Best Treadmill and Equipment Floor Mats

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A floor mat under a treadmill or heavy machine does three quiet jobs at once, and in an apartment all three matter. It dampens the noise and vibration that a running belt or a dropped weight sends through the floor to the unit below, it protects your flooring from dents and sweat, and it keeps the machine from creeping across a hard surface as you use it. The spec that drives performance is thickness and density, since a thin foam mat cushions little, while a dense rubber mat of 6 millimeters or more absorbs real impact and deadens the low frequency rumble that travels furthest through a building. Rubber outperforms foam here, because foam compresses and tears under the point load of treadmill feet, whereas high density rubber holds its shape and its dampening for years. Size the mat to your machine plus a margin, so the whole footprint sits on the mat with a few inches to spare, which catches sweat and stops the feet from sitting half on and half off. If you have carpet, a firm mat also gives the machine a stable base so it does not rock. Consider the smell, since some rubber mats off gas at first and need airing out, and look for a low odor compound if that concerns you. A textured or ribbed surface grips the machine feet and stops sliding. Mats roll or fold for storage if you move the machine. Prices run roughly 25 to 120 dollars depending on size and rubber quality. For a treadmill over shared walls, go thicker and denser than you think you need.