Fitness Equipment Maintenance: Tips for Treadmill Maintenance

Fitness equipment needs regular maintenance to assure safe, reliable and effective performance. Using poorly maintained exercise equipment can shorten its life as well as cause injuries. Here are some helpful tips for maintaining a very popular type of exercise equipment: the treadmill.

Tip #1: A treadmill should be kept as clean as possible. If dust and dirt work their way into to treadmill's motor or electronics, the result can be an overloaded motor, sudden, unexpected changes in speed and belt failure. To keep a treadmill running smoothly, it should be thoroughly cleaned every week.

Tip #2: Pay special attention to the area between the treadmill's belt and walking deck. Dust it frequently and use only cleaners approved by the treadmill's manufacturer. Refer to the owner's manual if necessary. Turn the machine off and unplug it. Wipe down the frame and console with a soft, lightly dampened cloth. Allow it to dry, then plug it in, turn it on and check the treadmill's functions.

Tip #3: Use only lubricants recommended by the manufacturer. Today's treadmills require less lubrication than earlier models, so be sure to refer to the machine's manual. It is important to have low friction between the deck and belt because high friction will draw excess power that can damage the motor.

Tip #4: Maintain the proper belt tension. An excessively loose or excessively tight belt can cause premature wear on both the belt and deck. Also be sure that the belt is tracking in the centre of the deck. If it is not, a dangerously frayed belt and injury may result.

Tip #5: All treadmills are different and have different maintenance requirements. So be sure to read and carefully follow the procedures and recommendations cited in the owner's manual.

Tip #6: Keep the treadmill level. This will help prevent squeaking or squealing as well as keep the belt tracking correctly.

Tip #7: Many treadmills have circuit breaker fuses that protect the motor. Replace any blown user-serviceable fuses with the correct type and amperage fuses. Again, consult the owner's manual.

Tip #8: Be sure that the treadmill is always connected to the correct type of wall outlet. An abrupt disconnection will cause the console to crash.

Tip #9: Every month, unplug the treadmill and remove the motor cover. Carefully vacuum the area under the cover, but do not touch the electronic components directly because they are susceptible to shocks from static electricity.

Tip #10: Power cycle the treadmill to solve problems with the console. Like any computer, the console may experience problems like blanking out, locking up or not recording and displaying information correctly. In this case, it might be necessary to power the treadmill off and unplug it. Wait about 30 seconds, then plug the treadmill in and power it up. If the display still does not operation properly, it's likely the treadmill needs to be serviced.

Following these simple fitness equipment maintenance tips will help keep a treadmill in top operating condition.

Find out how we can help you with our effective fitness equipment maintenance services by calling our friendly office staff on 0845 6410753 or email contact@fitnessworld.co.uk