Weslo has produced the Cadence product line since the 1980s. It continues to make Cadence treadmills as of November 2010. These are basic fitness machines for consumers on a budget. In November 2010, you can purchase a new Weslo Cadence treadmill for around $300. The company recommends several safety precautions when operating its Cadence treadmills.
Design
All Cadence treadmills have a weight capacity limit. Depending on the model, the limit is usually 250 or 275 lbs. Weslo specifies the weight limit in the Precautions section of the user manual. Exceeding the weight limit could damage the treadmill or cause the belt to stall, possibly causing personal injury.
Features
Even the earliest Cadence treadmills included safety features. The Weslo Cadence 8.0, manufactured in 1989, required you to insert a safety card into the treadmill before the machine could be turned on. If you lost the safety card, you could use a credit card for the same purpose. The treadmill could not be started without a safety card. The Weslo Cadence G-40, a 2010 model, has a similar feature: a magnetic safety key. The key is at one end of a short rope, with a clip at the other end. You attach the clip to your waist or clothes. Insert the safety key into the console to turn the machine on. If you slip or fall, the rope will pull the safety key out of the console, immediately stopping the running belt.
Power
Properly plugging in your Weslo Cadence treadmill is an important, but often overlooked, safety concern. Weslo recommends using a single-outlet surge suppressor. The treadmill plugs into the surge suppressor, which plugs into a dedicated grounded circuit. The company warns that if you fail to use a proper surge suppressor, the treadmill control system could be damaged. This may result in the walking belt accelerating or stopping unexpectedly, resulting in a fall and injury.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance on your Weslo Cadence treadmill will increase its lifespan and help keep it safe to use. Depending on the age and model of your treadmill, you may or may not need to lubricate the running deck. Newer models are prelubricated. Applying lubricant may deteriorate your belt and cause excessive wear. If the belt begins to slip or hesitate, you will need to adjust it. It may need tightened or centered. Not attending to a slipping belt can result in a trip or fall. Refer to your owner's manual for belt adjustment instructions.
Significance
The Weslo Cadence user manuals outline a dozen or so safety precautions. Although not fun to read, these precautions can save you from possible injury. All the small warnings, such as not standing on the walking belt when you start the treadmill, serve the purpose of protecting you, the consumer, from injury.
Member Comments