Treadmill Accessories

Treadmill accessories can make your treadmill workouts significantly better. Some accessories can also prolong the life of your treadmill. The most common, and perhaps beneficial, treadmill accessories include a mat, wireless heart rate sensor, additional treadmill keys, and belt lubricant.

A treadmill mat is a large piece of padding that is placed under the treadmill. One reason this item is helpful is that it can protect the floor from damage. This is especially true if you use your treadmill in a carpeted location. Another way the mat can help is by reducing the noise created when walking or running on the device. Exercising in the morning can disturb others in the home if a mat is not used. Also, if you live in a multi-floor apartment complex, the noise generated from a treadmill can bother your neighbors beneath you, especially when your treadmill is on a hardwood floor without a mat.

Wireless heart rate sensors can be important for those who want accurate hands-free readings. Virtually all new treadmills are manufactured with hand-grip heart-rate sensors, but people who are serious runners or have heart conditions or other health problems, it is important for them to know how hard they are working their bodies at all times. Built-in sensors require you to grip two bars on the device, which can put some people in an uncomfortable position each time they want to know their pulse. Being able to check with a wireless device makes the exercise easier to perform. If your treadmill does not monitor your pulse, consider purchasing a separate monitor.

Most new treadmills come with a card key to turn the treadmill on and off. This prevents small children and unauthorized people from using the treadmill. The key fits into a groove in the treadmill. If you fall or need to quickly stop the belt, you can pull on the string attached to the key. At the other end of the string is a clip, which allows you to connect the key to your clothing while exercising. Most treadmills come with one key. It is very common for owners to lose this key. Treadmill owners may therefore want to keep a few extra keys around in case the one supplied with the device breaks or is lost.

Belt lubricant helps to ensure your treadmill functions at its best. The belt circles its rollers hundreds of times with each use. Applying lubricant between the belt and rollers on a regular basis keeps the belt supple, prolongs its life, and allows the treadmill to operate smoothly. It is important that you refer to the owner's manual of your treadmill for specific instructions regarding lubrication.

The latest treadmill accessory is the treadmill desk. Office workers have figured out that they can work effectively at their paperwork, and even their computers, while walking on their treadmills. The health benefits of simply moving and avoiding the "sedentary lifestyle" can be achieved while working! There is a wide variety of desks available, but all fit fairly simply over regular treadmills. Some people just make their own treadmill desks.