FAQ
1. What kind of treadmill do I need?
2. Home treadmill vs. commercial treadmill?
3. Does the belt generate electrostatic charges?
4. Which treadmill should I buy?
5. What is a security key?
6. How to lubricate the treadmill?
A commercial treadmill has a much more massive and stable construction. It is made of thicker profiles that can carry a greater load. The weight of a good club treadmill alone is from 170 kg upwards. A home treadmill weighs from 40 to about 100 kg. The running surface in a club treadmill is at least 150 x 50 cm. You can also find treadmills with a larger surface. A larger running surface provides increased comfort during exercise. With a wide running surface, the person exercising can move their arms freely while running. The length of the belt is most important in relation to the maximum speeds achieved during exercise. A user who runs at a speed above 14 km/h must be sure that with a less confident step or a momentary slowdown, they will not fall off the treadmill. With a longer running surface, the person exercising can be calm about their health in the event of a momentary inattention while exercising on the treadmill. On the Polish market of commercial treadmills, the longest running surface is the Leptos TR-324 treadmill, which has a running surface length of 168 cm. With a 55.5 cm wide belt and such a significant belt length, the exercising person can forget that they are running in place, which allows for a more relaxing exercise. Commercial treadmills consume more energy. Assuming a speed of 8 km/h and zero incline, a commercial treadmill consumes an average of about 600-700 W (AC motor 3.5 HP / 6 HP max). With the same assumption of speed and angle of inclination, a home treadmill (DC motor 2.5 HP) consumes about 200 W less. The weight of the exercising person during the tests is 90 kg.
After replacing the belt with a new one, remember to lubricate the surface between the belt and the running board. Lubrication is necessary to avoid excessive wear of your treadmill's consumables. Remember to maintain your treadmill.
If the treadmill is to serve for many years – it is worth investing in it. A larger financial investment when buying a treadmill guarantees lower costs incurred during further use of the device. A more expensive treadmill means a more durable running belt, a more stable construction, professional equipment service, comprehensive assistance in the event of a problem.
When choosing the right treadmill, the user's weight is an important feature. Each treadmill has information in its technical specification about the maximum weight of the exercising person, which must not be exceeded, as this may result in damage to the device's components. Both the engine and the belt transferring the drive from the engine to the running belt can suffer. Other endangered elements include the running belt, the treadmill top, bearings, belt guide rollers, and elastomers. As you can see, this is a very important feature of the device that cannot be ignored.
Another parameter is the dimensions of the running belt. The size of the running belt is related to the height of the user. The taller the exercising person, the larger the running belt surface should be. If the user's height does not exceed 170 cm, any standard treadmill will be suitable, and a surface of 130 x 40 cm is sufficient. The running belt surface should increase with the user's height. The typical belt size is about 140 x 45 cm. The larger belt size is mainly found in better models of electric treadmills.
The rated power of the treadmill motor is also important. If the treadmill is to be used primarily for walking and jogging, a motor with a power of less than 2 HP will be sufficient. Motors with a rated power of more than 2 HP are suitable for use during running.
For the health of the exercising person, attention should be paid to the cushioning of the treadmill. This parameter is provided by elastomers placed under the treadmill deck. Depending on the manufacturer, we can have from 4 to 10 elastomers. In addition to the quantity, the quality of the elastomers is also important.
Additional parameters that are important when buying a treadmill include training programs, heart rate measurement method, or the support system for folding and unfolding the treadmill. The treadmill should have predefined programs, i.e. those programmed by the manufacturer. This will allow you to choose one of several programs, the individual values of which are selected by professionals.
To sum up, before purchasing a treadmill, it is worth getting acquainted with the device's specifications, and even better, consult your choice with a specialist.
The treadmill will not turn on unless the safety key is properly inserted into the key hole located in the center of the counter console, which further protects the treadmill from being started by third parties.
The other end of the key should be attached to your clothing. If you fall, the safety key will fall out of the console and the treadmill will stop. It is recommended that you always wear the safety key while exercising.
For safe and comfortable stopping, immobilization, use the START / STOP button until the treadmill stops completely. The running belt will slowly reduce its speed after pressing START / STOP.
Type R treadmill grease is one of the best. It is used in both home and club treadmills (professional treadmills).
Lubrication is a very important activity. The treadmills should be lubricated approximately every 20 to 30 hours of operation. It is also necessary to check the surface under the top for slipperiness after the first lubrication of the treadmill and before the 20 hours of operation. If it is not slipperiness, apply more lubricant than during the previous lubrication.
For home treadmills, we also recommend the less expensive S-type treadmill grease. If you have a treadmill and haven't yet stocked up on specialist grease, visit our online store, where we offer a full range of treadmill consumables.
2. Home treadmill vs. commercial treadmill?
3. Does the belt generate electrostatic charges?
4. Which treadmill should I buy?
5. What is a security key?
6. How to lubricate the treadmill?
What kind of treadmill do I need?
If you are considering buying a treadmill and have already browsed through the offers of various stores, you are probably now suffering from a severe headache. There are many treadmills on the Polish fitness market. The price range of these devices is huge. You have certainly come across treadmills for PLN 1,000, and you have also seen devices for PLN 40,000. Why such a price discrepancy?
When choosing the right treadmill, price is much more important than when choosing another fitness device. Here, quality is reflected in price. The higher the price of the device, the higher the quality of workmanship, better quality components, a more powerful engine, a more durable belt. There are three price ranges among treadmills: the simplest mechanical and electric treadmills from PLN 800 - 3000, home treadmills PLN 3000 - 8000, commercial treadmills and the highest quality home devices PLN 8000 and more.
Engine power
Choosing the right motor is important, especially if you plan to actively use the treadmill. The power values provided by manufacturers vary. Some manufacturers provide peak power in their specifications, while others provide continuous power. This can be misleading, as peak power is much higher, making it difficult to compare it with the continuous power provided by another manufacturer. In the case of training treadmills, there are also two types of motors: direct current (DC) motors and alternating current motors. Direct current (DC) motors are quieter and are used primarily in home treadmills. Alternating current (AC) motors are more durable, provide more stable operation, and provide smoother speed control.
Stable treadmill construction
A treadmill for both commercial and home use should have a solid, massive construction. Thick profiles are important, as well as a heavy, massive construction of the running surface. It should be remembered that the pressure of the running person is greater than when the user is standing on the treadmill. This should be taken into account when selecting the maximum user weight. Also remember about the long and wide running surface. The treadmill arm cannot be too close to the running user, which will allow the exerciser's hands to move freely. The belt must be wide enough and long enough for the user to be calm that they will suddenly fall off the treadmill for a moment of inattention. A larger running surface provides directly proportionally greater comfort of exercise.
Details
Boredom kills treadmill training. Remember to choose the right treadmill model for you, whose programs and device capabilities will provide a variety of exercises. Electronic regulation of the treadmill inclination angle is important. The variety of programs will provide you with entertainment during running, will reduce the monotony of exercises. The inclination and speed should be easily adjusted from the console. Heart rate monitoring is also a good solution, and therefore HRC programs, i.e. programs that control the treadmill's operation depending on the user's pulse. A bottle holder or a book shelf are important to me. Think about whether you will also use such a function.
Mechanical Treadmills vs. Electric Treadmills
Due to the difference in cost, many people decide to buy a mechanical treadmill (without a motor). Unfortunately, these treadmills have many disadvantages compared to their motorized cousins. Movement on them is often difficult to achieve without using an extreme incline. What is worse, there is also no possibility of changing the incline during exercise on the device. In this comparison, a low price often means a less solid construction.
Home treadmill vs. commercial treadmill?
We often hear questions about the basic differences between treadmills used in fitness clubs and those designed for home use. That is why we would like to provide the basic differences between these devices. A home treadmill is designed with the assumption that it will not work more than a few to a dozen hours a week. The selection of individual treadmill components depends on the intended use of the device. A club treadmill is a so-called commercial treadmill. It is designed for continuous operation under load.The important difference - the type of treadmill motor
Such a treadmill is most often equipped with an alternating current (AC) motor. An AC-powered motor is a high-performance drive with an extended service life designed for intensive use. Its service life is several times longer than a standard direct current (DC) motor. Using an alternating voltage to power the motors allows for an alternating magnetic field without the use of brushes. This is a significant advantage compared to DC motors. The lack of brushes means that they do not need to be replaced, and there is no loss of energy caused by the friction of the brushes on the commutator. During operation, the AC motor generates a lower temperature, so it does not overheat excessively. A professional AC motor is much heavier than a DC motor and more resistant, which affects the stability of its operation. In short, the treadmill does not feel the weight of the exercising person and there is no feeling of minimal braking when the running belt is pressed against the treadmill top.What kind of top does a home treadmill have?
The thickness of the running board is also a significant difference. Home treadmills have boards from 10 to 18 mm thick. A commercial treadmill is most often characterized by a board from 25 to 30 mm thick. It often happens that such a board is symmetrical and has a sliding layer on two sides, which allows it to be turned over after one of the sliding layers of the treadmill board is worn out.Does the belt matter?
The running belts in home and commercial treadmills are of similar thickness. The running belts in both club treadmills and home treadmills are subject to natural wear and tear depending on the intensity of exercise. Club treadmills use belts with increased strength, resistance to stretching, with the possibility of working properly on a thicker treadmill roller. Some treadmills use so-called orthopedic belts, which are thicker and therefore more flexible and soft. The basic difference between the rollers of these two types of treadmills is primarily their diameter. The home treadmill roller has a diameter of 40 - 60 mm. On the other hand, the club treadmill roller is larger and has a diameter of 70 to about 100 mm. The larger diameter of the roller is of course a larger bearing used, which is designed for greater loads. On a roller with a larger diameter, the running belt is less exposed to micro-cracks.A commercial treadmill has a much more massive and stable construction. It is made of thicker profiles that can carry a greater load. The weight of a good club treadmill alone is from 170 kg upwards. A home treadmill weighs from 40 to about 100 kg. The running surface in a club treadmill is at least 150 x 50 cm. You can also find treadmills with a larger surface. A larger running surface provides increased comfort during exercise. With a wide running surface, the person exercising can move their arms freely while running. The length of the belt is most important in relation to the maximum speeds achieved during exercise. A user who runs at a speed above 14 km/h must be sure that with a less confident step or a momentary slowdown, they will not fall off the treadmill. With a longer running surface, the person exercising can be calm about their health in the event of a momentary inattention while exercising on the treadmill. On the Polish market of commercial treadmills, the longest running surface is the Leptos TR-324 treadmill, which has a running surface length of 168 cm. With a 55.5 cm wide belt and such a significant belt length, the exercising person can forget that they are running in place, which allows for a more relaxing exercise. Commercial treadmills consume more energy. Assuming a speed of 8 km/h and zero incline, a commercial treadmill consumes an average of about 600-700 W (AC motor 3.5 HP / 6 HP max). With the same assumption of speed and angle of inclination, a home treadmill (DC motor 2.5 HP) consumes about 200 W less. The weight of the exercising person during the tests is 90 kg.
Does the belt generate electrostatic charges?
A worn belt can generate electrostatic charges that can damage the integrated circuits in the treadmill display. Indirectly, a worn running belt that generates electrostatic charges also creates more friction on the tabletop and therefore overloads the motor - which leads to damage to the PCB.I have a used belt - what should I do with it?
Treadmill belts are consumables. Like car tires, they should be replaced when they wear out too much. A worn out treadmill belt is beyond repair. It needs to be replaced. You can do the replacement yourself or have it done by a fitness equipment service. Replacing the belt is not a complicated matter.After replacing the belt with a new one, remember to lubricate the surface between the belt and the running board. Lubrication is necessary to avoid excessive wear of your treadmill's consumables. Remember to maintain your treadmill.
Which treadmill should I buy?
Choosing the right treadmill is not a trivial matter. Before buying the equipment, it is worth consulting your choice with a specialist. In the case of treadmills, its price has a significant impact on the quality of the device. A lot of electric treadmills have appeared on the market, the price of which fluctuates around PLN 1,000. However, these are treadmills that no specialist will recommend, because their structures are not very stable, and the elements are simply weak.If the treadmill is to serve for many years – it is worth investing in it. A larger financial investment when buying a treadmill guarantees lower costs incurred during further use of the device. A more expensive treadmill means a more durable running belt, a more stable construction, professional equipment service, comprehensive assistance in the event of a problem.
When choosing the right treadmill, the user's weight is an important feature. Each treadmill has information in its technical specification about the maximum weight of the exercising person, which must not be exceeded, as this may result in damage to the device's components. Both the engine and the belt transferring the drive from the engine to the running belt can suffer. Other endangered elements include the running belt, the treadmill top, bearings, belt guide rollers, and elastomers. As you can see, this is a very important feature of the device that cannot be ignored.
Another parameter is the dimensions of the running belt. The size of the running belt is related to the height of the user. The taller the exercising person, the larger the running belt surface should be. If the user's height does not exceed 170 cm, any standard treadmill will be suitable, and a surface of 130 x 40 cm is sufficient. The running belt surface should increase with the user's height. The typical belt size is about 140 x 45 cm. The larger belt size is mainly found in better models of electric treadmills.
The rated power of the treadmill motor is also important. If the treadmill is to be used primarily for walking and jogging, a motor with a power of less than 2 HP will be sufficient. Motors with a rated power of more than 2 HP are suitable for use during running.
For the health of the exercising person, attention should be paid to the cushioning of the treadmill. This parameter is provided by elastomers placed under the treadmill deck. Depending on the manufacturer, we can have from 4 to 10 elastomers. In addition to the quantity, the quality of the elastomers is also important.
Additional parameters that are important when buying a treadmill include training programs, heart rate measurement method, or the support system for folding and unfolding the treadmill. The treadmill should have predefined programs, i.e. those programmed by the manufacturer. This will allow you to choose one of several programs, the individual values of which are selected by professionals.
To sum up, before purchasing a treadmill, it is worth getting acquainted with the device's specifications, and even better, consult your choice with a specialist.
What is a security key?
The safety key is used to immediately turn off the power to the treadmill in the event of a fall. It acts as an emergency stop. The safety key should only be used in emergencies.The treadmill will not turn on unless the safety key is properly inserted into the key hole located in the center of the counter console, which further protects the treadmill from being started by third parties.
The other end of the key should be attached to your clothing. If you fall, the safety key will fall out of the console and the treadmill will stop. It is recommended that you always wear the safety key while exercising.
For safe and comfortable stopping, immobilization, use the START / STOP button until the treadmill stops completely. The running belt will slowly reduce its speed after pressing START / STOP.
How to lubricate a treadmill?
To extend the life of the components and functional elements of our treadmill, it should be properly lubricated. The surface under the running belt should be lubricated. We lubricate the top (we apply the most grease in the place where the legs press the belt to the top).Type R treadmill grease is one of the best. It is used in both home and club treadmills (professional treadmills).
Lubrication is a very important activity. The treadmills should be lubricated approximately every 20 to 30 hours of operation. It is also necessary to check the surface under the top for slipperiness after the first lubrication of the treadmill and before the 20 hours of operation. If it is not slipperiness, apply more lubricant than during the previous lubrication.
For home treadmills, we also recommend the less expensive S-type treadmill grease. If you have a treadmill and haven't yet stocked up on specialist grease, visit our online store, where we offer a full range of treadmill consumables.