How Thick Should a Treadmill Mat Be for Better Performance?
Treadmill mats are an essential part of a treadmill. How many home treadmills don’t come with these mats will surprise you. Fortunately, you can pick up an affordable treadmill mat anywhere.
Since the birth of the treadmill, runners have struggled with finding the best treadmill mat to protect themselves when exercising. So, how thick should a treadmill mat be?
There are no easy answers because every treadmill is different and presents a slightly different challenge when choosing a mat.
On this page, I’ll show you how to measure your treadmill so that you can order the correct size mat and put your mind at ease.
Purpose of a Treadmill Mat
A treadmill mat aims to help protect your floors from the damage a treadmill can cause.
It is because treadmills have wheels on them made out of rubber. The friction caused by the rubber on hard flooring can cause scratches, dents, and other floor damage.
The best way to protect your floors is by using a treadmill mat. Treadmill mats are typically made out of rubber or foam and should always be used when using your treadmill.
If you don’t use a treadmill mat, the wheels will probably still leave marks on your floor, but they won’t be as profound or severe as without one.
A treadmill mat also helps reduce injuries related to repetitive walking or running motions, which can cause muscle and joint pain in some people.
How Thick Should a Treadmill Mat Be?
Treadmill mats are a necessity for any home gym. They protect your floors from the wear and tear of running and help keep you safe. However, many people don’t know how thick they should be.
The answer depends on your treadmill type, but most treadmills need a 1/4-inch mat to protect your flooring. If you have carpeting or other soft floorings, you may want to consider a thicker mat like this 3/8 inch mat.
If you have hardwood floors, then a thinner mat like this 1/4-inch model will work just fine to protect them from the impact of running.
Benefits of Thicker Mats
Thicker mats are helpful for treadmills, as they can help protect your floor from the debris that accumulates underneath the machine. Some common benefits of treadmill mats are listed below:
- They provide more protection for your floors, especially hardwood floors
- They are better at absorbing shock and vibration
- They offer more cushioning and comfort
- Thicker mats are more durable
- They are also easier to clean and maintain because they don’t become soiled as quickly as thinner mats do
- The thicker mat is less likely to tear or rip than thinner materials
How to Choose a Treadmill Mat?
If you have just started using treadmills, use extra thin mats to avoid interfering with your workout.
If you want something more durable, then go for something thicker mats. But before choosing a treadmill mat, let’s look at some of its features:
Thickness
It all depends on what kind of surface you want to use and how much money you want to spend on it.
The thicker ones will cost more than the thinner ones, but they will also last longer than their thinner counterparts because they can absorb more shocks and bumps, which might otherwise damage your floor or hurt your feet if a thick mat doesn’t cover them.
Size
The size of your treadmill mat depends on the size of your treadmill. Make sure to measure it correctly before purchasing one.
If you have a small treadmill or use it in a small space, you might be able to get away with a thinner mat.
But if you’re buying a larger mat for an enormous treadmill or using it in ample space, you’ll want more cushioning and support.
Durability
The durability of a treadmill mat depends on the material’s quality and the mat’s thickness.
If you’re looking for a treadmill mat that will last for many years, you must invest in one at least 3/8-inch thick.
This thickness protects your floor from scuffs and scratches caused by your treadmill’s rubber feet. In addition, thicker mats provide better comfort than thin ones.
Stability
The stability of your treadmill is also essential when choosing the right mat for your needs. A stable mat can support up to 400 pounds without buckling or bowing.
If you have an older model with less weight capacity, you must ensure that your treadmill’s weight capacity meets or exceeds that number before purchasing any treadmill mat.
Cushioning
A treadmill mat can be used for many different purposes. The most common type of treadmill mat is a 1/4” thick rubber mat designed to cushion the feet from impact with the treadmill.
The cushioning provides comfort for those who regularly use treadmills, helping reduce joint pain and muscle fatigue.
Weight
The average weight of a treadmill is about 350 pounds, much heavier than most other exercise equipment.
So if you’re looking for something to protect your flooring from damage, stick with a high-quality treadmill mat that can withstand the weight and impact of your machine.
Noise Reduction
You should choose a mat that will help decrease the noise your treadmill emits when you use it. Many different mats are available, so finding one that will perfectly fit your needs and preferences is important.
Some mats are designed for runners, while others are for walkers. The type of mat you choose will depend on how much noise reduction you need and the space available in your home or apartment complex.
Price
The price of a treadmill mat depends on several factors, including thickness and material used in construction. A heavy-duty rubber mat can be expensive, but it will last longer than other types of mats.
Final Words
Let’s conclude this overview of treadmill mats by looking at thicknesses. If we dig into the specifications treadmill makers provide for the mats they include with their treadmills, there can be a lot of confusion.
For example, some models mention a “floor safe” mat that is 1/4 inch thick, while others mention a “maximum safety” mat that is 1/4 inch thick. Some mention additional cushioning, like foam on top of the rubber for protection from more impact, and others don’t but only refer to rubber.
Finally, many state that their included mat is 3/16 or 1/4” thick with no further details on materials.
The thicker the mat, the more durable it will be. But even among thicker options, you can still buy a heavier-duty product without spending too much money.
