Where to Put a Treadmill: Tips for Finding the Perfect Spot

RELATED: 7 Best Curved Treadmills for Sale, 6 Best Treadmills Under $2000, 12 Best Treadmills Under $1000

From better mental and physical health to lower impact on joints, the benefits of using and owning a treadmill are definitely worth the investment.

However, our homes and living situations are all very different, which begs the question…

Where should you put your treadmill? 

There are so many options with treadmill placement, but before we get into those, let’s explore the why behind placement importance and factors that can affect your ultimate decision.

Why Does It Matter Where a Treadmill is Located?

It’s an Investment 

There are a lot of reasons your treadmill location matters. But, the main reason it matters is because it’s an investment.

Whether you’re on a budget and keeping it under $1,000 or you’re spending $2,000 or more, this is an important piece of machinery.

You want your investment to be in a centrally located area where it will get used, and doing so, you will ensure you’re getting your money’s worth out of it.

You want it easily accessible

One of the best ways you will get your money’s worth out of your new treadmill is by placing it in an area of convenience.

You want your treadmill in an ideal place where you can access it easily and use it whenever you want.

That’s why it’s so important to consider where to put a treadmill before you get one! 

Factors to Consider in Deciding Treadmill Placement

While there are many factors to consider when deciding the placement of your treadmill, here are the ones that stand out the most…

Space needed for the treadmill

Before you think about anything else, you need to consider your space.

Most treadmills have a footprint of 77 inches long and 53 inches wide.

Of course, you can find some that are smaller, but if you’re not exactly sure which treadmill to go with, measure according to the average sizing. 

Think about your home, its layout, and where a 77 in. by 53 in. footprint could easily go.

Some spots may be more desirable than others, but if it will not fit, it most definitely won’t work. 

Will need access to power and Wi-Fi

As you’re considering the footprint of a treadmill, you’ll also need to think about access to outlets.

More than likely, you will invest in a treadmill that runs off of some sort of power requiring a plug.

And you’ll want the treadmill located a safe distance from it so you don’t have cords running through your room.

Put it where you will use it

If you have the luxury of having more than one option in your home for treadmill placement, then you should also think about a space where you’ll actually use it.

For some, that may be near a television where you can add to your motivation by watching your favorite shows at the same time.

For others, that may be in a garage or home office where it’s easy to access and private.

Place where noise won’t bother others

No matter what treadmill you purchase, it’s bound to make some noise.

Of course, there are certain things that can make your treadmill noisy like the belt coming loose, but every treadmill is going to make some noise.

It’s important to consider the noise factor when deciding on treadmill placement.

For example, if you have a newborn who naps during your workout, you may not want it in the very next room. 

Safety 

Continuing with children and where to put a treadmill, you also need to consider safety.

Maybe you don’t have children you need to make sure aren’t using it at unsupervised times, but you may need to consider other safety factors.

When placing your treadmill, make sure it is a safe distance from objects that could be potentially hazardous, pets, and children.

It’s incredible having this piece of equipment in your home, but it also brings responsibility and making sure you place it safely. 

Treadmill in Garage

It is very common for people to place their treadmills in the garage.

If you have a garage at your home, it should definitely be a consideration for your treadmill placement.

Let’s think through the potential pros and cons of having a treadmill in the garage…

Pros:

If you think about it, having the treadmill in the garage checks a lot of the boxes of the items listed above.

It’s got a lot of space, out of harm’s way for children and pets, and is a great sound barrier from the rest of the home. 

Another great thing about having your treadmill in the garage is that it’s not a part of your living area.

You don’t have to worry about making the area dirtied with your sweat and workout gear.

Because it’s a garage, it’s much less formal and feels more like a space for a workout. 

Cons:

Depending on the type of garage you have, there could definitely be some cons.

If your garage is detached from your home, that could make it less accessible.

You know the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind?” Well, that may apply in this scenario.

Another thing to consider depending on the type of garage you have and where you are located is climate control and access to power and electricity.

If you live in a more extreme climate, your garage may not be comfortable to workout in.

If you don’t have access to a plug, that could also be a big issue as most treadmills require to be plugged in – except some curved treadmills. 

Treadmill in Basement

If you don’t have a detached or attached garage at your house, you might have a basement.

Basements are underground and some have a door where you can pull your car into, but not all. 

There are some similar pros and cons between putting treadmills in garages and basements, but there are also some key differences.

Let’s explore those…

Pros:

Like a garage, the basement is separate from the main living area because it is a floor below.

Because of this, you won’t have to worry as much about sound traveling. 

Some people have finished basements while others’ are unfinished.

If you have a finished basement, the lighting and access to plugs may be easier than an unfinished basement.

But either way, it’s physical separation from your house can make the space feel more like a dedicated workout space, which some people find really motivating! 

Cons:

Putting your treadmill in the basement is like it being in the garage – because it is physically separated from the rest of your home.

For some, that’s incredibly motivating to have a dedicated space, but for others, the ease of access may be limiting.

Another potential negative to consider when putting your treadmill in the basement is the access to outlets and lighting.

But, this depends on your home and its setup.

Treadmill in Bedroom 

Whether you don’t feel that a basement or garage is the best placement for a treadmill or you don’t even have one in your home, a bedroom is another viable option. 

Pros:

One of the biggest benefits of having a treadmill in a bedroom (whether it’s your own or in an extra one in your home) is that it is closer in proximity to you.

You can get to it quickly and can easily set up accessories to make your workout easier. 

For example, you could put up a TV to watch while using it, which could increase your motivation.

Just imagine coming home from work, slipping into some yoga pants, and watching your favorite show while walking on the treadmill.

The proximity and amenities could make increasing your treadmill time a breeze! 

Cons:

One of the biggest cons to having a treadmill in a bedroom would be the noise factor.

If you have children or people who sleep lightly, it could be hard waking up early and getting a workout in because they would hear the noise.

Another potential negative you’d need to consider is space.

If you have visitors stay with you often and your treadmill is in the spare bedroom, it would be both in the way and harder to workout with people staying in the room. 

Treadmill in Living Room

If your rooms are too small and you don’t have a garage/basement, you may put your treadmill in the living room.

Now, this comes with some definite pros, but there are also some pretty big potential cons to consider…

Pros:

To me, the biggest pro of having a treadmill in your living room is that it eliminates any of your excuses.

It’s in the most convenient location that will allow you to multitask. 

Catching up with an old friend on the phone? You could walk and talk.

Watching your favorite show after a long day? You could pop on the tread during the commercials. 

Last, if you’re a person who doesn’t enjoy being alone, this is the perfect place to put it.

You can still be with your family while working out. 

Cons:

On the flip side of what I just shared, a big potential con for having your treadmill in the living room could be the lack of privacy.

Having your significant other or children in the same room while you’re working out could not only be frustrating, it could also be a safety issue. 

Another choose to put your treadmill in the living room is strictly from an aesthetic standpoint.

Many people want their main living area to be the focal point of their home, the place where people come together and hang out.

Some may feel that a treadmill in the room may take away from the overall looks of the room.

Can I Put a Treadmill Upstairs?

If you have an upstairs in your home, and you’re wondering where to put a treadmill, using that space could be a great choice.

However, there are a few factors you’d need to consider. 

First, the noise factor will definitely come into play.

Anyone located directly below the treadmill while it is being operated will more than likely hear it.

Of course they insulate some homes better than others, but it’s something you should consider.

Another thing to think about is the potential safety issues that could arise.

If you have children and their bedrooms are on the top floor, there may be some situations where they are unsupervised upstairs.

If this is the case, it may not be an ideal option.

Last, consider how you would get the treadmill up the stairs.

Not all stairwells will be large enough.

If you get a treadmill that is on the heavier side mixed with a narrow stairwell with turns, it could be a recipe for disaster!

Where To Put a Treadmill In a Room? 

Once you’ve decided on where to put a treadmill in your home, you may wonder where to position it.

From personal experience of having a treadmill in my home, I have a few recommendations.

I would make sure you can see the entry to the room.

The worst feeling in the world is running at a high speed, jamming out to your music, and having someone scare the complete daylights out of you because you didn’t see them come in!

It’s literally the worst! 

Other than that, my last piece of advice would be to would consider what you value.

Some people want to face the outdoors and be closer to the window while others prefer facing a television on the wall.

Some people have it to the side in a guest room while others position it as a focal piece in the room with plenty of space on all sides. 

Observe your space, measure the room and the tread, and you can find a positioning that will work best for you! 

Where To Put a Treadmill FAQ’s