Manual Treadmill Tips
What you need to know before you decide to buy a manual treadmill:
1. Since there isn't any electric motor to drive the treadmill deck, you provide all of the power - It can be quite difficult to move the belt initially. You may risk to strain or stress your joints if you're not careful. So, if you're new to treadmill workout, it will be a good idea to learn how to properly walk on a manual treadmill from someone who's professionally qualified (such as an experienced gym or fitness instructor). Or, if you believe in learning from a book, there is a good one that you can look into. By the way, there are very few treadmill workout guidebooks in the market. And this is the only good one as far as I'm aware:
Treadmill Training for Runners by Rick Morris
2. With a manual treadmill, you may have to raise the machine's incline a fair bit in order to make it easier to get the belt moving.
3. Once the deck/belt is moving, you cannot make any change to the incline - you'll need to stop and get off to change the incline. Which also means that you are restricted to just one incline level for each workout.
4. Manual treadmill workout speed - you go as fast as you're able to push yourself. As you slow down, the machine slows too. If you stop, the treadmill belt will also stop.
Manual Treadmill Operation
The basic idea behind the manual treadmill is to have the belt running on a treadmill board and between two rollers so that the belt will move without much effort. In order for the belt to run smoothly, there are a few points that need to be noted:
Belt Alignment:
The belt must be in the center of the treadmill to prevent it from rubbing against the flywheels. If the belt rubs a flywheel, it will be difficult to keep the belt moving and eventually damage the edge of the belt.
Manual treadmills have belt guides welded to the bottom of the treadmill frame that move the belt toward the center of the treadmill. However, the rear roller must be properly aligned with the treadmill frame and front roller if the belt is to remain centered on the treadmill.
The bolts in the rear of the treadmill (one on the left and the other on the right) adjust the alignment of the rear roller as well as the tension of the belt.
If belt drifting to the left - Turn the left screw 1/4 turn CLOCKWISE and the right screw 1/4 turn COUNTER-CLOCKWISE, then walk on the treadmill. Repeat if needed.
If belt drifting to the right - Turn the left screw 1/4 turn COUNTER-CLOCKWISE and the right screw 1/4 turn CLOCKWISE, then walk on the treadmill. Repeat if needed.
When you finally believe the walking belt is centered, use the treadmill for about 3-5 minutes to verify that the walking belt doesn't drift to one side anymore. If it continues to drift, the floor may not be level. Rotate the treadmill 90 degrees or move the treadmill to another location.
Belt Tension:
The belt should be tight and not lying on the treadmill board.
If the belt is too loose, the belt will slip on the front roller and you will notice a jerky movement when you walk on the treadmill.
If the belt is too tight, the edges of the belt will begin to curl and more effort will be required to move the belt.
Excessive belt tension can also damage the bearings in the rollers.
Generally if belt is too loose - tighten the bolts in the rear of the treadmill. If belt is too tight - loosen the bolts in the rear of the treadmill.
Walking Resistance:
The walking resistance or effort needed to push the treadmill belt can be adjusted by changing the incline angle.
If it is a new machine, you may need some time to get used to walking on the treadmill and to break it in.
If the walking resistance is still too high, check the belt tension.
The belt resistance can be reduced by adding silicone lubricant
between the belt and the board. Wipe the board under the belt with a cloth and spray or spread silicone lubricant on the board under the belt.
Whenever you want to make any treadmill adjustment, be sure to refer to your treadmill user's manual.
Manual Treadmill Maintenance Tips
Your manual treadmill can only be maintained when it is regularly examined for damage and wear. Special attention should be given to
the following:
- Clean the exposed surfaces of the walking belt and the board with an absorbent cloth.
- Verify that the spring pin is present and functioning properly. Verify that the ball knob is securely attached to the spring pin. Repair or replace parts as necessary.
- Verify that all nuts and bolts are present and properly tightened. Replace missing nuts and bolts. Tighten loose nuts and bolts.
- Replace worn or damaged components as soon as you discover them.
- Keep your treadmill clean by wiping with an absorbent cloth after use.
- If the walking belt does not move easily, lubricate the board under the walking belt with silicone lubricant.
Storing Your Manual Treadmill
1. Follow the instructions in the owner manual to fold the treadmill.
2. Keep it in a clean dry place.
3. To avoid damage to the electronics meter, remove the batteries before storing the treadmill for one year or more.
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