Even if you only buy a basic and inexpensive model, a treadmill represents something of a financial investment.
The best way to make sure you get a good return on your investment (assuming you are sticking to your exercise schedule) is to make sure your treadmill is adequately maintained, so that you never have to lose any exercise time waiting for replacement parts or for a scheduled visit by a repair technician.
Treadmill Maintentance Tip #1: Read the Owner’s Manual
The first thing you need to do to keep your treadmill in good shape is read your treadmill manual. Even if you’ve owned treadmills before, don’t assume that you know the maintenance specifics of the model you own now.
The treadmill manual is your best source of information for the kind of things to be on the lookout for (before they turn into serious problems), as well as the regular maintenance steps you should be taking.
This treadmill maintenance tip cannot be overstated. The manual should set out guidelines for:
- Lubricating the tread belt and any other parts (how, frequency, and type of lubricant)
- Cleaining instructions
- Proper power sources and set up
- Safety measures to prevent injury and prolong the life of your treadmill
- Treadmill set up guidelines (location, surface, assembly, etc.)
What if you buy a used treadmill?
If you bought your treadmill used, and the seller didn’t provide you with a manual, then go online and search for it. Most manufacturers (and some stores) provide downloadable copies of maintenance and installation documentation on their websites.
Treadmill Maintenance Tip #2: Proper Treadmill Set-Up
When you get your new (or used) treadmill, make sure it’s set up in an appropriate location in your home.
First and foremost, you should use a treadmill mat underneath your treadmill. This will help protect the floor surface underneath your treadmill, and will also provide some additional protection (in the form of shock absorption) for the treadmill itself.
Another reason to use any treadmill mat is that it can reduce the buildup of static electricity that may otherwise build up when you use the treadmill.
Do not position your treadmill on thick carpeting, even if you do use a treadmill mat. The thick carpeting is simply too unstable of a platform for your treadmill.
Treadmill Maintenance Tip #3: Treadmill Servicing & Replacement Parts
A treadmill is one of the few things that might justify an “extended warranty” or “extended maintenance” purchase option if you buy treadmill new. At some point, depending largely on how often you use the treadmill and the quality of the manufacturer, certain parts will need to be serviced or replaced.
Your treadmill rollers may go out of balance, and even the motor itself will break down at some point. Most treadmill manufacturers offer their treadmill warranties based on a certain amount of time after you purchase the treadmill, and not how often you use the treadmill or how many miles you’ve put on it.
So if you plan on using your treadmill a lot, then give some serious consideration to purchasing one of these maintenance plans and use them.
Moreover, if your non-extended treadmill warranty includes servicing within a certain time period, take advantage of that service and schedule it.
DIY servicing and replacing parts should be done only if you know what you’re doing. For example, there are people online who discuss building their own treadmill decks for replacement. I’m not saying don’t do this; however, only do it if you truly know what you’re doing.
Treadmill Maintenance Tip #4: Use Your Treadmill as Intended
Finally, make sure you don’t use your treadmill for anything other than your workouts. Don’t use it as a clothes hanger, and don’t store anything on top of the treadmill belt. The better you are to your treadmill, the longer it will last.
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