Tips to Maintain Your Treadmill

It seems that there is always a home treadmill for sale somewhere lately. And it’s no wonder since many people have been forced to leave their gyms and move their fitness regimen to their homes. But, to have the best treadmill possible, it’s wise to learn the ultimate guide to maintaining your home treadmill.

After all, fantastic fitness machines, like Star Trac treadmills or Cybex treadmills, can be a considerable investment, so you want to keep it nice and clean. Because that way, it will run flawlessly for many years to come. Moreover, you will get the most out of it every time you use it. So without further ado, here are Total Body Experts’ tips to help your precious treadmill live its best life.

Make Sure Your Home Treadmill Is on a Level Surface

It seems obvious, but it’s critical to keep your treadmill running smoothly for many years to come. This step allows the belt to evenly run along the deck and keeps it from wearing unevenly.

Install a Mat Under Your Home Treadmill

Install a mat under your treadmill if you want to keep your floors undamaged. This will keep your machine safe from dust and hair and generally make it easier to clean. In addition, this won’t only protect your flooring but also make your exercises less noisy, especially if your treadmill is upstairs.

Wipe Your Treadmill After Every Use

It may sound obvious, but if you look around any fitness center, you’ll notice people who just hop off without wiping the treadmill down. First of all, that’s disgusting. And second, it leads to frame and belt corrosion.

We’re sure you want your home treadmill looking new and shiny as long as possible, and this is one way to achieve it. Also, don’t forget to wipe down the console once a week.

Clean Under the Belt Too

It’s wise to clean that spot between the deck and the belt since it’s the treadmill part that is at the most considerable risk of being destroyed by frequent use. There is absolutely no way the dust and debris won’t get under the belt, so clean it at times to prevent the critical part of your home treadmill from breaking down.

A damp cloth is perfect for getting those nasties out of the way, topped with vacuuming the floor around the machine.

Vacuum at Least Once a Week

If you’re regularly using your home treadmill, we at Total Body Experts wholeheartedly recommend vacuuming around and under your machine at least once a week. Most of the debris will come from your shoes and less from the treadmill belt.

That said, we highly recommend vacuuming the inside of your home treadmill at least once a year. Don’t fret; it’s actually pretty easy.

First, turn off the machine and unplug it off the wall. Then, remove the motor cover and vacuum away. Just make sure to go around all the components, but be careful not to touch the electrical parts with the nozzle.

Lubricate the Belt

While treadmills have self-lubricating belts, not everyone has machines like that. Classic treadmill belts need lubrication approximately every few months. (Your user manual will let you know if this is necessary for your model).

But, make sure to use a 100 percent silicone lubricant. Otherwise, you might completely destroy your belt.

There are lubricants in spray and liquid on the market, so pick whichever seems easier to handle. But, before you’re ready to choose and start the lubrication, take a quick peek at the manual to make sure you’re doing it right.

Tighten the Treadmill Belt

The treadmill belt will start to loosen with repeated use; there is just no avoiding that. So, you will have to adjust it as a part of your home treadmill maintenance from time to time.

How will you know it’s time? You will feel it. In short, you will feel once the belt has a bit more movement than usual, which could make you slip. When that time comes, simply tighten the two bolts at the end of your precious machine, and you’re all set. Also, check the manual for guidance if needed.

Also, Adjust that Belt

Adjusting the belt is also an essential step in our ultimate guide to maintaining your home treadmill. Use the same two bolts the way your manual instructs you to. Be sure to follow those instructions, otherwise, you could lose your warranty.

And finally, the time will come to replace the belt altogether. Luckily, you can buy a brand new one and install it yourself by following the directions. But, if you’re insecure about doing it solo, you can always leave it to the professionals.

Check It Weekly, and You Will Have the Best Home Treadmill

Do a thorough check of your deck and belt once a week to catch the first signs of wear and tear on time. When it comes to prolonging the lifespan of your treadmill, a centered belt is essential. A misaligned belt is typically at fault for damage and breakdowns. In fact, it can make your machine “die” much sooner than it should. If you're in the market to create or improve your home gym, you're in the right place. From specialized equipment like the NuStep and Jacobs Ladder to Stairmaster models like the SM3 and 4G, Total Body Experts can help you find the equipment that fits your needs.