Can You Operate a Treadmill in a Condo?

If you're an avid treadmill enthusiast and are thinking about buying a new condo in the upcoming future, you'll need to find out first whether you can operate a treadmill in the unit. While most condominium buildings won't have a specific rule concerning personal exercise equipment, there will be other simple rules that may make it impossible to run the machine.

It's All About The Noise Level

Most condo agreements will have a stipulation about individual noise levels from each unit. Most will basically say that you cannot make noise that will bother your neighbours. This means that you'll have to find out how the noise travels from one condo unit down to the one below it.

In some cases you'll be able to drop bricks on your floor without receiving any complaints from the neighbours below you. Some buildings have been constructed to be extremely sound proof. On the other hand, you'll find a lot of condos aren't very sound proof - especially when it comes to the noise that can travel from one unit down to the other below it.

Some Treadmills Are Better For Condos Then Others

Times are changing and manufacturers of home gym equipment are addressing the fact that a lot of people that are buying condos would like to set up some time of fitness equipment within their unit. Nowadays you can find treadmills that can fold up to fit into a closet and be pulled from one room to another on wheels. These compact models are also built to run quietly.

Noiseproofing Options in Your Condo

When it come to keeping the peace between you and your neighbors, you will want to utilize noiseproofing options in your condo to reduce the noise made by the treadmill. As a first line of defense, make sure that your treadmill is fully maintained with all belts tightened appropriately. Also, check the treadmill motor to ensure it can run freely without debris clogging up the works.

Otherwise, you will need to focus on placing your treadmill on cork isolation pads, rubber mats or a carpeted area to reduce noise transmission to adjacent condo units. Make sure that your treadmill does not come into contact with any walls, even if they are not shared with your neighbors. With this approach, you can reduce the noise transmitted through the condo building by your treadmill.

If you want to have a treadmill in a condo you'll have to find a building that is relatively soundproof and look for a piece of equipment that runs quieter than most. When you put this combination together, you can often have a treadmill in your condo apartment and enjoy all of the health benefits that go along with it without disturbing your neighbours down below.