Is it appropriate to have an exercise bike or treadmill in a flat?

Posted by ktitten@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 30 comments

I want some sort of home exercise kit, but my partner reckons it would be too noisy in a flat where we have downstairs neighbours.

We live in a 1st floor tenement flat in Scotland. 1930s ex council flat, alright insulation, carpeted, never had a noise complaint from neighbours.

What do you reckon?

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Allinyourcabeza@reddit

I've been considering the same thing. Once I decide what I want, I'm going to speak to downstairs neighbours before I purchase.

Just have a chat, say what you're buying and offer 'quiet hours', you won't exercise after 9pm or before 8am or whatever, ask if there are any other times they'd prefer you not to use the kit (if they have a baby on a nap schedule for example).

If you're upfront about it and take them into consideration, I'm sure they'll be a lot more open to the impending noise.

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Slight_Ride_9446@reddit

Hi i used my turbo trainer(bike) after checking with neighbours prior who said ok. Thing is the "lady" of the house i could hear complain anyway even when I walk or cook dinner etc. She moans compulsively no matter what I do so I'm going to use bike anyway. As long as it's before 10pm Legally it's ok

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Another_Sunny_Day1@reddit

Bottom floor, no. Top floor, yes

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GradualTurkey@reddit

I think a treadmill would be fine, but rather than run on it, wear roller-skates and hold on to the bar in front. Then the track would move under you relatively noiselessly. You could clock off a lot more miles on wheels. And, if you set up some sort of truss, you'd have two hands free for eating or having a pint.

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Typical_Nebula3227@reddit

I think a bike would be better than a running machine in a flat. It’s not like you’re buying a skipping rope.

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bigwillyman7@reddit

Bike probably fine, treadmill probably going to be a lot of thudding.

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ktitten@reddit (OP)

Thank you! Yeah didn't really think about what was more likely to cause thudding...

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HopAlongInHongKong@reddit

Well, you thud on a treadmill and do not thud on a bike. Look at people actually running or biking and you’ll see and hear the thudness of each.

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screwfusdufusrufus@reddit

Depends on the bike trainer. Mine sounds like a jet taking off

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nolinearbanana@reddit

Thank you for adding some positivity to my view of current society by asking this question.

So many these days would just buy whatever they fancied and be outraged if the neighbours dared to voice a complaint.

It's nice to hear someone who thinks about their potential impact on those around them.

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MundaneExtreme0@reddit

Exercise bike makes little to no sound. Treadmill on the other have will thump when you run on it.

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RevellRider@reddit

The 1930's Scottish tenement flats I have been in have excellent sound proofing.

I use a Wahoo Kickr attached to my road bike in a 1950s ex council flat, with laminate flooring and the thickest yoga mat you can imagine. No issues with my neighbour downstairs

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Did_OJ_Simpson_do_it@reddit

Go for it. I used to have an exercise bike in my bedsit.

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throwaway2302998@reddit

Bike would be completely fine and won’t cause any noise issues, especially if on carpet. You can get an anti vibration mat if you’re worried but personally I wouldn’t be.

Treadmill is a no go.

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VolcanicBear@reddit

Loads of people saying the bike will be fine. I would also expect the bike to be fine.

If you're thinking of a turbo trainer and bike combination though...

I moved my trainer (Jetblack Volt) from upstairs into the garage because it was loud enough to be annoying to anyone downstairs.

I'd expect a flat to be better sound and vibration insulated than a 1930s house.

Get at least the thickest yoga mat (preferably an actual dampening mat for indoor cycling) and possibly a rocker plate, but honestly be ready for the possibility of it being an issue if you go the trainer / bike route.

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cougieuk@reddit

I'd prefer the bike over the treadmill. A decent treadmill is big and heavy. I'd not fancy my chances getting it upstairs at all. It's hard enough shifting one round the garage.

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moon-bouquet@reddit

Do you have a garage? They’re not bad to work out in!

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Mobile_Delivery1265@reddit

“1st floor flat”

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Poperama74@reddit

I’d suggest more of a spin bike, but would definitely rule out the treadmill with the pounding against it

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Sundaetardis@reddit

Borrow one at the end of the week go ask your neighbor about the noise that week...unless they come see you first.

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Logbotherer99@reddit

Bike or rower?

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DepInLondon@reddit

Depending on the treadmill it might not be too bad. I got mine when I was in a two-level flat and the roommate under me just about heard it, it wasn’t loud at all. But yes, for sure I’d check with the downstairs people and avoid weird times.

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Jaraxo@reddit

Bike will be fine.

I live in a flat, and use my gravel bike on a turbo trainer indoors in winter for Zwift, which is pretty noisy, and I've not only had no complaints from my downstairs neighbour, but we also maintain a positive relationship.

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LazyEmu5073@reddit

Your partner is correct.

You can hear people walking about, let alone stomping on a treadmill!

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LickClitsSuckNips@reddit

Bike would be fine tbh, the treadmill, the banging may make some noise.

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