STEP #3

Belts To Torque, and Frames To Motors, I've Compiled A Master List Of Treadmill Terms To Help You Make Sense Of All The Jargon

• Belt: Surface on which the user walks, runs, or jogs on when using a treadmill. Often made of rubber.

• Box Channel Frame: Used to describe frame of treadmill that closes on all four sides. Tends to be more sturdy and durable than C channel frames.

• Caddy: Piece on treadmills that allows for storage of water bottles, phones, keys, or magazines. Usually attached to the console.

• C Channel Frame: Used to describe shape of treadmill that looks like a closed "c". Often called open-sided.

• Console: The visual control panel. Displays workout information such as: time, speed, distance, calories and heart rate.

• Continuous Duty Horsepower: The most important treadmill motor power rating. Denotes continuous power that a treadmill motor can reach and maintain under any load or no-load condition. Important for serious running and heavy load conditions to assure constant belt speed and stability.

• Crowned Rollers: Treadmill rollers that have thick centers and taper down at the ends.

• Deck: The sub-surface support system under the running surface (belt). Usually cushioned for user comfort.

• Drive Train: The system that transmits power (torque) from one place to another. Includes the running belt, drive belt, rollers, and motor on a treadmill.

• Folding Treadmill: Treadmills that can "fold-up" after use for easier storage.

• Footprint: The physical size of the treadmill, (Length x Width) equals the total floor area the treadmill requires.

• Heart Rate Monitor: Built-in or wireless system that monitors treadmill user's heart rate during exercise. Commonly referred to Wireless, EKG or Pulse Grip.

• Horsepower (HP): Measure of power equal to 33,000 foot-pounds per minute (Also see Continuous Duty Horsepower and Peak Rating).

• Incline: Angle of treadmill deck used to simulate walking or running uphill.

• Interactive Heart Rate Control: Adjusts treadmill speed, incline and resistance based on user heart rate. Requires heart rate monitor to function.

• LCD Display: Liquid crystal display.

• LED Display: Light Emitting Diode. Superior display console used in better tredmill console designs.

• Lift Motor: Auxiliary motor whose sole purpose is to incline or decline the treadmill deck to a specific angle (increases or decreases difficulty).

• Motor: Supplies power to the treadmill belt. (Also see Horsepower)

• Peak Rating: The maximum horsepower a treadmill motor reaches under peak load conditions - about 50 to 60 percent of continuous horsepower ratings.

• Pre Sets: Built-in workout programs that vary speed, incline and workout difficulty with the touch of a botton.

• Preprogramed: Built-in workout programs that vary speed, incline and workout difficulty without user interaction.

• Rollers: Metal tubes on each end of the tread belt that provide power and traction to the belt and drive system. The larger the diameter of the roller, the better.

• Torque: Twisting power at the motor shaft that drives the rollers on a treadmill and pulls the belt.

Go To Step #4 Evaluating Your Treadmill Needs --->