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Mats Under Treadmills, Bikes, Rowers and Weight Benches

Put a firm mat under your equipment to protect the floor, cut noise and vibration, and stop machines from creeping. Here is how to size it.

Updated October 20264 min read

Basement home gym with an indoor bike and dumbbells on a large black mat

Short answer: yes, put a mat under your treadmill, bike, rower, elliptical, rack, or weight bench. It protects your floor from scratches and sweat, cuts vibration and noise, and stops equipment from creeping. Use a firm exercise mat, not a soft yoga mat, and size it for the machine plus the space you train in around it.

Key takeaways

  • A firm exercise mat protects floors and quiets machines.
  • Measure the machine's footprint, then add the room you need to get on, off, and train beside it.
  • One big mat can hold a machine and your floor workout. 9' x 6' and 12' x 6' work well for that.
  • Keep equipment off yoga mats.

Why a mat under equipment

  • Floor protection. Machine feet scratch hardwood, dent vinyl, and crush carpet. Sweat drips on everything.
  • Less noise and vibration. A dense mat absorbs the hum of a treadmill belt and the thud of a dropped dumbbell, which matters in upstairs rooms and apartments.
  • No creeping. Bikes and rowers walk across a smooth floor over time. The non-slip mat holds them in place.

“The trainer is extremely stable while using the mat.”

Verified buyer · 5 stars · Large Exercise Mat

What mat size for your equipment?

Setup Suggested mat
Indoor bike or bike trainer only 6' x 4'
Weight bench and dumbbells 6' x 4' to 7' x 5'
Rower (long and narrow) 8' x 4' or 10' x 4'
Treadmill or elliptical Measure the machine, then pick the mat that covers it: 8' x 4', 9' x 6', or larger
One machine plus a floor workout area 9' x 6'
Rack, bench, and open floor 12' x 6' or 15' x 6'

Measure your machine's length and width (the manual lists it), then pick the mat that covers it with room to step on and off. See every size to scale in What Size Exercise Mat Do You Need?

Weight bench on a long black mat in a home gym room
A long mat under a weight bench.

Exercise mat, not yoga mat

Our Exercise Mats are 1/4" (6mm) high-density and built for shoes, weights, and equipment. They work under treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, squat racks, and other gym equipment. Our Yoga Mats are softer and made for bare feet; equipment and weights damage them, and that isn't covered by the warranty.

“We have an elliptical and workout bench on the mat and it gives just the right amount of cushion.”

Verified buyer · 5 stars · Large Yoga Mat

Setup tips

  1. Lay the mat first, then the machine. Roll the mat out flat and let it settle, then set the equipment down in the middle.
  2. Leave a strip of mat beside the machine for stretching, core work, and getting on and off.
  3. Expect feet to leave marks. Very heavy equipment may leave an imprint in the mat over time. It doesn't affect how the mat works.
  4. Wipe sweat after each session with a damp cloth. Use mild dish soap and warm water for a deeper clean.
Woman seated on a big black mat beside a row of dumbbells
Room on the mat for dumbbells and floor work.

Protect your floor. Quiet your machines.

Free shipping, 60-day returns, and a lifetime warranty on every mat.

Shop Exercise MatsSee the Size Guide

Related guides: Walking Pad, Vibration Plate or Mini Trampoline: Do You Need a Mat Underneath? · Do You Need a Mat for Dumbbell and Kettlebell Workouts at Home? · Exercise Mats on Hardwood, Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Tile Floors · Treadmill or Walking Pad on Carpet: Do You Need a Mat?

FAQ

Can I put a treadmill on an exercise mat?

Yes. Our Exercise Mats work great under treadmills: extra cushion, floor protection, and less vibration and noise.

Will equipment dent the mat?

Very heavy equipment may leave an imprint over time. That is normal and doesn't affect performance.

Can one mat hold a machine and my floor workout?

Yes. A 9' x 6' fits a bike or bench plus a floor area; 12' x 6' fits more.

Does a mat help with noise for neighbors downstairs?

Yes. The mat absorbs shock and reduces vibration, which makes a real difference on hard floors and in upstairs rooms.

More guides.

See all guides

Shoes on, or barefoot?

Wear shoes and bring your weights on the exercise mat. Go barefoot on the yoga mat: 8mm thick, with a sticky grip designed for bare feet.

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  • 60-day returns

    Contact us within 60 days of delivery for a prepaid return label. The label cost comes out of the refund; no restocking fee.

  • Lifetime warranty

    Manufacturing defects are replaced for as long as you own the mat. How the lifetime warranty works

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