If I use the treadmill on my second floor apartment, could it bother my downstairs neighbors?

Oh yes. We live in a two-story house with a treadmill upstairs, and the noise is very noticable downstairs.

Harp is right, they most certainly will hear it. When someone calls me with this problem we recommend putting the treadmill on springs or pads (rubber or fiberglass) that will deflect at least 1/2” to an 1” under load. Attached all the springs or pads to a platform that the treadmill will sit on. I would recommend using pads over springs for more lateral stability.

Leave all sides of the platform open as to not encapsulate the air. If you don’t leave the sided open, the overall stiffness of the platform goes way up and can make the problem worse.

Who wouldn’t want to hear that?

2late2be, how considerate! Rarely do you see someone care about their neighbors!

LOL thanks margeryred!! I do not like to bother people as I dont like to be bothered by others, now I’m looking for all kinds of pads/mats that I can use with the treadmill, and asking my neighbors what time could be good for them…

just try and talk to them about it in a way that won’t make them think you might be asking because you want to break into their home while they are gone, I would be suspicious of anyone wanting to know when I won’t be home…

well to know if theyre at home or not its easy without asking them, their cars wont be at the parking lot, just want to let them know that I will be exercising and need to know if that bothers them

I still think you are sooo cool for asking and being considerate.

If you go on the manufacturer’s (of your treadmill) web site they will have a mat that you can look at to get an idea of what you should make or finally buy for yourself! Good luck my considerate friend!