Parts of a Treadmill
A treadmill is an exercise machine that allows you to walk, jog or run in place on a constantly moving belt. The more expensive treadmills are electrical, meaning they make use of a motor, while less expensive ones are manual, meaning they work without a motor. A treadmill is made up of many different parts. Knowing what these parts are and understanding how they function are important when it comes to choosing a treadmill to purchase.
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Frame
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Treadmills are either made with steel or aluminum frames, which holds all the pieces of the treadmill together. Treadmills made with steel frames are less expensive compared to those made with aluminum frames which last longer, supports more weight and are resistant to rust from sweat. Frames are either welded or bolted; welded frames are more stable because users do not risk bolted pieces to loosen.
Rails
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Treadmill rails, also called bars or grips, function as a safety feature by keeping the user stable when getting on and off the treadmill. They are not meant to be held while the treadmill is being used so the user should make sure that the rails do not get in the way of movement, such as arm swaying, and that the rails are firm and secure.
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Motor
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The motor is one of the most important features in a motorized treadmill. The motor's horsepower, which refers to the speed of the treadmill, is an important feature to consider. Treadmills are usually about 1.5 to 3.0 horsepower and not having enough horsepower can lead to more repairs and breakdowns due to overheating and motor stress.
Rollers
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The rollers support the belt and help to reduce the amount of natural damage on the belt and motor from frequent use. Naturally, more expensive models will have better quality rollers than less expensive ones.
Belt and Flywheel
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A belt is the surface that the user walks, jogs or runs on. If a person plans on running or jogging on the treadmill, considering the size of the belt is important to determine the amount of space available. For safety and convenience, runners should choose belts that are long and wide to allow more space while moving and swaying without hitting the rails or falling off the treadmill. Considering the belt size, however, is not important if the treadmill will be used for walking as movement is limited.
The flywheel is the part of the treadmill that helps to regulate the deck speed and consistency of the belt. It aids in making the treadmill last longer by protecting the motor and electronics from becoming too stressed.
Deck
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The deck provides support for the running surface and protects the user with some shock reduction from each step. Most decks are cushioned to absorb shock and allow the user to set the cushion level to lessen the impact on joints and ligaments. The deck is also the part of the treadmill that allows the user to set an incline level either manually or automatically to adjust difficulty levels when exercising.
Display Console
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Depending on the model of the treadmill, some will have an electronic display console showing calories burned, distance traveled, a heart-rate monitor, incline levels, speed and a timer. Some treadmill consoles come with additional features, such as provisions for a water bottle and built-in speakers and television. The more complex the console, the more expensive the unit, although this does not mean that the unit is better.
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