A treadmill is an exercise machine used for walking or running in place. Basic treadmill features include variable speed control, an adjustable incline to mimic moving uphill, and readouts for time and distance. Treadmills are rated for a maximum user weight. The impact of your feet against the deck puts significant stress on the treadmill components. Using an appropriately rated treadmill for your weight is vital to the life of the treadmill and your safety.
Weight Limit
Typical home treadmills are rated for a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds to 350 pounds. Many commercial treadmills, such as those found in fitness centers, feature weight capacities of up to 500 pounds. The general rule of thumb for treadmill weight capacity is to choose a treadmill with a weight capacity at least 50 pounds more than your weight. This margin ensures the stress on the treadmill is well within its design specifications, particularly for running.
Construction
The key components in a treadmill's construction are the motor, the flywheel, the rollers, the belt and the deck. Heavier users and faster running paces put additional wear and tear on these components. Treadmills rated for heavier users have higher horsepower motors, thicker decks, larger rollers, sturdier belts and overall higher-quality components. Using a treadmill that is underrated for your weight can lead to motor burnout, deck breakage and other equipment failures.
Safety
Certain treadmill equipment failures can lead to injury. Even with safety features, such as automatic shutoff, a failure can cause you to trip and fall. Using a treadmill that is not rated for your weight can lead to parts, particularly the deck, breaking or failing suddenly. If the deck, rollers or belt break while you are using the treadmill, you could lose your balance with the sudden change of footing or trip over the loose belt. Using a well-maintained treadmill rated for your weight is key to exercising safely.
Lifespan
Treadmills contain a lot of moving parts, which undergo wear and tear even under normal conditions. If your treadmill is not rated for your weight, you are putting more stress on the motor and other moving parts than they are designed to handle. This may cause the parts to wear out more quickly, increasing maintenance costs and leading to poor performance or sudden failures when parts become too weak to function correctly. A well maintained, good quality treadmill is expected to last seven to 12 years. General parts and labor warranties typically last one to two years. Specific parts, such as the motor and deck, may have additional guarantees ranging from a few years to a lifetime guarantee.
Warnings
Only use a treadmill if its weight capacity is at least 50 pounds more than your weight. Use the treadmill's automatic safety shutoff feature to ensure the treadmill stops in case you fall off. Keep your treadmill clean and regularly maintained. Replace worn or slipping belts, service whining motors and have other failing parts fixed or replaced immediately. Consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.
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