Whether you're looking for a quick dose of dopamine while working from home or trying to save money on a gym membership, exercising in an apartment is a great solution. But it can also be troublesome for neighbours, with excessive thudding from above or noise from music penetrating the walls.
To avoid any issues, simply follow these 8 tips to ensure you stay on good terms with those living around you:
Exercising from home without disturbing your neighbours starts with finding a workout-friendly apartment through a rental comparison site such as Rentola. It allows you to search for available rentals in your preferred area and connect with landlords to discuss any concerns you may have.
Before you purchase expensive exercise equipment, chat with your landlord or read the fine print of your lease to understand what is and isn't permitted. In some cases, landlords may prohibit certain pieces of equipment (treadmills are a big one).
Additionally, there may be certain hours of the day or night when excessive noise is not allowed. Use this to plan your workout schedule and avoid ruffling any feathers with your neighbours.
Particularly in small spaces, you want to purchase exercise equipment that isn't going to take up half the room. There are plenty of options out there that are compact and/or foldable while still offering a great workout, including steppers and rowing machines.
If you're doing mat-based workouts, look for noise-reducing floor mats made from PVC foam, which helps to absorb sound. Thicker mats are generally better for absorbing the sound of high-impact cardio workouts that involve jumping or running on the spot. Not only that but they can also help to minimise the impact on your joints.
If your budget allows, consider carpeting your wooden floorboards to help dampen the noise or install soundproofing blankets. Thick, heavy curtains can also help to prevent noise from travelling through your windows while acoustic seals can eliminate sound leaking out through gaps around doors.
A well-stocked bookshelf is another simple way of stopping noise from penetrating walls and disturbing those living in the adjacent apartment.
When transitioning from a gym to an apartment workout, you may need to switch things up and opt for low-impact alternatives. Instead of doing a high-impact exercise that involve lots of jumping, such as jumping jacks, substitute it for side steps or marching on the spot.
If you're not sure where to start, look for apartment-friendly workout videos that are designed to be low-noise and safe for your body. After a while, you'll discover which movements and exercises resonate with you and can create a customised workout.
One of the easiest ways to avoid noise complaints and conflicts with your neighbours is by taking the time to have a conversation with them. In most cases, people will put up with a little extra noise if you've already made a connection and they know that you don't want to cause any disruption.
Let your neighbours know that you're working out at home and ask them if there are any times that are inconvenient for them. If they're putting kids to bed early or wanting to enjoy a sleep-in on the weekends, agree to avoid working out before or after those times.
Working out to a video or your favourite tunes is a great motivator and can help you to achieve your session goals. But in an apartment setting, the sound can be disruptive to your neighbours, unless you have the volume turned right down.
Cordless earbuds allow you to hear the workout video instructions clearly or have your music pumping at the level you like, without inconveniencing others. Unlike corded earbuds or headphones, there's nothing to weigh you down or get tangled up in as you exercise.
While supportive footwear is essential for some forms of exercise, others can be done safely barefoot. Some exercise shoes are particularly noisy, making squeaking and thudding noises with each and every movement.
If possible, ditch your shoes completely or try working out using non-slip socks, which are designed to help you grip the floor. When doing high-impact cardio workouts or lifting weights, however, wearing shoes can play an important role in cushioning landings and preventing injuries.
Research indicates that resistance bands can be just as effective in strength training as weights and play an important role in activating small muscles. The good news is that they're also much quieter than weights, which can make an almighty thud when dropped on the floor.
Resistance bands are designed to create tension and resistance while helping to build upper and lower-body strength. They are also much easier to store than weights, making them ideal for use in small apartments.