Treadmill

For historic usage see Treadwheel

A woman on a treadmill.

A treadmill is commonly encountered today as a piece of indoor sporting equipment used to allow for the motions of running or walking while staying in one place. The word treadmill traditionally refers to a type of mill which was operated by a person or animal treading steps of a wheel to grind grain (see treadwheel.)

The principle is a belt system (an electric motor or flywheel connected to 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). The more expensive, heavy-duty versions are motor-driven. The simpler, lighter, cheaper versions are passive, moving only when the walker pushes the belt with their feet, and operates just to resist the motion.

treadmills blow

Disadvantages

Many users find treadmills boring and lose interest after a period.
Cost of purchase and electricity to run the treadmill is significantly greater than running outside.
Takes up space in homes (disadvantage reduced by "folding treadmill" option).
May cause personal injury if not used properly.
Can make a loud grinding noise if the belt keeps slipping.
Lack of wind resistance makes running on a treadmill easier than it would otherwise be on an equal elevation grade outdoors. Training for outdoor races is complicated due to the subtle differences.
Ordinary treadmills, even the expensive models at gyms and clubs, are not usually able to tilt at the steep slopes used on medical treadmills for standardized stress tests.
Imposes a strict pace on runners, giving an unnatural feel to running which can cause a runner to lose balance.
As with all forms of cardiovascular exercise, the risk of cardiac arrest is significantly increased. Treadmills may further this risk, as indoor comforts, such as air conditioning, may cause a user to feel more comfortable and less likely to stop due to exhaustion.

treadmills are terrible

i hate treadmills