Treadmills are one of the most popular types of cardio fitness equipment, not just in gyms but for home use as well.
The treadmill is one of the most common exercise equipment, with people using these at homes as well (not just in the gym). It allows you to get some exercise at home, or in any compact space (big enough to accommodate a treadmill).
The benefits of running on the safe, cushioned track of a great treadmill are many. The best part about having a treadmill at home is you can put your favorite TV show on (or even a movie) and before you know it, you’ve already exercised for 30 minutes (solid cardio work).
When it comes to buying a treadmill, there are some great options (and also several features to consider.)
Factors to Consider:
- Track size
- Treadbelt durability
- Track speed
- Track cushioning
- Incline
- Weight capacity
- Storage and portability
- Warranties
To make the process easier, we’ve put together this guide to the best treadmills on the market today.
History of Treadmills
Treadmills were never invented as exercise machines; they were used for various other purposes before people thought of using it for running.
Take a look at the interesting history of the treadmill.
Around the 1st century AD, Romans came up with equipment that was termed as a ‘tread wheel’. It was used to lift huge weights (one had to step onto the wheel and walk within it). The wheels were much bigger (big enough to hold people inside) and with the help of the crane attached to it, it would lift objects that were twice the weight.
Source: wikipedia
In the 1800s, horses were made to run on belts in order to generate power (other methods to generate power lacked consistency back then). Some historians claim that the term ‘horse power’ was coined back then.
Source: thoroedge
Similar machines were used in the late 19th century to perform domestic duties such as churning butter (with the help of dogs, sheep or goats.)
Source: neatorama
In 1889, British engineer William Cubitt invented a contraption for prisoners to ensure they were never idle (the device was a mode of punishment). At times, this would help to grind the grains and pump water for the ‘mills’.
Source: myroadtoironman
Over the years, the original tread wheel got combined with the ones used for the mills, and the term treadmill was introduced. Since then, several variants of treadmills were designed, including the current treadmills used for fitness/exercising.
Treadmill Repair: How to fix Common Treadmill Problems
Like most workout machines, a treadmill can also run into problems. If you quickly address those problems, you can minimize damage and avoid any downtime.
Here are the most common problems with treadmills and how to fix/repair them.
Do you have one at home? I just hope you’re not letting it gather dust or are using it for hanging/drying clothes.
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