Treadmill

A woman on a treadmill.

A treadmill is a piece of indoor sporting equipment used to allow for running without moving any distance. The word treadmill originally designated a type of mill which was operated by a person treading steps of a wheel to ground grain (see treadwheel.)

The principal is a belt system (a motor or flywheel driving a circular run of material) where the top of the belt moves to the rear so as to allow a runner to run an equal, and necessarily opposite speed. Thus the speed of the run can easily be set or measured (the rate at which the belt moves is the rate at which the runner moves).

Benefits

Remain at the same location for the duration of the run
Equal ground for the duration of the run
Known speeds at all times of the run, and being able to change speeds as needed
Allows for exact adjustment of various factors (gradient and speed)
As all factors of the run are known, the exact energy expended may be calculated
Some treadmills have special features such as step count, heart rate monitors, amount of calories burnt, etc.
Running or walking on a treadmill can be an effective way to workout compared to other complex cardiovascular exercises.
They can be used in the home, and takes away the hassles of going out allowing the rider to watch television, reading, and many other things while using it.
Run indoors in bad weather

Downside

Some treadmills have loud motors
Many runners find treadmills boring, especially for longer distances.
Treadmill running is easier than running outside or on a track because there is no wind resistance. Runners training for outdoor races should minimize time on the treadmill. Although, the common practice is to adjust the gradient (slope) of the treadmill for extra resistance to account for the wind.

Non-running treadmills

As it is basically a conveyor belt, the treadmill can be used for activities other than running. If horses are being tested (especially in jockey racing) they will be put on a specially constructed treadmill.

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