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Treadmill Fundamentals

Before Your Treadmill Delivery

  • If you will be using your treadmill on carpet we suggest the purchase of a protective treadmill mat. This will protect your carpet from the treadmill but, more importantly, protect the treadmill from the carpet. Carpet fibers that collect between the deck and the belt can be very damaging. BGI has durable mats in stock on a regular basis. Ask your salesperson for details.

  • The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If you absolutely must use an extension cord, make sure it is grounded (the type with three prongs), less than six feet in length, and is at least as thick as the treadmill power cord (14 gauge).

  • If an extension cord is utilized, manufacturers specifically suggest that it not include any form of surge protection (most treadmills have built-in surge protection).

  • Electrical Outlets:  It is advisable to plug into a grounded outlet (the one with 3 holes and not 2 holes). Never plug your treadmill into GFI outlet (Ground Fault Interrupt outlet)

  • Most manufacturers recommend providing a dedicated, 20-AMP circuit for your treadmill whenever possible to be absolutely certain of avoiding electrical problems.  A "dedicated" circuit means that no other appliances, lamps, etc are on that circuit.  If a dedicated circuit is not available, insure the least number of appliances, lamps, etc are active on that circuit. Having a dedicated circuit allows your treadmill to draw 100% the power it needs to operate. When a circuit is shared, the treadmill can be starved for power, which can lead to poor performance and reduced longevity.

  • Please consult a licensed electrician to assist you if you are unsure if the circuit will properly handle the amperage draw of the treadmill.

  • Also be aware that the distance from your circuit breaker panel to your treadmill will also effect the ability of that circuit to support your treadmill (the closer to the breaker box, the more desirable).

  • Before the delivery team arrives, be sure to clear the path to the final placement area. Please advise BGI Fitness Service of any special considerations such as tight stairways, narrow doorways, etc. and complete any necessary cleaning prior to delivery.  Consider removing pictures from any walls that are on the path to the final placement area.

  • Plan on leaving extra space around your treadmill. Some treadmills "walk" with repeated elevation/declination and some extra space will prevent damage from contact with the wall. Leave extra space behind your treadmill in case you should dismount in that direction.

  • Be sure to keep your treadmill's feet level. If the feet are not level, the belt may not track properly. Please be aware that some people have physical characteristics that may affect treadmill belt tracking (varying leg lengths, for example).  Be sure to re-level the treadmill if it is relocated after the initial installation (BGI moves equipment within homes and between homes on a regular basis. Contact us to schedule such services).

    If you have any questions about your new treadmill, please do not hesitate to call the BGI Fitness Service Center at 317-579-7933 ext 2, Mon-Fri, 7:30AM – 4:30PM. 

Treadmill Safety Tips

Treadmills increase in popularity every year and with the desire to lower your carbon footprint and costs of gas, it makes sense to work out in your own home instead of driving to a health club or gym several times a month. Because treadmills have a moving belt, and usually hydraulics for adjusting the incline, they present some unique safety concerns.
 
BGI Fitness Operations Manager Paul Crimmins shares these treadmill safety tips to avoid treadmill-related accidents in the home:
 
Placement of treadmills:

Optimal placement of a treadmill is in a room with a door that locks, limiting unsupervised access to children and any pets. Do not place the treadmill with the back against a wall.

     
    When treadmill is not in use: 

    Remove the safety cord and place it in a location that is not accessible to children. 
    Place the safety shut-off key out of reach of children (you don't keep you car keys in your car, do you?) 
    Do not let children play on the treadmill 
    Unplug the treadmill when not in use - it's safer and better for the environment 


    Operation of treadmills:

    Know exactly where children and pets are when you're on the machine. Many treadmill accidents happen when children's hands get caught in the back of the machine.

    Use the emergency stop button to immediately stop a workout for any reason. Don't jump off the machine in the middle of a workout and leave the belt running.

    Be safe! Either keep your eyes forward or on the console display. Don't watch your feet while you workout.

    Wear running shoes for safety, comfort and support.

    Hold onto hand rails if needed, but swing arms freely if possible.

    Schedule annual maintenance for treadmills to help prevent problems

    We're eager to help:

    If you have any questions about safety of your treadmill, please do not hesitate to call the BGI Fitness Service Center at 317-579-7933 ext 2, Mon-Fri, 7:30AM - 4:30PM. You may also submit service inquiries to us via the web at  LEGACY VIKTIG  https://www.bgifitness.com.