Treadmill mats are often forgotten when people buy a new treadmill. Unfortunately, when they get home, set up their new fitness equipment and start using it, they realize they forgot a very important accessory. Fortunately, a good rug doesn’t cost much (less than $50), and you might even be able to convince the seller to give you one for free if you buy both items together from the same store (if you’re a decent seller yourself).
Without proper padding, even a little use on a treadmill can wreak havoc on someone’s floor, especially if that floor is wood or laminate. Even carpeted floors can be destroyed by the use of a treadmill. Since no type of flooring costs less than $50, it makes sense to pay that ounce of prevention up front. The only exception to this would be if you are placing the equipment directly on a concrete floor; then you don’t have to worry about the floor, but you do have to worry about the condition of the treadmill.
The best treadmill mats also provide cushioning and care for the treadmill itself, especially for heavy users. A good 3/4-inch thick treadmill mat can do wonders for keeping your treadmill balanced and will help reduce the inevitable wear and tear on the machine over time. There’s nothing worse than having a wonderful treadmill out of order or wobbling while running because it’s warped over time. For this reason, it’s best to get a treadmill mat no matter where you’re going to place it.
