Treadmills are a solution to several problems that many exercise enthusiasts face when running, including the weather, time away from home and boredom that can hamper some runs. Treadmills are fairly simple exercise units that are affordable for many families. They are also easy to maintain, a testament to the low number of moving parts used on a treadmill.
Frame
Much like a car or home, treadmills need a frame to support all the other parts and equipment used by a fully-functioning home exercise machine. The frame is usually made of metal or a strong synthetic material that won't crack or break under pressure. Most frames extend upward at the front of the machine to support a console, which the runner uses to control the treadmill.
Belt
Treadmill belts are usually made of nylon or plastic. They are the most important part of the treadmill because they serve as the running surfaces for treadmill users. Treadmill belts can move at high speeds, depending on the runner, and need to be situated properly on the treadmill's frame and pulleys in order to function correctly. There also needs to be lubrication on the belt so that it can rotate quickly without posing any threat to the runner--without lubrication, the belt can get snagged, warped, even broken completely. The belt is the part of the treadmill that requires the most maintenance.
Motor
Treadmill motors are usually located at the front of the treadmill underneath a protective flywheel cover. The motor is often electric and is the driving force behind the movement of the treadmill belt. Attached to the motor are pulleys and rollers that hold the treadmill belt and are used to spin the belt. Treadmill motors also need some minor maintenance from time to time, but they require less work than the belt.
Foot and Hand Grips
Foot grips are usually located on the rails running alongside the treadmill belt--these rails are a part of the platform. The grips are rugged spots designed to keep your feet from slipping off the treadmill or onto the moving belt. Hand grips are located on the frame bars extending up from the front of the treadmill and holding the console. Many treadmill models recommend the user hold on to these bars with at least one hand when running to avoid falling.
Console
The treadmill console can vary widely depending on the model. Some are very simple, only displaying whether the treadmill is on or off and letting the user control treadmill speed and elevation. Others are very complex, featuring digital readouts of heart rates and calories burned along with providing visual options for workout programs, if a pre-designed program is your preference.
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