Treadmill Jargon

When buying a treadmill you'll find more jargon thrown at you than when you're buying an automobile. Let's demystify all the jargon to ensure you get the best deal. After you read this, you'll know enough to even sell a treadmill!


Belt
This is the area on which a person walks, runs, or jogs on when using a treadmill. This is usually made of rubber.

Box Channel Frame
This is the frame of a treadmill that closes on all four sides. This is usually more strong and sturdy as compared to C channel frames.

Caddy
This is the piece on treadmills that lets you store water bottles, phones, keys, or magazines. This is usually attached to the console.

C Channel Frame
treadmills that are shaped like a closed C have a frame that is described as a 'C Channel frame' or open-sided frame.

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

Continuous Duty Horsepower
This is the most significant treadmill motor power rating. Denotes continuous power is the power that can be reached and maintained by a treadmill motor
under any load or no-load condition. if you're planning to run for long distances, this is an important aspect to consider.

Crowned Rollers:
These are treadmill rollers that have attached thick centers and taper towards the ends.

Deck:
This is the the sub-surface support system under the belt. This is often cushioned to provide more comfort to the person using the treadmill.

Drive Train
The Drive Train transmits power from one point to another. This includes the running belt, drive belt, rollers, and motor on a treadmill.

Folding treadmill
treadmills that can be folded are known as 'Folding treadmills'. They save space especially in smaller homes.

Footprint
This is the the total floor area that will be occupied by the treadmill.

Heart Rate Monitor
A wireless system in built that monitors the heart rate of the user when exercising. This is also referred to as Wireless, EKG or Pulse Grip.

Horsepower (HP):
This is a standard measure of power. Measure of power equals to 0.74569987158227022 kilowatts or 33,000 ft·lbf (foot pounds) per minute.

Incline
This is the angle of the treadmill floor. It is often raised to simulate walking up a slope.

Interactive Heart Rate Control:
This adjusts the speed, incline and resistance of the treadmill by taking into account the heart rate. This requires a functional heart monitor that is often part of more expensive treadmills.

LCD Display:
Liquid crystal display.

LED Display:
Light Emitting Diode. This is a better display console and is used is more expensive treadmills.

Lift Motor:
The only objective of this auxilary motor is to incline or decline the treadmill deck to a specific angle.

Motor:
This supplies power to the treadmill belt.

Peak Rating:
This is the maximum horsepower that a a treadmill motor can reach under peak load conditions and is usually about half of continuous horsepower ratings.

Pre Sets:
These are built-in workout programs that change speed, incline and workout difficulty with a button.

Preprogramed:
These are in-built workout programs that change speed, incline and workout difficulty without any user interaction.

Rollers:
These are metal tubes on each end of the tread belt that provide power and traction to the belt and drive system. Larger diameters are preferable.

Torque:
This is the twisting power at the motor shaft that drives the rollers on a treadmill and pulls the belt.