Treadmill Mat - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
Treadmills designed for home use often duplicate the performance and features of professional-grade gym models. However, treadmills are heavy by nature and can cause floor damage as well as generate a significant amount of noise during use. A popular solution to this problem is a treadmill mat.
A treadmill mat is a piece of foam, plastic, and/or rubber that sits between the treadmill and the floor. The mat actually performs two separate functions: it protects the floor from friction and weight damage, and it protects the treadmill from outside contamination. A quality treadmill mat also reduces vibration and noise generated by the moving parts of the treadmill and the user's feet. The rubberized surface of the mat also helps keep the treadmill in place.
Some treadmill owners may believe that a treadmill placed on a padded mat doesn't need an additional mat, but in reality, the mat is not designed to withstand all the effects of a treadmill in action, and loose fibers and Carpet debris can damage the motor and the treadmill belt.
If you want more detailed information on treadmill mats, our buying guide below should answer many of your questions. When you're ready to buy, consider one of our top picks.
Key Considerations
Dimensions
Treadmills marketed for home use can vary in size, but most fall into the compact to medium category. The standard dimensions of a treadmill for home use should be at least 6.5 feet by 3 feet (78 by 36 inches), but some treadmills can be 84 inches or more in length and 48 inches or more in width. The thickness can also vary between a quarter and three-eighths of an inch. The most important factor is a minimum extension of six inches around all sides of the equipment. It pays to measure your treadmill or other exercise equipment before purchasing a treadmill mat.
Construction Materials
Treadmill mats must be able to reduce vibrations, absorb shock, and provide a non-slip surface between the floor and the machine. Most manufacturers use one or more of the following materials:
- EVA Foam
EVA foam has many of the same benefits as real rubber, but is also very light and easy to store. It provides a fairly non-slip surface and absorbs shock well. However, durability can be an issue with an all-EVA treadmill mat. It is often placed between layers of PVC or rubber to improve noise reduction.
- PVC :
Treadmill mats made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) are generally cheaper than rubber mats, and can be quite thick. Vinyl material is easy to clean between uses, and can be moderately durable. However, PVC may also require a period of outgassing before first use.
- Rubber :
Some running mats are constructed from a single piece of extruded rubber, but most are made from a composite mix. Recycled tires and other sources can also be used. Rubber is extremely durable and can also recover faster from the effects of heavy treadmill use. However, pure rubber walking mats can be more expensive.
Durability
Treadmill mats must be able to withstand a significant amount of stress from heavy pieces of exercise equipment. It's not uncommon for mats to begin to shed material over time, especially less expensive models made from EVA foam or rubber compound. If durability is an important consideration, we recommend investing in a solid rubber mat or one with an outer layer of rubber and an inner layer of PVC.
Ease of Maintenance
Some users may choose to leave the treadmill mat in place at all times, while others choose to store the mat between uses. Most treadmill mats arrive in a compact roll, and some can be difficult to flatten during use. Others are designed to fold in half between uses, but don't roll up. If a running mat doubles as an aerobics or yoga mat, the outer surface should be easy to clean and dry between uses. We recommend a multi-use PVC equipment mat.
Characteristic
- Colors
Most treadmill mats are black, but different color combinations are available. Carpets constructed of rubber compounds tend to have different colored stains, while some PVC-based carpets feature a variety of solid colors.
- Interlocking Rugs
When creating a home gym with multiple pieces of equipment, many people invest in foam mats with interlocking edges. An interlocking piece may be the right size for a treadmill, but connecting several of these mats together can create an entire play area for the kids or a home gym for the adults.
- Other Uses
Although the dimensions of a treadmill are designed specifically for home treadmills, it can serve other purposes. Some homeowners may want to protect hardwood flooring by installing team rugs under heavy furniture. A walking mat can also double as a sleeping bag pad or temporary mattress. It can also be used as an anti-fatigue mat behind a wet bar or in the kitchen.
Tips
Some treadmill mats require a degassing period, which means that sufficient time must be given for chemical odors from manufacturing to dissipate before use.
Be sure to measure the dimensions of your treadmill before purchasing a treadmill mat. A standard walking mat should be at least 6.5 x 3 feet.
Some shedding is normal as treadmill mats age. Be sure to vacuum or sweep up any loose material between uses to protect the motor and treadmill mechanism.
Rugs with rounded corners have less of a tendency to curl up between uses.
Always use a treadmill mat on the carpet, because the machine can deposit lubricant, dirt, and other debris while in use.
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