Reducing treadmill noise

I appreciate the fact that you can't throw his weight lifting back in his face as a retort, because that will just lead to further complication with the neighbor. It's unfair that you have to accommodate his schedule, but that might be the first step in trying to get this resolved. If that doesn't work, then he'll just have to deal with it.

So if we look at only options of which you're making the adjustment, I would ask him if there are convenient times in which it would be not as annoying. If he throws out the "while I'm at work" and it overlaps with when you're at work, then you can politely say that won't work. And then you can follow-up with, are there any times that it'll be easier to block out the treadmill noise, like when you're watching TV or working out with your weights?" I think by asking him for times, you are creating a win-win situation in that he will put up with the noise of your workout when it's less intrusive to him. Ideally, it'd be great if you can sync your workout time with his.

If that doesn't work, maybe you can ask him if it's specifically the treadmill noise that bothers him (I have to admit, certain treadmill noises can be annoying). If so, ask him if it'd be OK to turn on music to help drown out or even out the sound. He'd have the problem of hearing the music, but it might be less grating than just the sound of the treadmill - that is unless, you're blasting bluegrass or polka music ... lol (just kidding, bluegrass and polka enthusiasts). If you have a radio, play music like jazz or soft rock really loud (and you can listen to your own workout music through earbuds).

I think if you can give him specific times/days in which you workout, and stick to it, I think he'll find ways to deal with it. The consistency will help him deal with it. I suspect that part of the problem is that when you hear something loud, the uncertainty of when it will end can make the issue more irritating. But knowing it'll be 30 minutes or 45 minutes, should help him deal with it. And if you have to change the day/times, then you should probably give him a heads-up.

If he's really stubborn and not giving you anything to work with, then I think you should just give him the days/times in which you plan to work out that are most convenient to you - as a courtesy - and leave it at that. Explain to him your fitness is important and that you've been fair in giving him that timeframe for him to expect to hear some noise. If he threatens to go to management, then you can mention that his weight lifting is a nuisance to you and that you'll report this as well. Chances are management will either both tell you to stop or will let you both continue. If it's the second, then you can try to extend an olive branch again by negotiating when you both can work out at fixed days/times.

Hope you find a successful resolution! Good luck!

I haven't found anything that makes my treadmill less noisy. I own my home so it's only a matter of family complaining and they can get over that but no amount of rugs makes it quiet. I'd try to work it out with the neighbor but I always go with if I'm doing something during the hours that a normal person should be awake then they can deal with it. It's not a horrible noise like someone playing the saxophone off key, it's a low rumbling noise!