further questions.

Can A Treadmill Be Placed On The Carpet?

Although hardwood is always preferred, you can place your treadmill on a carpet. There are, however, two downsides that runners should be aware of before placing their treadmill on a rug. The obvious con with using a carpet is that it provides less stability than a hardwood floor.

However, there's another less obvious risk associated with running on top of a carpet. As your treadmill creates vibrations, it will agitate microscopic fibers and dust molecules. Unfortunately, these particles could get jammed in your treadmill and reduce its longevity.

Thankfully, a high-quality mat can protect your treadmill from some of these dust particles. For instance, here’s a rubber treadmill mat that’s well-suited for carpets.

Click this Amazon link for more info.

Of course, it's also essential to vacuum your carpets regularly. Most home cleaning experts recommend giving your carpets a thorough vacuuming on a biweekly basis. Vacuuming in the vicinity of your treadmill prevents excess debris from gathering in the tread or other areas, so the machine will continue to function smoothly.

Visit this Amazon link for more details.

How Should I Clean A Treadmill Mat?

Unfortunately, your treadmill mat will probably start smelling like a sweaty gym after a few intense workouts. Thankfully, it's not all that difficult to get rid of these odors. As long as you have a hose and mild dishwashing detergent, you can easily clean your treadmill mat.  

First, spray your treadmill mat outside with a hose and wipe away obvious debris with a rag. Next, scrub your mat with a soapy sponge before dousing it with more warm water. Lastly, leave your mat outside to dry under the sun before bringing it back into your home.

Nowadays, you can easily find Dawn dishwashing soap online. This mild formulate is excellent for cleaning treadmills mats without damaging the materials.

Click this link for more details.

To preserve your mat’s material, it's not a good idea to use anything more abrasive than mild soap. If you're struggling to get the stink out of your mat, we recommend asking your product’s manufacturer for a list of safe secondary cleaners.   

How To Find The Perfect Zone For Your Treadmill

Now that you've got all your treadmill equipment, you might be wondering where to put your unit. To help you find the best room for your treadmill, let’s go over some critical features to consider.    

Where Should I Put A Treadmill In My House?

If you don't have the luxury of a spare room, you're probably wondering where the heck to fit your treadmill. Although this option will vary depending on your home design, one of the most popular options is the basement. Many people love training in the basement because this room offers a lot of space and privacy. Indeed, most basements have enough space to fit other fitness equipment like weights, which means you could easily add strength training to your workout regimen.

Unlike the garage, the basement is well insulated. This means you don't have to worry about experiencing any extreme temps during the winter or summer. It's also usually easier to hook up a TV in the basement for entertainment. On the downside, it’s common for basements to have low ceilings. Depending on your height, this could pose a significant safety hazard.

If the basement doesn’t work for you, the garage is another popular option. A great benefit of running in the garage is you have plenty of privacy. On the downside, you may have to invest in air conditioning units or heaters to keep you comfortable at different times of the year. Also, some people say they can't stand whiffing garage odors during their cardio sessions. 

Another popular room to consider is your bedroom. While it's not as private as the basement or the garage, this room is convenient and well-insulated. However, some people don't feel comfortable using a treadmill in the same space they associate with relaxation. If this isn't a big deal for you, then consider adding your treadmill to your bedroom.

How Much Space Do You Need Around A Treadmill?

Every manufacturer has different recommendations for the ideal space around your treadmill. However, here are a few spacing suggestions you could jot down: ensure there are two-feet on the sides, two-feet in front, and six-feet behind the machine.

You want extra space behind you as a safety precaution. The two-feet in front should help keep the machine adequately ventilated, while the two-feet on the sides will help you get on and off with ease.    

How High Does Your Ceiling Need To Be For A Treadmill?

The best way to figure out how tall your ceiling should be to accommodate a treadmill is to add your height to the treadmill's deck height and then tack on 6-inches. The number you get from this formula should be less than your room’s actual height. Please keep in mind we’re not including incline in this number. If you’re going to use your treadmill's incline function, please take these additional inches into account.       

For A Smooth Run, Invest In A Treadmill Mat

Treadmill mats offer so much more than hardwood floor protection. While these mats are great at reducing floor scuffing, they also improve the quality of your run thanks to reduced noise and enhanced stability. As a bonus, these mats could extend your treadmill's lifespan. Whether you're an experienced runner or just starting out, you should buy a high-quality mat for a high-quality run. 

If you're interested in exercising at home, check out our related posts for some excellent workout ideas:

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