Spouse’s Treadmill is Too Loud! The Real Cause of Apartment Complaints#
“My spouse wants to start training at home.” “They already bought a treadmill."—When this happens, noise concerns for downstairs neighbors immediately come to mind.
Every “thud-thud” vibration makes you anxious: “Will there be another complaint?” You want your spouse to enjoy exercising, but you also want to avoid neighbor troubles.
For those facing this dilemma, here’s what you need to understand first.
It’s Not Motor Noise—It’s Floor Impact “Vibration” Transmitting#
What downstairs neighbors actually hear is not “machine noise.”
When your spouse runs, the “body weight + impact” shakes the floor (like an earthquake) and transmits downward.
This is called “structure-borne sound,” different from regular airborne sound. It vibrates the floor and wall structures themselves, resonating throughout the entire apartment building.
That’s why even purchasing a “quiet design treadmill” often fails to reduce noise reaching downstairs.
A Single Yoga Mat Can’t Catch a “Bowling Ball”#
“Maybe putting down a yoga mat will work”—many people think this way and place just one thin mat.
However, this is like “trying to catch an iron ball with a soft blanket.”
Your spouse’s body weight (60-80kg+) and running impact (3-4 times body weight) cannot be supported by a thin yoga mat. The impact still hits the floor with thuds, and vibration continues transmitting downstairs.
This is why so many say “the mat didn’t work.”
Solve with a Smile! Aim for a “Soft & Firm” Sandwich#
But don’t worry. No difficult construction is needed.
The Magic Rule for Eliminating Vibration: “Layer Hard and Soft Materials”#
Simply “combining” items available at supermarkets and home centers dramatically changes effectiveness.
The recommended approach is a “multi-layer sandwich” strategy—stacking materials like a hamburger.
Basic Concept
- Soft fluffy materials: “Cushion role” that gently catches your spouse’s landing impact
- Dense heavy materials: “Weight role” that prevents the floor itself from shaking
Combining these two creates two-stage defense: “catch impact → stop vibration.”
Layering affordable materials is actually more effective than buying one expensive specialty mat.
[Budget-Tiered] Recommended Soundproofing Sets by Price and Commitment Level#
Let’s explain specific combinations by budget level.
[Basic: Start Here] Washing Machine Pads + Thick Carpet#
Total Budget: ¥3,000-6,000 (approx. $20-40 USD)
The simplest, most immediately testable solution.
Materials Needed
- Washing machine vibration pads (4-piece set: ¥1,000-2,000)
- Thick carpet (home center: ¥2,000-4,000)
Installation Method
- Lay carpet on floor
- Place four vibration pads where treadmill legs will sit
- Install treadmill
Effectiveness
Washing machine vibration pads significantly reduce the “rattling shake” that vibrates the floor.
Even just this reduces downstairs vibration by approximately 30-40% compared to “no measures.”
Caution
- Insufficient for serious running (15km/h+)
- Recommend daytime use only
[Moderate: Peace of Mind Set] Rubber Mat + Training Mat#
Total Budget: ¥8,000-15,000 (approx. $55-105 USD)
A well-balanced combination for more thorough measures.
Materials Needed
- Heavy black rubber mat (1cm+ thickness, ¥5,000-8,000)
- Thick training mat (2cm+ thickness, ¥3,000-7,000)
Installation Method
- Place rubber mat (dense role) on bottom
- Layer training mat (fluffy role) on top
- Install treadmill
Effectiveness
This combination handles “running” (10-15km/h).
The clean appearance also works well in living rooms without looking out of place.
Recommended Points
- Choose rubber mat labeled “high-density” (heavier = more effective)
- Training mat should be “EVA material” (high cushioning)
- Select size slightly larger than treadmill (prevents vibration leakage)
Often Overlooked! Placement Location and Usage Tips#
Beyond layering materials, “where to place” and “how to use” also matter.
Just Moving Away from Walls and Windows Changes Sound Resonance#
When the treadmill sits flush against walls, sound travels through walls to adjacent rooms and downstairs.
Ideal Placement
- One fist’s distance from walls
- 30cm+ from windows
- If possible, room corner (near beams)
Room corners are where floors flex less. Placing in the room center causes more floor flexing and greater vibration.
How to Ask Your Spouse
“I heard moving it away from walls reduces sound. Could you help move it?”
This gentle request approach encourages cooperation.
Safe for Rentals! Adding “Board” Protection for Floors#
Heavy treadmills (30-50kg+) can dent tatami or flooring.
Using Plywood (Konpane)
Home center plywood sheets (¥1,000-2,000) placed on the bottom work perfectly.
Benefits
- Prevents floor denting
- Distributes vibration across surface area, improving soundproofing
- Easy restoration for rental properties
Layer Order
- Plywood board
- Rubber mat or vibration pads
- Training mat
- Treadmill
This four-layer structure works safely even in rental apartments.
Ask Your Spouse! Three Points for “Quieter Running”#
Beyond materials, small changes to your spouse’s “running style” make a difference.
Request “Forefoot” Rather Than “Heel” Landing#
The cause of loud “thud!” sounds is “heel striking.”
Heel landing concentrates body weight at one point, creating major floor impact.
How to Request
“Could you try running like a ninja, on your toes? Apparently it makes a huge difference in sound.”
This game-like request encourages fun cooperation.
Treadmill Incline Trick
Setting treadmill incline to 2-3% naturally promotes forefoot landing.
Plus, incline increases exercise effectiveness, benefiting your spouse too.
After 8 PM: Switch to “Walking Mode”#
No matter how much soundproofing, running noise carries more in nighttime quietness.
Family Rule Proposal
“After 8 PM, could we do fast walking instead of running? That would really help.”
Walking Benefits
- Quieter (less vibration)
- With incline, high fat-burning effect
- Late-night exercise disrupts sleep—walking is healthier
A proposal that protects both your spouse’s health and good neighbor relations.
Summary: Layering Protects Both Family Health and Neighbor Relations#
Treadmill soundproofing improves through “combinations” without expensive specialty products.
Actions You Can Take Today
- Try washing machine pads (from ¥1,000)
- Layer a thick carpet
- Move away from walls to room corner
- Request walking mode after 8 PM
Reduce your anxiety (fear of complaints) while letting your spouse enjoy exercising comfortably.
Having the attitude “we’re taking measures” makes downstairs neighbors more understanding if sound becomes noticeable.
Start with “the simplest solution—washing machine pads.”
If you think “we can do this!”, begin today.
It’s the first step toward protecting both family smiles and good neighbor relationships.
Note on Japanese Context: In Japan, home fitness equipment in apartment buildings (mansion 「マンション」, referring to mid-to-high rise reinforced concrete apartments) requires special consideration due to close living quarters. Washing machine vibration pads are widely available at 100-yen shops, home centers like Cainz, Komeri, and online. ¥1,000 ≈ $7-10 USD. “Konpane” (コンパネ) refers to concrete formwork plywood, commonly used for DIY flooring protection in Japan.