to establish itself in the early 60s and the first machines promoted heavily by manufacturers was the treadmill. Manufacturers such as Tunturi, based in Finland, and Aerobics, Inc in the US were some of the first manufacturers promoting home treadmills. They all claimed to manufacture the best treadmill, but each machine invariably had its own strengths and weaknesses. The National Aeronautics and Space AdministratioManufacturers are continually improving upon the design and features of home treadmills. These popular cardio machines have seen plenty of improvements in the last two decades. Treadmills come in all price ranges and with a range of features suitable for just about anyone interested in improving cardiovascular fitness.

Most people don't realize that the early beginnings of home treadmills go back more than a hundred years. In fact, the very first treadmills were in use as early as 1875 and they have been evolving ever since.

Early Use of Animal Treadmills

Long before the industrial revolution, farmers needed agricultural equipment that was portable so it could be used in different locations and powerful enough to perform the job for which it was intended. Innovative minds came up with a machine that was powered by an animal walking on a moving belt. These machines were built in many different sizes so they could be powered by a variety of animals that included sheep, dogs, mules and horses. These early "home" treadmills functioned as butter churners, threshing machines etc.

Early Versions of the Modern Treadmill

Finally, in 1952, the animal treadmill was ready to be transformed into the home treadmill as we know it today. The first inklings of this transformation occurred when a doctor at the University of Washington, located in Seattle, invented a treadmill that could be used for medical purposes. Specifically, the medical treadmill was used to test patients for heart and lung disease, and evaluate the severity of their conditions.

Invention of Today's Treadmill

The home fitness industry began to establish itself in the early 60s and the first machines promoted heavily by manufacturers was the treadmill. Manufacturers such as Tunturi, based in Finland, and Aerobics, Inc in the US were some of the first manufacturers promoting home treadmills. They all claimed to manufacture the best treadmill, but each machine invariably had its own strengths and weaknesses. The National Aeronautics and Space Administratio

dred years. In fact, the very first treadmills were in use as early as 1875 and they have been evolving ever since.

Early Use of Animal Treadmills

Long before the industrial revolution, farmers needed agricultural equipment that was portable so it could be used in different locations and powerful enough to perform the job for which it was intended. Innovative minds came up with a machine that was powered by an animal walking on a moving belt. These machines were built in many different sizes so they could be powered by a variety of animals that included sheep, dogs, mules and horses. These early "home" treadmills functioned as butter churners, threshing machines etc.

Early Versions of the Modern Treadmill

Finally, in 1952, the animal treadmill was ready to be transformed into the home treadmill as we know it today. The first inklings of this transformation occurred when a doctor at the University of Washington, located in Seattle, invented a treadmill that could be used for medical purposes. Specifically, the medical treadmill was used to test patients for heart and lung disease, and evaluate the severity of their conditions.

Invention of Today's Treadmill

The home fitness industry began to establish itself in the early 60s and the first machines promoted heavily by manufacturers was the treadmill. Manufacturers such as Tunturi, based in Finland, and Aerobics, Inc in the US were some of the first manufacturers promoting home treadmills. They all claimed to manufacture the best treadmill, but each machine invariably had its own strengths and weaknesses. The National Aeronautics and Space Administratio

wered by an animal walking on a moving belt. These machines were built in many different sizes so they could be powered by a variety of animals that included sheep, dogs, mules and horses. These early "home" treadmills functioned as butter churners, threshing machines etc.

Early Versions of the Modern Treadmill

Finally, in 1952, the animal treadmill was ready to be transformed into the home treadmill as we know it today. The first inklings of this transformation occurred when a doctor at the University of Washington, located in Seattle, invented a treadmill that could be used for medical purposes. Specifically, the medical treadmill was used to test patients for heart and lung disease, and evaluate the severity of their conditions.

Invention of Today's Treadmill

The home fitness industry began to establish itself in the early 60s and the first machines promoted heavily by manufacturers was the treadmill. Manufacturers such as Tunturi, based in Finland, and Aerobics, Inc in the US were some of the first manufacturers promoting home treadmills. They all claimed to manufacture the best treadmill, but each machine invariably had its own strengths and weaknesses. The National Aeronautics and Space Administratio

l as we know it today. The first inklings of this transformation occurred when a doctor at the University of Washington, located in Seattle, invented a treadmill that could be used for medical purposes. Specifically, the medical treadmill was used to test patients for heart and lung disease, and evaluate the severity of their conditions.

Invention of Today's Treadmill

The home fitness industry began to establish itself in the early 60s and the first machines promoted heavily by manufacturers was the treadmill. Manufacturers such as Tunturi, based in Finland, and Aerobics, Inc in the US were some of the first manufacturers promoting home treadmills. They all claimed to manufacture the best treadmill, but each machine invariably had its own strengths and weaknesses. The National Aeronautics and Space Administratio

to establish itself in the early 60s and the first machines promoted heavily by manufacturers was the treadmill. Manufacturers such as Tunturi, based in Finland, and Aerobics, Inc in the US were some of the first manufacturers promoting home treadmills. They all claimed to manufacture the best treadmill, but each machine invariably had its own strengths and weaknesses. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) contributed a great deal to the technology and mechanics of treadmills because they saw treadmills as an excellent way for astronauts to stay fit while in space for extended periods of time. NASA developed several versions that were used aboard the orbiting Skylab station in the 1970’s.

Improvements in Early Designs

The first home treadmills required quite a bit of space. Manually operated treadmills were the norm, requiring the user's own motion to move the treadbelt ahead. More advanced treadmills appeared on the market in the 80s and 90s. Motorized tracks, motorized incline adjustment, electronic controls, programmable workouts, and most importantly, compact machines that fit into smaller spaces. Now there is even a treadmill with an extra wide belt so you can walk your dog alongside while exercising.

Basic Features

A basic understanding of the specifications and features of home treadmills is important for anyone considering purchasing a treadmill. Educate yourself about the manufacturer and compare the machine's durability, reliability, and usability before deciding on a particular brand or model.

Motor Horsepower – If you intend to use your treadmill for light walking, look for a treadmill motor of at least 1.5 hp continuous duty. Experts suggest a motor of 2.0 hp or more for the serious runner or anyone weighing 180 lbs plus, which includes most people. The size of the motor will affect the overall performance of your machine. A small or undersized motor that doesn't supply sufficient power to turn the belt will burn out eventually.

Treadbelt Surface - According to the American