Treadmills are an excellent way to get cardio exercise every day, either by brisk walking or a vigorous run. However, if you're buying a new treadmill and you want to use it in an upstairs fitness room, you're probably wondering if it's acceptable to have a treadmill on the second floor. We have researched the feasibility of this to help you make the decision of where to place your workout equipment!
You can have a treadmill on the second floor, but there are three things you should consider before doing so: safety, practicality, and etiquette.
- First, ask yourself if your home or building is up to date on building codes. If the answer is yes, then a treadmill on the second floor will be perfectly safe to use.
- Next, think about whether or not it's practical to haul a treadmill upstairs, as doing so may cause personal injuries.
- Finally, you will need to consider if the treadmill's noise will bother other household members or adjoining neighbors.
Now that we briefly discussed what you need to know before placing your treadmill upstairs, we'll look at each consideration in-depth and answer some additional questions that you need to know. Please keep reading to find out more!
Why Does Safety, Practicality, And Etiquette Matter?
Safety
Homes and buildings current on building codes can hold thousands of pounds of weight in an upstairs room. For example, an upstairs bedroom is required to hold 300 pounds per square foot, which means that a 250-300 pound treadmill can safely be used upstairs, even by a person weighing significantly over 200 pounds. If you're unsure if you're home or apartment building is up to code, it's vital to enlist the help of your local home or building inspector.
Another safety concern is space. Ensure that there is at least 5-6 feet of space behind the treadmill. Never place the rear of the treadmill against a wall, as this can cause severe injuries and even burns from the belt when a fall happens.
Practicality
Unassembled treadmills come in a large, cumbersome box and can weigh up to 400 pounds. Trying to drag a box of this scale up a flight of stairs can be exhausting and potentially dangerous. Make sure to enlist the help of at least two other people when moving a treadmill upstairs to avoid injury to yourself and your new exercise equipment.
If you suffer from health ailments that hinder your ability to lift heavy objects and don't have anyone to help, it's more practical to place your treadmill in a downstairs room.
Etiquette
Treadmills can make many noises and vibrations that can be bothersome to other household members and when you live in an apartment complex, adjoining neighbors. It's considerate to be mindful of others around you, and luckily, there are quieter treadmills on the market and additional ways to reduce noise.
Things that will help include treadmill mats, placing the treadmill on carpeted flooring, and lubricating a squeaky treadmill belt.
How Do You Use A Treadmill Upstairs?
Before installing your treadmill upstairs, measure your doorway to make sure it can fit through; this will make it much easier to move if you decide to put it in another room later.
Once you install the treadmill, place it in the corner of a room to help reduce the noise and vibrations of jogging and running. You will also need to ensure that you have enough space. Space requirements for a treadmill are:
- 5-6 feet behind to reduce injury if a fall occurs
- 2 feet on each side to comfortably get on and off the treadmill
- 2 feet in front for proper motor ventilation
If possible, place the treadmill on a carpeted area, as hardwood and laminate flooring creates the most noise. If you don't have carpet, be sure to use a high-quality treadmill mat underneath your equipment.
An important note: smaller treadmills don't always mean quieter. Heavier, well-built treadmills usually have better shock absorption, so be sure to shop around for the treadmill that's right for you!
Click here to see this shock-absorbing treadmill on Amazon.
Can The Peloton Treadmill Go Upstairs?
Peloton treadmills are generally not recommended for upstairs use. These treadmills are very heavy and make a lot of noise, so it's best to place them in a downstairs room. According to Peloton's website, you can hire a licensed service technician to relocate your Peloton treadmill to another room for a $250 fee. The technicians can also disassemble your treadmill for $175 and reassemble it for an additional $175.
It's important to note that it will void any warranties if you disassemble your Peloton treadmill yourself. Therefore, if you want your Peloton in an upstairs room, you should enlist the help of a professional.
Will A Treadmill Damage My Floor?
Treadmills are heavy pieces of exercise equipment that can, unfortunately, damage your floors. They can make indentations on hardwood floors and carpets and can tear vinyl flooring.
The best way to protect any flooring is to purchase a high-quality treadmill mat. Treadmill mats offer cushioning, stability and also help to muffle noises and vibrations. Choose a mat made from rubber, vinyl, or PVC foam for the best results.
Click here to see this treadmill mat on Amazon.
Can You Use A Treadmill In An Upstairs Apartment?
Using a treadmill in an upstairs apartment can be challenging because you need to consider your adjoining neighbors, especially those living downstairs. Running on a treadmill will cause lots of noise and vibrations, which will likely bother those living nearby.
Unless your landlord prohibits the use of a treadmill upstairs, there are a few things you can do to ensure your treadmill runs quieter and to keep the neighbors happy. These include:
- Placing your treadmill near a corner of your room will reduce more noise than having a treadmill in the room's center.
- Using a mat underneath the treadmill to muffle the noise that comes from jogging.
- Lubricating the belt and performing routine maintenance on the treadmill per the user's manual.
- Making sure the treadmill sits on an even surface of the floor.
- Do brisk walking instead of jogging for your treadmill exercise routine.
- Do your running at times when you know it's less likely to disturb your neighbors.
In Closing
You can use treadmills on the second floor as long as you have adequate room to use them, can safely drag them upstairs, and can keep neighbor disruption to a minimum. If you're set on having your fitness room located upstairs, then you should definitely go for it! By placing your treadmill in the room's corner and using a cushioning mat underneath, you can ensure that it will run smoother and quieter.
Thanks for reading! For more helpful home improvement advice, be sure to read the following: