There are many reasons why a treadmill mat is well worth the money spent. Not only does the mat serve to protect the treadmill it also protects the floor underneath the treadmill especially during use. The treadmill mat both absorbs the vibration from the treadmill to reduce noise as well as the stress of physical force. Since it sits directly beneath the treadmill it keeps any mechanical lubrication from staining and potentially damaging the floor as well as minimizes dust from entering through the underside of the treadmill. Many people like having the treadmill as the focal point of the room and a mat serves to ground the treadmill with the rest of the decor.

But practicality is the main reason why every treadmill owner should have a mat. A treadmill in use generates a lot of vibration and the shock can not only cause damage to the floor, it can reverberate back to the body of the treadmill which will significantly wear down the structural strength. A treadmill with a steel frame will definitely outlast any other material but that doesn’t mean that a mat to absorb physical abuse won’t provide any protection. In fact, it just means you as the owner can expect even more life out of your machine.

The vibration is generated by both the running of the motor inside the treadmill as well as the pounding of the runner’s feet on the deck. This combination will produce a lot of noise and if it doesn’t bother the runner it will annoy the life out of anyone in the vicinity of the treadmill while it is being used. If you have a gym membership, pay attention to the noise level on your next visit. Gym’s usually provide the best mats for their treadmills since they know it is a good investment for both noise reduction as well as prolonging the life of their fitness machines.

Another way treadmill mats protect both the floor and the treadmill is by serving as a barrier between the two. Some people think that their carpet will be the shock absorber so they can avoid having to buy a mat for their treadmill. The truth is carpet is actually very bad for the treadmill. While bare floors still contain dust particles, carpet provides a source of excess fibers and dust particles that will be kicked up by all the action of a treadmill in use. These dust particles and carpet fiber will get into the underside of the treadmill, slowly clog the mechanical parts and thicken the lubrication.

The lubrication in turn will inevitably drip from the motor and other moving parts inside the treadmill. These chemicals can damage floors and stain carpet if there is no mat. It will cause ugly spots on the ground. Many people enjoy the mat simply because it makes the treadmill seem more grounded and the focal point of their room. This is purely aesthetics but whatever reason gets people to do the right thing is all that matters.

Cheap treadmill mats are available through links on this site and various other fitness equipment sites online. You can also visit your local equipment store for a treadmill mat that will not cost much, especially when compared to the cost of a new treadmill or the cost of repairing a treadmill that prematurely wears down because of poor maintenance. At the very least, invest $50 in a cheap treadmill mat and get the most useful life out of your fitness buddy.