Doing routine
treadmill maintenance is important for a number of
reasons. First, your treadmill will perform better
if you keep it properly maintained. You'll
generally get a better workout and exercise more safely
if your machine is operating at peak efficiency.
Second, treadmill maintenance will allow you to enjoy
your machine for many years. Because treadmills
can cost between several hundred and several thousand
dollars, you'll wan to keep it working for as long as
possible.So, exactly what does proper
treadmill maintenance entail? Before we get to
several things you should do to maintain your treadmill,
please remember that your user guide is the best source
of information for treadmill maintenance. The user
guide is tailored specifically to your make and model.
General Treadmill Maintenance
•Keep Clean
The first and most obvious thing you should do for
your treadmill is keep it clean. You should
periodically dust the deck, belt, frame, and console.
Most manufacturers also recommend wiping down the belt
and other parts occasionally.
•Lubricate
This is important only if your user manual recommends
lubrication. Some treadmills do not require you to
lubricate your machine. If your treadmill
maintenance plan does require lubrication, more than
likely you'll be using silicone or wax.
•Belt Alignment
From time to time you may need to adjust your belt to
make sure it is properly aligned. A treadmill belt
that is "off-center" could cause unnecessary damage down
the road. Check with your owner's manual for
instructions on how to do this.
As far as regular treadmill maintenance goes, that is
basically it. Keep in mind it doesn't hurt to keep
your treadmill on a flat surface and also to keep the
power cord away from the belt and deck. To protect
the floor or carpet underneath your treadmill, we would
also look into purchasing a specially designed mat.
As long as you follow your user guide and use common
sense, treadmill maintenance should be a snap.
