Unless you turn around and face away from the console of a treadmill, all treadmill belts move backward. A treadmill is a piece of exercise equipment that is used for walking, jogging or running. It is considered a cardiovascular workout because it increases your heart rate and breathing rate and uses oxygen to move your muscles.
Belt
The belt of a treadmill moves backward, or away from the console. As you stand on a treadmill and face forward, the belt moves underneath your feet. It is this backward motion that allows you to pick up your foot and place it in front of the other when you are walking, jogging, or running.
Motor
The motor in your treadmill is what turns the belt. As you increase the speed, the motor turns the belt faster. These motors are not designed to move the belt in two directions; therefore your belt cannot move forward. If your treadmill does not have a motor and is a manual belt, you will only be able to push the belt in a backward motion as you are walking.
Flywheel
At the back of the treadmill is a flywheel. This wheel spins backward as the belt moves backward. The flywheel helps to keep the belt in alignment on the deck of the treadmill so that you can maintain a straight line when you are walking. If the belt slips and slides from one side of the deck to the other, the treadmill will not be a safe platform upon which to walk.
Backward
If you want to walk backward on your treadmill, turn around and face away from the console. You can use the handrails for stability until you are comfortable with this motion. During your backward walking, keep your speed at a slower pace than you would when walking forward until you improve your skill and balance.
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