Treadmill mats are often forgotten about 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 mat 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 at 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 for 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 broken down or wobbling while you run because it has warped over time. For this reason, it’s best to get a treadmill mat no matter where you plan to place it.