How to Build a Treadmill

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Cardiovascular exercise is essential to keep a heart-healthy and active lifestyle. Not only will cardiovascular exercise improve your quality of life, but it also has the ability to prolong your quality of life by ridding your body of dangerous fats that lead to atherosclerosis. Unfortunately, treadmills bought at department stores need to be assembled, and most “big box” retailers charge prices of anywhere from $100-200 for assembly. Most brand-name treadmill companies will provide instructions for assembly, but they are often intricate and difficult to comprehend. Follow these five-steps as a supplement to your owner's manual and enjoy your treadmill. Remember, every treadmill's assembly instructions will vary, so use the instructions that follow as a guide.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Assembly partner
Tools packaged with the treadmill
Owner's manual

How to Build a Treadmill

Step1

Place the deck of the treadmill on the ground and prepare to assemble the console-connection rails and the handrails. The console-connection rails and handrails provide a structure for your treadmill and should always be assembled first. While connection method varies by manufacturer, most will connect by screw or bolt. Remember, some treadmills will have handrails built into the console, and will not require specific assembly.

Step2

Prepare the control console for assembly. The control console requires both screw or bolt connection and electrical connection. Often, the electrical portion of the control console will require only a snap-in connection at either one or two points. The majority will connect by one, simple connection that will emanate from beneath the control panel and run into the left side of the console-connection rails. Lock the electrical wire into place and then screw or bolt the control console into place. Your treadmill may also have four (4) different screw points on the control console that need to be secured.

Step3

Adjust the treadmill belt. While the treadmill belt will come already placed on the deck, you may need to adjust the belt to the right or left before finished with assembly. You will find adjustment bolts on both the right and left sides of the belt, and you should tighten the bolt on the maladjusted side. If the belt tracks to the left of the deck, tighten the left adjustment bolt.

Step4

Lubricate the treadmill deck. Apply adequate lubrication to the treadmill deck and reapply every six-to-12 months. In order to lubricate the deck, lift the treadmill's belt and apply the recommended lubrication to the center of the deck in an even manner. You may need to readjust the belt after you have completed this process.

Step5

Inspect each connection wire and screw or bolt. Never start your treadmill for the first time until you are positive that every connection wire and screw is firmly in place.

Tips & Warnings

Consult a physician before you begin your cardiovascular exercise routine. Often, a physical is the best preventive measure against personal injury.
Purchase a treadmill from a company that has a prestigious reputation in the fitness industry. Remember, you get what you pay for.