treadmill

A treadmill is a piece of indoor sporting equipment used to allow for running without moving any distance. The word treadmill originally designated a type of mill which was operated by a person treading steps of a wheel to ground grain (see treadwheel.)

The principle is a belt system (an electric motor or flywheel driving a circular run of material) where the top of the belt moves to the rear so as to allow a runner to run an equal, and necessarily opposite speed. Thus the speed of the run can easily be set or measured (the rate at which the belt moves is the rate at which the runner moves). One exception to the belt system is a track system used by Woodway USA treadmills. This system is similar to tracks used on military tanks.

Benefits

• Remain at the same location for the duration of the run
• Equal ground for the duration of the run
• Known speeds at all times of the run, and being able to change speeds as needed
• Allows for exact adjustment of gradient and speed
• As all factors of the run are known, the exact energy expended may be calculated
• Some treadmills have special features such as step count, heart rate monitors, amount of calories burnt, etc.
• Running or walking on a treadmill can be an effective way to workout compared to other complex cardiovascular exercises.
• They can be used in the home, and takes away the hassles of going out allowing the rider to watch television, reading, and many other things while using it.
• Run indoors in bad weather

Downside

• Some treadmills have loud motors
• Many runners find treadmills boring, especially for longer distances. However as noted above, a runner could do other activities as well to occupy them while exercising.
• Treadmill running is easier than running outside or on a track because there is no wind resistance. Runners training for outdoor races should minimize time on the treadmill. However, one can adjust the gradient (slope) of the treadmill to account for the lack of wind resistance.
• When running outdoors, one is moving relative to the air; this creates a breeze, drying perspiration and cooling the body. This is absent on a treadmill, since the runner is not moving relative to the air although a fan can be positioned for the equivalent effect.

Other uses

As it is basically a conveyor belt, the treadmill can be used for activities other than running. If horses are being tested (especially in jockey racing) they will be put on a specially constructed treadmill.

Repairs to treadmills

Treadmills are considered as the most complex type of fitness equipment to repair by repair professionals. They combine mechanical skills with electrical skills, and sometimes require computer skills in situations where the treadmill is used for stress testing in medical facilities. Because of the complexity of repair, many times fixing a treadmill is better off left to professionals.