Keep Running: Your Treadmill Durability & Reliability Questions, Answered

When purchasing new treadmills for your facility, it is important to consider how they will deliver ROI and take your business further. All treadmills are not created equal and below are a few key factors to consider when comparing lifespan, quality and manufacturing.

What’s the dirt on a treadmill’s lifespan?

Dirt. Dust. Grit. Grime. No matter what you call it, the sediment your members track into your facility quickly separates weak treadmills from strong treadmills. Too often, downtime is the result of an inferior machine confronted with dirt-caused wear, tear and obstruction. So, if your treadmills are struggling to keep up with foreign debris, what should you look for in your next purchase?

According to John Derocher, Cybex Field Service Manager, invest in treadmills with:

• Ridged pads to trap dirt
• Powerful dust prevention systems
• Covered belt edges to extend deck and belt life

Furthermore, ensure your staff members are familiar with treadmill cleaning and maintenance best practices. Explore the tutorial videos we’ve created for training your staff:

Clean Console

Inspect Power Cord, Plug & Outlet

Vacuum Motor Bay

Clean Under Unit

What’s the most important factor when investing in a treadmill?

While there are dozens of important factors to consider, nothing matters more than durability and reliability. Why? According to Derocher, “Treadmills are the most popular gym equipment, the most abused, and the most susceptible to downtime. When a tread is wearing an ‘out of order’ sign, it quickly leads to unhappy members and crowding of operational treadmills.” Begin your next treadmill search by looking for treadmills with a proven reputation for durability and reliability. 

Are all treadmills created equal?

When it comes to treadmills, it matters where they come from. Look for companies who own their research, design and manufacturing. American manufacturers, premium materials and a heritage of excellence are also key factors in differentiating high quality treadmills. Modern treadmills have been commercially available since the 1960s, and some fitness solution companies, like Cybex, have been consistently researching, designing, building and refining their equipment. 

So, what else should you look for to drive treadmill uptime and ROI?

Watch to learn more:

Building a Better Treadmill

Industry First Service Wheel

True Asset Management

Discover Cybex Treadmills