The treadmill is my fitness sanctuary; it is my means of exercising throughout the year. But like a car needs to be maintained so does my treadmill; it needs love too to keep on chugging. Lack of maintenance results in repair expenses and unpleasant failures. There can be a reduction in the service life of such necessary equipment.
As time went by I realized that prevention is better than cure. I know it is more beneficial and cost-effective to maintain my treadmill in good condition than to fix it. Think of it like this: maintenance is an investment in your fitness program.
Well, let’s call it your treadmill maintenance 101, with all the advice. I have learned in my years of treadmill running about the maintenance of treadmills.
1. Cleanliness is Next to Treadmill Bliss- Wiping Away the Miles
I can’t stress this enough a clean treadmill is a happy treadmill. My gym has a strict no-shoes-allowed policy on exercise equipment. After each session, I wipe the perspiration off mine. I wipe the console with a damp cloth to remove the sweat and dust then do the same to the handrails and the motor hood.
For the belt, I prefer using a treadmill cleaning spray or soap and water solution. Do not use abrasive solutions on the belt as they may scratch the belt. [1]
Pro Tip
Once a month I make it a point of cleaning my treadmill, though not as thorough as the weekly cleaning. I turn it off and take off the motor hood according to the manufacturer’s instructions. I also dust the accumulation of dust bunnies.
2. Lubrication Love- Maintaining Business As Usual
It is always important to remind ourselves about treadmill maintenance. It is like as our joints need greasing, so does the belt on your treadmill. The belt can also become dry with time hence causing friction and thus wearing out very fast. There is a need to lubricate most treadmills in about every 3-6 months depending on the frequency of its use. For that, I use a silicone-based treadmill lubricant. Then I apply it in the manner recommended by the manufacturer.
Pro Tip
Avoid over-lubricating! If the amount of lubricant is too much, it will attract dirt and debris. This will only increase friction on the belt and deck.
3. Belt and Deck Inspection- Spotting Trouble Before It Starts
I visually inspect my treadmill belt and deck at least once every two or three weeks. I examine the belt for signs of wear including fray, cracks, and areas on the belt that may seem loose. I also look at the deck to see whether there is any debris or any sign of damage on the deck. It is for such reasons that you should deal with these issues as early as possible. They do not snowball into more serious ones.
Pro Tip
Using the belt, if it becomes loose, then you need to adjust it. There are normally screws to adjust most treadmills located at the back of the rear roller. Check the instructions given in your owner’s manual to find out more about it.
Your 20 Minutes Treadmill Exercise Routine- Let’s Boost Your Fitness
4. Treadmill Motor Maintenance- Keeping the Heart of Your Treadmill Healthy
Treadmill Motor maintainence is one of the most important aspects of using a treadmill. It ensures that the heart of the treadmill is healthy.
Maintenance of the motor is very important since the motor is the central part of your treadmill. I don’t tell you to take apart the motor yourself unless you are a professional technician. There are measures you can take to enhance the life expectancy of the motor.
Keep it Clean
Dirt and dirt can settle in the motor area. It affects its functioning, and in the worst scenario, leads to overheating. Another one is, cleaning, which should be regular.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Do not cover the vents of the treadmill or use the treadmill in a suffocated environment. This can cause overheating of the motor and as a result lead to severe damage.
Listen for Unusual Noises
If the grinding, screeching, or clicking noise is there, it shows the motor is causing the problem. If you hear anything strange, then it is time to stop exercising. Check yourself or consult a professional.
5. Professional Service- When in Doubt, Call in the Experts
I take care of most of the work but there are occasions when it is best to call in the experts. If you experience any of these, turn to a professional treadmill service specialist.
- Some chronic problems
- Hear some sounds
- Feel uneasy about making some adjustments
Pro Tip
Most treadmill manufacturers tell you that you should service your by a professional. It is better to have at least once a year experience, particularly for commercial use. This can assist in finding out any problems that may be likely to occur in the future. After that, your treadmill will operate at its best.
How to Use Treadmill for Weight Loss- Frequently Asked Questions
Treadmill Maintenance Checklist
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Description |
| Wipe Down the Console and Handrails | Daily | Clean the console, handrails, and touchpoints with a damp cloth to remove sweat, dust, and grime. |
| Check for Debris on the Belt | Daily | Inspect the belt for dirt or debris and remove it to prevent damage. |
| Ensure the Belt is Centered | Daily | Verify that the belt is aligned and centered. Adjust if necessary. |
| Vacuum Around and Under the Treadmill | Weekly | Clean the area around and underneath the treadmill to remove dust and dirt. |
| Inspect the Power Cord | Weekly | Check for signs of wear or damage on the power cord and plug. |
| Check the Belt Tension | Weekly | Ensure the belt has the correct tension; adjust if needed. |
| Lubricate the Belt | Monthly | Apply lubricant under the belt to reduce friction and wear. |
| Inspect the Deck and Belt | Monthly | Check for wear on the deck and belt, such as fraying or visible wear. |
| Tighten Bolts and Screws | Monthly | Secure any loose bolts, screws, or fasteners. |
| Check the Incline Function | Monthly | Test the incline feature to ensure it’s functioning properly. |
| Check for Unusual Noises | Quarterly | Listen for squeaks or grinding sounds; address any issues. |
| Inspect the Motor Compartment | Quarterly | Clean dust from the motor compartment using a vacuum or dry cloth. |
| Test the Emergency Stop | Quarterly | Verify that the emergency stop function works correctly. |
| Professional Servicing | Annually | Schedule a professional inspection and servicing, especially if heavily used. |
| Inspect the Belt and Deck for Wear | Annually | Perform a thorough inspection of the belt and deck for significant wear. |
| Calibrate the Speed and Incline | Annually | Ensure the speed and incline settings are accurate, following the manufacturer’s instructions. |
| Keep the Treadmill in a Clean, Dry Area | General Tips | Avoid placing the treadmill in damp or dusty environments. |
| Avoid Overloading | General Tips | Follow weight capacity recommendations to prevent strain on the treadmill. |
| Use a Surge Protector | General Tips | Plug the treadmill into a surge protector to protect electronics. |
Treadmill Maintenance- A Worthy Investment
I know that considering treadmill maintenance may not be as fun as tracking the number of miles run. But believe me, even making an effort is enough. Adopting these tips, you can use your treadmill for a longer time. You may use it without needing a lot of expensive repairs. You will be safe while exercising indoors for many hours.
The first thing you need to do is refer to the owner’s manual because it is your best friend. It also has important and specific details about your treadmill model. It may include the maintenance schedule and practices.
Bonus Tip
You should also think of buying a treadmill maintenance kit. These kits are usually a combination of lubricant, cleaning materials, and tools for maintenance.
With the knowledge and tools for the maintenance of a treadmill, you can now go out there. Let’s conquer those indoor miles!
Your 20 Minutes Treadmill Exercise Routine- Let’s Boost Your Fitness
Tools to Maintain Your Treadmill
Basic Cleaning Supplies
- Microfiber Cloth for wiping down the console, handrails, and running deck.
- All-purpose cleaner for cleaning the console, handrails, and running deck. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the surfaces.
- Vacuum Cleaner for removing dust and debris from the motor housing, belt, and under the running deck.
- Soft-bristled brush for gently cleaning the belt and rollers. [2]
Lubrication Supplies
- Treadmill Belt Lubricant for treadmills to prevent squeaking and wear.
- Lubrication Applicator to apply lubricant to the belt.
Other Tools
- Allen Wrench Set for tightening loose screws and bolts.
- Screwdriver Set for tightening loose screws and bolts.
- Level for ensuring the treadmill is level.
- Owner’s Manual for instructions on specific maintenance tasks.
Conclusion
Maintaining your treadmill is not only about cleaning it. It is about the care that you give to what will help you achieve your fitness goals. Neglecting maintenance results in expensive repair bills, and shortens the machine’s life. It can be unsafe and jerky workouts. Some of the maintenance measures are cleaning the console and applying lubricant on the belt.
It is your companion in exercising – treat it right. It will help you maintain the condition and work towards the goals for the years to come.
Source:
Schram, A. (2024, September 24). The 6 best treadmill shoes for logging indoor miles. Runner’s World.
Lans, J. (2021, January 7). Maintaining your treadmill. LifeSpan Europe.
Get~Fitness Author
Diego Alcubierre is a Certified Running Coach (CRC) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). With a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise Physiology, he specializes in creating evidence-based content on running, strength training, and fitness. Diego's expertise extends to developing tailored training plans that help runners achieve their goals while minimizing injury risk. His knowledge in sports nutrition and functional training enhances his approach to fitness. I hope to provide valuable information that will inspire and guide your wardrobe choices.
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