Treadmill

A treadmill is an indoor sporting tool used to allow for running without moving any distance. The word treadmill originally designated a type of mill which was operated by a person treading steps of a wheel to ground grain.

The principal is a belt system (a motor or flywheel driving a circular run of material) where the top of the belt moves to the rear so as to allow a runner to run an equal, and necessarily opposite speed. Thus the speed of the run can easily be set or measured (the rate at which the belt moves is the rate at which the runner moves).

Benefits

• Remain at the same location for the duration of the run
• Equal ground for the duration of the run
• Known speeds at all times of the run
• Allows for exact adjustment of various factors (gradient and speed)
• As all factors of the run are known, the exact energy expended may be calculated

History

The treadmill used to be a prison punishmente element, consisting of a horizontal axis and a wheel with steps on the external part, which the prisioners were made to climb endlessly to produce energy.

Non-Running Treadmills

As it is basically a conveyor belt, the treadmill can be used for activities other than running. When professional cyclists are tested they will use their own bicycles (instead of a bike machine) on a treadmill. If horses are being tested (especially in jockey racing) they will be put on a specially constructed treadmill.

External links

• Treadmill Buyer's Guide – Advice on choosing the right treadmill.