Treadmill Killers How to extend the life of your treadmill

Standing on the belt before belt is moving You must let the belt run for at least 3 seconds before starting to walk. This is especially important

because treadmill motors are at their most vulnerable when starting out. The added weight at

the startup will reduce the life of the motor. Stand on the side rails and allow the belt to start moving before getting on.

Lack of maintenance Elevation motor and assembly needs to be well lubricated at least once every two

years depending on use (every 500 miles). Walking belt and deck need to be waxed every 500 miles or at least every two years depending on use or as prescribed by the manufacturer. We can teach you an easy

way to test and determine if it is time to lubricate your belt. Shared Circuit Treadmills are power hungry machines. They are so possessive that they do not want to share outlets with any other electrical equipment. This includes outlets that are not being used. Extra-

unused outlets that are on the same circuit reduce the amount of amperage needed for the

treadmill. Treadmills require a dedicated circuit with a constant 115-120 Volts, three phases, with a 20-amp breaker. Never plug your treadmill into a multi-outlet power surge protector.

Worn Belt and Deck The treadmill belt and the board underneath it, which is called the deck,

wear out due to usage. Once these parts are worn the friction level between the belt and deck increase. If these items are not replaced once they are worn the treadmill will break down as a

result. The breakdown usually occurs in the lower electronics area. This part is responsible for

sending electricity to the motor. The drive motor may also be affected as well. Regular maintenance will ensure that this condition is diagnosed and addressed before it is too

late. If the belt and deck are replaced in a timely manner you will increase the lifespan of your motor and lower board, which are at times more expensive than just the belt and deck alone.

Misuse of the treadmill I am quite sure you have come across this situation in a gym. First thing you hear is a loud thumping sound coming from

the treadmill area, then you see a person that is practically hanging from the treadmill, holding on for dear life, that is

elevated to 10%. Then you wonder why this person does that to him or herself. Unfortunately, this person is pounding away at the deck, risking knee and ankle injury

not to mention putting a lot of load on the treadmill’s motor and electronics board, which will reduce the life of the treadmill.

Well, the answer is very simple; he or she is attempting to get a good cardio exercise. But unfortunately, what they do not realize is that the level of activity has nothing to

do with the incline level, speed or calorie count recorded on the display.

According to countless studies including one from the Baker Heart Research Institute “the exercise period should consist of 30 to 40 minutes of aerobics exercise & the

appropriate level of intensity is about 65% of maximal aerobics capacity.” You may think this is all well and good but what the heck does it mean. The answer is

very simple, when choosing a treadmill make sure your choice has a Heart Rate Control

feature that will regulate your exercise for you automatically, and if money is an issue then make sure that you purchase a very inexpensive heart rate watch, that will show

your heart rate on a regular basis. You also must be able to walk, jog or run on the treadmill without holding on to the handrails. If you find that it is too

difficult to do that, reduce the speed, or elevation until you are able to exercise without falling. (NOTE: People with physical disabilities must seek their physician’s advice before starting an exercise routine and handrails are definitely

designed for people with physical disabilities).

Happy Trekking

SINCE 1996